Organic Phase Change Ink Nanoparticle Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current phase change inks used in solid ink jet printers require high jetting temperatures and exhibit poor scratch resistance, image permanence, and energy inefficiency, with a need for improved performance at moderate operating conditions and reduced energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

Development of an organic phase change ink composition comprising a colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles, a curable monomer, a phase change inducing agent, and an initiator, which provides high nanoparticle uniformity and reduced aggregation, enabling lower temperature jetting and improved print quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional phase change inks are used, then jetting can be performed, but high jetting temperatures are required and energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidjetting temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the ink carrier by incorporating specific waxes (monoester waxes with alkyl groups of at least 10 carbon atoms, polyalkylene waxes) and gelling agents (urea gellants). These compositional changes alter the phase change characteristics, enabling the ink to undergo phase transition at lower temperatures, thereby reducing jetting temperature requirements and energy consumption while maintaining adequate jetting performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite ink carrier system by combining multiple components: monoester waxes, polyalkylene waxes, and urea gellants. This composite formulation synergistically provides both the necessary flow properties for jetting and the phase change behavior at reduced temperatures, resolving the contradiction between jetting capability and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If conventional phase change inks are used, then printing can be performed, but scratch resistance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescratch resistanceVSAvoidimage permanence

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the molecular weight distribution and composition ratios of the wax components in the ink carrier. By optimizing these parameters, the cured ink forms a more robust crosslinked network structure that simultaneously enhances scratch resistance and maintains image permanence, resolving the contradiction between these two reliability metrics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If nanoparticles are added to improve uniformity, then nanoparticle aggregation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenanoparticle uniformityVSAvoidnanoparticle aggregation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the urea gellant as an intermediary substance that mediates between the nanoparticles and the wax matrix. The gellant creates a three-dimensional network structure that physically separates and stabilizes nanoparticles, preventing aggregation while maintaining uniform distribution throughout the ink carrier

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 new ink composition allows for phase change ink jet printers to operate at lower temperatures, enhances scratch resistance, and reduces energy consumption while maintaining print quality on various substrates like paper and transparency stock.

Implementation Method 1

comprise (A) a colloidal dispersion of at least one of nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColloidal dispersion: Colloid

Implementation Method 2

phase change inducing agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS8070872B2Organic phase change carriers containing nanoparticles, phase change inks including same and methods for making same

Publication Date: 2011.12.06 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is an organic phase change carrier and a method for forming same, and a phase change ink including same. The organic phase change carrier comprises a colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles exhibiting a substantially uniform distribution of said nanoparticles discretely distributed therewithin, at least one curable monomer; a phase change inducing component, and an initiator. The organic phase change carrier exhibits a substantially uniform distribution of the nanoparticles so that they are discretely distributed therewithin, and are substantially resistant to the aggregation of the nanoparticles distributed therewithin.