Ink Set Maintenance Liquid Solubility Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording methods using pigment inks face issues with nozzle clogging due to evaporation and solidification, leading to maintenance challenges, especially when resin fine particles are present or solvents with low solubility parameters are used, resulting in inadequate cleaning effects.
Innovation Solution
An ink set comprising a pigment ink composition and a maintenance liquid with solvents having a solubility parameter (SP) value of 27.5 or less, where the solvent content is 50 weight % or more, improving the removability and maintainability of the nozzle surface, and potentially including additives like pH controllers, surfactants, and antibacterial agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pigment ink is used for stable recording, then image stability is improved, but nozzle clogging occurs due to evaporation and solidification
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance liquid is applied to the inkjet head before actual recording operations to prevent ink solidification. This preliminary action coats the nozzle surfaces with a protective liquid layer that prevents pigment particles from adhering and solidifying, thereby preventing nozzle clogging before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance liquid acts as an intermediary substance between the pigment ink and the nozzle surface. It contains solvents with SP values of 27.5 or less that interact with the pigment particles and solidified ink, preventing direct adhesion to the nozzle and enabling easy removal of any solidified residue.
2Manufacturing precision
If resin fine particles are increased in ink composition, then image quality is improved, but cleaning effect becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance liquid utilizes solvents with specifically controlled solubility parameters (SP values of 27.5 or less) to match and effectively dissolve resin fine particles and solidified ink components. This parameter optimization ensures that even high concentrations of resin particles used for image quality can be effectively removed during maintenance operations.
3Ease of operation
If solvent with low SP value is used in ink, then maintainability is improved, but cleaning effect becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance liquid employs a composite solvent system containing multiple components including solvents with low SP values (27.5 or less), surfactants, and other auxiliary agents. This composite formulation combines the benefits of low SP solvents for preventability with enhanced cleaning capabilities provided by surfactants and other components, resolving the contradiction between maintainability and cleaning effectiveness.
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 effectively prevents nozzle clogging and enhances the maintainability of inkjet heads, ensuring high-quality image formation by effectively removing solidified ink and maintaining the nozzle surface integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the maintenance liquid comprises one or more solvents (ii) having a solubility parameter (SP) value of 27.5 or less
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an ink set having at least an ink composition and a maintenance liquid. The ink composition comprises a pigment (i). The maintenance liquid comprises one or more solvents (ii) having a solubility parameter value of 27.5 or less. The content of the one or more solvents (ii) is 50 weight % or more with respect to a total solvent content of the maintenance liquid. The invention further provides a method of forming an image using the ink set including at least applying, with a liquid applying device, the ink composition to a recording medium, and applying a maintenance liquid to the liquid applying device.