Inkjet Recording Medium Composite Layer Scratch Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inkjet recording media fail to simultaneously achieve excellent image clarity, scratch resistance, and prevention of bleeding over time, with existing solutions either improving ink absorption but compromising on surface strength or vice versa.

Innovation Solution

An inkjet recording medium with an ink-receiving layer having a hardness of 9.0 or more, a D/I value of 40 or more, and a center surface average roughness of 0.1 μm or less, formed using a support and comprising water-soluble resins, cross-linking agents, particles, and a mordant, applied via the Wet on Wet method to enhance film strength and prevent image bleeding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a porous layer with high porosity is used to improve ink absorption, then ink absorption is improved, but the surface strength deteriorates leading to poor scratch resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink absorptionVSAvoidsurface strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite porous layer comprising both organic resin particles and inorganic particles (such as silica, alumina, or boehmite). This composite structure combines the high porosity and ink absorption capability of organic resins with the hardness and scratch resistance of inorganic particles, thereby achieving both improved ink absorption and enhanced surface strength simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If a porous layer is used to improve ink absorption, then ink absorption is improved, but the image stability deteriorates causing bleeding over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink absorptionVSAvoidimage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite porous layer with both organic resin particles and inorganic particles, where the inorganic particles provide structural stability and prevent dye diffusion over time. This composite approach maintains image stability while preserving ink absorption capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes a porous layer structure with controlled porosity to enable ink absorption while preventing excessive solvent diffusion. The porous structure is designed to absorb ink through capillary action while maintaining sufficient mechanical stability to prevent bleeding during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Manufacturing precision

If the surface roughness is reduced to improve image clarity, then image clarity is improved, but the scratch resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoidscratch resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite porous layer where inorganic particles (such as silica, alumina, or boehmite) are dispersed within the organic resin matrix. These inorganic particles provide hardness and scratch resistance even when the surface roughness is controlled to achieve high image clarity. The composite structure allows simultaneous optimization of both surface smoothness and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides an inkjet recording medium with excellent image clarity, enhanced scratch resistance, and effective suppression of bleeding over time, ensuring high-quality image retention and durability.

Implementation Method 1

it has become increasingly important to use not only water-soluble resins but also cross-linking agents, particles, and the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

an ink-receiving layer that has a three-dimensional structure that is made of inorganic pigment particles and a water soluble resin and has a high porosity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS7658981B2Inkjet recording medium
Publication Date: 2010.02.09 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An inkjet recording medium comprising a support and an ink-receiving layer on a support, wherein the hardness of the ink-receiving layer is 9.0 or more; and the D/I value of the ink-receiving layer defined by ASTM E430 is 40 or more, or an inkjet recording medium comprising a support and an ink-receiving layer on a support, wherein the hardness of the ink-receiving layer is 9.0 or more; and the center surface average roughness (SRa) of the ink-receiving layer is 0.1 μm or less when measured under the condition of cutoff of 0.02 to 0.5 mm, and 0.4 μm or less when measured under the condition of cutoff of 1 to 3 mm.