Water-Based Ink Surfactant for Discharge Stability and Re-Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water-based pigment inks for ink-jet recording face a challenge in improving re-dispersion properties without compromising the chromaticness of the recorded matter, as adding 1,2-alkanediol can lower re-dispersion while surfactants may reduce color intensity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a surfactant represented by the general formula R1CON(CH3)CH2CH2R2, where R1 is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group and R2 is SO3M or COOM with M being Li, Na, or K, alongside 1,2-alkanediol to enhance re-dispersion without affecting chromaticness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 1,2-alkanediol is added to water-based pigment ink to achieve stable discharge, then discharge stability is improved, but re-dispersion property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific surfactant (formula 1) as an intermediary substance that mediates between the 1,2-alkanediol and the pigment particles. This surfactant counteracts the negative effect of 1,2-alkanediol on re-dispersion while preserving its beneficial effect on discharge stability, thus resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the ink formulation by introducing a surfactant with specific molecular structure (formula 1) that changes the surface properties and interaction dynamics between components. This parameter change enables the system to simultaneously achieve stable discharge and maintain re-dispersion property.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a surfactant is added to water-based pigment ink to improve re-dispersion property, then re-dispersion property is improved, but chromaticness of recorded matter deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the concentration and chemical structure parameters of the surfactant (formula 1) to achieve the optimal balance point where re-dispersion property is improved without excessive impact on chromaticness. The specific molecular structure and controlled addition amount prevent over-suppression of pigment color intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The surfactant is applied locally and selectively to address only the re-dispersion issue without broadly affecting the chromatic properties. The specific formula (1) surfactant provides localized improvement in particle dispersion while minimizing systemic effect on color intensity.
Data Source
AI summary
A water-based ink for ink-jet recording includes: a pigment; water; 1,2-alkanediol; and a surfactant represented by the following general formula (1): R1CON(CH3)CH2CH2R2, wherein in the general formula (1), R1 is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 9 to 19 carbon atoms; the hydrocarbon group is straight chain or branched chain hydrocarbon group; R2 is SO3M or COOM; and M is Li, Na or K.