Polymeric Binder for Lithographic Plates

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional negative-working lithographic printing plates face challenges in achieving both chemical resistance and abrasion resistance, with existing polymeric binders often compromising one property for the other, and requiring harsh baking conditions that can lead to deformation.

Innovation Solution

The use of a unique polymeric binder with a specific combination of recurring units, including ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups and pendant groups, which allows for improved bakeability at lower temperatures or shorter times, enhancing photospeed, shelf life, and run length while maintaining chemical resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional polymeric binders are used to improve chemical resistance, then chemical resistance is improved, but abrasion resistance deteriorates and baking temperature/time must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidabrasion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of the polymeric binder by incorporating specific functional groups and adjusting molecular weight to achieve optimal balance between chemical resistance and abrasion resistance without requiring harsh baking conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite polymeric binder system combining multiple polymer components with complementary properties to simultaneously achieve chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and good bakeability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If higher baking temperature or longer baking time is applied to improve chemical resistance, then chemical resistance is improved, but plate deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidplate deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the binder's glass transition temperature and thermal stability parameters to enable effective crosslinking and chemical resistance at lower baking temperatures, preventing plate deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If existing polymeric binders are used to improve abrasion resistance, then abrasion resistance is improved, but chemical resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidchemical resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-component polymeric binder formulation where each component contributes specific properties: one component provides abrasion resistance while another ensures chemical resistance, achieving both properties simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If harsh baking conditions are applied to achieve chemical resistance, then chemical resistance is improved, but photospeed and shelf life deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidphotospeed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the binder's molecular weight, functional group density, and crosslinking characteristics to achieve rapid curing at lower temperatures, improving photospeed while maintaining chemical resistance and extending shelf life

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 solution provides improved bakeability, higher photospeed, and extended shelf life with maintained run length, addressing the limitations of existing binders by using a polymeric binder with a unique combination of recurring units that enhances chemical resistance and abrasion resistance without deforming the printing plates.

Implementation Method 1

a polymeric binder having a polymeric backbone and further comprising (a) pendant groups and (b) pendant groups, wherein the (a) pendant groups and the (b) pendant groups are distributed in random order along the polymeric backbone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

negative-working IR-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3052987B1Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor

Publication Date: 2021.04.21 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors have improved bakeability and good shelf life and can be imaged using either UV or infrared radiation. These precursors have a negative-working imageable layer that has a unique polymeric binder comprising a polymeric backbone and further comprising at least (a) and (b) pendant groups distributed in random order along the polymeric backbone. The (a) pendant groups are ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups, and the (b) pendant groups are defined by Structures (I), (II), and (III) described in the disclosure.