Impermeable-Base Inkjet Ink Composition for Retort-Resistant Laminates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink jet inks for impermeable base materials fail to provide adequate retort resistance, which is the resistance to heating and pressurization sterilization at temperatures of 100°C or higher, when used to create laminates.

Innovation Solution

An ink jet ink composition comprising water, a pigment, a pigment dispersing resin with a first urethane resin, and resin particles with a second urethane resin, where both resins contain polyol units without acid groups and have a glass transition temperature difference of 40°C or lower, along with a specific acid value range, is used to improve the retort resistance of laminates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ink jet ink is used for impermeable base material, then image recording is achieved, but retort resistance of the laminate is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretort resistanceVSAvoidink composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ink jet ink employs a composite resin system comprising both urethane resin and polyester resin, where the urethane resin provides flexibility and adhesion while the polyester resin contributes to heat resistance and dimensional stability. This composite approach enables the ink film to withstand retort treatment (100°C or higher heating and pressurization) without causing laminate floating or peeling, thereby achieving reliable retort resistance while maintaining manufacturability through established ink formulation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If urethane resin is used to improve flexibility and adhesion, then lamination floating is reduced, but heat resistance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidheat resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the glass transition temperature difference between the urethane resin and polyester resin components to 40°C or lower, and specifies that both resins must contain polyol units without acid groups with a proportion of 60 mol% or more. This parameter optimization ensures that the urethane resin provides necessary flexibility and adhesion while the polyester resin component maintains heat resistance, allowing the ink film to withstand retort treatment without compromising either adhesion or thermal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition enhances the flexibility and adhesion of the laminate, reducing lamination floating during retort treatment, thereby improving the retort resistance of the laminate.

Implementation Method 1

the ink composition enhances the flexibility and adhesion of the laminate, reducing lamination floating during retort treatment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a pigment dispersing resin containing a first urethane resin, and resin particles containing a second urethane resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

resistance to heating and pressurization sterilization at a temperature of 100° C. or higher

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 4

the retort resistance is resistance to treatment under more severe temperature conditions and more severe pressure conditions than the boiling resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress relaxation: Stress Relaxation

Data Source

PatentUS20260098170A1Ink jet ink for impermeable base material, ink set, image recording method, and method of producing laminate
Publication Date: 2026.04.09 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

There is provided an ink jet ink for an impermeable base material, which can improve retort resistance of a laminate obtained by laminating a base material for lamination on an image of an image recorded material obtained by applying an ink jet ink onto an impermeable base material to record an image.