Nozzle Plate Perfluoro Polyether Layer Ink Contamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording methods using high permeability ink face challenges with nozzle surface contamination due to low surface tension, leading to durability issues and poor water repellency in inkjet heads.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle plate with a perfluoro polyether-based ink repellent layer is applied to the nozzle substrate, featuring a specific X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum ratio that enhances durability and reduces ink contamination, allowing for efficient removal of remaining ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high permeability ink is used to improve image resolution, then image quality is improved, but nozzle surface contamination increases due to low surface tension
Solution Approach 1:
A water repellent layer is introduced as an intermediary between the nozzle surface and the high permeability ink. This layer has specific surface properties (controlled oxygen peak ratios in XPS spectrum) that allow it to repel ink while permitting droplet ejection, thus preventing contamination without sacrificing image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The surface composition of the water repellent layer is precisely controlled by adjusting the ratio of oxygen atoms in different chemical environments (peak 1 at 534-540 eV to peak 2 at 528-534 eV in XPS spectrum) to fall within 0.35-0.45. This parameter optimization creates the desired balance between ink repellency and droplet ejection performance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional water repellent layers are applied to prevent contamination, then water repellency is improved, but durability of the water repellent layer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The durability is improved by precisely controlling the surface composition parameters of the water repellent layer. The oxygen peak ratio (peak 1/peak 2) is optimized to 0.35-0.45, and the layer thickness is controlled at 5-30 nm, creating a layer that is both durable and effectively repellent
Solution Approach 2:
The water repellent layer is formed by coating a fluorine-containing polymer on the nozzle surface, creating a composite structure that combines the mechanical durability of the polymer with the repellent properties of fluorine-containing compounds
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 nozzle plate effectively prevents nozzle surface contamination and improves durability by ensuring rapid ink removal, even after prolonged use, while maintaining suitable water repellency.
Implementation Method 1
a layer containing a compound having a perfluoro polyether skeleton its molecule... improving the durability and water repellency
Data Source
AI summary
An improved nozzle plate includes a nozzle substrate having nozzle holes through which droplets are ejected, and a layer containing a compound having a perfluoro polyether skeleton its molecule. The layer is formed on the nozzle substrate on the side on which the droplets are ejected. The surface of the nozzle plate has an X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum ascribable to oxygen atom such that the ratio of the area of peak 1 to the area of peak 2 ranges from 0.35 to 0.45, where the peak 1 represents peaks observed between 534 eV and 540 eV and the peak 2 represents peaks observed between 528 eV and 534 eV among peaks between 528 eV to 540 eV.