Photo-curable Ink Composition for Fast Drying and Low VOC Emissions
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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 water, UV curable polyurethane dispersions, hydrophobic radiation-curable monomers, and water-soluble or water-miscible 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 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 solids content ranges (5-50%) and incorporating radiation-curable components. This allows the ink to dry quickly through water evaporation and then cure rapidly under UV/visible light, achieving fast drying speed without relying on volatile organic solvents that cause pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition mechanisms where water evaporates from the ink droplet during drying, and then radiation-induced chemical phase change occurs during curing. The ink composition is designed to undergo controlled evaporation of water followed by photopolymerization, achieving rapid drying without VOC emissions while maintaining fast processing speed.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If water-based inks are used to reduce pollution, then environmental friendliness is improved, but printing properties and adhesion are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining water-based components with radiation-curable polymers and resins. The ink contains multiple functional components including water-soluble polymers, hydrophobic polymers, curable monomers, and catalysts that work synergistically to provide both environmental benefits and excellent printing properties including adhesion, scratch resistance, and weatherability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional thermal drying and mechanical adhesion mechanisms with radiation-induced chemical bonding. The ink is designed to be cured by UV or visible light, creating strong chemical bonds between ink components and substrate that provide superior adhesion and durability compared to conventional water-based inks that rely on evaporation and physical adhesion alone.
3Speed
If radiation-curable inks are used for fast curing, then curing speed is improved, but adhesion and printing quality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters including solids content (5-50%), water content, and specific ratios of hydrophobic to hydrophilic polymers to ensure proper adhesion. The ink formulation includes adhesion promoters and surface-active agents that enhance substrate bonding while maintaining the fast-curing characteristic of radiation-curable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite formulations combining multiple polymer types (water-soluble and hydrophobic), curable monomers, and functional additives that work together to provide both rapid radiation curing and excellent adhesion properties. The synergistic interaction between components ensures high reliability while maintaining fast processing 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 ink composition enables reliable jetting, fast drying, and curing with excellent image quality and adhesion on diverse media, reducing VOC emissions and improving environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
curing of ink by radiation, and in particular ultraviolet (UV) curing
Implementation Method 2
photo-initiator, UV curable polyurethane dispersions
Implementation Method 3
the solvents, which are often volatile organic compounds (VOC), emit vapors
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A photo-curable ink composition including colorant, water, photo-initiator, UV curable polyurethane dispersions, hydrophobic radiation-curable monomers and water-soluble or water-miscible 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.