Ink Set Resin Particle Aggregation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming methods using inkjet technology face challenges in achieving high glossiness and sharpness due to resin particle aggregation, particularly when using acidic pre-treatment liquids, leading to uneven surfaces and decreased image quality.
Innovation Solution
An ink set comprising a colorant ink, an acidic pre-treatment liquid, and a water-based overcoat liquid with resin particles containing acidic groups such as sulfo, phosphonic acid, or phosphoric acid groups, which suppress aggregation and enhance glossiness without thickening, ensuring uniform coating and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an acidic pre-treatment liquid is used to form an image, then sharpness is improved, but resin particle aggregation occurs leading to decreased glossiness
Solution Approach 1:
A water-based overcoat liquid containing resin particles is introduced as an intermediary between the acidic pre-treatment liquid and the final image surface. This overcoat liquid neutralizes the acidic environment and prevents resin particle aggregation, thereby maintaining both sharpness and glossiness. The overcoat liquid acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of sharp image formation and smooth surface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the overcoat liquid by selecting resin particles with specific acidic groups (carboxyl, sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid) and controlling their content within specific ranges (0.01-1.0 mmol/g). By adjusting these chemical parameters, the overcoat liquid can effectively counteract the acidic pre-treatment liquid's aggregation effect while maintaining image quality.
2Shape
If resin particles are dispersed in overcoat liquid, then glossiness is improved, but aggregation occurs causing surface unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the parameters of the overcoat liquid by selecting resin particles with specific acidic group types (carboxyl, sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid) and maintaining their content within precise ranges (0.01-1.0 mmol/g). This parameter control ensures the resin particles remain stably dispersed in the water-based overcoat liquid without aggregating, thereby maintaining both glossiness and surface uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The overcoat liquid is designed as a composite material combining water-based solvent with specifically selected resin particles containing acidic groups. This composite structure allows the resin particles to remain stably dispersed while providing the necessary glossiness enhancement, preventing the aggregation that would otherwise cause surface unevenness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a water-based overcoat liquid is used, then environmental safety is improved, but resin aggregation occurs due to acid action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the environmentally friendly water-based formulation while resolving the aggregation issue by changing the chemical parameters of the resin particles. By selecting resin particles with specific acidic groups (carboxyl, sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid) and controlling their content within specific ranges, the overcoat liquid remains water-based and safe while preventing resin aggregation that would otherwise occur due to acid action.
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 resin particle aggregation, maintaining high glossiness and sharpness while improving the durability and resistance of the image surface, addressing the limitations of previous methods by ensuring a smooth, even overcoat and enhanced image characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
an overcoat liquid comprising water and particles of a resin, the resin comprising an acidic group selected from the group consisting of a sulfo group, a salt of a sulfo group, a phosphonic acid group, a salt of a phosphonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, and a salt of a phosphoric acid group
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an ink set and an image forming method in which excellent glossiness is obtained in a case where a surface of an image recording material on which an image is formed using an acidic pre-treatment liquid is overcoated. Namely, the invention provides an ink set and an image forming method using the same, the ink set including: an ink composition which includes a colorant and water; a pre-treatment liquid which contains an acid and water; and an overcoat liquid which includes water and particles of a resin, the resin containing an acidic group selected from the group consisting of a sulfo group, a salt of a sulfo group, a phosphonic acid group, a salt of a phosphonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, and a salt of a phosphoric acid group.