Phase Change Ink Polyester Molecular Weight Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase change inks lack improved performance characteristics such as scratch resistance, mail rub resistance, and mail offset resistance, and they struggle to incorporate polymeric materials while maintaining suitable viscosity at jetting temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A phase change ink composition comprising an amorphous compound, a crystalline compound, a polyester polymer with a molecular weight of 500 to 8,000 and a polydispersity index of 1.0 to 8.0, an optional synergist, and an optional dispersant, which is used in an ink jet printing apparatus, melted, and then ejected as droplets onto a substrate in an imagewise pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polymeric materials are incorporated into phase change inks to improve image robustness and scratch resistance, then the durability and toughness of printed images are enhanced, but the viscosity at jetting temperature increases making it difficult to maintain suitable flow properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the polyester polymer to a specific range (500-8,000) and controls the polydispersity index (1.0-8.0) to achieve the desired balance between image robustness and jetting viscosity. This parameter optimization allows the ink to have sufficient strength while maintaining appropriate flow characteristics at operating temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material formulation by combining polyester polymers with specific molecular weights and polydispersity indices alongside other ink components. This composite approach enables the ink to exhibit both the durability provided by polymeric materials and the flow properties necessary for jetting, resolving the contradiction between strength and viscosity.
2Strength
If higher molecular weight polymers are used to improve scratch resistance and mail rub resistance, then the toughness of the printed image increases, but the viscosity becomes too high for effective jetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter within the range of 500-8,000 to achieve the right balance between scratch resistance and jetting performance. By controlling this parameter, the ink formulation provides sufficient toughness for durable images while maintaining low enough viscosity for effective droplet ejection during the jetting process.
3Reliability
If polymeric materials are added to enhance mail offset resistance and durability, then the printed image becomes more robust, but the ink formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages formulation complexity by specifying precise parameter ranges for the polyester polymer (molecular weight 500-8,000 and polydispersity index 1.0-8.0). This approach allows the incorporation of polymeric materials for enhanced mail offset resistance and reliability while keeping the formulation process manageable through clear parameter guidelines.
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 composition achieves improved image robustness, scratch resistance, and resistance to mail rub and offset, while maintaining suitable viscosity for jetting, resulting in tough and durable prints.
Implementation Method 1
Phase change inks (sometimes referred to as solid inks or '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
when the ink droplets contact the surface of the recording substrate, either directly or via an intermediate heated transfer belt or drum, they quickly solidify to form a predetermined pattern of solidified ink drops
Data Source
AI summary
A phase change ink composition including an amorphous compound; a crystalline compound; a polyester polymer, wherein the polyester has a molecular weight of from about 500 to about 8,000 and a polydispersity index of from about 1.0 to about 8.0; an optional synergist; an optional dispersant; and a colorant. A process including (1) incorporating into an ink jet printing apparatus the phase change ink composition; (2) melting the ink; and (3) causing droplets of the melted ink to be ejected in an imagewise pattern onto a substrate. An ink jet printer stick or pellet including the phase change ink composition.