Inkjet Ink Metallic Luster Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink containing metallic glitter pigments for achieving metallic luster by inkjet methods faces challenges such as absorption issues in porous substrates, discoloration due to light exposure, and instability in color and luster retention.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ink comprising a water-soluble organic solvent, a glittery pigment with a median size less than 300 nm, and a polycarbonate-based urethane resin, which enhances luster, chromaticity, and light resistance when used in an inkjet method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a glittery pigment with metallic luster is used to achieve metallic luster in inkjet images, then the luster and gorgeous impression are improved, but the ink becomes unstable in color and luster retention and prone to discoloration due to light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific binder resin as an intermediary substance between the glittery pigment and the aqueous solvent. This binder resin, with controlled hydrophilicity-lipophilicity balance and molecular weight, stabilizes the pigment particles and prevents direct interaction between the pigment and environmental factors causing discoloration, thereby maintaining both luster and color stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the hydrophilicity-lipophilicity balance of the binder resin, the molecular weight distribution, and the pigment particle size. By carefully controlling these parameters, the ink achieves both high metallic luster and improved stability against light-induced discoloration
2Illumination intensity
If a glittery pigment is used in porous substrates to achieve metallic luster, then the luster effect is improved, but absorption issues occur leading to instability in color and luster retention
Solution Approach 1:
The binder resin serves as a protective intermediary layer that prevents excessive absorption of the glittery pigment into the porous substrate. This intermediary layer controls the release and positioning of pigment particles, ensuring stable color and luster retention while maintaining the desired metallic luster effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of the substrate in a controlled manner by designing the binder resin to interact with the porous structure. The binder resin fills and stabilizes within the pores, preventing uncontrolled pigment absorption while allowing sufficient adhesion to the substrate surface
Data Source
AI summary
An ink contains a water-soluble organic solvent, a glittery pigment having a median size less than 300 nm, and a polycarbonate-based urethane resin.