Ink Composition with Polymer Particles for Solvent Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet recording methods face challenges in achieving excellent solvent resistance and fixability of images to recording media, particularly with water-based ink compositions, which often result in unsatisfactory discharging properties and image stability.
Innovation Solution
An ink composition comprising a dispersion medium with water and polymer compound particles having specific repeating units, hydrophilic groups, and a polymerizable compound, along with a pigment dispersion and surfactant, is applied to the recording medium and irradiated with active energy radiation to enhance solvent resistance and fixability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water-based ink compositions are used for ink jet recording, then safety and ease of operation are improved, but solvent resistance and fixability of the recorded image deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite ink composition containing water, organic solvent, polymer compound particles with specific repeating units (Formula 1), and polymerizable compounds. This composite formulation combines the safety of water-based systems with the solvent resistance of organic components, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters of the polymer compound by incorporating specific repeating units (Formula 1) with alkyl groups and alicyclic structures. These parameter changes enhance the polymer's interaction with the recording medium, improving fixability while maintaining water-based safety.
2Quantity of substance
If water-based ink compositions are used for ink jet recording, then viscosity is reduced for high-density recording, but solvent resistance and fixability of the recorded image deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system where water provides low viscosity for high-density jetting, while organic solvents and specially structured polymer compounds (with repeating units of Formula 1) provide solvent resistance. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of low viscosity and high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different components serve different functions: water provides low viscosity for jetting, organic solvents provide solvent resistance, and polymer compounds with specific repeating units provide fixability. Each component optimizes local properties to resolve the overall contradiction.
3Productivity
If conventional ink compositions are used, then discharging property is acceptable, but solvent resistance and fixability of the recorded image are not satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ink composition by incorporating polymer compounds with specific repeating units (Formula 1) that have controlled molecular weight and structure. These parameter changes improve both discharging properties through optimized viscosity and solvent resistance through enhanced polymer-solvent interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the molecular weight and structural parameters of the polymer compound to optimize both discharging performance and solvent resistance. By controlling the repeating unit structure (Formula 1) and molecular weight distribution, the ink achieves satisfactory results in both productivity and reliability.
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 improved solvent resistance and fixability of images to the recording medium, maintaining image quality and stability even when exposed to solvents, and demonstrates excellent discharging properties during the recording process.
Implementation Method 1
irradiated with active energy radiation to enhance solvent resistance and fixability
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition with excellent solvent resistance of the recorded image and fixability to a recording medium which may be applicable to an ink jet recording method, and an image forming method using the ink composition are provided. An ink composition which includes a dispersion medium including (a) water, and particles of (b) a polymer compound and (b) the polymer compound includes a repeating unit having a partial structure represented by the following General Formula (1) is provided. In the following General Formula (1), Ra and Rb, each independently, represent an alkyl group having the number of carbon atoms 1 to 4, and Ra and Rb may be bonded to each other to form an alicyclic structure with 4- to 6-membered ring and * represents a bonding site to a main chain or a side chain in the polymer compound.