Polyurethane Binder for Modular Printing Ink Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing inks based on nitrocellulose and polyurethane binders face limitations such as poor adhesion on difficult films, low bond strength, instability at high temperatures, and compatibility issues with pigments, leading to printing defects like cob-webbing and restricted applicability in high-performance applications.
Innovation Solution
A polyurethane binder is developed by reacting polytetramethylene glycol, low molecular weight diols, and trivalent or higher-valent alcohols with organic diisocyanates and amine compounds, allowing for easy pigment dispersion and compatibility with various printing technologies, preventing solvent release and printing defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If nitrocellulose is used as binder, then printing quality and water resistance are improved, but adhesion on difficult films and bond strength are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite binder systems combining nitrocellulose with polyurethane and other co-binders to achieve both good printing quality and strong adhesion on difficult films. This composite approach allows the binder to exhibit properties superior to individual components alone.
2Force
If nitrocellulose is used as binder, then hot-sealing properties are improved, but stability at high temperatures is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates composite inks combining nitrocellulose with temperature-stable polymers like polyvinyl butyral and polyvinyl chloride to maintain both hot-sealing properties and high-temperature stability during pasteurization and sterilization processes.
3Strength
If polyvinyl butyral is used as binder, then adhesion on films is improved, but compatibility with printing ink technologies is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops universal binder formulations that maintain strong adhesion on films while being compatible with multiple printing technologies including flexographic, gravure, and nitrocellulose-based systems, allowing the same binder to function across different printing processes.
4Strength
If polyurethane is used as binder, then adhesion on films and sterilization stability are improved, but pigment dispersion and printability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dispersing agents and auxiliary polymers as intermediaries to facilitate pigment dispersion in polyurethane-based inks, resolving the incompatibility between polyurethane binder and pigment particles while maintaining good adhesion and printability.
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 new polyurethane binder enables high-quality printing inks with strong lamination bonds, compatibility with multiple pigments, and the ability to form modular two-component systems, suitable for both low and high-performance applications, including flexographic and gravure printing.
Implementation Method 1
the binder connects on account of its crosslinking and/or gluing properties the pigment of the printing ink with the printed substrate
Implementation Method 2
During the drying of the printing ink, the solvent evaporates and the binder connects on account of its crosslinking and/or gluing properties the pigment of the printing ink with the printed substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a polyurethane, which is particularly suitable as binder for a printing ink, which is obtainable by reacting: a) a polyol component including: i) at least one polytetramethylene glycol, ii) at least one diol having a molecular weight of not more than 200 g/mol being different from polytetramethylene glycol, iii) at least one trivalent or higher-valent alcohol having a molecular weight of not more than 6000 g/mol, b) an isocyanate component including at least one organic diisocyanate compound and c) at least one di-functional amine compound and at least one mono-functional amine compound.