Hyperbranched Binder for Lithographic Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative working lithographic printing plate precursors face issues with high molecular weight binders leading to low solubility, surface tackiness, and insufficient printing durability, along with complex synthesis procedures and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A negative working lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a substrate with a negative working radiation-sensitive coating containing 10-90 wt% of a branched binder material, radical forming components, and compounds with free radically polymerizable groups, specifically designed to have a number average molecular weight of 500-15000 and a Tg > 30°C, utilizing urethane and/or urea linkages and spacer units for improved solubility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high molecular weight binders are used in negative working lithographic printing plate precursors, then the coating stability is improved, but the solubility decreases and surface tackiness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the molecular weight of the binder within the range of 1,000 to 10,000, and by adjusting the functional group content to 0.01-5 mmol/g. This optimization of physical and chemical parameters resolves the contradiction by achieving both coating stability and adequate solubility, avoiding the tackiness issues associated with higher molecular weights while maintaining film integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the binder with specific photoinitiators and additives in formulated coating compositions. The binder is composed of multiple components including polyester resins and acrylic resins with specific functional groups, creating a composite system that balances stability and solubility properties that individual materials cannot achieve alone.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high molecular weight binders are used, then the coating stability is improved, but the printing durability becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the functional group content parameter to 0.01-5 mmol/g, which controls the crosslinking density and network structure formation. This parameter optimization ensures that the coating achieves sufficient printing durability through controlled crosslinking while maintaining the stability provided by the optimized molecular weight binder, resolving the contradiction between stability and durability.
3Reliability
If complex synthesis procedures are used to prepare binders, then the binder performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the synthesis approach by specifying target parameter ranges (molecular weight: 1,000-10,000; functional group content: 0.01-5 mmol/g) rather than requiring complex multi-step synthesis procedures. This parameter-based specification allows for more straightforward preparation methods while maintaining high binder performance, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 provides high photo speed, good shelf life, and extended print run length with improved start-up performance and developer capacity, addressing the limitations of previous binders in terms of solubility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
radical forming components, and compounds with free radically polymerizable groups
Data Source
AI summary
Negative working lithographic printing plate precursors are described wherein the imageable layer comprises a hyperbranched binder material having a Tg above 30°C and a number average molecular weight of 500 to 15000 g/mol and comprising urethane and/or urea linkages as well as ethylenically unsaturated groups.