Inkjet Recording Medium Bonding Layer UV Inhibitor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet recording media face challenges in achieving high optical density, excellent image clarity, and light fastness, particularly due to surface unevenness in cellulose-based substrates and increased light reflection in resin-based substrates, which affect adhesion and cutting processability.

Innovation Solution

An inkjet recording medium is developed with a substrate comprising a resin layer, a bonding layer containing an ultraviolet inhibitor, and an ink-receiving layer, where the bonding layer has a UV inhibitor content of 5.0% to 35.0% by mass, enhancing adhesion and light fastness while maintaining high surface glossiness and image clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a resin layer is used as substrate to achieve smooth surface and high image clarity, then image clarity is improved, but light reflection increases reducing light fastness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoidlight reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A bonding layer containing ultraviolet inhibitor is introduced as an intermediary between the resin layer and ink-receiving layer. This bonding layer absorbs ultraviolet light, preventing it from reaching and reflecting off the resin layer, thus reducing light reflection while maintaining the smooth surface and image clarity provided by the resin substrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If ultraviolet inhibitor content in bonding layer is increased to improve light fastness, then light fastness is improved, but adhesion may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight fastnessVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ultraviolet inhibitor content in the bonding layer is optimized to a specific range (5.0-35.0% by mass). This parameter optimization ensures sufficient ultraviolet absorption for improved light fastness while maintaining appropriate adhesion properties. The bonding layer also contains specific resin components (polyester resin 30-80 parts, polyolefin resin 20-70 parts) that work synergistically with the ultraviolet inhibitor to balance both light fastness and adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If bonding layer contains ultraviolet inhibitor to reduce light reflection, then light fastness is improved, but surface glossiness may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight fastnessVSAvoidsurface glossiness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The ultraviolet inhibitor is localized specifically in the bonding layer rather than being distributed throughout the entire recording medium. This local placement allows the bonding layer to absorb ultraviolet light and improve light fastness while the resin layer maintains its smooth surface structure and high glossiness properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Manufacturing precision

If resin layer surface is smoothed to improve image clarity, then image clarity is improved, but adhesion and cutting processability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoidcutting processability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding layer acts as an intermediary between the smooth resin layer and the ink-receiving layer. It provides a surface that maintains sufficient adhesion for cutting processability while allowing the resin layer to remain smooth for image clarity. The bonding layer's specific composition (resin and ultraviolet inhibitor) creates an optimal interface for both requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 improves image clarity, light fastness, and cutting processability by optimizing the bonding layer's UV inhibitor content, ensuring excellent coloring properties and surface smoothness without compromising transparency or ink absorption.

Implementation Method 1

the bonding layer contains an ultraviolet inhibitor, and a content (% by mass) of the ultraviolet inhibitor in the bonding layer is 5.0% by mass or more and 35.0% by mass or less

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11413897B2Inkjet recording medium
Publication Date: 2022.08.16 CANON KK

AI summary

An inkjet recording medium includes a substrate having a resin layer, a bonding layer disposed on the resin layer, and an ink-receiving layer disposed on the bonding layer. The surface of the inkjet recording medium on the ink-receiving layer side of the inkjet recording medium has a 20° glossiness of 13.0 or more. The bonding layer contains an ultraviolet inhibitor at a content of 5.0% by mass or more and 35.0% by mass or less based on the total mass of the bonding layer.