Ink Composition N-Vinyllactam Curing Adhesion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet recording technologies face challenges in achieving high sensitivity curing with actinic radiation, flexibility, and adhesion to substrates, particularly in forming high-quality images on lithographic printing plates without the use of developers and with low running costs.
Innovation Solution
An ink composition comprising N-vinyllactam, a radically polymerizable compound, and a polymerization initiator, such as acylphosphine or 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone compounds, with a benzophenone or thioxanthone compound, which is designed to cure quickly and form images with excellent adhesion and flexibility when exposed to actinic radiation, specifically UV radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ink composition comprising N-vinyllactam, a radically polymerizable compound, and a polymerization initiator is used, then high sensitivity curing and excellent adhesion are achieved, but the inkjet discharge stability deteriorates due to high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the molecular structure parameters of the N-vinyllactam compound (specifically using compounds with n=2-4 in the general formula) and controls the content ratio of N-vinyllactam (10-40 wt%) to achieve optimal balance between viscosity for discharge stability and reactivity for curing sensitivity. This parameter optimization allows the ink to maintain both jetability and curing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation by combining N-vinyllactam (providing adhesion and flexibility), radically polymerizable compounds (providing curing reactivity), and polymerization initiators (providing curing activation). This composite approach integrates multiple functional components to simultaneously achieve discharge stability, high sensitivity curing, and excellent adhesion properties
2Ease of operation
If conventional ink compositions are used, then inkjet discharge is stable, but curing sensitivity and adhesion to substrates are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by introducing specific N-vinyllactam compounds with controlled molecular weights and structures (n=2-4), and optimizes their content to 10-40 wt% of the total composition. This parameter change enhances both the discharge stability through appropriate viscosity control and the curing sensitivity through improved polymerization reactivity
Solution Approach 2:
The N-vinyllactam compound acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the radically polymerizable compound and the substrate. It provides both adhesion to the substrate and compatibility with the radical polymerization mechanism, enabling effective energy transfer and bond formation while maintaining inkjet discharge properties
3Reliability
If highly viscous ink compositions containing polymer and oligomer are used, then adhesion and flexibility are improved, but inkjet discharge becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the molecular weight parameters and content of polymer and oligomer components, limiting them to specific ranges that maintain adequate adhesion and flexibility while preventing excessive viscosity. The N-vinyllactam content is optimized to 10-40 wt% to provide sufficient bonding without compromising dischargeability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using high concentrations of polymer and oligomer that would ensure adhesion but prevent discharge, the patent employs a partial approach by using moderate concentrations combined with the specific N-vinyllactam compound. This partial action achieves sufficient adhesion and flexibility thresholds while maintaining inkjet discharge 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
The ink composition enables high sensitivity curing, maintaining image quality and flexibility, and provides excellent adhesion to substrates, reducing the need for developers and lowering operational costs in inkjet recording and lithographic printing plate production.
Implementation Method 1
an ink composition which comprises (A) an N-vinyllactam, (B) a radically polymerizable compound, and (C) a polymerization initiator comprising (i) at least one of an acylphosphine compound and a 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone compound, and (ii) a benzophenone compound or a thioxanthone compound
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition is provided that includes (A) an N-vinyllactam, (B) a radically polymerizable compound, and (C) a polymerization initiator, the content of the N-vinyllactam (A) being at least 10 wt % of the ink total weight, and the content ratio by weight of (A):(B) being 1:8.5 to 1:1. 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. A printed material recorded by the inkjet recording method is also provided. Furthermore, a process for producing a lithographic printing plate is provided 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.