Inkjet Image Fixability on Coated Paper via Polyurethane Resin After-Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming methods for commercial printing on coated papers fail to achieve good fixability and anti-blocking due to the papers' low water absorbability, which affects the quality of inkjet-printed images.
Innovation Solution
An image forming method involving the discharge of an inkjet ink containing water-dispersible pigments, wetters, surfactants, and penetrants, followed by an after-treatment liquid with water-dispersible polyurethane resin and waxes, specifically designed to improve image adherence and resistance on coated papers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an aqueous ink set is used on coated papers for commercial printing, then the inkjet recording can be performed, but the images have poor fixability and anti-blocking due to low water absorbability of the coated papers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific after-treatment liquid as an intermediary substance between the aqueous ink and the coated paper. This after-treatment liquid contains polyurethane resin, polyester resin, and wax components that act as mediators to improve image fixability and anti-blocking properties on water-resistant coated papers without requiring the paper to absorb water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the after-treatment liquid, specifically incorporating polyurethane resin with specific molecular weight, polyester resin, and wax components in controlled ratios. These parameter changes enable the after-treatment liquid to provide both fixability and anti-blocking properties that standard aqueous ink systems cannot achieve alone
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coated papers for commercial printing are used, then the commercial printing requirement is met, but the images cannot achieve good anti-friction and fixability
Solution Approach 1:
The after-treatment liquid serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the requirements of commercial printing (using coated papers) and the need for high-quality image fixability and anti-friction properties. The specific formulation of polyurethane resin, polyester resin, and wax components in the after-treatment liquid enables both commercial printing applicability and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The after-treatment liquid employs a composite material system combining polyurethane resin, polyester resin, and wax components. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each material: polyurethane for adhesion, polyester for durability, and wax for anti-friction and anti-blocking, thereby achieving high-quality images on commercially viable coated papers
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 method effectively enhances image fixability and anti-blocking on coated papers, ensuring high-quality prints with improved durability and resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the dispersed phase of the water-dispersible polyurethane resin dispersed in the water has a median diameter of from 0.01 to 0.10 μm
Implementation Method 2
an inkjet ink including a water-dispersible pigment, a wetter, a surfactant, a penetrant and water
Implementation Method 3
a penetrant and water on a surface of a recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming method includes discharging an Inkjet ink including a water-dispersible colorant, a wetter, a surfactant, a penetrant and water on a surface of a recording medium; and applying an after-treatment liquid including a water-dispersible polyurethane resin having a median diameter of from 0.01 to 0.10 µm, water and at least one of a polyethylene wax and a paraffin wax on the surface of the recording medium on which the inkjet ink is discharged.