Phase Change Ink with Crystalline and Amorphous Compounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional phase change ink technologies are not satisfactory for coated paper substrates, experiencing poor adhesion, scratch resistance, and image robustness due to hard and brittle materials, leading to issues like paper fold performance and document offset.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel phase change ink compositions comprising a blend of crystalline and amorphous compounds with limited compatibility, derived from bio-renewable materials, which provide fast crystallization and improved scratch resistance, suitable for high-speed printing on coated paper substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional phase change ink technologies use hard and brittle materials, then the ink can maintain structural integrity, but the adhesion and scratch resistance on coated paper substrates deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidadhesion and scratch resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite ink formulation combining crystalline compounds (providing structural integrity and scratch resistance) with amorphous compounds (providing adhesion and flexibility). This composite approach allows the ink to simultaneously achieve hardness for scratch resistance and softness for adhesion, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and reliability on coated substrates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the ink composition by introducing specific crystalline compounds with controlled melting points and crystallization behaviors. By adjusting the ratio and types of crystalline and amorphous compounds, the ink achieves optimal balance between hardness and adhesion properties, transforming the material characteristics to satisfy both structural and adhesive requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional phase change inks are used on coated paper substrates, then the printing process can be simplified, but the image robustness and scratch resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting process simplicityVSAvoidimage robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The composite formulation of crystalline and amorphous compounds creates an ink system that maintains ease of application while dramatically improving image robustness. The crystalline component provides scratch resistance and image durability, while the amorphous component ensures proper flow and adhesion during printing, achieving both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If hard and brittle materials are used in phase change inks, then the ink can maintain form stability, but the paper fold performance and document offset deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveform stabilityVSAvoidpaper fold performance and document offset

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite system where amorphous compounds act as flexible binders that prevent cracking and folding damage, while crystalline compounds provide the necessary form stability and scratch resistance. This combination eliminates the harmful effects of pure hard materials while maintaining compositional stability, improving paper fold performance and preventing document offset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 bio-renewable phase change ink compositions demonstrate robust images and excellent scratch resistance on both uncoated and coated substrates, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by enhancing adhesion and print quality.

Implementation Method 1

phase change ink compositions characterized by being solid at room temperature and molten at an elevated temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

the molten ink solidifies rapidly, enabling the colorant to substantially remain on the surface of the recording medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentUS9011587B1Phase change inks comprising novel crystalline compounds

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A phase change ink composition suitable for ink jet printing, including robust printing on coated paper substrates. In embodiments, the phase change ink composition comprises both a crystalline compound and an amorphous compound which are derived from bio-renewable materials. In particular, the present embodiments provide novel crystalline compounds with at least two aromatic moieties for use in the phase change inks.