Ink Set with Aggregating Agent for Stable Optical Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet recording methods struggle to maintain stable optical density (OD) of recorded matter across different recording mediums, particularly when using coated papers or films with glossiness, as the OD value tends to be inferior compared to plain paper.
Innovation Solution
A recording method and ink set that includes a color ink composition with a pigment and resin fine particles, combined with a reaction solution containing an aggregating agent, which aggregates components to achieve consistent glossiness and OD values regardless of the recording medium's properties, by selecting appropriate recording conditions and using a multivalent metal salt or organic acid as the aggregating agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional ink jet recording methods are used on coated paper or films with glossiness, then the recording process is simple, but the optical density of the recorded matter becomes inferior
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the ink composition by controlling the particle size distribution (specifically setting the volume average particle diameter to 0.03 μm or more but less than 0.1 μm) and composition (pigment, resin fine particles, and specific solvents). This parameter optimization enables the ink to achieve stable optical density on both absorptive and non-absorptive recording mediums without requiring complex multi-ink systems or pre-treatment liquids, thus resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and recording quality.
2Device complexity
If a single ink composition is used for all recording mediums, then the device complexity is low, but the optical density stability across different mediums deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal ink composition that can be used on diverse recording mediums (plain paper, coated paper, films) without requiring medium-specific ink formulations. The key is the optimized particle size distribution and composition ratio of pigment to resin fine particles, which enables the single ink formulation to achieve stable optical density and color development across all medium types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized ink compositions.
Solution Approach 2:
By precisely controlling the volume average particle diameter (0.03 μm or more but less than 0.1 μm) and the compositional ratios (pigment 1-10 mass%, resin fine particles 0.1-5 mass% relative to pigment), the invention transforms a single ink composition into a multi-functional formulation that adapts to different recording medium properties, achieving both device simplicity and recording reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If ink composition is optimized for absorptive recording mediums, then optical density is high, but glossiness is lost on non-absorptive mediums
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the particle size parameter (volume average diameter of 0.03 μm or more but less than 0.1 μm) and compositional parameters (specific ratios of pigment, resin fine particles, and solvents) to create an ink formulation that achieves the right balance: sufficient absorption on absorptive mediums for high optical density, while maintaining surface film integrity on non-absorptive mediums to preserve glossiness. This precise parameter control eliminates the need to choose between the two opposing requirements.
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 method ensures stable optical density and crisp color development on absorptive recording mediums while maintaining glossiness on low-absorptive or non-absorptive mediums, improving bleeding resistance and color development without increasing the number of ink compositions.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction solution which includes an aggregating agent which aggregates components of the color ink composition
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a recording method including recording which includes attaching a color ink composition, which contains a coloring material, and a reaction solution, which includes an aggregating agent which aggregates components of the color ink composition, to a recording medium in no particular order, in which the color ink composition gives recorded matter with a glossiness at 60° of 60 to 100 when the color ink composition is individually attached to a recording medium with a glossiness at 60° of 80 to 100.