Ink Composition for Heat Fixation and UV-Stable Printed Records
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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 ordinary temperatures, along with optional polymers and UV-absorbing agents, are used in conjunction with a printing apparatus featuring an ink ejector, dryer, and melting device to fix the ink and provide UV protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a pigment dispersing polymer is added to disperse pigment, then pigment dispersion is improved, but abrasion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer function into two separate components: a pigment dispersing polymer (0.1-10 mass%) for pigment dispersion and a fixing aid polymer (5-50 mass%) for abrasion resistance. This segmentation allows each polymer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between pigment dispersion and abrasion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink composition creates a composite system by combining two不同类型 of polymers with complementary functions. The pigment dispersing polymer (with specific glass transition temperature range) works synergistically with the fixing aid polymer to achieve both good pigment dispersion and high abrasion resistance, which cannot be achieved by a single polymer alone.
2Strength
If high temperature fixation is applied, then pigment fixation is improved, but color stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the glass transition temperature parameter of the polymers used. By selecting a pigment dispersing polymer with glass transition temperature of 50-150°C and a fixing aid polymer with glass transition temperature of -50-100°C, the system achieves optimal pigment fixation at moderate temperatures while maintaining color stability. This parameter optimization allows fixation without excessive heat that would cause color degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition properties of polymers at different temperature ranges. The fixing aid polymer undergoes phase transition at its glass transition temperature to provide fixation, while the pigment dispersing polymer maintains its dispersing function throughout the temperature range. This controlled phase transition enables effective fixation while preserving color stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UV protection is added to ink, then UV resistance is improved, but ink composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates UV-absorbing agents that serve dual functions: protecting the ink from UV degradation and working synergistically with the existing polymer system. The UV-absorbing agents are integrated into the ink composition alongside the pigment dispersing polymer and fixing aid polymer, creating a multi-functional system that provides both protection and performance enhancement without requiring separate complex systems.
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 solution ensures robust fixation of pigments at high temperatures and enhances UV resistance, improving abrasion resistance and color stability of 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.