Inkjet Nozzle Plate Adhesion Layer with Chromium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle plates for inkjet heads face challenges with adhesion between constituent components, ink resistance, and abrasion resistance, particularly when exposed to alkaline inks and pigment inks.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle plate configuration that includes a substrate adhesion layer with a higher Cr concentration than the substrate, a base layer containing an inorganic oxide or carbon-containing oxide, and a liquid-repellent layer formed using a fluorine-containing coupling agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a silane coupling agent is used to form a liquid-repellent layer, then adhesion is improved, but alkali resistance deteriorates when the substrate has low hydroxy group density
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite liquid-repellent layer containing both silane coupling agent and fluorine-containing compound. The silane coupling agent provides adhesion to the substrate while the fluorine-containing compound provides liquid-repellent properties and alkali resistance. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of good adhesion and alkali resistance, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the liquid-repellent layer by incorporating fluorine-containing compounds with specific molecular structures (containing F, Si, and reactive functional groups). This parameter change enables the layer to maintain both adhesion and alkali resistance, as the fluorine-containing compound provides chemical stability against alkali while the silane coupling agent maintains bonding to the substrate.
2Ease of operation
If a liquid-repellent layer is formed to prevent ink adhesion, then ejection performance is improved, but abrasion resistance deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-repellent layer is formulated as a composite containing silane coupling agent and fluorine-containing compound. The fluorine-containing compound provides not only liquid-repellent properties for good ejection performance but also enhances abrasion resistance through its chemical stability and cross-linking capability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by providing both ejection performance and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-repellent layer is applied specifically around the nozzle holes where it is most needed for preventing ink adhesion. The layer contains localized concentrations of fluorine-containing compounds that provide both liquid-repellent and abrasion-resistant properties at the critical ejection surface, improving ejection performance while maintaining durability at the nozzle interface.
3Ease of operation
If maintenance operations are repeated over long periods, then ink residue is removed, but surface wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-repellent layer incorporates fluorine-containing compounds with high chemical stability and cross-linking density. This parameter change creates a surface layer that resists degradation from repeated maintenance operations. The cross-linked structure provides mechanical strength that prevents surface wear during wiping and maintenance activities, allowing long-term operation without significant surface degradation.
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 proposed nozzle plate design achieves excellent adhesion between components, enhanced ink resistance, and improved abrasion resistance, even under prolonged exposure to alkaline and pigment inks.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate adhesion layer with a higher Cr concentration than the substrate, the base layer containing at least an inorganic oxide or a carbon-containing oxide
Implementation Method 2
a liquid-repellent layer formed by using a coupling agent containing fluorine (F)
Implementation Method 3
the base layer is a layer containing at least an inorganic oxide or an oxide containing carbon (C)
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle plate includes a substrate having thereon at least a base layer and a liquid-repellent layer. A substrate adhesion layer is provided between the substrate and the base layer. A surface portion of the substrate adhesion layer has a higher concentration (atm %) of Cr than a surface portion of the substrate. The base layer is a layer containing at least an inorganic oxide or an oxide containing carbon (C). The liquid-repellent layer is a layer formed by using a coupling agent containing fluorine (F).