Aqueous Pigmented Ink Gel Network for Capillary Flow Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aqueous pigmented inks used in capillary reservoir systems face issues with sedimentation of pigments, particularly effect pigments, leading to clogging and inadequate fluidity, despite the use of surfactants, suspension substances, and rheological additives, which often increase viscosity or fail to prevent settling over time.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous pigmented ink composition comprising a combination of at least one suspension substance, a mineral gel former, and an organic thickener, along with a water-dispersible film-forming component, stabilizes pigments by forming a durable structure that maintains fluidity and prevents sedimentation, even at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If suspension substances are added to prevent pigment sedimentation, then pigment stability is improved, but ink viscosity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the suspension substance by selecting specific cellulose ethers with defined molecular weights and substitution degrees. This allows achieving pigment stabilization while controlling viscosity through precise parameter selection rather than simply adding more suspension agent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite suspension systems combining cellulose ethers with specific physical-chemical properties. The composite nature of these cellulose derivatives provides both suspension capability and controlled rheological properties, resolving the contradiction between stability and viscosity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high concentration of suspension substances is used to prevent sedimentation, then pigment dispersion is improved, but ink flow through capillary system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight and substitution degree parameters of cellulose ethers to achieve effective pigment dispersion at lower concentrations. This parameter optimization allows maintaining good ink flow through capillary systems while preventing pigment sedimentation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rheological additives are used to maintain pigment suspension, then sedimentation is reduced, but compatibility problems and flocculation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cellulose ethers which are well-established, readily available materials with predictable behavior. These materials provide reliable suspension without the compatibility and flocculation issues associated with less conventional rheological additives, ensuring formula 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 ink achieves long-term stability and sufficient fluidity, allowing it to be used in capillary reservoir systems without clogging, while meeting safety and compatibility requirements for cosmetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
gel formers, these being compounds which through specific interactions with a solvent system, for example an aqueous system, form a gel. This gel, which has a kind of network structure, is able to maintain pigments in suspension and hinder their settlement
Implementation Method 2
In each case there is a dispersion system wherein virtually insoluble pigment particles are dispersed in an aqueous vehicle. Systems of this kind are also referred to as a suspension.
Implementation Method 3
since the density of pigment particles is generally greater than that of the water typically used as vehicle material, they readily settle and form agglomerates in the reservoir vessel
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous pigmented ink for use in a capillary reservoir system comprises at least one pigment, at least one water-dispersible, film-forming component, about 0.5 to about 4.5 wt % of at least one suspension substance and about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt % of a gel former combination in an aqueous vehicle, the gel former combination comprising at least one mineral gel former and at least one organic thickener.