Inkjet Ink Formulation for Offset Suppression and Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges with image turbulence and offset issues due to ink penetrability and stability, particularly when the recording head is idle for extended periods, leading to instability in ink ejection and reduced image density.
Innovation Solution
An ink formulation comprising water, a pigment, a high penetrating agent (such as alkyl-substituted 1,3-hexanediol or 1,3-pentanediol), a penetrating agent (like C1-C4 monoalkyl ether of polyhydric alcohols), and moisturizing agents (glycerin and 1,3-propanediol) within specific concentration ranges, which enhances ink penetrability and stability, preventing offset and maintaining image density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the content of 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol is increased to improve penetrability, then offset is suppressed, but image density decreases due to excessive penetration of colorant into the recording medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol within the specific range of 0.5 to 2.5% by mass. This parameter change achieves the right balance where the penetrability is sufficient to suppress offset on the ejection roller, but not so high that the colorant penetrates excessively into the recording medium, thereby maintaining appropriate image density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (high penetrating agent) with other components including wetting agents, pigments, and solvents. This composite approach allows the high penetrating agent to suppress offset while the other components work together to maintain image density and prevent excessive colorant penetration.
2Ease of operation
If the recording head is left idle for a long period, then the system is ready for operation, but the wetting agent solidifies or the ink thickens, causing ejection instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol as a preventive measure against ink thickening and wetting agent solidification during idle periods. This preliminary action in the ink formulation maintains ink fluidity and prevents the deterioration of ejection stability, so that when the recording head is needed again, the ink is already in a ready-to-eject state without requiring extensive recovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol to replicate the fluidity and penetrability characteristics that would otherwise be lost during idle periods. This substance acts as a substitute that maintains the ink's flow properties, preventing the thickening and solidification that normally occur when the recording head is not in use.
3Productivity
If high-speed image formation is implemented to improve productivity, then image forming velocity increases, but offset occurs because the ink does not penetrate the recording medium before ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the penetrability parameter of the ink by incorporating 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol at 0.5 to 2.5% by mass. This parameter change enables the ink to penetrate the recording medium rapidly, matching the high-speed ejection rate and preventing offset even during high-speed image formation operations.
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 ink formulation effectively suppresses image turbulence, ensures stable ink ejection even after prolonged idle periods, and balances offset prevention with desired image density, making it suitable for high-speed image formation in inkjet recording apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
the high penetrating agent is an alkyl-substituted 1,3-hexanediol or an alkyl-substituted 1,3-pentanediol each having 8 carbon atoms... the penetrability of the ink into a recording medium
Implementation Method 2
the penetrating agent is a C1-C4 monoalkyl ether of a polyhydric alcohol... the penetrability of the ink into a recording medium
Implementation Method 3
the moisturizing agent is glycerin and 1,3-propanediol... the wetting agent may be solidified in the recording head or significant thickening of the ink may be caused
Data Source
AI summary
Water and a pigment, as well as a high penetrating agent, a penetrating agent and a moisturizing agent each having specific kind and amount are incorporated in an ink for an inkjet recording apparatus. The high penetrating agent is an alkyl-substituted 1,3-hexanediol or an alkyl-substituted 1,3-pentanediol each having 8 carbon atoms. The penetrating agent is a C1-C4 monoalkyl ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a C6-C8 monoalkyl ether of a polyhydric alcohol, or a polyhydric alcohol dibutyl ether. The moisturizing agent is glycerin and 1,3-propanediol.