Inkjet Ink Composition with Fine Wax Emulsion for Ejection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet nozzle clogging occurs when using ink compositions with wax emulsions having relatively large particle diameters, leading to issues with ejection reliability and resolution in high-density, high-speed printing, and existing solutions compromise on convenience, economic efficiency, and energy savings.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording ink composition containing a wax emulsion with an average particle diameter of 140 nm or less, using a polyolefin-based wax with a melting point between 85°C and 120°C, combined with a resin emulsion and pigment, to enhance ejection stability, water resistance, and scratch resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a wax emulsion with relatively large particle diameter is used to improve scratch resistance, then scratch resistance is improved, but inkjet nozzle clogging occurs and ejection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle diameter parameter of the wax emulsion from relatively large (causing clogging) to 140 nm or less (preventing clogging). This parameter change maintains scratch resistance by using polyolefin-based wax with specific melting point (85-120°C) while resolving the nozzle clogging issue that deteriorated ejection reliability.
2Strength
If additional processing steps (thermocompression bonding or overcoating) are added to improve water resistance and scratch resistance, then these properties are improved, but the number of operation processes increases and convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of water resistance, scratch resistance, and image formation into a single inkjet ink composition. The ink contains polyolefin-based wax emulsion (providing water and solvent resistance), resin emulsion (providing scratch resistance and adhesion), and pigment (providing image color), allowing all properties to be achieved in one printing step without additional thermocompression bonding or overcoating processes.
3Strength
If wax component is added to improve scratch resistance, then scratch resistance is improved, but nozzle clogging occurs and ejection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes multiple parameters: wax emulsion particle diameter to 140 nm or less (preventing clogging), polyolefin-based wax melting point to 85-120°C (maintaining scratch resistance), and resin emulsion glass transition temperature to 0°C or higher (ensuring ejection stability). These coordinated parameter changes resolve the contradiction between scratch resistance and ejection stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If aqueous ink is used on coated paper with hydrophobic coating layer, then printing on coated paper is enabled, but ink infiltration is difficult and water resistance and solvent resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite ink composition containing polyolefin-based wax emulsion (providing water and solvent resistance), resin emulsion (providing adhesion to hydrophobic coated paper), and pigment. The resin emulsion with glass transition temperature of 0°C or higher ensures proper infiltration into coated paper while the polyolefin-based wax provides the necessary water and solvent resistance, achieving both adaptability to coated paper and sufficient resistance properties.
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 ink composition achieves excellent ejection stability, water resistance, and scratch resistance while maintaining storage stability and glossiness of printed materials, reducing nozzle clogging and improving printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
a wax emulsion having an average particle diameter of 140 nm or less and containing a polyolefin-based wax with a melting point of 85°C or more and 120°C or less
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inkjet recording ink composition, which has excellent ejection stability and enables the production of a printed material that has excellent water resistance and scratch resistance. Disclosed is an inkjet recording ink composition, which contains a wax emulsion having an average particle diameter of 140 nm or less and containing a polyolefin-based wax with a melting point of 85°C or more and 120°C or less, a resin emulsion, a pigment, and an aqueous solvent.