Phase Change Black Ink Composition for Low-Temperature Jetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase change inks used in solid ink jet printers operate at high jetting temperatures and exhibit poor scratch resistance and image permanence, with black colorants causing issues at low energy conditions, such as interference with the gelling process and dye diffusion, leading to problems like show through and aggregation of pigment particles.
Innovation Solution
A low energy black phase change ink composition comprising an ester-terminated polyamide, Guerbet alcohol or its mixture, a low polarity wax, and a black colorant, along with a dispersant, which forms a robust gel structure resistant to aggregation and settling, allowing for lower operating temperatures and improved print quality on various substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high jetting temperatures are used for phase change inks, then the ink can be properly jetted and solidified, but the scratch resistance and image permanence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink carrier by incorporating specific ratios of ester-terminated polyamide, Guerbet alcohol, and low polarity wax. This compositional parameter change enables the ink to achieve proper jetting at lower temperatures while maintaining high scratch resistance and image permanence, resolving the contradiction between temperature and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink carrier system combining multiple components (ester-terminated polyamide, Guerbet alcohol, low polarity wax) in specific proportions. This composite material approach allows the ink to exhibit both low-temperature jetting capability and high durability characteristics simultaneously
2Temperature
If black colorants are used in phase change inks at low energy conditions, then the ink can operate at lower temperatures, but the black colorant interferes with the gelling process and causes dye diffusion and aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dispersant as an intermediary substance that mediates between the black colorant and the ink carrier components. This dispersant prevents colorant aggregation and interference with the gelling process at low temperatures, enabling stable black ink performance without compromising composition stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the ink carrier parameters by adding specific dispersant components that change the interaction dynamics between the black colorant and other ink components. This parameter change allows low-temperature operation while maintaining colorant stability and preventing aggregation and dye diffusion
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 achieves stable performance at lower temperatures, minimizing show through and dye diffusion, with enhanced scratch resistance and durability, enabling successful printing on paper and transparency stock with reduced energy consumption and improved reliability.
Implementation Method 1
phase change inks (sometimes referred to as 'hot melt inks') are in the solid phase at ambient temperature, but exist in the liquid phase at the elevated operating temperature of an ink jet printing device
Implementation Method 2
the ink carrier can comprise (A) an ester-terminated polyamide, (B) a Guerbet alcohol or a Guerbet alcohol mixture including at least one linear alcohol, and (C) a low polarity wax
Implementation Method 3
The ink can be resistant to substantial aggregation and settling of the black colorant at the standby-mode printer temperature for the ink and up to about the jetting temperature of the ink
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a phase change black ink composition comprising (1) a low polarity ink carrier comprising (A) an ester-terminated polyamide, (B) a Guerbet alcohol or a Guerbet alcohol mixture including at least one linear alcohol, and (C) a low polarity wax, and (2) a black colorant. The ink carrier can also include a dispersant. The ink is resistant to aggregation and settling of the black colorant when a standby-mode printer temperature for the ink is not more than about the gel temperature of the ink.