Oil-Based Inkjet Ink Solvent System for Transfer Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oil-based inkjet inks face issues with transfer contamination and image density degradation due to solvent penetration into substrates, leading to reduced image quality and increased risk of 'show-through' and image bleeding.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination of fatty acid ester-based solvents with specific viscosity and boiling point ranges (A and B) in oil-based inkjet inks, where solvent A has a low viscosity and boiling point, and solvent B has a high viscosity and boiling point, to enhance penetration drying properties and prevent transfer contamination while maintaining image density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a non-aqueous ink containing a highly volatile solvent is applied to a recording medium having low ink absorbency, then the solvent dries quickly, but the printing surface may come into contact with a transfer roller or the like before the solvent dries, thereby causing a roller transfer contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the solvent by selecting a non-aqueous solvent with a specific boiling point range (185°C or lower) and controlled volatility. This parameter optimization allows the solvent to dry at an appropriate speed that prevents roller transfer contamination while maintaining efficient drying performance.
2Speed
If a non-aqueous ink containing a highly volatile solvent is applied to a substrate having permeability, then the solvent penetrates into the substrate, but the image density tends to decrease due to the influence of so-called 'show-through'
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the solvent parameters by selecting a non-aqueous solvent with a boiling point of 185°C or lower, which controls the penetration speed and evaporation rate. This parameter control allows the solvent to penetrate the substrate sufficiently for drying while evaporating before excessive penetration occurs, thereby maintaining image density and preventing show-through.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition (evaporation) of the non-aqueous solvent to achieve drying. By selecting a solvent with a boiling point of 185°C or lower, the solvent transitions from liquid to vapor phase more readily, enabling controlled penetration and subsequent evaporation that maintains image density while achieving effective drying.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the penetration drying properties of an oil-based ink to the substrate is enhanced from the viewpoint of preventing transfer contamination, then the pigment also tends to penetrate into the substrate together with the solvent, meaning the image density tends to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of solvent volatility by using a non-aqueous solvent with a boiling point of 185°C or lower. This parameter change creates a differential between solvent evaporation rate and pigment penetration rate, allowing the solvent to evaporate quickly to prevent transfer contamination while the pigment remains on the surface to maintain image density.
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 combination effectively prevents transfer contamination and maintains image density over time, improving the quality and reproducibility of printed images by controlling solvent evaporation and viscosity ratios.
Implementation Method 1
Oil-based inks are inks of a penetration drying system, which dry as a result of penetration into the substrate
Implementation Method 2
Solvent having a low polarity and a solvent having a high polarity in combination... penetration drying properties of the ink
Data Source
AI summary
An oil-based inkjet ink is disclosed, that contains a pigment, a fatty acid ester-based solvent (A) having a viscosity of 5.0 mPa·s or lower and a boiling point of 300° C. or higher but lower than 400° C., and a fatty acid ester-based solvent (B) having a viscosity of 10.0 mPa·s or higher and a boiling point of 400° C. or higher.