Light-Curable Transparent Ink for 3D Ink-Jet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-curable transparent inks for 3D ink-jet printing tend to yellow and become opaque due to photoinitiator decomposition, free radical reactivity, and incompatibility issues, leading to poor transparency and stability in printed products.
Innovation Solution
A light-curable transparent ink composition comprising an acrylate monomer, a mercapto compound, a surfactant, and a photoinitiator, which prevents quinone structure formation and enhances transparency by using a mercapto compound with excellent yellowing resistance and a surfactant that participates in the polymerization process, along with a non-mercapto-modified acrylate oligomer for improved stability and low viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light-curable transparent ink is used, then the ink can be cured by light irradiation, but the printed product turns yellow and becomes opaque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic photoinitiator component that causes yellowing through quinone structure formation, and replaces it with a novel curable system based on acrylate monomers and mercapto compounds that do not produce yellowing byproducts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by selecting specific acrylate monomers with particular molecular structures and ratios, and using mercapto compounds as crosslinking agents, to achieve a curing mechanism that maintains transparency
2Productivity
If photoinitiator is used to promote polymerization, then curing reaction is enhanced, but quinone structure forms causing yellowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful photoinitiator decomposition pathway into a beneficial free radical generation mechanism by using alternative methods (such as photo-acid generators or direct photopolymerization of acrylate groups) that produce free radicals without forming yellowing quinone structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the curing mechanism parameters by eliminating photoinitiators and using direct acrylate-mercapto polymerization or alternative photopolymerization pathways that maintain high curing efficiency without yellowing side reactions
3Productivity
If free radicals are produced for polymerization, then curing is promoted, but molecular chains breakage occurs causing yellowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular structure parameters of the acrylate monomers by selecting those with appropriate chain lengths, functional groups, and steric configurations that enable efficient polymerization while minimizing chain breakage and conjugated structure formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer network by combining acrylate monomers with mercapto compounds, where the mercapto groups act as crosslinking agents that form stable three-dimensional networks, preventing chain breakage and yellowing while maintaining polymerization efficiency
4Duration of action of stationary object
If base resin ages in the ink, then storage is possible, but conjugated double bonds and carbonyl groups form causing yellowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a chemically inert storage environment by selecting acrylate monomers and mercapto compounds with high chemical stability that resist oxidation and degradation, and by formulating the ink with stabilizers that prevent aging reactions during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by selecting base resins with saturated structures or stable aromatic rings that do not form conjugated double bonds upon aging, and by controlling the purity and moisture content to prevent degradation reactions
5Ease of operation
If surfactant is added to the ink, then ink formulation is improved, but incompatibility occurs causing turbidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the surfactant parameters by selecting nonionic or anionic surfactants with specific hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values that are compatible with the acrylate-mercapto system, and by controlling the surfactant concentration to maintain ink homogeneity and transparency
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 ink composition significantly reduces yellowing, maintains transparency, and allows for low-temperature printing, extending printer head life and ensuring the stability and accuracy of 3D objects with minimal shrinkage and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the photoinitiator in the ink is induced by a light source irradiating on the printed product, to produce free radicals, promoting polymerization reaction between the acrylate monomer and the mercapto compound
Implementation Method 2
the photoinitiator in the ink is induced by a light source irradiating on the printed product, to produce free radicals
Data Source
AI summary
A light-curable transparent ink for 3D ink-jet printing and a method for preparing the same are provided. The light-curable transparent ink for 3-D ink-jet printing includes the following components: an acrylate monomer, a mercapto compound, a surfactant, a photoinitiator and an additive. The light-curable transparent ink for 3D ink-jet printing can inhibit yellowing and turbidity of the printed product.