Laser-Sensitive Coating via Segmented Polymeric Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-sensitive coating compositions require complex processes for encapsulation of dye precursors and developers, making them inconvenient to prepare and less efficient in achieving optimal coating and marking performance.
Innovation Solution
Polymeric particles with a crosslinked polymeric matrix encapsulating a complete laser-sensitive system, allowing for independent optimization of the matrix and binder for improved coating and marking properties, prepared through a simpler process involving mixing with a water-soluble monomer mixture or prepolymer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate encapsulation of dye precursor and developer is used, then premature coloration is prevented, but preparation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the laser-sensitive system into two separate encapsulated components: dye precursor encapsulated in first polymeric particles and developer encapsulated in second polymeric particles. This segmentation prevents premature coloration while maintaining preparation simplicity through independent formulation of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The dye precursor and developer are pre-encapsulated in separate polymeric particles before application to the substrate. This preliminary encapsulation ensures stability during storage and application, with coloration only occurring after laser irradiation activates the system.
2Reliability
If separate encapsulation of dye precursor and developer is used, then premature coloration is prevented, but manufacturing convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into independent steps for producing first polymeric particles containing dye precursor and second polymeric particles containing developer. Each can be manufactured separately using standard encapsulation techniques, then combined in defined ratios for final application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the size parameters of the two polymeric particle populations to ensure proper mixing and performance. By adjusting particle size parameters during manufacturing, optimal coating properties and laser-marking performance are achieved while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If single encapsulation of complete laser-sensitive system is used, then preparation simplicity increases, but coating and marking performance optimization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes local properties of each polymeric particle population independently: first particles are optimized for dye precursor stability and release characteristics, while second particles are optimized for developer functionality. This local optimization enables superior overall performance while keeping the preparation process simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating composition is a composite system combining two distinct polymeric particle populations with complementary functions. This composite structure allows independent optimization of each component's properties while achieving synergistic performance for both coating application and laser-marking.
4Manufacturing precision
If binder is optimized for coating properties, then coating performance improves, but laser-sensitive system compatibility may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric particles act as intermediaries between the binder and the laser-sensitive system components. The particles provide a compatible matrix that protects the dye precursor and developer while allowing the binder to optimize coating properties without directly interacting with the sensitive chemical components.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the laser-sensitive components into encapsulated particles, the binder can be freely optimized for coating performance without compromising the integrity or compatibility of the dye precursor and developer. The particle encapsulation creates a buffer that maintains compatibility while allowing binder optimization.
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 enables the creation of a composition with optimal coating properties and laser-marking performance, allowing for easier preparation and improved marking quality on substrates, such as paper and plastics, using IR laser irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser-sensitive system encapsulated in the polymeric matrix
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the one or more water-insoluble polymers is crosslinked
Implementation Method 3
using IR laser irradiation
Implementation Method 4
laser-sensitive system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides polymeric particles comprising a polymeric matrix comprising one or more water-insoluble polymers and a laser-sensitive system encapsulated in the polymeric matrix. It also provides a process for the preparation of the polymeric particles, a composition comprising the polymeric particles, a process for the preparation of this composition, a process for forming a laser-sensitive coating layer on a substrate using this composition, a coated substrate obtainable by the coating process, a process for preparing a marked substrate and a marked substrate obtainable by the marking process.