Polymeric Dispersant Composition for Adhesive Durable Inkjet Inks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet inks using pigment dispersions face challenges in achieving adequate adhesiveness and durability on plastic media and textiles, and ejection properties from the inkjet recording head are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric dispersant is developed, composed of specific monomer units and molecular weight characteristics, which is used in an aqueous pigment dispersion to enhance pigment stability and adhesiveness on plastic media and textiles, and includes a production method using diethylene glycol monobutyl ether for solubility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional pigment dispersions are used in aqueous inkjet inks, then the inks can be applied to plastic media and textiles, but the adhesiveness and durability of the printed images are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite polymeric dispersant system comprising multiple specific monomer units (styrene, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and methacrylic acid) in defined proportions. This composite polymer structure provides both adhesiveness to plastic media and durability of printed images, resolving the contradiction between these two properties that cannot be achieved with conventional single-component dispersants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the polymeric dispersant including molecular weight (number average: 15,000-25,000; peak top: 25,000-50,000), polydispersity index (1.7-2.4), and compositional ratios of eight different monomer units. By optimizing these parameters within defined ranges, the invention achieves simultaneous improvement in both adhesiveness and durability, which conventional dispersants cannot achieve
2Ease of operation
If conventional pigment dispersions are used, then the inks can be formulated for aqueous printing, but the ejection properties from the inkjet recording head are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameters of the polymeric dispersant (number average molecular weight: 15,000-25,000; peak top molecular weight: 25,000-50,000) and the proportion of high molecular weight components (H/T ratio: 15-30%) to achieve appropriate ink viscosity and flow characteristics. These parameter optimizations enable both good ejection properties from the recording head and stable ejection performance, resolving the contradiction between ease of ejection and ejection stability
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 polymeric dispersant enables the preparation of an aqueous inkjet ink that records images with improved adhesiveness and durability on plastic media and textiles, while maintaining high ejection stability and printability.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer comprises 10 to 30% by mass of a constituent unit (i) derived from styrene, 10 to 30% by mass of a constituent unit (ii) derived from at least any one of methyl methacrylate and ethyl methacrylate, 10 to 30% by mass of a constituent unit (iii) derived from at least any one of 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate and dodecyl methacrylate
Implementation Method 2
at least part of carboxy groups is neutralized with an at least one alkali selected from the group consisting of ammonia and dimethylaminoethanol
Implementation Method 3
the polymeric dispersant enables the preparation of an aqueous inkjet ink that records images with improved adhesiveness and durability on plastic media and textiles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a polymeric dispersant that is to be blended in an aqueous pigment dispersion in which a pigment is finely dispersed in a stable manner and at a high level, the aqueous pigment dispersion enabling preparation of an aqueous inkjet ink capable of recording an image excellent in adhesiveness and durability on plastic media and textiles. The polymeric dispersant is a polymer that includes a constituent unit (i) derived from styrene, a constituent unit (ii) derived from methyl methacrylate and/or the like, a constituent unit (iii) derived from 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate and/or the like, a constituent unit (iv) derived from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and/or the like, and a constituent unit (v) derived from methacrylic acid, and at least part of carboxy groups is neutralized with an alkali.