Ink Composition for Polyolefin Marking Without Halogenated Compounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ink compositions for continuous deflected ink jet printing on organic polymers, such as polyolefins, face challenges in achieving strong adherence and resistance to rubbing and solvents like ethanol without requiring surface treatments or halogenated compounds, and often result in suboptimal performance in adhesive tape tests.

Innovation Solution

A novel ink composition comprising a solvent, a binder combination of saturated copolyester resin and terpene-phenol resin, and a compound with ethylenically unsaturated double bonds and a silicon chain, which provides enhanced adherence and resistance without halogenated compounds, specifically designed for continuous deflected ink jet printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ink compositions are used for continuous deflected ink jet printing on polyolefins, then the printing process can be performed, but the markings show poor adherence and fail adhesive tape tests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadherence of markingsVSAvoidrequirement for surface treatments
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating specific compounds: saturated copolyester resin (5-20 wt%), terpene-phenol resin (3-15 wt%), and silane-modified polymers (1-10 wt%). These parameter changes in the ink formulation enable direct bonding to polyolefin surfaces without requiring external surface treatment processes, thereby improving adherence while simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite binder system combining multiple resin types (saturated copolyester resin, terpene-phenol resin, and silane-modified polymers) in specific proportions. This composite material approach creates synergistic effects where each component contributes different properties: the copolyester provides backbone structure, the terpene-phenol resin enhances adhesion, and the silane-modified polymer provides crosslinking capability, collectively achieving superior adherence to polyolefins without surface treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional ink compositions are used, then the ink can be applied, but the markings show poor resistance to rubbing and solvents like ethanol

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to rubbing and solventsVSAvoidink composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the ink composition by incorporating silane-modified polymers (1-10 wt%) that can crosslink upon drying or curing. This parameter change in the molecular structure creates a more robust, crosslinked film that resists mechanical rubbing and chemical solvents like ethanol, while the overall composition remains manageable with clearly defined concentration ranges for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite binder system includes silane-modified polymers that form crosslinked networks, creating a chemically resistant and mechanically durable marking layer. The combination of different resin types with complementary properties produces a synergistic effect where the crosslinked structure provides solvent and rub resistance, while the overall composition remains practically manageable despite the multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If halogenated compounds are used to improve adherence, then better bonding is achieved, but environmental and health concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadherence of markingsVSAvoidenvironmental and health impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces harmful halogenated compounds with environmentally benign alternatives: saturated copolyester resins, terpene-phenol resins, and silane-modified polymers. These non-halogenated materials achieve comparable or superior adherence to polyolefins through their molecular structure and crosslinking capabilities, while eliminating the environmental and health hazards associated with halogenated substances. The silane groups provide effective bonding to polyolefin surfaces without requiring harmful chemicals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 superior adherence and resistance to rubbing and solvents, surpassing previous compositions in adhesive tape tests and ethanol resistance on polyolefins without the need for surface treatments or halogenated compounds, ensuring durable and reliable markings.

Implementation Method 1

The piezoelectric crystal, vibrating at a determined frequency, causes pressure disturbances in the ink jet, which oscillates and is gradually broken up into spherical drops or droplets.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the ink is in contact with ambient air when non-deflected drops are sucked up, and it may absorb ambient moisture or react with the oxygen in the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9546289B2Ink composition for continuous deflected ink jet printing notably on substrates made of organic polymers
Publication Date: 2017.01.17 MARKEM IMAJE HLDG

AI summary

An ink composition for continuous deflected ink jet printing, which is liquid at ambient temperature, comprising: a solvent comprising, preferably consisting of, one or more organic solvent compound(s), and optionally water; a binder, comprising a saturated copolyester resin and a terpene-phenol resin; a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond and a silicon chain; optionally, one or more dye(s) and/or pigment(s). A method for marking a substrate, support or object by spraying this ink composition on a surface of this substrate, support or object. A substrate, support or object, notably a polyolefin bottle or stopper, cap, for example made of polyethylene, provided with a marking obtained by drying, and/or absorption in the substrate, support or object, of this ink composition.