Thermally Developable Imaging Materials Binder Crosslinking Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermally developable imaging materials face challenges in achieving optimal silver efficiency and print stability due to limitations in the ratio of vinyl alcohol repeat units in binders to isocyanate groups in crosslinkers, which affect the development process and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A thermally developable material comprising a support with thermally developable imaging layers containing non-photosensitive silver ions, reducing agents, and a binder with vinyl butyral and vinyl alcohol repeat units, along with a crosslinker having isocyanate groups, where the equivalent weight ratio of vinyl alcohol repeat units to isocyanate groups is maintained at a minimum of 75, enhancing the binding properties and image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ratio of vinyl alcohol repeat units to isocyanate groups is not optimized, then binding properties are insufficient, but silver efficiency and print stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the equivalent weight ratio of vinyl alcohol repeat units to isocyanate groups within the range of 50-200. This specific parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by ensuring sufficient binding properties while maintaining print stability, as the optimized ratio allows proper crosslinking without excessive crosslinking that would harm stability.
2Quantity of substance
If silver coating weight is reduced, then cost and material usage improve, but image quality and silver efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the equivalent weight ratio of vinyl alcohol repeat units to isocyanate groups, which enhances the efficiency of silver utilization. This allows reduction of silver coating weight while maintaining image quality, as the optimized binder-crosslinker system improves silver distribution and reaction efficiency during thermal development.
3Strength
If the equivalent weight ratio of vinyl alcohol repeat units to isocyanate groups is increased, then binding properties improve, but crosslinking density may become excessive causing brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining a specific range for the equivalent weight ratio of vinyl alcohol repeat units to isocyanate groups (50-200). This controlled parameter adjustment ensures sufficient binding properties are achieved while preventing excessive crosslinking density that would cause brittleness, maintaining compositional stability.
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 composition improves silver efficiency and print stability by optimizing the binding properties, reducing silver coating weight, and maintaining image quality under various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one crosslinker comprising an isocyanate group, where the thermally developable material has a composition that exhibits an equivalent weight ratio of the vinyl alcohol repeat units in the at least one binder to the isocyanate groups in the at least one crosslinker of at least 75
Implementation Method 2
at least one reducing agent for said reducible ions
Data Source
AI summary
A thermally developable material comprising a support and having thereon at least one thermally developable imaging layers comprising in reactive association at least one non-photosensitive source of reducible silver ions, at least one reducing agent for said reducible ions, at least one binder comprising vinyl butyral repeat units and vinyl alcohol repeat units, and at least one crosslinker comprising an isocyanate group, where the thermally developable material has a composition that exhibits an equivalent weight ratio of the vinyl alcohol repeat units in the at least one binder to the isocyanate groups in the at least one crosslinker of at least 75.