Luminescent Lanthanide Complex Inkjet Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminescent inkjet inks based on rare earth metal complexes face issues with stability, premature drying, and nozzle obstruction, leading to reduced luminescence intensity and increased ink cartridge consumption, which affects the security and cost-effectiveness of printing on paper documents.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous inkjet composition comprising specific luminescent lanthanide complexes with a recrystallized stoichiometry and a hygroscopic substance to maintain stability and prevent nozzle obstruction, ensuring consistent luminescence and efficient printing throughout the ink cartridge life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If luminescent rare earth metal complexes are used in inkjet compositions, then luminescence intensity is improved, but nozzle obstruction and premature drying occur
Solution Approach 1:
A surfactant is introduced as an intermediary substance between the luminescent rare earth metal complex and the inkjet composition matrix. The surfactant prevents premature drying and nozzle obstruction by modifying the surface properties of the complex, allowing it to remain stable and flowable in the aqueous inkjet medium without clogging the printing nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The pH of the inkjet composition is adjusted to a specific range (pH 7-9) to optimize the stability and solubility of the luminescent rare earth metal complex. This parameter change prevents premature drying and maintains the complex in a stable, non-clogging state throughout the inkjet printing process.
2Productivity
If conventional luminescent inks are used, then printing is achieved, but luminescence intensity decreases over time due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The inkjet composition is formulated as a composite system containing the luminescent rare earth metal complex, a surfactant, and buffered aqueous medium. This composite structure provides both the luminescent functionality and the stability needed to maintain consistent printing performance throughout the ink cartridge life.
Solution Approach 2:
The inkjet composition is designed to maintain continuous luminescence stability from the first print to the last print. The buffered aqueous medium and surfactant ensure that the luminescent complex remains stable and active throughout the entire printing process, preventing degradation and maintaining consistent luminescence intensity.
3Reliability
If inkjet printing is used for security documents, then document security is improved, but ink cartridge consumption increases due to premature drying
Solution Approach 1:
The surfactant acts as a protective intermediary that prevents the luminescent complex from precipitating and clogging the nozzles. This extends the usable life of the ink cartridge by preventing premature drying and nozzle obstruction, thereby reducing waste and consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The inkjet composition maintains its printing capability continuously throughout the cartridge life without interruption from nozzle clogging or premature drying. This ensures that the security document printing process can be completed efficiently without wasting ink or requiring frequent cartridge replacements.
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 a stable and high-level luminescent profile for efficient marking of paper documents, preventing nozzle clogging and maintaining fluorescence intensity over time, thus enhancing the security and recognition of printed documents.
Implementation Method 1
Luminescent compounds in pigment form have been widely used in inks and other preparations
Implementation Method 2
The ultraviolet luminescent ink is invisible under natural light, such that the indicia can be only revealed under irradiation with UV light
Implementation Method 3
The ink's surface tension, as well as the condensation and thus contraction of the vapor bubble, pulls a further charge of ink into the chamber through a narrow channel attached to an ink reservoir
Implementation Method 4
Thermal inkjet printers use print cartridges having a series of tiny electrically heated chambers
Implementation Method 5
causing a steam explosion in the chamber, so as to form a bubble, which propels a droplet of ink
Data Source
AI summary
Luminescent lanthanide complex and inks containing the complex as well as its method of production and article including the complex, wherein the complex includes the formula: wherein M is chosen from the alkali cations Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+and Cs+ and mixtures thereof and is present to neutralize charge of the complex; wherein Ln is chosen from the trivalent rare-earth cations of Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb and mixtures thereof; wherein R is a C5 to C6 heteroaryl:wherein Y is an optionally substituted C3-C8 heterocycloalkyl moiety linked to R by an N atom; wherein n is an integer of 3 or 5; and wherein x is an integer of 0 or 1.