Ink Formulation Wax Solubility Nozzle Clogging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges in achieving high image fixability, abrasion resistance, and stability due to pigment adherence issues on plain paper, with added wax causing nozzle clogging and discharging instability.
Innovation Solution
An ink formulation incorporating a pigment, a water-soluble solvent with an SP value of 9.0 to 11.0, and wax, with a specific mass ratio of wax to solvent, improving compatibility and stability while preventing wax precipitation in nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wax is added to improve image fixability, then image fixability and abrasion resistance are improved, but wax precipitates in nozzles causing discharging instability
Solution Approach 1:
A water-soluble surfactant is introduced as an intermediary substance to mediate between the wax and water-based ink components. The surfactant forms micelles that solubilize wax molecules, preventing their precipitation in nozzles while still allowing the wax to provide its fixability function on the printed image.
Solution Approach 2:
The solubility parameters of the ink formulation are changed by selecting specific water-soluble solvents and surfactants with appropriate HLB values and critical micelle concentrations. This allows the wax to remain solubilized under inkjet operating conditions while maintaining its functionality on the printed surface.
2Strength
If a large amount of resins is added to improve binding property, then pigment binding is improved, but the ink formulation becomes complex and may affect discharging stability
Solution Approach 1:
The function of resin binding is extracted and replaced by using inorganic particles with surface treatments that provide binding functionality without requiring large amounts of organic resin. This simplifies the ink formulation while maintaining pigment binding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Composite inorganic particles are used that combine multiple functions: pigment binding, dispersion stability, and controlled release. These composite particles replace complex resin systems with a simpler inorganic-based solution.
3Quantity of substance
If pigments are placed on the surface of plain paper to achieve high image density, then image density and saturation are improved, but image fixability deteriorates because pigments easily come off
Solution Approach 1:
Composite inorganic particles combining pigment with binder materials are used to create a unified structure that provides both high density and strong adhesion. The inorganic composite particles prevent pigment detachment while maintaining surface concentration for high image density.
Solution Approach 2:
The pigment particles are segmented into smaller sizes with controlled surface properties, allowing them to pack more densely on the paper surface while individual particles maintain strong adhesion through surface treatment.
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
Enhances image fixability, abrasion resistance, and storage stability while maintaining discharging stability, preventing wax precipitation in nozzles and ensuring consistent ink performance.
Implementation Method 1
a water soluble solvent including a solvent having an SP value of from 9.0 to 11.0
Data Source
AI summary
An ink includes a pigment, a wax, a water soluble solvent including a solvent having an SP value of from 9.0 to 11.0, and water, wherein the mass ratio of the content of the wax in the ink to the content of the solvent having an SP value of from 9.0 to 11.0 is in a range of from 1.0:2.5 to 1.0:25.0.