Ink Composition Using Ionic Liquids for Deflected Jet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ink compositions for continuous deflected ink jet printing face challenges with conductivity salts, including crystallization, clogging, and limited compatibility with various substrates, which affect printer performance and water resistance of markings.
Innovation Solution
An ink composition using ionic liquids as conductivity agents, which are liquid at ambient temperature, water-insoluble, and present in small quantities (0.2-4% by weight) to provide necessary conductivity without compromising stability or water resistance, replacing traditional conductivity salts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional conductivity salts are used in ink compositions, then the ink achieves necessary electrical conductivity for deflection, but the salts tend to crystallize and clog the printing system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the conductivity agent from solid (traditional salts) to liquid (ionic liquids). This parameter change eliminates the crystallization issue while maintaining the necessary electrical conductivity for ink deflection in the printing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ionic liquids that remain in liquid state at operating temperatures, effectively making the conductivity agent non-recrystallizing and eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance associated with salt clogging, similar to using a disposable solution that never solidifies.
2Reliability
If water-soluble conductivity salts are used, then the ink achieves good conductivity, but the water resistance of the marking is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solubility parameter of the conductivity agent by using water-insoluble ionic liquids. This allows the ink to maintain electrical conductivity through the ionic liquid while preventing water from dissolving the marking components, thereby achieving both conductivity and water resistance simultaneously.
3Productivity
If conventional solvents are used for rapid drying, then the marking dries quickly, but the compatibility with various substrates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite solvent system combining volatile and non-volatile components in specific proportions. This composite formulation maintains rapid drying characteristics while the non-volatile component enhances adhesion and compatibility across diverse substrates including porous and non-porous materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functions to different solvent components: the volatile portion provides rapid evaporation for quick drying, while the non-volatile portion provides sustained adhesion and substrate compatibility. This local quality differentiation within the solvent system resolves the contradiction between drying speed and substrate versatility.
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 improved conductivity and water resistance of markings, reducing the risk of clogging and allowing for a wider range of formulation options, enhancing the stability and performance of continuous deflected ink jet printing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compound imparting conductivity to the ink composition, chosen from among ionic liquids
Implementation Method 2
The piezoelectric crystal, vibrating at a given frequency, causes pressure disturbances in the inkjet, which oscillates and gradually breaks up into spherical drops or droplets
Implementation Method 3
An electrode, placed in the path of the jet, where it breaks up, makes it possible to give these drops an electrostatic charge, if the ink is conductive
Implementation Method 4
The drops thus charged are deflected in an electric field and allow the printing
Implementation Method 5
a solvent comprising, preferably consisting of, one or more (non-aqueous) organic solvent compound(s), and optionally water
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition for continuous deflected ink jet printing, liquid at ambient temperature is disclosed. One aspect is an ink composition comprising: a solvent including organic solvent compound(s), and optionally water, the solvent representing at least 20% by weight of the total weight of the ink. Furthermore, there is at least one compound imparting conductivity to the ink composition, chosen from among the ionic liquids, the compound representing 0.2% by weight to 4% by weight of the total weight of the ink composition, preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight of the total weight of the ink composition. Lastly, the ink composition includes less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 1% by weight, and most preferably 0% by weight of water relative to the total weight of the ink composition.