Ink Composition Gloss and Clogging via Alkanediol

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ink jet recording technologies face challenges in achieving excellent gloss and color reproduction on various recording media, especially gloss paper, while maintaining ejection stability and preventing clogging, particularly when used in environments that lead to dew formation on framed prints.

Innovation Solution

An ink composition combining a water-soluble 1,2-alkanediol and a water-soluble alkanediol with a hydroxyl group at both ends, along with a polyorganosiloxane surfactant, is used to improve surface tension regulation, enhance glossy impressions, and prevent ink solvent deposition on frames, ensuring stable ejection and anti-clogging properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a high-penetration ink containing polysiloxane surfactant and 1,2-hexanediol is used to improve glossy impression, then gloss and color reproduction are improved, but dew formation occurs on frames and handleability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglossy impressionVSAvoidhandleability of recorded matter

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating specific alkanediols (1,2-hexanediol and 1,5-pentanediol) in controlled proportions, along with polysiloxane surfactant. This parameter adjustment allows the ink to achieve both high gloss on photographic paper and reduced solvent deposition on frames, resolving the contradiction between glossy impression and handleability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite ink formulation combining multiple components: polysiloxane surfactant for gloss enhancement, 1,2-hexanediol for penetration and wetting, and 1,5-pentanediol as a complementary solvent. This composite material approach allows simultaneous achievement of high gloss on photographic paper and reduced dew formation on frames

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional water-based inks are used to maintain simple composition, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but ejection stability and clogging resistance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink composition simplicityVSAvoidejection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts key parameters of the water-based ink formulation, specifically incorporating 1,2-hexanediol (3-15 wt%) and 1,5-pentanediol (3-15 wt%) along with polysiloxane surfactant (0.01-2 wt%). These parameter changes maintain the water-based nature of the ink for ease of manufacture while significantly improving ejection stability and preventing nozzle clogging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If ink solvents are reduced to prevent dew formation on frames, then handleability is improved, but glossy impression and color reproduction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandleability of recorded matterVSAvoidglossy impression

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the solvent system parameters by using a specific combination of 1,2-hexanediol and 1,5-pentanediol with polysiloxane surfactant. This parameter optimization allows the ink to achieve rapid drying (improving handleability) while maintaining excellent gloss and color reproduction on photographic paper

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 ink composition achieves excellent gloss, stable ejection, and improved handleability, preventing ink solvent deposition on frames and maintaining print quality even on gloss paper, with enhanced edge sharpness and reduced clogging issues.

Implementation Method 1

a surfactant which is a polyorganosiloxane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

the alkanediol comprises a water soluble 1,2-alkanediol and a water soluble alkanediol having a hydroxyl group at both ends of its main chain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension regulation: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS7553360B2Ink composition for ink jet recording, recording method and recorded matter

Publication Date: 2009.06.30 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

There is provided an ink composition that, even on various recording media, especially gloss paper of a printing paper base, can yield an image having excellent gloss, can realize good recovery from clogging and handleability of recorded matter, and, at the same time, can realize excellent ejection stability and color reproduction. The ink composition for ink jet recording comprises at least a colorant, water, an alkanediol, and a surfactant, wherein the alkanediol comprises a water soluble 1,2-alkanediol and a water soluble alkanediol having a hydroxyl group at both ends of its main chain, and the surfactant is a polyorganosiloxane.