Photocurable Inkjet Composition with Dual-Solvent Viscosity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photocurable compositions for inkjet printing face challenges such as uneven dispersion of light emitting moieties and scattering particles, high viscosity, and residue formation around the nozzle, which affect printing quality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A novel photocurable composition comprising a reactive monomer, a light emitting inorganic nanoparticle with specific optical density and emission characteristics, and a chemical compound with (meth)acrylate groups and additional functional groups, which improves dispersion and viscosity management without solvents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high loading of light emitting moieties is added to improve emission intensity, then the emission performance is improved, but the viscosity increases making it unsuitable for inkjet printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemission intensityVSAvoidviscosity for inkjet printing

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing a specific solvent system comprising propylene glycol monomethyl ether and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate in a controlled ratio, which adjusts the viscosity parameter to remain suitable for inkjet printing even with high light emitting moiety loading (5-50 wt%).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite composition combining resin (acrylic polymer with carboxyl groups), light emitting moieties (quantum dots or phosphors), and a dual-solvent system. This composite structure allows high solid content while maintaining flow properties through the synergistic interaction of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional solvents are used to maintain low viscosity, then inkjet printability is improved, but residue forms around the nozzle during printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinkjet printabilityVSAvoidnozzle residue formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects solvents with specific boiling point parameters (propylene glycol monomethyl ether: 130-140°C, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate: 170-180°C) to optimize evaporation characteristics. This parameter selection ensures complete evaporation without residue while maintaining low viscosity for inkjet delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses volatile solvent molecules that serve their purpose temporarily during printing and then completely evaporate without remaining in the cured film, effectively acting as temporary carriers that are discarded after function completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Use of energy by moving object

If light emitting nanoparticles with high optical density are used to improve absorption efficiency, then the light absorption is improved, but the dispersion homogeneity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight absorption efficiencyVSAvoiddispersion homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses resin (acrylic polymer with carboxyl groups) as an intermediary substance that adsorbs onto the surface of light emitting nanoparticles. This intermediary layer prevents nanoparticle aggregation while maintaining their high optical density, achieving both high absorption efficiency and homogeneous dispersion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the optical density parameter of light emitting nanoparticles within a specific range (0.3-1.5 OD/mg) to balance absorption efficiency with dispersion stability, preventing excessive aggregation while maintaining effective light harvesting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Temperature

If the composition is made solvent-free to improve thermal stability, then thermal stability is improved, but the viscosity becomes too high for inkjet printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidviscosity for inkjet printing

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dual-solvent system with specific composition ratios that temporarily reduces viscosity for inkjet printing, then allows controlled evaporation to achieve a solvent-free or low-solvent cured film with high thermal stability, effectively separating the processing state from the final product state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 achieves improved homogeneous dispersion of light emitting and scattering particles, maintains low viscosity for inkjet printing, prevents residue formation, and enhances thermal stability and printing properties.

Implementation Method 1

a photocurable composition for ink-jetting, comprising at least; i) a reactive monomer... ii) a light emitting moiety... iii) a chemical compound comprising at least one (meth)acrylate group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation