Film Forming Method for High Whiteness Ink via Particle Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming images on colored substrates, such as transparent or translucent films, result in insufficient whiteness due to settling of metal oxide particles, leading to nonuniformity and nozzle clogging, as smaller particle sizes compromise the whiteness of the film.
Innovation Solution
A film forming method that incorporates first, second, and third regions with specific refractive indices and sizes, where high-refractive-index particles are aggregated to form larger regions, and hollow particles are used to create voids, enhancing light reflectance and whiteness while inhibiting particle settling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If metal oxide particles with small particle size are used to inhibit settling in the ink tank, then particle settling is reduced, but the degree of whiteness of the film is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the particle population into multiple size segments: small particles (10-100 nm) for settling resistance and large aggregated particles (250 nm or more equivalent circular diameter) for whiteness. This segmentation allows each particle size to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a nested structure where small high-refractive-index particles are aggregated into larger clusters. The small particles (10-100 nm) are contained within aggregated structures that have an equivalent circular diameter of 250 nm or more, combining the advantages of both size ranges.
2Ease of manufacture
If metal oxide particles are used in white ink, then white images can be formed, but particles settle over time causing nonuniformity and nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the particle size parameter to an optimal range (10-100 nm average particle size) that balances settling resistance with functional performance. This parameter optimization prevents settling while maintaining the ability to form white images on colored substrates.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hollow resin particles with low specific gravity are added to inhibit settling, then particle settling is reduced, but the degree of whiteness remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite particle system combining hollow resin particles with high-refractive-index metal oxide particles. The hollow particles provide buoyancy for settling resistance while the metal oxide particles provide high refractive index for enhanced whiteness, achieving both goals simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves a higher degree of whiteness and improved storage stability of the ink by diffusely reflecting light at interfaces between regions, preventing particle settling and maintaining ink stability.
Implementation Method 1
the film includes first regions, second regions, and third regions, the first regions, the second regions, and the third regions being defined by a refractive index and a region size and being present in a mixed manner in a cross section parallel to a thickness direction, the first regions and the second regions have a refractive index at least 0.4 higher than the third regions
Data Source
AI summary
A film forming method includes forming a film on a substrate, in which the film includes first regions, second regions, and third regions, the first regions, the second regions, and the third regions being defined by a refractive index and a region size and being present in a mixed manner in a cross section parallel to a thickness direction, the first regions and the second regions have a refractive index at least 0.4 higher than the third regions, the second regions are formed of high-refractive-index particles having an average particle size of 10 nm or more and 100 nm or less, the first regions are formed of the high-refractive-index particles that have been aggregated, the first regions having an equivalent circular diameter of 250 nm or more, and the third regions have an equivalent circular diameter of more than 100 nm.