Inkjet Printing Sheet with Plaster Layer for Rapid Carbonation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The plaster (shikkui)-containing printing layer in existing ink-jet printing sheets requires promotion of carbonation after printing to achieve fastness and weather-proof properties, as the calcium hydroxide reacts with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate, but this process is not immediate, affecting the quality and durability of printed images.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an organic binder and additives like glycerin or water-soluble polymers in the printing layer to enhance hydrophilic properties, allowing for quicker carbonation of calcium hydroxide after printing, resulting in improved weather-proof and scratch-resistant properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If plaster (shikkui) is blended with slaked lime and water in the printing layer, then the printed image exhibits rugged appearance and depth of pictorial quality, but the carbonation process is slow and fastness/weather-proof properties are not exhibited readily after printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating substances that accelerate carbonation (such as organic acids, enzymes, or microorganisms) into the printing layer before printing. This allows the carbonation process to start immediately after printing, significantly reducing the time required to achieve fastness and weather-proof properties while maintaining the desired rugged appearance and pictorial depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the printing layer by adding catalysts or reactive substances that speed up the carbonation reaction. This modifies the chemical environment to favor faster conversion of slaked lime to calcium carbonate, thereby reducing the time delay before protective properties are exhibited while preserving the aesthetic qualities.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional printing papers are used, then the printing process is simple, but the images are flat without deepness of pictorial quality and lack protection from ultraviolet rays and ozone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining plaster (shikkui) with paper to create a multi-functional printing medium. The plaster layer provides both the aesthetic qualities (rugged appearance, pictorial depth) and the protective functions (UV and ozone resistance), while the paper substrate maintains the simplicity of the printing process. This composite structure integrates multiple functions into a single material system.
3Reliability
If plaster (shikkui) is used in the printing layer, then excellent weather-proof property and color fastness are achieved, but the surface hardness and abrasion resistance are not sufficient immediately after printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the printing layer with substances that accelerate hardening and strengthen the plaster matrix before the printing is complete. This ensures that surface hardness and abrasion resistance are established immediately, while the plaster continues to provide weather-proof and color-fast properties as it cures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the plaster by adding binders, fillers, or reactive compounds that enhance surface hardness and abrasion resistance. These modifications allow the plaster layer to develop protective mechanical properties quickly, complementing the chemical protection against weathering and fading.
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 enhanced carbonation process leads to rapid development of high surface hardness and abrasion resistance, ensuring the printed images are protected from fading and damage from the outset, with improved pictorial depth and durability compared to conventional papers.
Implementation Method 1
The slaked lime reacts with the carbon dioxide gas in the air, and is solidified upon being carbonated to form the calcium carbonate
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating an organic binder and additives like glycerin or water-soluble polymers in the printing layer to enhance hydrophilic properties, allowing for quicker carbonation of calcium hydroxide after printing
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A sheet for ink-jet printing including a base sheet 1 and a printing layer 3 formed on a surface of the base sheet 1 and containing a plaster (shikkui) and an organic binder, wherein the printing layer 3, further, contains at least one kind of additive selected from the group consisting of glycerin, water-soluble polymer and non-ionic surfactant. The sheet for ink-jet printing promotes the carbonatation of the plaster (shikkui) after the printing so that the printed image quickly exhibits fastness and weather-proof property due to the carbonatation of the plaster (shikkui).