Inkjet Ink Set Uniform Image Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet ink compositions struggle to achieve uniform image formation on low-absorbent and non-absorbent recording mediums, often resulting in unevenness due to differences in surface tension and viscosity between the inks.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet ink set comprises a white ink and a nonwhite ink, each formulated with specific components such as pigments, polysaccharides, glycol ether, and water, with carefully controlled surface tensions and viscosities to satisfy specific formulas, ensuring even wetting and spreading on the recording medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If water-based inkjet ink composition is used on low-absorbent and non-absorbent recording mediums, then image formation is achieved, but unevenness occurs due to improper surface tension and viscosity ratios between white ink and nonwhite ink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the surface tension and viscosity of the ink compositions. Specifically, the surface tension of the nonwhite ink is set to be 3-10 mN/m higher than that of the white ink, and the viscosity of the nonwhite ink is set to be 2-6 mPa·s higher than that of the white ink. These controlled parameter differences enable both inks to wet and spread uniformly on low-absorbent and non-absorbent recording mediums, eliminating unevenness in the formed images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the ink formulation to specific functional requirements. The white ink contains a first polysaccharide and glycol ether optimized for base layer formation, while the nonwhite ink contains a second polysaccharide optimized for color layer deposition. This localized optimization of composition properties for different ink types ensures that each ink performs its specific function optimally while maintaining compatibility with the recording medium.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional inkjet inks are used on low-absorbent recording mediums, then printing is possible, but wetting and spreading uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface tension and viscosity parameters of the ink compositions to achieve optimal wetting and spreading. By controlling the surface tension difference between white and nonwhite inks within 3-10 mN/m and viscosity difference within 2-6 mPa·s, the inks maintain appropriate flow characteristics on low-absorbent surfaces, ensuring uniform wetting and spreading without pooling or poor adhesion.
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 set effectively inhibits the occurrence of unevenness in images formed on low-absorbent and non-absorbent recording mediums by maintaining optimal surface tension and viscosity ratios, resulting in improved image quality and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
The white ink has a first surface tension of no greater than 30 mN/m. The first surface tension of the white ink and a second surface tension of the nonwhite ink satisfy formula (1): 3 mN/m≤Tc−Tw≤10 mN/m
Implementation Method 2
The white ink has a first viscosity of no greater than 5.0 mPa·s. The first viscosity of the white ink and a second viscosity of the nonwhite ink satisfy formula (2): 2.0mPa·s≤Vc−Vw≤6.0 mPa·s
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet ink set includes a white ink and a nonwhite ink. The white ink contains a white pigment, a first polysaccharide, glycol ether, and water. The nonwhite ink contains a nonwhite pigment, a second polysaccharide, and water. The white ink has a first surface tension of no greater than 30 mN/m. The first surface tension Tw of the white ink and a second surface tension Tc of the nonwhite ink satisfy formula (1) “3 mN/m≤Tc−Tw≤10 mN/m”. The white ink has a first viscosity of no greater than 5.0 mPa·s. The first viscosity Vw of the white ink and a second viscosity Vc of the nonwhite ink satisfy formula (2) “2.0 mPa·s≤Vc−Vw≤6.0 mPa·s”.