Polymer Washout Solvent for Flexographic Plates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer washout solvents for flexographic printing plates are hazardous, causing environmental and health risks, have unpleasant odors, and require different solvents for various photopolymerizable materials, leading to inefficiencies in washing and drying processes.
Innovation Solution
A polymer washout solvent comprising 10-25wt.% ester hydrocarbon, 50-75wt.% ether hydrocarbon, and 10-25wt.% alcoholic hydrocarbon components, which are non-hazardous, reducing solvent absorption and odor, and allowing for reuse after distillation, suitable for a wide range of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional polymer washout solvents (containing heavy fraction distillate, cyclohexanol, m-diisopropyl benzene, or benzylalcohol) are used, then effective polymer removal is achieved, but hazardous health and environmental risks occur along with unpleasant odors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the washout solvent by replacing hazardous components (heavy fraction distillate, cyclohexanol, m-diisopropyl benzene, benzylalcohol) with non-hazardous alternatives (cyclooctanol, 2,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5H-indeno[1,2-d]oxazole, 2,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5H-indeno[1,2-d]isoxazole, 2,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5H-indeno[1,2-d]imidazole). This substitution maintains effective polymer removal capability while eliminating hazardous health and environmental risks and unpleasant odors.
2Manufacturing precision
If different types of washout solvent are used for different soft photopolymerizable materials, then optimal washout result is achieved, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal washout solvent composition that can be used for different soft photopolymerizable materials. The solvent system comprising cyclooctanol (10-30 wt%), 2,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5H-indeno[1,2-d]oxazole (70-90 wt%), and optional co-solvents achieves optimal washout results across multiple material types, eliminating the need to maintain separate solvent inventories for different photopolymerizable materials.
3Manufacturing precision
If solvents with high polymer solubility are used, then complete polymer removal is achieved, but drying time increases due to solvent absorption in hardened regions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by designing a solvent system with differentiated functions: cyclooctanol provides high polymer solubility for complete removal of not hardened polymer, while 2,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5H-indeno[1,2-d]oxazole serves as a volatile carrier that evaporates quickly. This local functional differentiation achieves complete polymer removal without excessive drying time, as the primary solvent responsible for polymer dissolution (cyclooctanol) is present in controlled amounts (10-30 wt%).
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 solvent significantly reduces washing and drying times, is stable, and can be reused multiple times without regeneration, offering improved safety and efficiency compared to traditional solvents.
Implementation Method 1
sheets of soft photopolymerizable material, which can be hardened under influence of light. First the back side of the plate is exposed uniformly to UV/A light to obtain a hardened basic layer. Subsequently the front side of the plate is exposed to UV/A light according to a certain pattern.
Implementation Method 2
the removal of not hardened polymer is performed by washing the plate in a solvent, a so called polymer washout solvent. During the washing step not hardened polymer is removed
Implementation Method 3
the remaining hardened regions (i.e. the relief) absorb some solvent so that they swell
Implementation Method 4
Special dryers are used to remove solvent absorbed in the relief, before they are ready for use
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer washout solvent for developing a flexographic printing plate comprising: - an ester hydrocarbon component, - an ether hydrocarbon component, - an alcoholic hydrocarbon component. The washout solvent of the invention has less hazardous properties than the known solvents. Use of a polymer washout solvent for developing a flexographic printing plate in a washing step.