Ink Formulation Using Alkanediol Penetrating Agent for Offset Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet recording apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-speed image formation without generating image defects due to ink offset, particularly in line-head-type systems where desired image density is difficult to achieve while suppressing offset-related defects.
Innovation Solution
An ink formulation containing water, a pigment dispersion with a specific molecular weight range, and a penetrating agent with an alkanediol having 8 or 9 carbon atoms, which enhances ink permeability and reduces offset defects, allowing for both high image density and reduced ink ejection amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the amount of ink ejected is increased to achieve desired image density in line-head-type ink-jet recording apparatus, then image density is improved, but image defects due to offset are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating specific penetrating agents (alkanediols with 8 or 9 carbon atoms) and controlling resin molecular weight (60,000-150,000), which modifies the ink's permeability characteristics to enable rapid absorption without increasing ejection amount
Solution Approach 2:
The penetrating agent acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates rapid ink penetration into the recording medium. The alkanediol compounds serve as mediators between the ink and paper, enabling controlled permeation that prevents offset while maintaining image density
2Productivity
If the speed of image formation is increased in ink-jet recording apparatus, then productivity is improved, but ink may adhere to discharge roller causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The ink formulation is designed to perform preliminary penetration action into the recording medium before the medium reaches the discharge roller. The penetrating agents pre-enable rapid absorption so that ink is already absorbed by the time the recording medium contacts the discharge roller, preventing offset at high speeds
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the amount of ink ejected is reduced to suppress offset-related image defects, then image defects due to offset are suppressed, but desired image density cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ink's physical-chemical parameters by selecting specific penetrating agents with 8 or 9 carbon atoms and controlling resin molecular weight, which enhances permeability so that smaller ink amounts can achieve the same absorption efficiency as larger amounts with conventional inks
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 effectively suppresses image defects caused by offset and achieves desired image density in line-head-type ink-jet recording systems, even at high speeds, by improving ink permeability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The penetrating agent contains an alkanediol having 8 or 9 carbon atoms... enhances ink permeability... before an ink permeates into a recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a pigment dispersion prepared by using a resin having a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 or more and 50,000 or less
Data Source
AI summary
An ink for an ink-jet recording apparatus contains at least water, a pigment dispersion, and a penetrating agent. The pigment dispersion contains a resin having a molecular weight of about 60,000 or more and about 150,000 or less. The ink for an ink-jet recording apparatus contains an alkanediol having 8 or 9 carbon atoms as the penetrating agent. The content of the alkanediol is about 0.2% by mass or more relative to the total mass of the ink.