Ink Formulation Gloss Control via Surface Tension Modifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling gloss in inkjet recording methods face challenges in cost efficiency and productivity, and can result in degraded coating film uniformity.
Innovation Solution
An active-energy-ray-curable ink is developed, containing a surface tension modifier and a monomer with a surface tension of 39 mN/m or greater, used in an amount of 20% to 60% by mass, to control low glossiness without compromising coating film uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If heating recording medium and adjusting wettability/spreadability is used to control gloss, then gloss control is achieved, but cost efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating specific surfactants and polymers with controlled surface tension properties. This allows gloss control to be achieved through ink formulation rather than post-processing heating, eliminating the need for expensive heating equipment while maintaining precise gloss control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal heating process with a chemical composition-based solution. Instead of using heat to control gloss, the patent uses specifically formulated surfactants and polymers that provide gloss control through their surface tension properties, substituting a mechanical/thermal system with a chemical system.
2Manufacturing precision
If clear ink with surfactant is used for matte coating, then gloss control is achieved, but coating film uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by using different types of surfactants and polymers in specific concentrations at different locations within the ink formulation. The surfactant and polymer are selected to provide localized surface tension modification that controls gloss while maintaining overall coating uniformity, rather than using a single uniform additive throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system combining multiple surfactants and polymers with complementary properties. This composite formulation provides both gloss control and coating uniformity by leveraging the synergistic effects of different materials working together, rather than relying on a single additive that might compromise uniformity.
3Loss of substance
If inkjet recording method is used to form images, then ink consumption efficiency is improved, but gloss control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the ink formulation by incorporating surfactants and polymers with specific surface tension properties. This allows the inkjet recording method to maintain its efficiency while gaining gloss control capability through the modified ink composition, as the surface tension modifiers enable controlled wetting and spreading during the inkjet deposition process.
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 controls low glossiness while maintaining coating film uniformity, addressing the limitations of previous methods in terms of cost and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
including a monomer having a surface tension of 39 mN/m or greater in an amount of 20% by mass or greater but 60% by mass or less
Implementation Method 2
including at least a surface tension modifier
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an active-energy-ray-curable ink including at least a surface tension modifier and including a monomer having a surface tension of 39 mN/m or greater in an amount of 20% by mass or greater but 60% by mass or less. Preferably, the ink includes a monomer having a surface tension of 43 mN/m or greater in an amount of 5% by mass or greater but 10% by mass or less.