Inkjet Ink Composition Stabilizing Pigment via Co-Solvent
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Solution Overview
Problem
High solvent levels in latex inks for inkjet printing can lead to shelf-life stability issues and performance problems due to pigment aggregation and nozzle clogging, while polymer dispersants may affect ink durability and jettability.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous inkjet ink composition is developed, incorporating a yellow azo pigment, a pigment synergist, a polymeric dispersant, and a latex polymer, along with an organic co-solvent, which stabilizes the pigment and improves image durability on non-porous media by controlling the solvent levels and surface energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high solvent levels are used in latex inks, then the ink composition can maintain stability during storage, but pigment aggregation and nozzle clogging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the solvent level within a specific range (5-50 wt%) and adjusting the glass transition temperature of the latex polymer to optimize the balance between storage stability and prevention of pigment aggregation. This quantitative parameter control resolves the contradiction between maintaining ink stability and preventing performance issues.
2Stability of the object's composition
If polymer dispersants are added to stabilize pigment, then pigment aggregation is reduced, but ink durability and jettability are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing the glass transition temperature of the latex polymer and controlling pigment concentration ranges to achieve pigment stability without relying on polymer dispersants that would compromise image durability and printing performance.
3Reliability
If latex polymer is used to bind colorant on non-porous media, then image durability is improved, but the ink composition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the glass transition temperature of the latex polymer within a specific range and optimizing the solids content percentage to achieve effective colorant binding on non-porous media while maintaining relatively simple ink composition.
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 provides stable images on non-porous media with improved durability and reliability, reducing pigment aggregation and nozzle clogging, and maintaining high jettability and decap performance.
Implementation Method 1
an organic co-solvent, which stabilizes the pigment
Implementation Method 2
drying is evaporative, leaving the deposited colorant on the surface of the media
Implementation Method 3
the latex component may form a film on a media surface, entrapping and protecting the colorant within the film
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect the present disclosure relates to an aqueous inkjet ink composition comprising a yellow azo pigment, a pigment synergist, a polymeric dispersant, 5 to 20 wt % of a latex polymer, 5 to 40 wt % of an organic co-solvent that has a boiling point of a boiling point in the range of about 170° C. to about 285° C., and water. The pigment synergist comprises a pigment of the formula (I):where each of R1 to R10 is each independently selected from H, carboxylate, and/or a sulphonate group.