Polyurethane Dispersion Inkjet Inks for High-Speed Durable Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet inks face challenges in achieving durability and printability on various media surfaces while maintaining high-speed recording and multicolor capabilities, as many water-based inks have less than ideal performance due to their water-soluble nature and low viscosity.
Innovation Solution
The development of inkjet ink compositions comprising polyurethane dispersions with a core-shell structure, including branched inner core and polyol cross-linkers, which provide durability and maintain jettability, comprising specific diisocyanates, diols, and acid polyols, along with a liquid vehicle and surfactants, to enhance print quality and media compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water-based inks are used for inkjet printing, then low viscosity and high-speed recording are achieved, but durability and print quality on various media surfaces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ink formulation by replacing traditional water-soluble polymers with polyurethane dispersions containing isocyanate groups. This parameter change allows the ink to maintain low viscosity for high-speed jetting while the isocyanate groups react with hydroxyl groups on the substrate to form durable covalent bonds, resolving the contradiction between speed and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite ink formulations combining polyurethane dispersion polymers with specific colorants and surfactants. The polyurethane component provides both the low viscosity needed for high-speed recording and the reactive isocyanate groups for durable bonding, creating a material that simultaneously achieves both previously opposing performance criteria
2Ease of manufacture
If water-soluble inks are used, then ease of formulation and low cost are achieved, but performance on non-porous and varied media surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by incorporating polyurethane dispersions with specific molecular weights and isocyanate content. These parameter changes enable the ink to adhere to diverse substrates including non-porous surfaces like vinyl and metal, while maintaining ease of formulation through water-based dispersion technology
Solution Approach 2:
The polyurethane dispersion formulation serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides viscosity control for jetting, acts as an adhesive for various media surfaces, and forms durable bonds through isocyanate reactivity. This multi-functionality achieves broad media compatibility without complicating the formulation process
3Ease of operation
If ink formulations are optimized for printer device performance, then jetting performance is improved, but print quality and durability on the printed page deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight and composition parameters of the polyurethane dispersion to achieve a dual benefit: low enough viscosity for excellent jetting performance and high enough molecular weight with sufficient isocyanate content to ensure durable, high-quality prints on various substrates
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides inks, ink sets, and method for manufacturing inkjet inks. The inkjet ink can comprise a colorant, a liquid vehicle, and a polyurethane dispersion comprising polyurethane particles dispersed in the liquid vehicle. The polyurethane particles can have a core-shell structure with a branched inner core structure, and wherein the core comprises an amine cross-linker in an amount of 0.1 wt % to 1 wt % and the shell comprises a polyol cross-linker in an amount of 0.5 wt % to 2 wt %.