Latent Activator Coating for High-Contrast Paper Marking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coating compositions for marking substrates, particularly those using polyhydroxy compounds and metal compounds, are limited in providing dark markings of high contrast and are not suitable for coating paper or plastics, with aqueous-based systems only offering yellow or grey/green markings.
Innovation Solution
A coating composition comprising a latent activator, such as a salt of an acid and an amine, along with a solvent and a polymeric binder, which forms dark markings upon energy exposure, specifically designed for paper substrates and capable of producing high-contrast, durable, and lightfast markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous-based coating compositions are used for marking substrates, then the compositions are safer and suitable for food and drug applications, but they only provide yellow or grey/green markings with low contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the aqueous coating composition by introducing a latent activator system comprising a salt of an acid and an amine, or an acid derivative. Upon energy exposure, this latent activator undergoes chemical transformation that enables the formation of dark, high-contrast markings while maintaining the safety profile of aqueous-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating composition is prepared in advance with the latent activator in its inactive form (salt or acid derivative), which does not produce dark markings until exposed to energy. This preliminary preparation allows the composition to remain safe and stable during application, with the dark marking formation occurring only when needed upon energy exposure.
2Illumination intensity
If organic solvent-based systems are used to achieve black markings, then high-contrast markings are obtained, but the compositions are not suitable for coating paper or plastics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal coating composition based on aqueous solution that can be applied to multiple substrate types including paper, plastics, and other materials. The latent activator system provides a mechanism that works across different substrate types, enabling both paper and plastic substrates to achieve dark, high-contrast markings with the same composition.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional coating compositions are used on paper substrates, then the compositions may provide markings, but they do not yield dark markings of high contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system consisting of multiple components: a polymeric binder, a char-forming compound, and a latent activator (salt of acid and amine or acid derivative). This composite formulation works synergistically to produce dark, high-contrast markings on paper substrates upon energy exposure, with each component contributing to the overall marking quality.
4Measurement precision
If laser irradiation is used for marking, then small or invisible markings can be achieved, but the markings require high energy exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The latent activator system changes its chemical parameters upon energy exposure, transforming from an inactive salt or acid derivative form to an active form that produces dark markings. This parameter change enables the material to respond to various energy inputs including laser irradiation, allowing for precise small markings while optimizing energy utilization through the chemical transformation mechanism.
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 composition effectively yields dark, high-contrast markings on paper substrates when exposed to energy, ensuring durability and lightfastness, and uses non-hazardous compounds suitable for food and drug applications, while maintaining the appearance of semi-transparent coatings on colored paper.
Implementation Method 1
the object comprises or is coated with a formulation comprising a material having functional groups such as polyhydroxy compounds, and a metal compound such as alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, iron oxides or salts and organometallics. The two components react on irradiation with a laser to form a product of contrasting colour.
Implementation Method 2
Upon irradiation with energy, the two components react to form a product of contrasting color.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a composition, which comprises a latent activator. It also provides a process for the preparation of these compositions, substrates coated with these compositions and a process for their preparation, a process for preparing marked substrates using these compositions and marked substrates obtainable by the latter process.