Glazed Paper Opacity and Printability via Composite Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional glazing methods for paper often compromise surface feel, printability, and scratch resistance, particularly with opaque papers that have high ink absorbance and visibility of fingerprints.

Innovation Solution

A printable glazed paper article with a glaze layer comprising an organic matting agent, mineral pigment, and polymeric binder applied to a paper support with a smooth index of 100-180 ml/min, followed by heating to fix the layer, achieving high opacity, good printing yield, and scratch resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional matted glazes are applied to paper, then opacity is improved, but surface smoothness deteriorates and ink absorbance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveopacityVSAvoidsurface smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the glaze composition by incorporating specific organic matting agents (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polymethyl methacrylate) in controlled quantities (0.1-10% by weight). This allows the glaze to achieve high opacity while maintaining surface smoothness through parameter optimization rather than traditional rough glaze formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material formulation by combining organic matting agents with mineral pigments (calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc) and polymeric binders in specific ratios. This composite approach creates a glaze layer that simultaneously provides opacity through mineral pigments and surface smoothness through organic matting agents, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If traditional opaque glazes are applied to paper, then opacity is improved, but printability deteriorates due to high ink absorbance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveopacityVSAvoidprintability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters of the glaze by incorporating hydrophobic organic matting agents that reduce the surface's affinity for ink. The specific parameter control of organic matting agent content (0.1-10% by weight) and the use of polymeric binders create a surface that repels ink, thereby improving printability while maintaining opacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the optical properties of organic matting agents that scatter light effectively to provide opacity without requiring high concentrations of light-absorbing pigments. This reduces the overall ink absorbance of the surface while maintaining the desired opaque appearance, thereby improving printability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Shape

If traditional glazes are applied to paper, then surface appearance is improved, but scratch resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface appearanceVSAvoidscratch resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite glaze structure combining organic matting agents with polymeric binders (such as polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylonitrile, or carboxymethyl cellulose) in specific ratios. This composite formulation provides both aesthetic surface appearance and mechanical strength, with the polymeric binder forming a protective matrix that enhances scratch resistance while the organic matting agents provide the desired surface finish.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different functional components to different aspects of the glaze layer: organic matting agents for surface appearance and feel, mineral pigments for opacity, and polymeric binders for mechanical strength and scratch resistance. This local quality assignment within the composite glaze structure allows simultaneous optimization of appearance and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Quantity of substance

If traditional glazes are applied to paper, then opacity is improved, but fingerprint visibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveopacityVSAvoidfingerprint visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface energy parameters of the glaze by incorporating hydrophobic organic matting agents. This parameter change creates a surface that repels oils and moisture from fingerprints, causing them to bead up or roll off rather than spread and become visible. The specific composition ratios ensure high opacity is maintained while fingerprint resistance is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution results in paper products with high opacity, pleasant feel, and reduced fingerprint visibility, while maintaining excellent printing quality and scratch resistance.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting the paper article obtained in step i) to heating to evaporate the water and fix the layer of glaze onto the paper article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP2314766B1Printable glazed paper article and its production process
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 FAVINI

AI summary

The present invention relates to a printable glazed paper article comprising a paper support in a sheet or bobbin having at least one side coated with a layer of glaze, characterized in that said layer of glaze comprises a) an organic matting agent, b) a mineral pigment, c) a polymeric binder and that said side of said support, before being coated with said layer of glaze, has a smooth index ranging from 100 ml/min. to 180 ml/min. The present invention also relates to a glazing composition and a process for producing said article.