Ink Composition Viscosity Control via Basic Compound Salt Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet recording systems face challenges in achieving high sensitivity curing and image quality, with existing ink compositions being either too viscous for efficient jetting or lacking flexibility and adhesion in cured films, and there is a need for a method to produce lithographic printing plates without traditional developer treatments.
Innovation Solution
An ink composition comprising N-vinyllactam, a polymerization initiator, and a basic compound, with a polymeric dispersant, surfactant, and colorant, which is designed to have a viscosity suitable for inkjet recording and cure quickly under actinic radiation, forming a flexible and adherent film on hydrophilic supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ink composition containing N-vinyllactam is used to achieve high sensitivity curing, then curability upon exposure to actinic radiation is improved, but the ink composition becomes highly viscous and difficult to discharge by ink jet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by introducing a basic compound that reacts with N-vinyllactam to form a salt. This chemical transformation reduces the viscosity of the ink composition while maintaining the high curability properties of N-vinyllactam, enabling both good inkjet dischargeability and effective UV curing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink composition by combining N-vinyllactam with a basic compound to form a salt structure. This composite approach allows the ink to exhibit both the high sensitivity curing characteristics of N-vinyllactam and the low viscosity required for inkjet dispensing, resolving the contradiction between curability and dischargeability
2Reliability
If a highly viscous ink composition containing polymer and oligomer is used to achieve high sensitivity curing, then curability is improved, but the ink composition becomes difficult to discharge by ink jet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the viscosity parameter by converting N-vinyllactam into its salt form through reaction with a basic compound. This chemical modification dramatically reduces viscosity while preserving the curing functionality, allowing the ink to be easily discharged by ink jet while maintaining high curability
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional inkjet recording is used to reduce equipment cost and running cost, then equipment expense is reduced, but image strength and plate life are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition from liquid ink to solid cured film through UV irradiation. The ink composition is designed to remain in liquid form during inkjet dispensing for cost-effective printing, then undergoes rapid photopolymerization upon UV exposure to form strong, durable images with high plate life, combining the advantages of low-cost inkjet printing with high-strength cured images
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 ensures long-term storage stability, high sensitivity to actinic radiation, and excellent flexibility and adhesion of the cured film, enabling efficient inkjet recording and the production of lithographic printing plates with improved image quality and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an ink composition which comprises (A) an N-vinyllactam, (B) a polymerization initiator
Implementation Method 2
cures with high sensitivity and forms an image with high image quality. By achieving higher sensitivity, high curability upon exposure to actinic radiation can be imparted
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition is provided that includes (A) an N-vinyllactam, (B) a polymerization initiator, and (C) a basic compound, the content of the N-vinyllactam (A) being at least 15 wt % of the total weight of the ink composition. There is also provided an inkjet recording method that includes (a1) a step of discharging the ink composition onto a recording medium, and (b1) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation. Furthermore, a printed material obtained using the ink composition is provided. Moreover, there is provided a process for producing a lithographic printing plate that includes (a2) a step of discharging the ink composition onto a hydrophilic support, and (b2) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation so as to form a hydrophobic image on the hydrophilic support by curing the ink composition.