Infrared Lithographic Plate Precursor Binder Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors face challenges with ink receptivity and developability, particularly in mid-tone and shadow areas, due to the use of either hydrophilic or hydrophobic co-binders, leading to issues like 'blinding' and reduced ink density.

Innovation Solution

A negative-working, infrared radiation-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor is developed, featuring a substrate with a hydrophilic surface, an infrared radiation-sensitive imageable layer containing a free radically polymerizable compound, an initiator composition, an infrared radiation absorber, a primary polymeric binder with polyalkylenes oxide segments, and a secondary crosslinked hydrophobic binder, which improves ink receptivity and development speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hydrophilic co-binders are used in the imageable layer, then processing speed is enhanced, but ink receptivity deteriorates leading to blinding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidink receptivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the binder by incorporating polyalkylenes oxide segments with controlled molecular weights and compositions. This changes the hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity balance to achieve both fast processing and good ink receptivity without blinding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite binder materials combining polyalkylenes oxide segments with other polymer components. This composite structure provides both the hydrophilic properties needed for fast processing and the ink-receptive properties needed to prevent blinding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If hydrophobic co-binders are used in the imageable layer, then ink receptivity is improved, but developability deteriorates in mid-tone and shadow areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink receptivityVSAvoiddevelopability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the hydrophobicity parameter of the binder through controlled incorporation of polyalkylenes oxide segments, achieving optimal balance between ink receptivity and developability in mid-tone and shadow areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates local quality variations in the binder structure, with polyalkylenes oxide segments providing localized hydrophilic domains that facilitate development in shadow areas while maintaining overall ink receptivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional binders are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but run length is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidrun length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies physical parameters of the binder including molecular weight, crosslinking density, and compositional ratios of polyalkylenes oxide segments. These parameter changes enhance durability and run length while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional coating processes

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 incorporation of a secondary crosslinked hydrophobic binder enhances ink receptivity, facilitates faster development of mid-tone and shadow areas, and increases run length, resulting in high-quality prints with sufficient ink density and reduced waste.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared radiation absorber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an initiator composition that provides free radicals upon exposure of the infrared radiation-sensitive imageable layer to infrared radiation; a free radically polymerizable compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS9417524B1Infrared radiation-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursors

Publication Date: 2016.08.16 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

A negative-working, infrared radiation-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor is prepared to contain an infrared radiation-sensitive imageable layer that is disposed on the hydrophilic surface of a substrate. This imageable layer contains sufficient free radical chemistry for infrared sensitivity and imaging to polymerize the exposed regions. This chemistry is dispersed within a primary polymeric binder comprising polyalkylenes oxide segments and optional pendant cyano groups and is present in the form of particles, and a secondary crosslinked hydrophobic binder to provide improved ink receptivity, rapid development, and run length especially with aged precursors. Exposed precursors can be developed on-press while forming the first printed impressions.