Modified Siloxane Surfactant Ink for Non-Porous Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet printing technologies face challenges in printing on non-porous media due to the hydrophobic nature and lack of porosity, leading to issues like increased surface tension, beading, and poor wetting, which result in aesthetically unpleasing images.
Innovation Solution
The use of modified siloxane surfactants in thermal inkjet inks and pre-treatment fluids, which maintain surface tension stability over time even in accelerated storage and temperature cycles, allowing for effective printing on non-porous substrates like vinyl, polycarbonate, and polypropylene without the need for fluorinated surfactants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional surfactants are used in inkjet inks for printing on non-porous media, then initial printability is improved, but surface tension stability deteriorates over time due to hydrolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the surfactant by using modified siloxane surfactants with specific molecular structures (containing alkyl or aryl groups attached to the siloxane backbone) that resist hydrolysis. This parameter change maintains surface tension stability while preserving printability on non-porous media throughout the ink's shelf life and after temperature cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite surfactant systems that combine modified siloxane structures with other compatible surfactants or additives. This composite approach enhances both the initial printability on hydrophobic non-porous surfaces and the long-term surface tension stability by creating a synergistic system that resists degradation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fluorinated surfactants are used to achieve stable surface tension, then surface tension stability is improved, but environmental and health concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces persistent fluorinated surfactants with modified siloxane surfactants that offer comparable performance but with reduced environmental persistence and toxicity. The siloxane-based alternatives provide the necessary surface tension stability without the harmful environmental accumulation associated with fluorinated compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting fluorinated groups with siloxane-based structures containing alkyl or aryl groups. This parameter substitution maintains the desired surface tension stability while eliminating the environmental and health concerns associated with fluorinated surfactants.
3Ease of operation
If standard siloxane surfactants are used, then surface tension control is improved, but stability under accelerated storage conditions deteriorates due to hydrolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the siloxane surfactant structure by introducing alkyl or aryl groups that protect against hydrolytic degradation during accelerated storage. This structural parameter change allows the surfactant to maintain both effective surface tension control and stability under harsh storage conditions including elevated temperatures and extended time periods.
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 modified siloxane surfactants ensure stable surface tension, preventing beading and improving print quality on non-porous media, maintaining printability and image quality over time, even after exposure to harsh storage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the modified siloxane surfactants ensure stable surface tension, preventing beading and improving print quality on non-porous media
Implementation Method 2
Current inkjet printing technology involves forcing the ink drops through small nozzles by thermal ejection
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal inkjet ink includes a water-based vehicle; a colorant; and a modified siloxane surfactant including a plurality of components. Each component has a chemical formula I: Si(1+x+z)O(1+x+z+y)C(1+1+2(x+z)+j+m+y(2+n))H(6+6+6(x+z)+o+p+y(4+q)). For each component: y ranges from 2 to 4; x and z each range from 0 to 14; x+z=from 0 to 14; j, m, and n are the number of carbon atoms, respectively, in R1, R2, and R3; o, p, and q are the number of hydrogen atoms, respectively, in R1, R2, and R3. R1 is selected from H, an alkyl, and an aryl. Each of R2 and R3 is selected from H, an alkyl, an alkyl substituted with an allylic or an epoxy group, an aryl, and an aryl substituted with an allylic or an epoxy group. For some components: x+z=from 7 to 14.