Ink Composition with High-Tg Fixing Polymer for UV-Stable Prints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inks lack effective methods for fixing pigments at high temperatures and UV protection, leading to issues with abrasion resistance and color stability.
Innovation Solution
Inks containing a fixing polymer with a glass-transition temperature higher than 80% of other polymers, along with an ultraviolet-absorbing agent, and a printing apparatus with a dryer and melting device for heat fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a polymer is added to disperse pigment and improve abrasion resistance, then abrasion resistance is improved, but pigment fixation at high temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer function into two separate components: a fixing polymer (with high glass-transition temperature of 80°C or higher) responsible for pigment fixation, and other polymers (with lower glass-transition temperatures) responsible for dispersion and abrasion resistance. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between abrasion resistance and pigment fixation.
2Ease of operation
If existing ink composition is used, then basic printing function is achieved, but UV protection and color stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an ultraviolet-absorbing agent into the ink composition before printing, which proactively absorbs UV radiation before it can damage the printed record. This preliminary protective action prevents color fading and degradation, addressing the UV protection issue while maintaining basic printing functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pigment dispersing polymer is added, then pigment dispersion is improved, but high-temperature fixation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer roles by using a fixing polymer with high glass-transition temperature (80°C or higher) that maintains effectiveness at high temperatures for pigment fixation, while separate polymers handle dispersion functions. This segmentation ensures that dispersion improvement does not compromise high-temperature fixation capability.
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
Enhances pigment fixation and UV protection, improving abrasion resistance and color stability in printed records.
Implementation Method 1
The melting device is configured to subject the ink on the object to heat that causes the fixing polymer to melt and to fix the ink to the object accordingly
Implementation Method 2
The dryer is configured to heat the object to expedite evaporation of the medium
Implementation Method 3
At least one of the inks contains an ultraviolet-absorbing agent different from the coloring agents
Data Source
AI summary
An ink contains a medium, a coloring agent, a fixing polymer, and one or more kinds of polymers other than the fixing polymer. The coloring agent is dissolved or dispersed in the medium. The fixing polymer has a glass-transition temperature higher than the ordinary temperature and is dispersed in the medium. The one or more kinds of polymers each have a glass-transition temperature higher than the ordinary temperature and are dissolved or dispersed in the medium. The fixing polymer is higher in glass-transition temperature than 80 mass % or more of the one or more kinds of polymers contained in the ink and each having a glass-transition temperature higher than the ordinary temperature.