Liquid Electrophotographic Ink Composition with Tackifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid electrophotographic printing faces challenges with adhesion and transferability due to the low affinity of high molecular weight resins to substrates, leading to reduced durability of ink compositions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid electrophotographic ink composition comprising a charge director, a non-polar polymer carrier fluid, and ink particles with a polymeric resin and pigment, along with a tackifier to enhance adhesion and transferability by dissolving the tackifier in the carrier fluid and combining it with the charge director and ink particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high molecular weight resins are used to improve durability, then strength is improved, but adhesion deteriorates due to low affinity to substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines high molecular weight resins with low molecular weight resins to create a composite ink composition. The high molecular weight resin provides durability and strength, while the low molecular weight resin provides adhesion to substrates. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties, allowing both durability and adhesion to be achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different resin components to different functional requirements within the ink composition. The low molecular weight resin specifically targets the substrate interface to provide adhesion, while the high molecular weight resin forms the bulk structure for durability. This local differentiation of material properties allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Strength
If high molecular weight resins are used to improve durability, then strength is improved, but transferability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ink composition uses a composite of high and low molecular weight resins where the low molecular weight resin facilitates transferability during the printing process, while the high molecular weight resin ensures durability after transfer. The low molecular weight resin's lower viscosity and higher mobility enable easier transfer to substrates, while the high molecular weight resin provides the structural integrity for long-lasting images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the dynamic behavior of resins at different stages of the printing process. During transfer, the low molecular weight resin provides fluidity and ease of movement. After transfer and drying, the high molecular weight resin provides structural stability. This dynamic adaptation of material properties throughout the process resolves the contradiction between transferability and durability.
3Force
If organic waxes are added to improve adhesion, then adhesion is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding organic waxes, the patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the resin components. By using low molecular weight resins (with molecular weights of 100-10,000 g/mol) instead of high molecular weight resins alone, the patent achieves improved adhesion through a fundamental parameter change rather than adding separate adhesive components. This approach improves adhesion while maintaining relatively simple composition.
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 inclusion of a tackifier improves the adhesion of the ink composition to substrates and facilitates better transfer from a blanket to the substrate, overcoming the adhesion-transferability trade-off and ensuring durable ink films.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving the tackifier in the carrier fluid
Implementation Method 2
a charge director; a non-polar polymer carrier fluid
Implementation Method 3
facilitates better transfer from a blanket to the substrate, overcoming the adhesion-transferability trade-off and ensuring durable ink films
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Provided in one example hereinis aliquid electrophotographic ink composition. The composition includesa charge director, a non-polar carrier fluid comprising a polymer; andink particles each includinga polymeric resin and a pigment dispersed in the resin. The ink composition also includes a tackifier.