Phase Change Ink Composition for Conductive Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase change inks with high melting temperatures require specialized inkjet heads and are not compatible with polar additives, leading to stability issues and environmental concerns due to the use of nonpolar solvents and complex processing steps in optical patterning methods.
Innovation Solution
A phase change ink composition with a melting temperature ranging from 60° C. to 90° C., comprising metal nanoparticles, a dispersing agent, and a solvent mixture of sulfur-containing compounds, allowing for the use of typical inkjet heads and incorporating polar additives, which maintains stability and reduces environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the melting temperature of phase change ink is increased to exceed 90°C, then the ink can be used with high-temperature inkjet heads, but the inkjet head temperature exceeds the 90°C allowance of most typical inkjet heads, limiting compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the melting temperature parameter of the phase change ink from exceeding 90°C to 60-90°C by modifying the wax component composition and ratio, enabling compatibility with typical inkjet heads while maintaining phase change functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an ink composition that can be universally used with both typical inkjet heads (60-90°C) and specially designed high-temperature inkjet heads (>90°C), achieving multi-functionality across different inkjet head types
2Adaptability or versatility
If polar additives are added to phase change ink containing nonpolar wax components, then the ink can be used with typical inkjet heads, but the polar additive may not be well mixed, causing phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polar solvent as an intermediary substance that bridges the nonpolar wax components and polar additives, enabling them to mix uniformly without phase separation while maintaining the ink's phase change properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system containing both polar and nonpolar components, allowing the ink to accommodate both polar additives and nonpolar wax while maintaining homogeneous mixing and stability
3Reliability
If metal nanoparticles are used as conductive material in ink, then conductive patterns can be formed, but the metal nanoparticles may be precipitated due to higher specific gravity than organic solvent, deteriorating storage stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the ink from liquid to solid at room temperature using phase change materials, which eliminates metal nanoparticle precipitation by stopping their movement and settling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the ink composition between solid state (at room temperature for stable storage) and liquid state (at jetting temperature for nanoparticle dispersion and printing), resolving the contradiction between nanoparticle stability and printability
4Stability of the object's composition
If the viscosity of ink is increased to reduce settling speed of metal nanoparticles, then storage stability improves, but the inkjet head jetting capability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ink viscosity dynamic by utilizing phase change: the ink maintains high viscosity in solid state at room temperature for stability, and transitions to low viscosity in liquid state at jetting temperature for easy dispensing and jetting
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 phase change ink composition enables the formation of conductive patterns with improved stability, reduced settling of metal nanoparticles, and environmental friendliness, while allowing the use of standard inkjet heads and polar additives, thus enhancing storage stability and process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the phase change ink composition has a melting temperature ranging from 60° C. to 90° C.
Implementation Method 2
an ink composition having a solid state at room temperature but a liquid state in a temperature rise range allowed by an inkjet device
Implementation Method 3
the specific gravity of a metal is higher than an organic solvent, so that the metal nanoparticles may be precipitated
Implementation Method 4
studies into an ink composition having a solid state at room temperature but a liquid state in a temperature rise range allowed by an inkjet device
Data Source
AI summary
A phase change ink composition includes metal nanoparticles, a dispersing agent allowing the metal nanoparticles to be stably dispersed and arranged within the phase change ink composition, and a solvent in which the metal nanoparticles and the dispersing agent are mixed and which comprises at least two sulfur-containing compounds, wherein the phase change ink composition has a melting temperature ranging from 60° C. to 90° C.