Aqueous Inkjet Ink Composition for Fast Drying on Non-Absorbent Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous inkjet ink compositions face issues with poor drying properties on non-absorbent print media, leading to decreased image quality due to reduced permeation and drying of water-soluble solvents, particularly on coated papers and polyvinyl chloride sheets.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous inkjet ink composition comprising specific solvents with defined boiling points and hydroxy/methoxy groups, combined with an alkali-soluble resin, surfactant, and water, to balance storage stability, ejection stability, and drying properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional aqueous inkjet ink compositions are used on non-absorbent print media, then storage stability and ejection stability are maintained, but drying property of the coating film deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the water-soluble solvent by specifying precise ratios of solvent a (2-20 mass%) and solvent b (80-98 mass%), where solvent a contains 2 or more hydroxy groups and solvent b contains 1 or more methoxy groups. This parameter optimization enables the coating film to dry properly on non-absorbent media while preserving storage and ejection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite solvent system combining solvent a (with multiple hydroxy groups) and solvent b (with methoxy groups) in specific proportions. This composite approach creates a synergistic effect where the combination of solvents provides both adequate permeation for drying and sufficient stability for storage and ejection, resolving the contradiction between these properties.
2Productivity
If water-soluble solvent permeation is reduced on non-absorbent media, then coating film drying is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to smearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the physical and chemical parameters of the solvent system, specifically the boiling points (100-200°C), hydroxy group content (2 or more for solvent a), and methoxy group content (1 or more for solvent b). These parameter adjustments enable controlled solvent evaporation rates that prevent smearing while ensuring complete drying on non-absorbent media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific solvent components (solvent a with hydroxy groups and solvent b with methoxy groups) as intermediaries that mediate between the ink composition and the non-absorbent media. These solvents act as transfer agents that enable adequate permeation for drying while controlling evaporation to prevent smearing, thus improving image quality.
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 composition achieves improved drying properties on non-absorbent media while maintaining storage and ejection stability, enhancing image quality on various print materials.
Implementation Method 1
the permeation drying of the water-soluble solvent of an aqueous inkjet ink composition is less likely to occur
Implementation Method 2
a primer composition containing an aggregation accelerator that accelerates aggregation of the aqueous inkjet ink composition
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous inkjet ink composition including a pigment, an alkali-soluble resin, a surfactant, a water-soluble solvent, and water. The water-soluble solvent contains a solvent A having a boiling point of 100° C. or more and 200° C. or less at 1 atm and 4 or less carbon atoms and 2 or more hydroxy groups in a molecule, and a solvent B having a boiling point of 100° C. or more and 200° C. or less at 1 atm and 4 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, 1 or less hydroxy groups, and 1 or more methoxy groups in a molecule, and the aqueous inkjet ink composition has a total percentage of the solvent a and the solvent b of 20% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. The aqueous inkjet ink composition has good storage stability, ejection stability, and drying property of the coating film.