Inkjet Nozzle Plate Erosion Control via Silicate Ink and SiO2 Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous ink compositions face challenges in achieving high-quality image formation due to poor pigment dispersibility and nozzle plate deterioration in inkjet heads, particularly when containing polymer particles, leading to erosion and reduced ejection precision.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inorganic silicate compound in the ink composition and coating the nozzle plate with a metal oxide or nitride film, such as SiO2, to prevent erosion and enhance ejection properties, allowing for higher precision images like 1200 dpi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an aqueous ink composition is used, then environmental protection and resource conservation are improved, but pigment dispersibility and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polymer particles as an intermediary substance in the aqueous ink composition. These polymer particles serve as carriers for pigments, improving their dispersibility in the aqueous medium. The polymer particles have specific properties (size distribution, surface characteristics) that enable them to mediate between the hydrophobic pigment and the hydrophilous aqueous vehicle, thereby maintaining image quality while using environmentally friendly aqueous inks
2Stability of the object's composition
If polymer particles are added to improve pigment dispersibility, then pigment distribution is improved, but nozzle plate erosion and ejection precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the parameters of polymer particles, including their size (0.01-10 μm), size distribution, and concentration in the ink composition. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves sufficient pigment dispersibility while minimizing the abrasive effect on the nozzle plate. The specific parameter ranges are designed to balance dispersibility improvement with nozzle plate protection
3Strength
If colloidal silica is added to improve abrasion resistance, then image durability is improved, but ejection properties and clarity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces colloidal silica with polymer particles that replicate the protective function without the harmful side effects. The polymer particles provide abrasion resistance through their own structural properties and interaction with the nozzle plate surface, rather than through the abrasive mechanism of colloidal silica. This substitution maintains ejection precision and ink clarity while achieving the desired durability
4Measurement precision
If higher ejection precision is achieved for high-resolution imaging, then image precision is improved, but nozzle plate deterioration accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective polymer particles into the ink composition before use, which preemptively protect the nozzle plate from erosion during high-precision ejection operations. These particles form a protective layer or modify the ejection dynamics in advance, preventing direct contact and damage between the ink jet and the nozzle plate, thereby extending the nozzle plate's service life while maintaining high ejection precision
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 solution effectively prevents nozzle plate erosion, stabilizes ink ejection, and achieves high-quality, precise images with improved abrasion resistance and ejection reliability.
Implementation Method 1
ink containing an inorganic silicate compound is ejected to form an image from an inkjet head having a nozzle plate where SiO2 film is provided on a surface
Implementation Method 2
nozzle plate where SiO2 film is provided on a surface thereof at a side toward the ink ejection direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an image forming method and an ink composition used in the method by which deterioration of a head plate which is formed of silicon is suppressed and more precise images are stably formed, where ink containing an inorganic silicate compound is ejected to form an image from an inkjet head having a nozzle plate where SiO2 film is provided on a surface thereof at a side toward the ink ejection direction of the nozzle.