Hollow Structure Particles for White Ink Hiding and Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hollow structure particles used as white pigments in inks lack sufficient particle strength and hiding properties, and exhibit poor storage stability when used as coloring agents.

Innovation Solution

Development of hollow structure particles composed of titanium oxide and silica with a rutile crystalline form, optimized in terms of primary particle diameter, porosity, and variation coefficient, which are produced using a specific method involving a template-based synthesis process to enhance their structural integrity and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional hollow structure particles are used as white pigments, then light scattering properties are achieved, but particle strength and hiding property are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight scattering propertiesVSAvoidparticle strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining silica (inorganic oxide) with organic binder materials to form a hollow structure particle. This composite structure provides both the light scattering properties of silica and the structural strength of the binder material, resolving the contradiction between light scattering performance and particle strength. The inorganic oxide component maintains optical properties while the binder component enhances mechanical integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If conventional hollow structure particles are used as coloring agents, then white appearance is achieved, but storage stability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewhitenessVSAvoidstorage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure of inorganic oxide and binder material provides both whiteness and storage stability. The inorganic oxide maintains the white appearance and optical properties, while the binder material protects the hollow structure during storage, preventing degradation and maintaining stability over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The binder material forms a shell or matrix around the inorganic oxide core, creating a protective structure that maintains the hollow particle integrity during storage. This shell structure protects against mechanical damage and environmental factors, improving storage stability while preserving the white appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Illumination intensity

If hollow structure particles with optimized structure are produced, then hiding property is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehiding propertyVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a template-based synthesis method where a core structure is first formed, then coated with inorganic oxide and binder materials in sequence. This preliminary structuring allows for controlled formation of the hollow cavity and uniform distribution of materials, achieving high hiding property through consistent particle morphology without requiring complex post-processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: core formation, inorganic oxide coating, and binder material incorporation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled into the final hollow structure, achieving high hiding property through uniform particle structure while managing manufacturing complexity through process modularity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 resulting hollow structure particles provide improved hiding properties, storage stability, and ejection performance when used in white inks, particularly in inkjet recording applications, while maintaining high whiteness and refractive index effects.

Implementation Method 1

Since hollow structure particles have light scattering properties caused by a hollow cavity, they are used as a light scattering agent or a light scattering assistant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The crystalline form of the titanium oxide is rutile... maintaining high whiteness and refractive index effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3623041B1Hollow structure particles, method for producing same and white ink

Publication Date: 2022.03.09 NIPPON KAYAKU CO LTD

AI summary

Provided are: hollow structure particles which contain titanium oxide and silica, and wherein the crystal type of the titanium oxide is rutile type; and a method for producing these hollow structure particles. The present invention also provides: a white ink which contains these hollow structure particles as a coloring agent; use of this white ink in inkjet recording; and an inkjet recording method which uses this white ink.