Inkjet Ink Composition for Fast Cure and Water Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet inks for food packaging face challenges in achieving high cure speed and water resistance while maintaining ink stability, particularly due to solubility issues between photoinitiators and low polarity monomers, leading to print engine failures.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet ink formulation comprising 10-50% low polarity monomers with logP octanol/water values of 5.0 or more and 0.5-4.5% high polarity photoinitiators with logP octanol/water values less than 4.0, ensuring compatibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional inkjet inks are used, then the ink can be deposited onto substrates, but the ink dries unevenly and forms defects such as drying spots and streaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating specific ratios of carboxylic acid derivatives and solvents with controlled volatility. This parameter adjustment ensures uniform evaporation rates and prevents localized drying defects while maintaining proper ink flow and deposition characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite ink formulation combining multiple carboxylic acid derivatives (such as acetylacetone, acetoacetic acid ester, and other ketone-containing compounds) with specific solvents. This composite approach creates synergistic effects that improve drying uniformity and eliminate defects while maintaining ink performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional inkjet inks are used, then the ink can be deposited onto substrates, but the ink contains harmful substances that are difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reformulates the ink by changing the chemical composition to use biodegradable carboxylic acid derivatives and safe solvents. This parameter change maintains the ink's deposition capability while eliminating harmful substances, allowing the ink to be easily removed or degraded after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs temporary, biodegradable ink components that can be safely discarded or degraded after serving their purpose. The carboxylic acid derivatives and solvents are designed to break down naturally, eliminating the need for complex removal processes and reducing environmental harm.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional inkjet inks are used, then the ink can be deposited onto substrates, but the ink has poor flow properties and forms defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the viscosity and surface tension parameters of the ink by selecting specific carboxylic acid derivatives and solvent combinations. This creates optimal flow properties that prevent defects such as clogging, uneven deposition, and drying spots while maintaining proper ink jetting performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses carboxylic acid derivatives as intermediary substances that mediate between the inkjet system and the substrate. These compounds improve wetting, control flow, and ensure uniform deposition while preventing defects and facilitating easy removal after use.
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 formulation provides good water resistance and high cure speed without causing print engine failure, maintaining ink stability and preventing photoinitiator precipitation.
Implementation Method 1
a ink jet system is used to deposit the ink onto the substrate
Implementation Method 2
the ink dries unevenly and forms defects such as drying spots and streaks
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an inkjet ink comprising: 10-50% by weight of one or more monomers each having a logPoctanol/water value of 5.0 or more, based on the total weight of the ink; a photoinitiator package comprising one or more photoinitiators each having a logPoctanol/water value of less than 4.0, and one or more photoinitiators selected from (I) and mixtures thereof, wherein n is a value from 1 to 10 and a+b+c is a value from 1 to 20; and wherein the one or more photoinitiators each having a logPoctanol/water value of less than 4.0 are present in the ink in an amount of 0.5-4.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the ink. The present invention also provides a method of printing the inkjet ink of the present invention.