Inkjet Ink Polymer for Image Density and Scratch Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet inks face challenges in achieving desired image density and scratch resistance while maintaining ejection stability from recording heads, as existing formulations often result in either inadequate dispersion of pigment particles or excessive aggregation, leading to suboptimal image quality and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet ink formulation includes a specific polymer with a composition of multiple repeating units, such as a salt-forming group, styrene-based monomers, and nonionic acrylic acid esters, combined with 1,2-pentanediol and 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol as water-soluble organic solvents, which balances hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity to achieve optimal pigment dispersion and aggregation, thereby enhancing image density and scratch resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional inkjet ink formulations are used, then pigment dispersion may be achieved, but image density and scratch resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite polymer structure containing four distinct repeating units (salt-forming group unit, styrene-based unit, macromer unit, and nonionic ester unit) that work synergistically. This composite polymer composition enables simultaneous achievement of high image density and excellent scratch resistance by balancing hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, resolving the contradiction between these two performance parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameter ranges: the salt-forming group repeating unit is controlled at 11-35% by mass, styrene-based monomer at 65-80% by mass, and water-soluble organic solvent at 10-30% by mass. These precise parameter adjustments enable the ink to achieve both high image density and superior scratch resistance, transforming the trade-off into a optimized performance state.
2Manufacturing precision
If pigment aggregation is increased to improve image density, then ejection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differentiation within the polymer structure by incorporating both hydrophobic segments (styrene-based units) that promote pigment aggregation for high image density, and hydrophilic segments (salt-forming groups and nonionic esters) that ensure ejection stability. This spatial differentiation of properties within the polymer molecule resolves the contradiction between image density and ejection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the salt-forming group repeating unit content at 11-35% by mass, which is sufficient to ensure ejection stability but not excessive to prevent pigment aggregation. This precise parameter control enables simultaneous achievement of both image density and ejection stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If polymer hydrophobicity is increased to enhance pigment aggregation, then ejection stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a composite polymer with balanced hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. The hydrophobic styrene-based units (65-80% by mass) promote pigment aggregation, while the hydrophilic salt-forming groups (11-35% by mass) and nonionic esters maintain ejection stability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between pigment aggregation and ejection stability.
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 achieves stable ejection from the recording head and forms images with desired image density and excellent scratch resistance due to the balanced polymer composition and solvent content, ensuring moderate pigment aggregation and optimal surface tension and viscosity.
Implementation Method 1
The specific polymer includes at least one first repeating unit derived from a monomer having a salt-forming group, at least one second repeating unit derived from a styrene-based monomer, at least one third repeating unit derived from a styrene-based macromer, and at least one fourth repeating unit derived from nonionic acrylic acid ester or nonionic methacrylic acid ester
Implementation Method 2
The water-soluble organic solvent includes 1,2-pentanediol and 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol. A total percentage content of the 1,2-pentanediol and the 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol is at least 10% by mass and no greater than 30% by mass to a mass of the inkjet ink
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet ink contains a pigment, a specific polymer, a water-soluble organic solvent, and water. The specific polymer includes at least one first repeating unit, at least one second repeating unit, at least one third repeating unit, and at least one fourth repeating unit. The first repeating unit is a repeating unit derived from a monomer having a salt-forming group. The second repeating unit is a repeating unit derived from a styrene-based monomer. The third repeating unit is a repeating unit derived from a styrene-based macromer having a polymerizable functional group at one end thereof. The fourth repeating unit is a repeating unit derived from nonionic acrylic acid ester or nonionic methacrylic acid ester.