Inkjet Ink Formulation Using Biodegradable Solvents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet inks pose health and environmental risks due to the use of toxic and hazardous chemicals, such as solvents and surfactants, which are not environmentally friendly and require stringent safety measures, limiting their versatility and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
Development of inkjet ink compositions using biologically derived solvents like ethyl lactate and cellulose-based polymers, which are less toxic and environmentally harmful, allowing for broad substrate compatibility and durability under various environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional toxic chemicals (solvents, surfactants) are used in inkjet inks, then ink performance and substrate adhesion are improved, but human health and environmental safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing toxic solvents (ethylene glycol ethers, benzyl alcohol) and surfactants (nonylphenol ethoxylates) with non-toxic alternatives. This substitution maintains the functional performance of the ink while eliminating harmful effects on human health and the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful chemical components into beneficial non-toxic alternatives. By using biodegradable and non-toxic solvents and surfactants, the ink formulation maintains its effectiveness in substrate adhesion and printing performance while eliminating the harmful effects that previously required ventilation and safety measures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If toxic chemicals are used in inkjet inks, then ink formulation compatibility with printing equipment is improved, but ventilation requirements and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the ink formulation by using non-toxic solvents and surfactants. This change maintains compatibility with printing equipment while eliminating the need for expensive ventilation systems and safety infrastructure, thereby reducing production costs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-toxic biologically derived solvents are used in inkjet inks, then human health and environmental safety are improved, but ink formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition to use biologically derived solvents like ethyl lactate. While these solvents have different properties than conventional toxic solvents, the formulation is optimized to maintain proper viscosity, adhesion, and printing performance, thereby managing the formulation complexity through careful parameter selection.
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 new inkjet inks reduce human and environmental exposure to harmful chemicals, lower production costs, and provide improved safety measures, while maintaining adhesion to a wide range of substrates and durability in challenging outdoor conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Common methods of controlling the projection of ink droplets in drop-on-demand printing include piezoelectric transducers
Implementation Method 2
Common methods of controlling the projection of ink droplets in drop-on-demand printing include thermal bubble formation
Implementation Method 3
the ability to adhere to specific types of substrate materials
Implementation Method 4
the liquid carrier includes a biologically derived solvent, such as ethyl lactate
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions for inkjet inks, methods for applying the ink to a surface of a substrate, and articles that include indicia printed with the ink. The inkjet inks include a cellulose polymer and a liquid carrier. Unlike currently available commercial inks, the inkjet inks of this invention can be formulated with less toxic ingredients, thus reducing the risks of negative impact on environmental quality and the health and safety of workers who use the inks.