Non-aqueous Inkjet Inks for High Density Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-aqueous inkjet printing processes often fail to achieve sufficient image density or brilliant images, particularly with certain types of printing paper.

Innovation Solution

The process involves forming images by superposing two kinds of inks, where one ink contains a first coloring material, a non-aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous resin, and a water-soluble resin with an amino group, and the other ink contains a second coloring material, a non-aqueous solvent, and a nitrogen-containing graft copolymer with a polyester side chain, specifically using acrylic polymers and polyethyleneimine to enhance image density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional non-aqueous inks are used, then the ink stability and drying properties are improved, but the image density and brilliance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink stabilityVSAvoidimage density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple resin components (non-aqueous resin and water-soluble resin with amino group) and multiple coloring materials (carbon black and copper phthalocyanine) in specific ratios. This composite approach allows the ink to simultaneously achieve stable non-aqueous properties and high image density through synergistic interactions between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific parameters including the amino group content (0.1-10 mmol/g), molecular weight range (1,000-100,000), and resin content ratios (1-50 mass%). By precisely controlling these parameters, the ink achieves both stability and high image density on various paper types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If conventional non-aqueous inks are used, then the permeation and drying time are reduced, but the image brilliance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying timeVSAvoidimage brilliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The water-soluble resin with amino group acts as an intermediary that facilitates rapid permeation into the paper while the non-aqueous resin maintains ink stability. This intermediary component enables fast drying without sacrificing image brilliance, as it promotes quick absorption into the substrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If single-ink formulations are used, then the process complexity is reduced, but the image density and color quality are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess complexityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ink formulation into distinct functional components: carbon black for base density, copper phthalocyanine for color brilliance, non-aqueous resin for stability, and water-soluble resin with amino groups for permeation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function while maintaining overall process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach significantly improves image density, especially for black images, and produces brilliant color images by optimizing the interaction between the inks and the recording medium.

Implementation Method 1

a water-soluble resin having an amino group... and a nitrogen-containing graft copolymer having a polyester side chain

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS9624394B2Inkjet printing process and non-aqueous ink set
Publication Date: 2017.04.18 RISO KAGAKU CORP

AI summary

An inkjet printing process including forming an image by superposing two or more kinds of inks, wherein the two or more kinds of inks contain (A) an ink containing at least a first coloring material, a non-aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous resin, and a water-soluble resin having an amino group, and (B) an ink containing at least a second coloring material, a non-aqueous solvent, and a nitrogen-containing graft copolymer having a polyester side chain, and a non-aqueous ink set containing the ink (A) and the ink (B).