Set of liquid composition, image forming method, and image forming apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges in achieving sufficient white concealing and fastness when printing on polyester fabrics, as the dye transfers during thermal fixing, leading to inadequate image quality and durability.
Innovation Solution
A set of liquid compositions comprising a white ink, a first processing fluid with an organic acid salt, and a second processing fluid with a resin, where the first processing fluid is applied to the fabric before the second, and then the white ink, allowing for cross-linking reactions that form a resin film on the fabric's surface, preventing dye transfer and enhancing image stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If white ink is applied directly to polyester fabric, then the printing process is simple, but white concealing property is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a processing fluid containing a resin component and a carboxylic acid component to the polyester fabric before applying white ink. This preliminary treatment creates a surface layer that enhances white concealing property by preventing dye transfer and providing a better substrate for white ink adhesion, thereby resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and concealing effectiveness.
2Productivity
If thermal fixing is applied to fix the image, then the image is fixed quickly, but dye transfer occurs reducing fastness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a processing fluid containing resin and carboxylic acid components as an intermediary layer between the polyester fabric and the white ink. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact between the dye and the ink, reducing dye transfer during thermal fixing while maintaining quick image fixation, thus resolving the contradiction between fixing speed and image fastness.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing fluid comprises a composite of resin component and carboxylic acid component that work together to create a protective barrier. This composite material structure provides both rapid drying for quick fixing and excellent adhesion properties to prevent dye transfer, thereby achieving both high productivity and high reliability.
3Device complexity
If conventional single-fluid approach is used, then the process is simple, but image durability and vibrancy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing fluid into distinct functional components: a resin component for adhesion and film formation, and a carboxylic acid component for chemical interaction with polyester fibers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, enhancing image durability and vibrancy while maintaining a relatively simple application process.
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 solution achieves excellent white concealing properties with a minimum of 85% concealing and high fastness to washing and laundering, ensuring durable and vibrant images on polyester fabrics.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for cross-linking reactions that form a resin film on the fabric's surface
Data Source
AI summary
A set of liquid compositions contains a white ink, a first processing fluid containing an organic acid salt, and a second processing fluid containing a resin, wherein the first processing fluid is applied to fabric before the second processing fluid is applied thereto, and the second processing fluid is applied to the fabric before the white ink is applied thereto.