Alcohol-Based Inkjet Ink Composition to Prevent Pigment Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet inks containing sodium copper chlorophyllin and alcohol form aggregates during long-term storage, leading to blockages in the inkjet head and head failure.
Innovation Solution
Formulating inkjet inks with specific concentrations of sodium copper chlorophyllin and monovalent alcohols like ethanol or 1-propanol, within defined ranges, to prevent aggregate formation and maintain printability over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If inkjet ink containing sodium copper chlorophyllin and alcohol is stored for long period, then pigment dispersion is achieved, but aggregates form causing blockages in inkjet head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the concentration ranges of sodium copper chlorophyllin (1-15 mass%) and monovalent alcohol (6.5-20 mass% for ethanol, 6.5-15 mass% for 1-propanol). This optimization of chemical parameters prevents aggregate formation during long-term storage while maintaining pigment dispersion, thereby resolving the contradiction between composition stability and inkjet head reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material formulation by combining sodium copper chlorophyllin pigment with specific monovalent alcohols (ethanol or 1-propanol) in optimized ratios. This composite approach creates a stable ink system where the alcohol acts as both solvent and dispersing agent, preventing aggregation while maintaining reliability during storage
2Quantity of substance
If concentration of sodium copper chlorophyllin is increased to improve color intensity, then pigment effectiveness increases, but aggregate formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the sodium copper chlorophyllin concentration parameter within the range of 1-15 mass%, preventing both insufficient color intensity and excessive aggregate formation. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between pigment effectiveness and composition stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces monovalent alcohol (ethanol or 1-propanol) as an intermediary substance that mediates between the pigment particles and the ink matrix. This intermediary prevents direct pigment-particle aggregation while maintaining color intensity, resolving the contradiction between quantity and stability
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an inkjet ink in which a food pigment comprising at least sodium copper chlorophyllin is dispersed in a dispersion medium comprising alcohol. An inkjet ink according to the present embodiment comprises a pigment and a monovalent alcohol, wherein the pigment consists solely of sodium copper chlorophyllin; the monovalent alcohol consists solely of ethanol or solely of 1-propanol; the sodium copper chlorophyllin has a concentration in the range of 1 mass % or more and 15 mass % or less relative to the total mass of the ink; the ethanol has a concentration in the range of 6.5 mass % or more and 20 mass % or less relative to the total mass of the ink; and the 1-propanol has a concentration in the range of 6.5 mass % or more and 15 mass % or less relative to the total mass of the ink.