Marking Base Composition for Thermal Ink Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing marking bases for honeycomb catalyst carriers fail to maintain clear ink markings after heat treatment due to lack of thermal resistance and chemical resistance, and are not versatile enough to accommodate both ink and laser marking methods, leading to issues like ink bleed and surface discoloration.

Innovation Solution

A marking base composition comprising inorganic particles (27-50%), an inorganic binder (5-20%), an organic binder (3-16%), and a thermal expansion resin (1-3%), which forms a porous structure through heat treatment, creating bubble-like and capillary-like pores that enhance thermal and chemical resistance, allowing ink to soak and accumulate without bleeding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a porous resin sheet is used as a marking base for ink, then ink adherability is improved and ink bleed is reduced, but thermal resistance deteriorates and the marking base cannot withstand catalyst loading process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink adherabilityVSAvoidthermal resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material consisting of inorganic particles (such as aluminum hydroxide, titanium oxide, or silicon oxide) dispersed in a resin matrix. This composite structure combines the thermal stability of inorganic materials with the ink-absorbing properties of the resin, allowing the marking base to withstand high temperatures during catalyst loading while maintaining ink adherability. The inorganic particles form a thermally stable network that prevents resin degradation at elevated temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the resin by adding inorganic fillers and adjusting the resin composition. Specific parameters such as gel content (30-80%), inorganic particle content (20-70 wt%), and molecular weight are controlled to optimize both thermal resistance and ink absorption. The gel structure creation through specific curing conditions further enhances thermal stability while maintaining porosity for ink uptake.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If an inorganic marking base for laser is used, then thermal resistance and chemical resistance are improved, but ink soaking ability deteriorates due to dense structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal resistanceVSAvoidink soaking ability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a porous structure within the inorganic-resin composite by controlling the gel content and inorganic particle distribution. The porous network allows ink to penetrate and soak into the marking base effectively. The pore structure is formed through the gel matrix and interparticle spaces, providing capillary action that draws ink into the material while the inorganic framework maintains thermal resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates different local regions within the marking base with distinct properties. The inorganic particles provide localized thermal stability, while the resin-rich gel regions provide ink absorption capacity. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows the marking base to simultaneously exhibit both thermal resistance and ink soaking ability in different local areas, resolving the contradiction between dense inorganic structure and ink penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a marking base is etched by laser irradiation, then marking durability is improved, but versatility deteriorates as it requires specialized laser equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking durabilityVSAvoidmarking method compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a marking base with multi-functional properties that accommodate multiple marking methods. The inorganic-resin composite structure can be marked by laser irradiation (providing durable etched markings) or by ink application (providing flexible text and barcode marking). The resin component responds to laser by charring or melting to create permanent markings, while the porous structure simultaneously accepts ink-based markings. This dual functionality eliminates the need to choose between laser-only and ink-only marking bases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 marking base maintains clear ink markings even under high temperatures and after heat treatment, reducing ink bleed and surface discoloration, while being suitable for both ink and laser marking methods, ensuring durability and readability.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal expansion resin of 1 to 3 mass%; performing heat treatment at 300 to 800°C for 2 seconds to 30 minutes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the thermal expansion resin is burnt out while expanding by heat treatment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBurnout: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 3

the porous resin sheet absorbs ink so as to achieve satisfactory adherability of the ink

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP2829582B1Marking base composition and marking base using the same
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 NGK INSULATORS LTD
  • EP2829582B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2829582B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2829582B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

To provide a technique related to a marking base that allows clear marking by ink and is excellent in thermal resistance and chemical resistance. A marking base composition contains inorganic particles of 27 to 50 mass%, an inorganic binder of 5 to 20 mass%, an organic binder of 3 to 16 mass%, a thermal expansion resin of 1 to 3 mass%, and an organic solvent.