Image recording method and printing method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional textile printing methods face challenges in achieving both concealability of the fabric base and robustness of printed images on fabrics without causing stickiness, especially when using inkjet printing, as conventional pretreatment liquids contain organic solvents that hinder ink fixation and increase stickiness.
Innovation Solution
An image recording method involving a three-step process: applying a first treatment liquid without organic solvents, followed by a second treatment liquid containing water and a flocculant, and then ink, all without drying in between steps, to enhance fabric concealability and printed matter robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pretreatment liquids containing organic solvents are used, then inkjet printing can be performed on fabric, but the printed image becomes sticky and ink fixation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the pretreatment liquid by eliminating organic solvents and using only water-based components (surfactant, thickener, and water), which fundamentally alters the drying behavior and eliminates stickiness while maintaining inkjet printing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful organic solvent component from the pretreatment liquid formulation, retaining only the necessary water-based functional components (surfactant for wetting and thickener for viscosity control), thereby eliminating the source of stickiness
2Reliability
If conventional pretreatment liquids are used, then fabric treatment is achieved, but concealability of fabric base and robustness of printed matter cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary treatment with a water-based pretreatment liquid before inkjet printing to prepare the fabric surface, which creates optimal conditions for subsequent ink fixation and achieves both concealability and robustness without organic solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite water-based formulation containing multiple functional components (surfactant for surface tension reduction, thickener for viscosity control, and water as base) that work synergistically to achieve fabric concealability and print robustness
3Productivity
If multiple treatment liquids are applied sequentially without drying, then process efficiency is improved, but control of fabric moisture and ink fixation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple treatment steps (first pretreatment liquid application, second pretreatment liquid application, and inkjet printing) into a continuous wet-on-wet process without intermediate drying, improving efficiency while the specific formulation of each liquid ensures proper ink fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the second pretreatment liquid containing a flocculant as an intermediary between the first pretreatment liquid and the ink, which controls moisture and facilitates proper ink fixation even in the continuous wet process
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
This method effectively improves concealability and robustness of printed images on fabrics while preventing stickiness, allowing for better ink fixation and image durability.
Implementation Method 1
a second treatment liquid containing water, a water-soluble solvent, and a flocculant
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording method is provided that includes: firstly applying a first treatment liquid containing water and substantially free of organic solvent to a fabric; secondly applying a second treatment liquid containing water, a water-soluble solvent, and a flocculant to an area in which the first treatment liquid has been applied; and thirdly applying an ink to an area in which the second treatment liquid has been applied. In the method, drying is not performed between the firstly applying and the secondly applying, and between the secondly applying and the thirdly applying.