Phase Change Coating Composition for Variable Data Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overprint coatings for toner-based prints lack adequate heat and abrasion resistance, and are inefficiently applied, particularly in variable-data digital printing, where controlled application methods like ink jet printing are not effectively supported.
Innovation Solution
A phase change, curable composition comprising a curable monomer, photoinitiator, and phase change agent, which increases viscosity significantly upon cooling, allowing for precise application by ink jet printing and subsequent radiation-induced polymerization to form a robust protective coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If known overprint coatings are applied using liquid film coating devices, then the entire surface of the image is coated, but the process is inefficient and difficult for variable-data digital printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the coating composition by incorporating phase change materials that transition between solid and liquid states at specific temperatures. The composition is heated above the phase change temperature to become liquid for jetting, then cools below the phase change temperature to become solid for precise positioning, enabling efficient variable-data digital printing with controlled application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the coating composition through temperature control. The composition transitions from solid to liquid when heated above the phase change temperature for inkjet deposition, and from liquid to solid when cooled below the phase change temperature for precise positioning and rapid solidification, solving both efficiency and control requirements
2Reliability
If conventional overprint coatings are used, then application is possible, but heat and abrasion resistance is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite coating composition by combining phase change materials with curable polymers and resins. This composite structure provides both the phase change capability for controlled application and the enhanced heat and abrasion resistance for reliable protection, while the integrated formulation simplifies the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thermal and mechanical parameters of the coating by incorporating phase change materials with specific transition temperatures and curable components. This enables the coating to achieve high heat and abrasion resistance through controlled phase transitions and curing, while maintaining ease of manufacture through a unified formulation approach
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 composition provides enhanced heat and abrasion resistance to toner images, enabling efficient and controlled application, suitable for stress-case media like flexible packaging and automobile manuals, while maintaining transparency and visibility of the image.
Implementation Method 1
phase change agent that provides the composition with an increase in viscosity of at least four orders of magnitude as the composition is cooled from a first temperature to a second temperature
Implementation Method 2
photoinitiator that, when exposed to radiation, initiates polymerization of the curable monomer
Data Source
AI summary
The phase change, curable composition comprises curable monomer, photoinitiator that initiates polymerization of the curable monomer, and phase change agent that provides the composition with an increase in viscosity of at least four orders of magnitude, from a first temperature, the first temperature being from 50° C. to 130° C., to a second temperature, the second temperature being from 0° C. to 70° C., wherein the second temperature is at least 10° C. below the first temperature. A coating over an image may be applied by providing a composition comprising curable monomer at a first temperature; applying the composition over the image, the image being at a second temperature; and exposing the composition to radiation to initiate polymerization of the curable monomer. In this process, the composition has a viscosity at the second temperature that is at least four orders of magnitude greater than its viscosity at the first temperature.