Isosorbide Ester Solvent for Offset Printing Ink Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current offset printing inks face challenges in using renewable materials, high migration potential, and odor/taste issues, particularly in food packaging applications, where solvents with low viscosity and high wetting power are needed to ensure ink stability and substrate compatibility.
Innovation Solution
Development of an offset printing composition vehicle comprising a solvent made from at least 50 wt% of a monomeric ester of isosorbide polyhydric alcohol with a carboxylic acid, which provides high wetting power, low odor, and controlled viscosity, utilizing isosorbide esters derived from renewable sources like glucose or starch, and fatty acids from natural origins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solvents are used in offset printing inks, then ink stability and substrate compatibility are achieved, but migration potential increases and odor/taste issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent by using isosorbide fatty acid esters instead of conventional solvents. This parameter change maintains ink stability while reducing migration potential and eliminating odor/taste issues, making the ink suitable for food packaging applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite solvent system comprising isosorbide fatty acid esters in combination with other compatible solvents and ink components. This composite approach achieves both ink stability and reduced harmful effects by combining the benefits of different material components
2Adaptability or versatility
If renewable materials are used in offset printing inks, then environmental sustainability improves, but ink stability and performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses isosorbide fatty acid esters derived from renewable resources such as vegetable oils and sugars. These renewable materials are chemically modified to achieve ink stability comparable to conventional solvents, thus maintaining performance while improving sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The isosorbide fatty acid ester acts as an intermediary between renewable materials and the ink system. It provides the necessary solvent properties for ink stability while being derived from renewable sources, bridging the gap between sustainability and performance requirements
3Ease of operation
If solvent viscosity is reduced to improve wetting power, then substrate compatibility improves, but ink stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects fatty acid esters with specific viscosity parameters that optimize both wetting power and ink stability. The isosorbide fatty acid ester provides low viscosity for excellent substrate wetting while maintaining the chemical stability needed for ink performance
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 isosorbide ester solvent composition enhances ink stability, reduces migration, improves color strength, and maintains low odor, making it suitable for food packaging by providing excellent wetting and dissolving properties, while being derived from renewable and non-toxic materials.
Implementation Method 1
high wetting power, low odor, and controlled viscosity
Implementation Method 2
excellent wetting and dissolving properties
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a solvent composition for use in an offset printing composition vehicle. The solvent composition comprises an ester of a polyhydric alcohol with at least one carboxylic acid, in particular an ester of isosorbide as a polyhydric alcohol with at least one carboxylic acid having a hydrocarbon chain containing from 3 up to 25 carbon atoms as a component of the solvent composition. Preferred esters are esters of isosorbide with fatty acids, neo acids or cekanoic acids.