Inkset for ink jet textile printing and ink jet textile printing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet textile printing methods using pigments face issues with aggregate formation due to resin in the ink, leading to poor fixation and friction resistance, especially on fabrics that expand or contract, and require high resin content for image stability on washable clothing.
Innovation Solution
An inkset comprising a first ink with a pigment and resin, and a second ink with a pigment, resin, and an emulsifier, where the emulsifier includes anionic and nonionic types with specific HLB values, is used to form a base layer and a secondary image, respectively, to improve visibility and adhesion while suppressing aggregate formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the amount of resin in the ink is increased to improve fixation of pigment on cloth, then friction resistance of the recorded image is improved, but aggregates due to resin are easily generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the resin by specifying particular types (polyester resin with specific functional groups, polyurethane resin with specific isocyanate index) and controlling the isocyanate index within a specific range (20-50). This parameter optimization allows the resin to provide adequate fixation without excessive aggregation. Additionally, the patent controls the resin content within a specific range (5-20 mass%) to balance fixation and aggregate prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite resin system combining polyester resin and polyurethane resin in specific ratios. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of both resins: polyester resin provides good fixation and wash fastness, while polyurethane resin contributes flexibility and reduced aggregation. The synergistic effect of the composite material system resolves the contradiction between fixation and aggregate formation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a soft resin with low glass transition temperature is added to allow the recorded image to follow the cloth, then adaptability to fabric expansion/contraction is improved, but aggregates due to resin are generated more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin within a specific range (-50°C to 0°C) rather than using extremely low Tg values. This controlled parameter adjustment provides sufficient flexibility for the resin to follow fabric movement while preventing excessive softness that would cause aggregation. The patent also controls the isocyanate index (20-50) to balance crosslinking density and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of polyester resin and polyurethane resin creates a composite material with balanced properties. The polyester component provides structural integrity and reduced aggregation, while the polyurethane component contributes flexibility and following property. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between adaptability and aggregate formation.
3Reliability
If the content of resin in the ink is increased to improve fixation, then friction resistance is improved, but the ink becomes unstable and aggregates are generated near nozzle or at gas-liquid interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the resin content within a specific range (5-20 mass%) and optimizes the isocyanate index (20-50) to balance fixation performance with ink stability. The patent also specifies particular resin types with controlled molecular weights and functional groups, which prevents excessive crosslinking and maintains ink stability during storage and discharge while still providing adequate fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blowing agent as an intermediary component that reacts with the isocyanate groups in the polyurethane resin to form microbubbles. This intermediary reaction controls the crosslinking process and prevents uncontrolled aggregation. The blowing agent acts as a mediator that moderates the resin's reactivity, maintaining ink stability while enabling adequate fixation after drying.
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 inkset effectively reduces aggregate formation and enhances image friction resistance and visibility, maintaining ink stability and discharge properties, even on fabrics that expand or contract.
Implementation Method 1
an inkset for ink jet textile printing including a first ink having a pigment and a resin; and a second ink having a pigment, a resin and an emulsifier
Implementation Method 2
a fixing resin is necessary to be added to an ink in order for the pigment to be fixed on cloth
Data Source
AI summary
An inkset for ink jet textile printing includes a first ink having a pigment and a resin; and a second ink having a pigment, a resin, and an emulsifier, in which the emulsifier includes at least one kind selected from an anionic emulsifier represented by the following general formula (1) and a nonionic emulsifier represented by the following general formula (2), whose HLB value is 12 or more,R1—O—(CH2—CH2—O)n-A (1), andR2—O—(CH2—CH2—O)m—H (2).