Offset Printing Paper Waterglass Binder Sustainability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current offset printing papers rely on synthetic binders made from non-renewable sources, which are costly and environmentally detrimental due to slow degradation, necessitating a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
Innovation Solution
The use of waterglass as a binder in offset printing sheets, comprising a pigment part with fine particulate pigments like carbonate, kaolin, and silica, and optionally additives, where the weight ratio of SiO2:Na2O in waterglass is above or equal to 3, allowing for improved printing properties and ecological benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic binders (latex or PVA) are used in offset printing papers, then good binding performance and coating stability are achieved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to slow degradation and reliance on non-renewable sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder from synthetic polymers to inorganic waterglass (sodium silicate) with specific SiO2:Na2O ratios (2.5-4.0), transforming the binder system to achieve both performance and sustainability goals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs waterglass, an inexpensive inorganic binder derived from abundant natural sources (sand and soda ash), replacing expensive synthetic binders. Waterglass degrades rapidly in the environment compared to persistent synthetic polymers, aligning with sustainable principles
2Reliability
If synthetic binders are used in offset printing papers, then adequate coating performance is achieved, but production costs increase due to reliance on crude oil-based materials
Solution Approach 1:
Waterglass is derived from abundant natural materials (sand and soda ash) and is significantly cheaper than crude oil-based synthetic binders. The patent demonstrates that this inexpensive inorganic binder can replace expensive synthetic alternatives while maintaining coating performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the SiO2:Na2O ratio in waterglass to 2.5-4.0, creating the ideal compositional parameters for coating performance. This parameter optimization ensures that the low-cost inorganic binder achieves performance comparable to expensive synthetic binders
3Reliability
If conventional synthetic binders are used, then good ink reception is achieved, but degradation speed decreases leading to environmental persistence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the binder from carbon-based synthetic polymers to inorganic sodium silicate, fundamentally altering the degradation pathway. Waterglass degrades through natural weathering processes much faster than synthetic polymers, reducing environmental persistence while maintaining ink reception properties
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
Waterglass as a binder enhances printing performance, particularly in set off behavior, while offering ecological and economic advantages by replacing conventional latex binders without significant drawbacks, and can be used in various paper types and coating configurations.
Implementation Method 1
waterglass as a binder in offset printing sheets, comprising a pigment part with fine particulate pigments like carbonate, kaolin, and silica
Implementation Method 2
the weight ratio of SiO2:Na2O in waterglass is above or equal to 3, allowing for improved printing properties
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a printing sheet for offset printing, comprising at least one image receiving coating and optionally one or several pre-coatings beneath said image receiving coating, said coatings comprising a pigment part, a binder part, and optionally additives, wherein the pigment part essentially consists of one or a mixture of fine particulate pigments selected from the group of carbonate, kaolin, solid or vacuolated polymer pigment, wherein said binder part comprises waterglass.