Inkjet Recording Method with Glossiness Liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording methods face challenges in producing high-quality, durable images with good glossiness and abrasion resistance at low costs, as they struggle with ink absorption, drying speed, and image durability on various recording media, particularly when compared to offset printing methods.
Innovation Solution
An image recording method involving the use of a pigment ink with a surfactant and water, having a solid content of not lower than 6% by weight, is ejected onto a recording medium with cellulose pulp as the substrate, followed by a glossiness imparting liquid application, which includes a UV crosslinkable material, to achieve high-quality and reliable images with improved durability and glossiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If void-structure type recording media are used to improve ink drying speed and image quality, then ink absorbing property and glossiness are improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to expensive fillers and complex preparation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the recording medium by incorporating specific compounds (metal salts, organic compounds with carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amino groups) into the coating layer, transforming it from a simple physical void structure to a chemically active surface that provides both rapid ink absorption and durability without requiring expensive fillers
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite coating layer combining cellulose derivatives with metal salts and organic compounds, achieving synergistic effects where the composite structure provides both the ink absorption capability of void structures and the image durability of chemical bonding, while using cost-effective materials
2Adaptability or versatility
If images are formed on the surface of recording media to enable inkjet printing, then printing flexibility is improved, but image durability and rubbing resistance deteriorate compared to photographic images
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a pre-treatment coating layer to the recording medium before image formation, which creates a chemically active surface that bonds with the ink or pigment particles. This preliminary chemical preparation ensures that subsequent images gain durability and rubbing resistance without requiring deep penetration into the substrate
Solution Approach 2:
The coating layer acts as an intermediary between the ink/pigment and the substrate, providing chemical groups that form bonding bridges. This intermediary layer enables surface-based images to achieve durability comparable to or exceeding traditional photographic processes while maintaining inkjet printing flexibility
3Ease of manufacture
If cast coated papers are used for offset printing to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ink absorption and drying performance deteriorate when used for inkjet printing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the surface parameters of cost-effective cast coated papers by adding a functional coating layer containing metal salts and organic compounds. This transforms the inert surface of conventional coated papers into an actively ink-absorbing surface that enables rapid drying and durable images while maintaining the base paper's low cost and glossiness
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
This method enables the production of high-quality images with enhanced durability and glossiness on a wide range of recording media, reducing costs and improving the reliability of inkjet printing, while maintaining high-speed printing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the surface of the recording medium absorbs the ink in an amount of from 1 ml/m2 to 10 ml/m2 when the ink absorbing amount is measured with a dynamic scanning absorptometer at a contact time of 500 ms
Implementation Method 2
which includes a UV crosslinkable material
Data Source
AI summary
The image recording method includes ejecting an ink to form an image on the surface of a recording layer of a recording medium; and then applying a glossiness imparting liquid on the surface of the recording medium. The ink includes a particulate colorant, a surfactant and water, and has a solid content of not lower than 6% by weight. The recording layer is located overlying a substrate including cellulose pulp as a main component and includes an inorganic pigment and a styrene-butadiene copolymer. The surface of the recording medium bearing the recording layer absorbs the ink in an amount of from 1 ml/m2 to 10 ml/m2 before coating the glossiness imparting liquid when the ink absorbing amount is measured with a dynamic scanning absorptometer at a contact time of 500 ms.