Polymer-Encapsulated Pigment Bridging Layer for Thermal Ink-Jet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polymer-encapsulated pigments face challenges in thermal ink-jet architecture due to agglomeration and high glass transition temperatures, leading to nozzle blockages and poor print durability.
Innovation Solution
A bridging layer is applied to the pigment surface, followed by a polymer encapsulation layer, using temperature or pH changes to solubilize and deposit a thermally or pH-sensitive bridging component, which passivates the pigment and creates a seed layer for subsequent polymer attachment, enhancing dispersion stability and print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If polymer-encapsulated pigments are used in thermal ink-jet architecture, then pigment dispersion stability is improved, but pigment agglomeration occurs under high thermal shear conditions causing nozzle blockages
Solution Approach 1:
A bridging layer comprising a bridging polymer is introduced as an intermediary between the pigment particles and the outer polymer encapsulation layer. This bridging layer specifically addresses the compatibility issue by having a glass transition temperature positioned between the pigment and outer polymer, preventing agglomeration under thermal shear while maintaining dispersion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite encapsulation structure with three distinct layers: pigment core, bridging layer with intermediate Tg, and outer polymer encapsulation layer. This composite structure combines the benefits of each layer to achieve both dispersion stability and thermal shear resistance simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If polymer-encapsulated pigments with high glass transition temperatures are used, then pigment dispersion stability is improved, but room temperature print film formation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The glass transition temperature parameter is strategically optimized for the bridging layer to fall between the pigment Tg and the outer polymer Tg. This parameter change enables the bridging layer to provide thermal stability while allowing the outer polymer to remain flexible enough for room temperature film formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation function is segmented into three distinct layers with different Tg characteristics: the pigment core, the bridging layer with intermediate Tg, and the outer polymer layer with lower Tg. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, with the outer layer enabling room temperature processing while the inner layers provide thermal stability.
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 solution improves dispersion stability, reduces viscosity, and enhances print durability and gloss uniformity, ensuring reliable thermal ink-jet performance and durable print films.
Implementation Method 1
a bridging component, which has been solubilized in a liquid vehicle at an elevated temperature or adjusted pH, is then deposited on a surface of the pigment
Implementation Method 2
The bridging component is used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention to form a bridging layer on a pigment particulate... a bridging component, which has been solubilized in a liquid vehicle at an elevated temperature or adjusted pH
Implementation Method 3
a polymer encapsulation layer attached or deposited on the bridging layer... attached or deposited on the bridging layer
Implementation Method 4
a polymer encapsulation layer attached or deposited on the bridging layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is drawn to pigment suspensions, methods of forming pigment suspensions, and ink sets. The pigment suspension can comprise an aqueous liquid vehicle and a polymer-encapsulated pigment suspended in the liquid vehicle. The polymer-encapsulated pigment can include a pigment core, a bridging layer deposited on a surface of the pigment core, and a polymer encapsulation layer attached to or deposited on the bridging layer.