Lithographic Plate Crosslinked Polymer Layer for UV Ink Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithographic printing plates face challenges in maintaining printing durability, especially when using UV ink, due to issues like plate missing and ink permeation, which are not adequately addressed by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
A lithographic printing plate precursor is developed with an image-recording layer containing an infrared absorber, a polymerization initiator, and a polymer A, where the polymer A has a weight-average molecular weight between 15,000 and 150,000 and an ethylenically unsaturated bond valence of 3.0 mmol/g or more, enhancing crosslink density and polymerization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lithographic printing plate precursor is used, then the plate can be prepared with standard materials, but printing durability deteriorates when UV ink is used due to plate missing and ink permeation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the weight-average molecular weight of polymer A within 10,000-200,000 and the ethylenically unsaturated bond valence at 2.0 mmol/g or more. These parameter optimizations enable the polymer to form adequate crosslinked structures that maintain film thickness stability while providing printing durability with UV ink
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polymer A with specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) and ethylenically unsaturated bonds in a single image-recording layer. This composite structure enables both water solubility for on-press development and crosslinking capability for UV resistance, resolving the contradiction between conventional material limitations and durability requirements
2Reliability
If the image-recording layer is made more resistant to UV ink, then printing durability improves, but the complexity of the material composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing polymer A to perform multiple functions simultaneously: water solubility for on-press development, crosslinking for UV resistance, and film-forming for image recording. This multi-functional polymer reduces the need for separate functional layers and additives, maintaining simplicity while achieving durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight range (10,000-200,000) and functional group content (2.0 mmol/g or more ethylenically unsaturated bonds) to achieve the desired balance between durability and simplicity. By controlling these parameters, the patent avoids excessive material complexity while ensuring adequate UV ink resistance
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 significantly improves printing durability, particularly with UV ink, by preventing film thickness loss and ink permeation, thereby extending the number of prints before plate missing occurs.
Implementation Method 1
the image-recording layer contains an infrared absorber, a polymerization initiator, and a polymer A
Implementation Method 2
the image-recording layer contains an infrared absorber, a polymerization initiator, and a polymer A, where the polymer A has a weight-average molecular weight between 15,000 and 150,000 and an ethylenically unsaturated bond valence of 3.0 mmol/g or more
Data Source
AI summary
A lithographic printing plate precursor has a support and an image-recording layer on the support, in which the image-recording layer contains an infrared absorber, a polymerization initiator, and a polymer A. The weight-average molecular weight of the polymer A is more than 15,000 and 150,000 or less, and the ethylenically unsaturated bond valence of the polymer A is 3.0 mmol/g or more.