Inkjet Printing Ink Composition for High-Speed UV Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing methods struggle to achieve high-speed printing with high-quality images due to the challenges of maintaining fast cure speeds while minimizing film shrinkage and substrate embrittlement, which are often compromised by the inclusion of monofunctional and multifunctional monomers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating N-vinyl monomers such as N-vinyl caprolactam, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, and difunctional monomers with a radical photoinitiator in the ink formulation, allowing for high-speed curing at 70 m/min or more without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multifunctional monomers are included to increase cure speed, then cure speed is improved, but viscosity increases and adhesion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the monomer system by using a specific combination of difunctional monomers (with different functional group types) and controlling their ratio, thereby achieving fast cure speed without the negative effects of multifunctional monomers on viscosity and adhesion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite monomer system combining multiple difunctional monomers with different characteristics (acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl ether, divinyl ether) to achieve synergistic effects that provide both fast curing and good adhesion without the drawbacks of individual multifunctional monomers
2Strength
If monofunctional monomers are included to reduce film shrinkage, then adhesion is improved, but cure speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the functional composition parameter by using exclusively difunctional monomers with different functional groups, which provides both fast curing capability and adequate adhesion without needing slow-curing monofunctional monomers
3Speed
If radiation-curable oligomers are included to increase cure speed, then cure speed is improved, but film shrinkage increases causing substrate embrittlement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight and functionality parameters by using low molecular weight difunctional monomers instead of high molecular weight oligomers, achieving fast cure speed with minimal film shrinkage and no substrate embrittlement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, low molecular weight difunctional monomers that provide sufficient curing functionality without the excessive shrinkage problems of oligomers, effectively replacing complex oligomer systems with simpler monomer combinations
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 method achieves high cure speeds while maintaining image quality, reducing viscosity, and enhancing adhesion and flexibility, overcoming the limitations of traditional monomer combinations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more difunctional monomers; and a radical photoinitiator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of inkjet printing, comprising: (i) inkjet printing an inkjet ink on to a substrate, wherein the ink comprises: an N-vinyl monomer selected from N-vinyl caprolactam, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, N-vinyl piperidone, N-vinyl carbazole, N-vinyl formamide, N-vinyl indole, N-vinyl imidazole, N-vinyl acetamide, and mixtures thereof; one or more difunctional monomers; and a radical photoinitiator; and (ii) curing the ink by exposing the printed ink to a UV radiation source, wherein the UV radiation source moves relative to the substrate at a speed of 70 m/min or more.