Oil-Based Inkjet Ink Discharge Stability and Show-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil-based inkjet inks face issues with discharge stability after a long idle period and show-through in printed items due to nozzle adhesion and volatility, as well as inadequate pigment dispersion and image density.
Innovation Solution
An oil-based inkjet ink formulation containing a pigment, an amide-based dispersant, and a non-aqueous solvent comprising a modified silicone oil with 2 or 3 silicon atoms and a petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvent, which improves pigment dispersion, reduces nozzle adhesion, and enhances image density while preventing show-through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional oil-based inkjet inks are used, then the ink can be jetted from nozzles, but the ink exhibits poor discharge stability after a long idle period due to nozzle adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system by using a specific mixture of silicone oil (with controlled viscosity and silicon atom count) and petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvent in defined ratios. This parameter optimization reduces nozzle adhesion during idle periods while maintaining discharge stability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and duration of action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite solvent system combining silicone oil and petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvent. This composite material leverages the low surface tension and nozzle-wetting properties of silicone oil alongside the volatility control of petroleum solvents, achieving both good discharge stability and reduced nozzle adhesion during extended idle periods.
2Reliability
If conventional oil-based inkjet inks are used, then the ink can dry on the recording medium, but the ink exhibits show-through in printed items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity and composition parameters of the petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvent component. By controlling these parameters within specific ranges, the ink formulation achieves better penetration control and drying characteristics that prevent show-through while maintaining high print quality and image density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the local chemical composition of the ink near the recording medium interface by selecting specific petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvents with controlled volatility and solubility parameters. This local optimization ensures proper ink setting and penetration control at the paper interface, preventing show-through while maintaining overall print quality.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional dispersants are used, then the pigment can be dispersed in the ink, but the ink exhibits inadequate image density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the dispersant system by using amide-based dispersants with specific molecular structures and concentrations. This parameter optimization enhances pigment wetting and dispersion stability while increasing light absorption and image density, simultaneously improving both quantity of substance and compositional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs amide-based dispersants as intermediary substances between the pigment particles and the solvent system. These dispersants provide optimal interfacial compatibility and adhesion, ensuring stable pigment dispersion throughout the ink while maximizing pigment utilization for high image density output.
4Speed
If volatile organic solvents are used, then the ink can dry quickly through evaporation, but the ink exhibits poor discharge stability due to volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the volatility parameters of the solvent system by selecting petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvents with controlled boiling points and vapor pressures. This parameter adjustment provides moderate evaporation rates that ensure quick drying while maintaining sufficient discharge stability, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite solvent system where petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvents provide controlled volatility for adequate drying speed, while silicone oil components maintain low surface tension for stable nozzle discharge. This composite approach balances drying speed and discharge stability that cannot be achieved with single volatile organic solvents.
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 ink exhibits excellent discharge stability after a long idle period and achieves high image density while preventing show-through in printed items by using a combination of amide-based dispersants and modified silicone oils with petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvents.
Implementation Method 1
an amide-based dispersant and a non-aqueous solvent, wherein the non-aqueous solvent contains a modified silicone oil having 2 or 3 silicon atoms in one molecule
Implementation Method 2
a modified silicone oil having 2 or 3 silicon atoms in one molecule, and a petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvent
Implementation Method 3
oil-based inks in which the main solvent is an organic solvent having either low volatility or no volatility... mainly dry as a result of penetration into the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An oil-based inkjet ink can be provided which exhibits excellent discharge stability even after a long idle period, and also yields high image density and prevents show-through in printed items. The oil-based inkjet ink contains a pigment, an amide-based dispersant and a non-aqueous solvent, wherein the non-aqueous solvent contains a modified silicone oil having 2 or 3 silicon atoms in one molecule, and a petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvent.