Coating composition and printable medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing on fabric substrates faces challenges such as poor image quality due to high absorbency or crystalline properties of fabrics, leading to diminished color characteristics and ink bleed, along with concerns about durability and flammability of coatings used for image-receiving layers.
Innovation Solution
A coating composition comprising water and polyurethane particles with cationic triphenyl-phosphonium salt functional groups is applied to the fabric substrate, forming an image-receiving layer that enhances print durability, scratch resistance, and flame resistance while maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pre-treatment compositions or coatings are applied to fabric substrates to improve printing characteristics, then image quality and printing attributes are improved, but flammability concerns and durability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a composite coating composition containing multiple functional components: polymeric binder (for adhesion and film formation), flame retardant agents (to suppress flammability), and surfactants (to control wetting and printing characteristics). This multi-component composite approach simultaneously achieves improved image quality while addressing flammability concerns through the synergistic interaction of its constituents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the coating composition, specifically adjusting the concentration and type of flame retardant agents, polymeric binder molecular weight and composition, and surfactant ratios. These parameter changes enable the coating to maintain flame resistance while achieving desired printing characteristics and image quality on fabric substrates.
2Productivity
If fabric substrates with high absorbency are used for inkjet printing, then printing speed and coverage are improved, but color characteristics are diminished and ink bleed occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pre-treatment coating composition as an intermediary layer between the inkjet ink and the fabric substrate. This coating acts as a mediator that controls ink absorption and distribution, preventing excessive penetration into the fabric while maintaining adequate coverage. The coating contains surfactants and binders that regulate ink interaction, thereby preserving color characteristics while enabling high-speed printing.
3Strength
If conventional coatings are applied to enhance scratch resistance and durability, then mechanical strength is improved, but flame resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a composite coating formulation that integrates flame retardant agents with polymeric binders and other functional components. The flame retardant agents (such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, or phosphorus-based compounds) are incorporated into the coating matrix to provide flame resistance, while the polymeric binder ensures adequate adhesion and scratch resistance. This composite approach achieves both mechanical durability and flame safety.
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 coated printable medium achieves excellent image quality and durability with improved scratch resistance and flame resistance, suitable for high-speed commercial printing, particularly with latex-based inks.
Implementation Method 1
polyurethane particles with cationic triphenyl-phosphonium salt functional groups is applied to the fabric substrate, forming an image-receiving layer that enhances print durability, scratch resistance, and flame resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A coating composition comprising water and polyurethane particles including cationic triphenyl-phosphonium salt functional groups. Also disclosed is a coated printable medium, with an image-side and a back-side, comprising a base substrate and the coating composition, such as described herein, that is applied over, at least, one side of the base substrate, forming an image-receiving layer. Also disclosed is the method for making such printable medium.