Latex Ink Nozzle Crusting via NPMI Co-monomer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latex polymers used in inkjet printing tend to form films at the nozzles, leading to crusting and requiring frequent cleaning, which reduces printing speed and stability, and existing solutions with high glass transition temperature (Tg) do not allow for continuous printing beyond 1 hour without nozzle wiping.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating N-phenylmaleimide (NPMI) as a co-monomer and using latex polymers with a narrow particle size distribution to reduce the glass transition temperature and prevent film formation at the nozzles, enabling continuous printing for over 1 hour without nozzle cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high glass transition temperature (Tg) latex polymers are used to prevent nozzle clogging, then printing reliability is improved, but continuous printing duration is limited to under 1 hour requiring frequent nozzle wiping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the glass transition temperature parameter of the latex polymer from high (>100°C) to low (<50°C) to fundamentally alter the polymer's behavior at printing temperatures, preventing film formation and enabling continuous printing beyond 1 hour while maintaining nozzle reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite latex polymer formulations containing specific functional monomers and additives that work synergistically to prevent film formation at low Tg while maintaining print quality and nozzle reliability during extended continuous printing operations
2Ease of operation
If latex polymers are used in inkjet printing, then printability is improved, but film formation at nozzles occurs leading to crusting and reduced printing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the glass transition temperature parameter to below 50°C, which prevents the latex polymer from forming films at nozzle temperatures while maintaining its printability benefits, thereby eliminating crusting and enabling continuous high-speed printing
3Reliability
If frequent nozzle cleaning is performed to prevent crusting, then nozzle reliability is maintained, but printing speed and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful film-forming property of latex polymers into a beneficial non-film-forming behavior by using low Tg polymers with specific compositions that prevent crusting entirely, eliminating the need for interruptive cleaning operations and maintaining both reliability and high printing speed
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 use of NPMI and narrow particle size distribution latex polymers improves printability and durability, allowing for extended continuous printing and increased printing speed while maintaining media compatibility, reducing energy costs, and enhancing customer experience with faster throughput and varied media usage.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating N-phenylmaleimide (NPMI) as a co-monomer and using latex polymers with a narrow particle size distribution to reduce the glass transition temperature and prevent film formation at the nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A printing ink having improved printing performance is provided. The ink includes either a latex polymer derived from a monomer having an olefinic group and from about 1 to 10 wt % of N-phenylmaleimide or a latex polymer having a narrow particle size distribution that has a standard deviation of less than about 6% of average particle size, or both. The ink may be continuously printed for more than 1 hr without crusting.