Thermochromic Solid Marker Composition for Heat-Erasable Writing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermochromic ink compositions are primarily developed for liquid ink writing instruments and have not been adequately addressed for solid drawing materials, failing to meet the growing demand for erasable thermochromic coloring means in solid fluorescent writing instruments.
Innovation Solution
A composition for thermochromic solid markers comprising microcapsule particles with a core composition of leuco dye and developer, surrounded by a polymer resin shell, along with a gelling agent, water, and optional glycol-based solvent, is formulated and processed to create a solid marker that can be erased by temperature or friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing thermochromic ink compositions are used for liquid ink writing instruments, then color development and erasability are achieved, but they cannot be applied to solid drawing materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical state parameter of the ink composition from liquid to solid form while maintaining the thermochromic functionality. This is achieved by incorporating specific components (gelling agents, waxes, oils) and adjusting composition ratios to enable the ink to function in solid drawing materials like crayons and pastels, thereby resolving the adaptability issue without sacrificing color development performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite thermochromic ink composition by combining microcapsules containing thermosensitive colorants and developers with gelling agents, waxes, and oils. This composite structure enables the ink to be applied to solid drawing materials while maintaining reliable color development and erasability through temperature changes
2Reliability
If thermochromic microcapsule particles are used, then erasability through temperature change is achieved, but the composition is not suitable for solid marker formulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the physical state parameter of the ink composition from liquid to solid by incorporating gelling agents, waxes, and oils in specific ratios. This transformation enables the thermochromic microcapsule-based composition to be formulated for solid markers while maintaining the erasability function through temperature-induced color changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent formulates a composite material system that integrates thermochromic microcapsules with solid-marker-compatible components (gelling agents, waxes, oils). This composite approach ensures both erasability through temperature change and suitability for solid marker application, resolving the adaptability issue
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 resulting thermochromic solid marker exhibits excellent color development, erasability, and writing properties, making it suitable for solid drawing materials, thus meeting consumer needs for vivid and erasable solid markers.
Implementation Method 1
these existing thermochromic ink compositions generally include thermochromic microcapsule particles containing a thermosensitive colorant and a developer, and apply the principle of color development or discoloration due to the action of the thermosensitive colorant and developer at a certain temperature
Implementation Method 2
5 to 20 wt.% of a gelling agent
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a composition for preparing a thermochromic solid marker, which enables the production of a color development means for a thermochromic writing instrument capable of being erased in response to a change in temperature in the form of a solid marker having desirable physical properties, and a preparation method for a thermochromic solid marker using the same. The composition for preparing a thermochromic solid marker comprises: 10 to 35 wt.% of microcapsule particles comprising a core composition containing a leuco dye and a developer, and a polymer resin shell surrounding the core composition; 5 to 20 wt.% of a gelling agent; 30 to 60 wt.% of water; and 0 to 10 wt.% of a glycol-based organic solvent.