Intermediate Transfer Medium Protective Layer Molecular Weight Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The durability of intermediate transfer media, particularly in applications requiring high durability such as identification papers and credit cards, is insufficient, and the peel-off property of the transfer layer is low, leading to issues with accurate removal and re-transfer of the transfer layer onto receiving articles.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate transfer medium with a protective layer comprising a blend of binder resins with different number average molecular weights, where the sum total of products calculated by multiplying each resin's molecular weight and content ratio ranges from 3000 to 17000, enhances both the peel-off property and durability, allowing for precise removal and re-transfer of the transfer layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the protective layer uses high molecular weight binder resin to improve durability, then the durability increases, but the peel-off property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the number average molecular weight of the binder resin within a specific range (5000-15000) and adjusting the sum total of products (molecular weight × content ratio) to 3000-17000. This optimized parameter range enables the protective layer to achieve both high durability and excellent peel-off properties, resolving the contradiction between these two characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by formulating the protective layer with a blend of binder resins having different molecular weights. This composite resin system combines the advantages of both low molecular weight resins (good peel-off) and high molecular weight resins (good durability), achieving a synergistic effect that satisfies both requirements simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If the protective layer uses low molecular weight binder resin to improve peel-off property, then the peel-off property improves, but the durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing an optimal molecular weight range (5000-15000) that prevents the durability deterioration associated with low molecular weight resins while maintaining good peel-off properties. The controlled sum total of products (3000-17000) ensures adequate bonding strength for durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by blending binder resins of different molecular weights, where lower molecular weight components provide good peel-off properties while higher molecular weight components ensure durability. This composite approach balances both characteristics effectively.
3Strength
If the binder resin content ratio is increased to improve durability, then the durability improves, but the peel-off property worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling not only the molecular weight but also the content ratio of the binder resin. The sum total of products (molecular weight × content ratio) is maintained within 3000-17000, which optimizes the balance between durability and peel-off property by preventing excessive resin content that would hinder peel-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by formulating a multi-component binder resin system where different resins are combined in specific ratios. This composite formulation allows lower molecular weight resins to facilitate peel-off while higher molecular weight resins provide durability, with the overall content ratio optimized through the sum total parameter.
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 achieves a balance between peel-off property and durability, enabling accurate removal of the transfer layer from the intermediate transfer medium and successful re-transfer onto receiving articles without compromising durability or transferability.
Implementation Method 1
heating means such as a thermal head
Implementation Method 2
the colorant included in the colorant layer is selectively transferred to the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet
Implementation Method 3
a binder for dissolving or dispersing the colorant, such as a thermally fusible wax or resin
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
The disclosed are an intermediate transfer medium which excels in peel-off property on removing a transfer layer which include a protective layer with the aid of a peel-off layer of a thermal transfer sheet, and which imparts a high durability to a print which is formed by transferring the transfer layer to a transfer receiving article, and which retransfers the transfer layer onto the transfer receiving article without any problem; and a combination of the intermediate transfer medium and a thermal transfer sheet. The intermediate transfer medium 10 of a first aspect comprises a substrate sheet 1, a protective layer 3 and a receiving layer 4 which are layered on a surface of the substrate sheet 1; wherein the protective layer 3 comprises a blend of two or more kinds of binder resins which have mutually different number average molecular weights (Mn), and wherein a sum total (∑) of products, each product being calculated by multiplying the number average molecular weight (Mn) of individual binder resin and its content ratio in the blend together, is in the range of not less than 3000 and not more than 17000. The combination of the second aspect comprises the intermediate transfer medium and the thermal transfer sheet, wherein the intermediate transfer medium comprises a substrate, a protective layer and a receiving layer which are layered in this order on a surface of the substrate sheet, wherein the protective layer comprises a polyester resin having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of not less than 5000 and not more than 15000, and wherein the thermal transfer sheet comprises another substrate, and a peel-off layer which is provided on a surface of the another substrate, wherein the peel-off layer includes one or more kinds of resins selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins, vinyl chloride - vinyl acetate copolymer resins and polyester resins.