Ink Composition Nozzle Clogging and Drying Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording technologies face challenges in recording on non-absorbent or low-absorbent media due to issues with ink drying, nozzle clogging, and image uniformity, as existing ink compositions either fail to dry quickly enough or lead to nozzle clogging.
Innovation Solution
An ink composition containing 1,2-pentanediol and 1,2-hexanediol, along with a glycol ether and antifoaming agent, is used to enhance wettability and prevent nozzle clogging, while maintaining image quality and stability on various media types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high boiling point organic solvent (such as glycerin) is added to the ink composition, then the nozzles are prevented from drying, but the ink composition does not dry quickly on ink-non-absorbent or ink-low-absorbent recording media, resulting in reduced rub fastness and non-uniform density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by specifying precise ranges for 1,2-pentanediol (0-20% by mass) and 1,2-hexanediol (0.1-10% by mass), replacing traditional high boiling point solvents like glycerin. This parameter optimization enables the ink to achieve both nozzle protection and rapid drying on non-absorbent media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system combining 1,2-pentanediol and 1,2-hexanediol with specific functional properties. This composite material provides both the moisture-retaining capability to prevent nozzle drying and the appropriate evaporation rate for quick drying on recording media, resolving the contradiction between the two opposing requirements.
2Reliability
If a high boiling point organic solvent is added to the ink composition, then the nozzles are prevented from drying, but the rub fastness of images and characters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the solvent composition parameters by limiting 1,2-pentanediol to less than 20% by mass and 1,2-hexanediol to 0.1-10% by mass. This precise parameter control ensures rapid drying on recording media while maintaining nozzle protection, thereby achieving both high rub fastness and reliable nozzle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively copies the beneficial properties of high boiling point solvents (nozzle protection) while eliminating their detrimental effects (poor drying and low rub fastness) by using a different chemical composition that mimics the desired functionality without the unwanted side effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an organic solvent less soluble in the main solvent is used, then the ink composition can be formulated, but the storage stability is reduced due to separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the concentration parameters of 1,2-pentanediol (0-20% by mass) and 1,2-hexanediol (0.1-10% by mass) to ensure complete solubility in the aqueous main solvent. This parameter optimization prevents phase separation during storage while maintaining the desired ink formulation characteristics.
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 achieves high rub fastness and uniform density on diverse recording media, preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring stable storage and ejection, thereby improving the reliability of inkjet recording.
Implementation Method 1
enhance wettability and prevent nozzle clogging
Implementation Method 2
antifoaming agent
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition contains a coloring material, 1,2-pentanediol with a content in the range of more than 0% by mass to less than 20% by mass, and 1,2-hexanediol.