Ink Composition Plate-Like Metal Particles Nozzle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink compositions using metal particles face challenges in forming images with specular glossiness due to oxidation of aluminum particles and nozzle clogging issues caused by large particle sizes, while reducing particle size compromises image glossiness.
Innovation Solution
An ink composition containing plate-like metal particles with a standard oxidation-reduction potential nobler than -1.65 V, an average equivalent circle diameter of 10 nm to 500 nm, and an average aspect ratio of 3 or more, including silver as 80% by mass, with gelatin and surfactants to enhance dispersibility and prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If aluminum particles are used in ink composition, then cost is reduced and preservation stability is improved, but oxidation occurs leading to reduced specular glossiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, oxidation-resistant metals (silver, gold) with cheaper aluminum particles that have limited oxidation resistance. However, this contradiction is resolved by accepting the short-lived nature of aluminum's oxidation resistance in exchange for cost savings, while the ink formulation includes components that delay oxidation as much as possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of aluminum from conventional large sizes to fine particles within 0.01-1 μm diameter range. This parameter change improves dispersion, prevents clogging, and enhances the metallic luster effect while maintaining reasonable oxidation resistance through surface area optimization.
2Illumination intensity
If large metal particles are used, then metallic luster is enhanced, but nozzle clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size parameter to a specific range (0.01-1 μm diameter) that balances two opposing requirements: particles are large enough to provide metallic luster effect but small enough to pass through inkjet nozzles without clogging. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction between luster enhancement and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs surfactants and dispersants that dynamically interact with metal particles during inkjet printing. These additives create a protective interface that prevents particle aggregation and clogging while allowing particles to maintain their light-reflecting properties for metallic luster.
3Productivity
If particle size is reduced to prevent clogging, then ejectability is improved, but image glossiness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: particle diameter (0.01-1 μm), aspect ratio (0.1-10), and concentration. This multi-parameter optimization ensures particles are small enough for high ejectability through fine nozzles while maintaining the physical properties needed for specular glossiness in the final image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining metal particles with specific polymers, surfactants, and solvents. This composite structure allows fine particles to be ejected efficiently while the composite matrix protects particle integrity and enhances the metallic luster effect in the deposited image.
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 high ejectability through ink jet nozzles and forms images with specular glossiness while preventing nozzle clogging, maintaining image quality and stability.
Implementation Method 1
plate-like metal particles that include a metal element having a standard oxidation-reduction potential nobler than -1.65 V
Implementation Method 2
The ink composition includes a pigment dispersion including plate-like metal particles
Implementation Method 3
including silver as 80% by mass, with gelatin and surfactants to enhance dispersibility and prevent clogging
Implementation Method 4
high ejectability through ink jet nozzles
Implementation Method 5
forms images with specular glossiness
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ink composition used for image formation by an ink jet method. The ink composition includes plate-like metal particles that include a metal element having a standard oxidation-reduction potential nobler than -1.65 V, that have an average equivalent circle diameter of 10 nm or more and less than 500 nm, and that have an average aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the average equivalent circle diameter to an average thickness, of 3 or more. Also provided are an ink set, an image forming method, and a printed matter.