Low Halogen Inkjet Ink for Lithographic Plate Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet recording systems face challenges with high production costs, high running costs due to ink ribbon usage, and equipment complexity, particularly in electrophotographic and thermal transfer systems, while inkjet systems have inefficiencies in corrosion prevention and discharge stability.
Innovation Solution
Development of an ink composition comprising a polymerizable compound, polymerization initiator, and coloring agent with low halogen ion content, specifically designed for high sensitivity to actinic radiation, excellent adhesion, and reduced corrosion of inkjet head equipment, using cationically polymerizable monomers and photo-acid generators with UV curing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional inkjet recording inks are used, then discharge stability and image quality can be achieved, but corrosion of inkjet head and peripheral equipment occurs due to high halogen ion content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by strictly controlling halogen ion content to 500 ppm or less, while optimizing the ratios of polymerizable compounds (epoxy, vinyl ether, oxetane), photo-acid generators, and coloring agents. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by eliminating corrosive halogen ions while maintaining adequate image formation performance through balanced formulation of functional components.
2Reliability
If radiation sensitivity is increased for high curability, then plate life and cure strength improve, but equipment complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances radiation sensitivity by optimizing the concentration and type of photo-acid generators (sulfonium, iodonium, phosphonium salts) and matching them with appropriate polymerizable compounds. By adjusting the chemical composition to be highly responsive to UV radiation, the system achieves strong curing with moderate radiation intensity, avoiding the need for overly complex or high-power radiation generation equipment.
3Productivity
If ink composition is optimized for high sensitivity curing, then curability and plate life improve, but discharge stability from inkjet head deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent balances the formulation by controlling the viscosity and molecular weight distribution of polymerizable compounds, optimizing photo-acid generator concentration (0.1-20 wt%), and selecting coloring agents with appropriate solubility. This balanced composition ensures smooth ink discharge from the jet head while maintaining high curing sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between discharge stability and curability.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If halogen ion content is reduced to prevent corrosion, then inkjet head longevity improves, but image quality and adhesion may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining multiple polymerizable compounds (epoxy, vinyl ether, oxetane), various photo-acid generators, and coloring agents in optimized proportions. This composite composition compensates for the removal of halogen ions by synergistic interactions among components, ensuring both corrosion resistance and high-quality image formation with excellent adhesion.
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 achieves high-quality image formation with low corrosion risk, improved discharge stability, and extended plate life, providing a cost-effective and efficient inkjet recording method with enhanced storage stability and radiation sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
an ink composition which comprises a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, and a coloring agent and has a halogen ion content of no greater than 500 ppm
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition is provided that comprising a) a polymerizable compound, b) a polymerization initiator, and c) a coloring agent, the ink composition having a halogen ion content of no greater than 500 ppm. There is also provided an inkjet recording method that includes a step of discharging the ink composition onto a recording medium, and a step of irradiating the discharged ink composition with radiation so as to cure the ink composition. Also described is a process for producing a lithographic printing plate, the process comprising: (a) a step of discharging the above ink composition onto a hydrophilic support; and (b) a step of curing the discharged ink composition by irradiating the ink composition with actininc radiation so as to form a hydrophobic image on the hydrophilic support by curing the ink composition.