Polyester Printing Pretreatment Composition for Stronger Ink Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The adhesiveness of images recorded using inks containing a colorant and water on polyester base materials is insufficient, as observed in existing techniques.

Innovation Solution

A printing pretreatment liquid containing a polymer with a Hansen solubility parameter value of 18 MPa 0.5< to 30 MPa 0.5< and an aggregating agent such as a polyvalent metal salt, dicarboxylic acid, or cationic compound is used to enhance adhesiveness between the polyester base material and the image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional printing pretreatment liquids are used on polyester base materials, then the processing is simple, but the adhesiveness of the recorded image is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesivenessVSAvoidpretreatment liquid composition
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the pretreatment liquid by specifying polymers with particular Hansen solubility parameters (δ1: 1.5-6.0, δ2: 3.5-8.0, δ3: 7.0-12.0) and molecular weights (10,000-1,000,000), along with controlled amounts of surfactants (0.1-10 mass%) and pH adjusters (pH 2-7), to optimize adhesiveness to polyester substrates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite pretreatment liquid system combining multiple components: polymers with specific solubility characteristics, aggregating agents, surfactants, and pH adjusters, where each component contributes to overall adhesiveness and compatibility with both polyester substrate and ink composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the polymer molecular weight is increased to improve adhesiveness, then the bonding strength improves, but the viscosity of the pretreatment liquid increases making application difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesivenessVSAvoidviscosity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter of the polymer within the range of 10,000-1,000,000, balancing adhesiveness (which improves with higher molecular weight) against viscosity and processability (which deteriorate with higher molecular weight), achieving optimal performance at moderate molecular weights

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the Hansen solubility parameters of the polymer are optimized to improve image adhesion, then the adhesiveness improves, but the selection and synthesis of suitable polymers becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesivenessVSAvoidpolymer selection
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes specific ranges for Hansen solubility parameters (δ1: 1.5-6.0, δ2: 3.5-8.0, δ3: 7.0-12.0) that provide optimal balance between adhesiveness to polyester and compatibility with aqueous ink, simplifying polymer selection by providing clear numerical criteria rather than requiring extensive trial and error

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent selects polymers with Hansen solubility parameters that create homogeneity in the interface between pretreatment liquid, polyester substrate, and ink composition, ensuring uniform adhesion across the entire system without phase separation or incompatible interactions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 the adhesiveness of images formed using inks containing a colorant and water on polyester base materials, resulting in enhanced image quality and stability.

Implementation Method 1

a polymer which has a Hansen solubility parameter value of 18 MPa 0.5< to 30 MPa 0.5<

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHansen solubility parameter interaction: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

a printing pretreatment liquid that contains a polymer and an aggregating agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAggregation: Coagulation

Implementation Method 3

an aggregating agent such as a polyvalent metal salt, dicarboxylic acid, or cationic compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentEP3733424B1Printing pretreatment solution, substrate for printing, and image recording method
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3733424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3733424B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3733424B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a printing pretreatment liquid for a polyester base material including a polymer which has a Hansen solubility parameter value of 18 MPa0.5 to 30 MPa0.5, water, and at least one aggregating agent selected from the group consisting of a polyvalent metal salt, an organic acid, a cationic compound, and a metal complex, and applications thereof.