Photo-curable Ink Composition for Low VOC Digital Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inkjet printing industry faces environmental pollution issues due to solvent-based inks, which are fast-drying but emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and lacks effective radiation-curable water-based ink compositions with excellent printing properties.
Innovation Solution
A photo-curable ink composition containing UV curable polyurethane dispersions, water, photo-initiators, and hydrophobic radiation-curable monomers, which provides good adhesion, scratch resistance, and weatherability, suitable for high-speed digital inkjet printing on various substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If solvent-based inks are used for fast drying, then drying speed is improved, but volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by using water-based formulations with specific surfactants and resins, maintaining fast drying speed while eliminating VOC emissions through parameter optimization of the ink composition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful solvent evaporation process into a beneficial water-based drying process that eliminates pollution while maintaining speed, turning the environmental harm into an environmental benefit through chemical substitution
2Object-generated harmful factors
If water-based inks are used to reduce VOC emissions, then environmental friendliness is improved, but adhesion and printing properties are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite water-based ink formulation combining multiple components including surfactants, resins, and colorants that work synergistically to achieve both environmental friendliness and excellent adhesion properties on various substrates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the water-based ink including pH, surfactant concentration, and resin composition to enhance adhesion properties while maintaining the environmental benefits of water-based formulation
3Speed
If radiation-curable ink compositions are developed, then curing speed is improved, but jetting properties and adhesion are worsened due to specific features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts critical parameters of the radiation-curable ink including viscosity, surface tension, and monomer selection to optimize both jetting performance through inkjet nozzles and subsequent adhesion to substrates while maintaining fast UV curing speed
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 enables reliable jetting, fast drying, and curing with excellent image quality and adhesion, reducing VOC emissions and improving printing performance on diverse media substrates.
Implementation Method 1
curing of ink by radiation, and, in particular, ultraviolet (UV) curing
Data Source
AI summary
A photo-curable ink composition including UV curable polyurethane dispersions, water, photo-initiator, colorant and hydrophobic radiation-curable monomers. Also disclosed herein is a method for forming a printed article and an inkjet printing system using said photo-curable ink composition.