Microcapsule Aqueous Dispersion for Stable Inkjet Inks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aqueous dispersions with microcapsules lack sufficient dispersion stability and fail to form films with excellent hardness, particularly in inkjet inks and coating solutions, due to inadequate shell structure and lack of photocuring properties.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous dispersion comprising microcapsules with a three-dimensional cross-linked shell containing neutralized acid groups and polymerizable groups, where the degree of neutralization is between 50% to 100%, and the core includes polymerizable compounds, enhancing dispersion stability and allowing for film hardening through photocuring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a microcapsule shell with dispersing groups is used, then dispersion stability is improved, but the film hardness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the degree of neutralization of acid groups in the shell to be 50-100%, and by introducing polymerizable groups into the shell structure. This allows the shell to provide both dispersion stability through neutralized acid groups and film hardness through photocuring of polymerizable groups, resolving the contradiction between soft dispersible shells and hard films.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple functional components in the shell: neutralized acid groups for dispersion stability, polymerizable groups for photocuring hardness, and crosslinking structures for mechanical strength. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of good dispersion and hard film formation.
2Strength
If photocuring properties are added to microcapsules, then film hardness is improved, but the shell structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the shell to simultaneously perform multiple functions: providing dispersion stability through neutralized acid groups, enabling photocuring through polymerizable groups, and forming crosslinked networks for hardness. This integrates multiple functions into a single shell structure, improving film hardness without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the degree of neutralization of acid groups is increased, then dispersion stability is improved, but the film hardness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the degree of neutralization parameter to be within 50-100%, finding the optimal balance point where sufficient dispersion stability is achieved while maintaining film hardness through the combined effects of crosslinking and polymerizable groups. This parameter optimization resolves the trade-off between dispersion and hardness.
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 proposed solution achieves excellent dispersion stability and forms films with improved hardness and adhesiveness, suitable for use in inkjet inks and coating solutions, by utilizing a microcapsule structure with a high degree of neutralization and polymerizable components.
Implementation Method 1
a method using the aqueous dispersion having the microcapsule to which photocuring properties are imparted so as to further improve hardness of a formed film through photocuring
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an aqueous dispersion including a microcapsule, and water, the microcapsule including: a shell having a three-dimensional cross-linked structure containing at least one neutralized acid group and at least one bond selected from a urethane bond or a urea bond, in which a degree of neutralization of the acid group contained in the three-dimensional cross-linked structure is from 50% to 100%; and a core, at least one of the shell or the core has a polymerizable group; a method for manufacturing the same; and an image forming method using the aqueous dispersion.