Phosphate-Modified Self-Dispersible Pigment Ink for High Optical Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water-based pigment inks for ink-jet recording face challenges in achieving improved optical density and chromaticness, with existing solutions not adequately addressing these requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of a water-based ink containing self-dispersible pigments modified with phosphate groups and dextran or its derivatives, which enhances optical density and chromaticness by improving pigment dispersion and interaction with the recording medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If water-dispersible polymer is contained in water-based pigment ink to improve optical density and chromaticness, then optical density and chromaticness are improved, but further improvement is still demanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the pigment surface chemistry by introducing phosphate groups to create self-dispersible pigments. This chemical parameter change enables the pigment to autonomously disperse in water without requiring additional water-dispersible polymers, achieving superior optical density and chromaticness while simplifying the ink formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite pigment structure by combining colorant particles with phosphate group modifiers on the surface. This composite material exhibits both coloration properties and self-dispersion capabilities, eliminating the need for separate dispersing agents and achieving enhanced optical performance.
2Illumination intensity
If treatment agent is combined with water-based ink to unstabilize dissolved or dispersed state of colorant, then optical density is improved, but further improvement is demanded and chromaticness is not sufficiently improved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using treatment agents to destabilize colorant as in conventional approaches, the patent inverts the approach by creating pigments that inherently stabilize through self-dispersion. The phosphate-modified pigments automatically achieve optimal dispersion state upon contact with water, eliminating the need for separate treatment agents and achieving both higher optical density and chromaticness.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional water-based pigment ink is used, then basic recording function is achieved, but optical density and chromaticness are not sufficiently improved
Solution Approach 1:
The phosphate-modified pigments are self-service in nature, automatically dispersing in water without requiring external dispersing agents or complex treatment processes. This self-dispersion capability simplifies ink formulation while achieving superior optical density and chromaticness, making the manufacturing process both easier and more effective.
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
This approach results in significantly improved optical density and chromaticness in ink-jet recordings, with the water-based ink set effectively stabilizing the pigment dispersion and enhancing storage stability and vaporization characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
self-dispersible pigment modified with phosphate group
Implementation Method 2
self-dispersible pigment modified with phosphate group
Implementation Method 3
at least one of dextran and a derivative thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A water-based ink for ink-jet recording includes a self-dispersible pigment which is modified with phosphate group, at least one of dextran and a derivative thereof, and water.