Polyester Resin for Active Energy Ray-Curable Ink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Active energy ray-curable ink compositions face challenges in incorporating high proportions of biomass-derived ingredients due to poor compatibility between monomers/oligomers and biomass-derived materials, limiting their environmental sustainability.

Innovation Solution

Development of a polyester resin through the condensation of epoxidized vegetable oils or fats with polybasic acids and polyhydric alcohols, which enhances compatibility with active energy ray-curable ink compositions and increases the proportion of biomass-derived ingredients, while also improving flowability and gloss on printed matter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If monomers and oligomers are used in active energy ray-curable ink compositions, then curability is achieved, but the proportion of biomass-derived ingredients is limited due to poor compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecurabilityVSAvoidproportion of biomass-derived ingredients
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses polyester resin as an intermediary substance that bridges the incompatibility between monomers/oligomers and biomass-derived ingredients. The polyester resin, derived from oxidized vegetable oil, serves as a compatible medium that allows both curable components and biomass ingredients to coexist in the ink composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the biomass-derived ingredients by oxidizing vegetable oil to create polyester resin with specific functional groups. This parameter change (oxidation state, molecular structure) enables compatibility with the curable monomers and oligomers while maintaining high biomass content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional biomass-derived materials are used in active energy ray-curable ink compositions, then environmental sustainability is improved, but compatibility with monomers and oligomers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental loadVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by oxidizing conventional vegetable oil to create polyester resin with altered chemical properties. The oxidation process introduces carbonyl and hydroxyl groups that enhance compatibility with curable ingredients while preserving the environmental benefits of biomass-derived materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system where polyester resin (from oxidized vegetable oil) combines multiple functions: it serves as a binder, a compatibility enhancer, and a source of biomass content. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between sustainability and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If high proportions of biomass-derived ingredients are incorporated, then environmental friendliness is improved, but printing processability deteriorates due to poor compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidprinting processability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The polyester resin acts as a mediator that improves printing processability by ensuring uniform distribution and appropriate rheological properties of the ink composition, even with high biomass content. It facilitates smooth ink flow and transfer during the printing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies physical parameters such as viscosity and surface tension through the polyester resin formulation, enabling the ink to maintain proper flow characteristics and adhesion properties necessary for good printing processability despite high biomass ingredient content.

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 use of the polyester resin in active energy ray-curable ink compositions increases the biomass content, reduces environmental load, and enhances printing processability with improved flowability and gloss, making it suitable for environmental certifications like the IG mark.

Implementation Method 1

a polyester resin, which is a condensation polymer of an acid ingredient comprising a fatty acid containing an epoxy group and a polybasic acid, and a polyhydric alcohol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation polymerization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the ink composition is designed to generate radicals in the ink composition upon the irradiation with active energy rays, and the ink composition further contains monomers or oligomers that react with these radicals into a higher molecular weight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadical polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20240301223A1Polyester resin, active energy ray-curable ink composition containing same, and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2024.09.12 SAKATA INX

AI summary

To provide a resin for ink compositions that is usable in the preparation of active energy ray-curable ink compositions and that can increase a proportion of biomass-derived ingredients.A polyester resin that is a condensation polymer of an acid ingredient including a fatty acid containing an epoxy group and a polybasic acid, and a polyhydric alcohol is employed, wherein the fatty acid has a peroxide value of 1 meq/kg or more in terms of triglyceride. Such a resin is prepared by a process for producing the polyester resin through heating a mixture containing an epoxidized oil or fat, a polybasic acid, and a polyhydric alcohol to subject to a transesterification reaction and a polycondensation reaction, wherein the epoxidized oil or fat has a peroxide value of 1 meq/kg or more.