Pre-processing Fluid Wettability and Defoamability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The image density of images formed on plain paper using aqueous pigment ink is low, and existing pre-processing fluids suffer from uneven coloring due to low wettability and defoamability issues.
Innovation Solution
A pre-processing fluid containing water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a water-soluble flocculant, and specific compounds such as C6F13—CH2CH2O(CH2CH2O)nH and HOR1R3C—(CH2)m—CR2R4OH, which improve wettability and defoamability, thereby enhancing image density and reducing uneven coloring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pre-processing fluid is applied before aqueous pigment ink discharge, then image density is improved, but uneven coloring occurs due to low wettability and defoamability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the pre-processing fluid by incorporating specific compounds: a fluorine-containing compound (C6F13—CH2CH2O(CH2CH2O)nH) to enhance wettability and reduce surface tension, and a silane-based compound (HOR1R3C—(CH2)m—CR2R4OH) to improve defoamability. These parameter changes resolve the contradiction by enabling both high image density and uniform color distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite pre-processing fluid system combining multiple functional components: water, water-soluble organic solvent, water-soluble flocculant, fluorine-containing compound, and silane-based compound. This composite formulation synergistically addresses both wettability and defoamability issues, achieving improved image density while preventing uneven coloring.
2Ease of operation
If conventional surfactants are used to improve wettability, then fluid spreading is enhanced, but defoamability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane-based compound (HOR1R3C—(CH2)m—CR2R4OH) as an intermediary substance that specifically targets foam stabilization. This compound acts as a mediator between the wetting agents and the fluid system, controlling foam formation without interfering with the wettability-enhancing function of the fluorine-containing compound.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface chemical parameters by adding the silane-based compound with specific structural characteristics (R1-R4 being alkyl or aryl groups, m being 1-6). This parameter change specifically addresses the defoamability issue while maintaining the wettability improvements achieved by other components.
3Reliability
If N-alkyl-2-pyrolidone and fluorine-containing surfactant are used to improve wettability and defoamability, then fluid performance is enhanced, but uneven coloring still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent further refines the chemical parameters by selecting specific compounds within established classes: fluorine-containing compounds with n=1-40 for optimal wettability, and silane-based compounds with controlled chain lengths (m=1-6) and substituent groups for enhanced defoamability and color uniformity. These precise parameter adjustments eliminate uneven coloring while maintaining improved wettability and defoamability.
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 pre-processing fluid achieves high image density on plain paper while minimizing uneven coloring and improving defoamability, ensuring even application and effective inkjet printing.
Implementation Method 1
a compound represented by C6F13—CH2CH2O(CH2CH2O)nH Chemical formula 1, where n represents an integer of from 1 to 40
Implementation Method 2
the pre-processing fluid has excellent wettability to an application roller and a recording medium
Implementation Method 3
a compound represented by HOR1R3C—(CH2)m—CR2R4OH Chemical formula 2, where R1 and R2 each, independently represent alkyl groups having 3 to 6 carbon atoms
Implementation Method 4
a water soluble flocculant
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-processing fluid contains water, a water soluble organic solvent, a water soluble flocculant, a compound represented by C6F13—CH2CH2O(CH2CH2O)nH Chemical formula 1, where n represents an integer of from 1 to 40, and a compound represented by HOR1R3C—(CH2)m—CR2R4OH Chemical formula 2, where R1 and R2 each, independently represent alkyl groups having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, R3 and R4 each, independently represent methyl groups or ethyl groups, and m represents an integer of from 1 to 6.