Inkjet Recording Method Using Clear Ink Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording methods face challenges in achieving high-quality images on non- or low-absorbable recording media, such as printing paper and plastic films, due to bleeding and beading issues caused by poor ink permeability and surface tension, leading to increased manufacturing costs and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording method using a clear ink composition containing an amino group-containing resin, a sparingly water-soluble alkanediol, and a wetting agent that is solid at 20°C and 60% relative humidity, which is applied and then heated to reduce surface tension and improve ink permeability, thereby preventing bleeding and beading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If aqueous pigment ink is used on printing paper with poor ink-absorbing ability, then image quality deteriorates due to bleeding or beading, but using exclusive paper increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating a specific polyol compound (1,3-propanediol) at controlled concentrations (0.1-10% by mass), along with surfactants and pigments, to modify the ink's interaction with the printing paper surface, enabling high-quality images without requiring expensive exclusive paper
Solution Approach 2:
The polyol compound acts as an intermediary substance between the aqueous pigment ink and the printing paper coating layer, facilitating controlled ink penetration and preventing both excessive bleeding and beading, thereby achieving image quality comparable to or better than exclusive paper on standard printing paper
2Reliability
If aqueous ink is used on non- or low-absorbable recording media, then bleeding or beading occurs due to poor ink permeability, but using exclusive paper increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the ink's physical and chemical parameters by incorporating 1,3-propanediol, surfactants, and specific pigment concentrations to control surface tension and penetration rate, ensuring uniform ink distribution on non- or low-absorbable media without requiring expensive specialized paper
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the use of standard, inexpensive printing paper as a disposable recording medium by formulating ink that performs reliably on such media, eliminating the need for costly exclusive paper that would otherwise be required for consistent image quality
3Adaptability or versatility
If ink is applied on plastic film without void structure, then bleeding or beading occurs due to poor ink-absorbing capacity, but recording on such media is desired for outdoor advertisement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adjusts the ink formulation parameters including polyol concentration, surfactant types and amounts, and pigment selection to optimize performance on plastic film surfaces, achieving both adaptability to diverse media and high image quality without bleeding or beading
Solution Approach 2:
The ink formulation achieves multi-functionality by being optimized to perform reliably on multiple types of recording media including printing paper, synthetic paper with void structures, and plastic films without void structures, enabling universal application across different outdoor advertisement requirements
4Manufacturing precision
If clear ink composition is heated to improve ink permeability, then surface tension decreases and bleeding is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink to include 1,3-propanediol and surfactants that reduce surface tension and improve permeability at lower temperatures, thereby maintaining effective ink penetration while minimizing the heating energy required
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial heating (moderate temperature treatment) rather than extensive high-temperature processing, achieving sufficient ink permeability and bleeding prevention through controlled, limited thermal energy input that reduces overall energy consumption
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 enables the formation of high-quality images with excellent granularity and curl suppression on various recording media, including non- or low-absorbable surfaces, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
heating the applied clear ink composition... to reduce surface tension and improve ink permeability
Implementation Method 2
includes processes of applying a clear ink composition and of heating the applied clear ink composition
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording method using a clear ink composition includes processes of applying the clear ink composition and of heating the applied clear ink composition, wherein the clear ink composition contains an amino group-containing resin, water, a sparingly water soluble alkanediol, and a wetting agent which is solid at 20° C. and 60% relative humidity.