Primer Ink for Non-Absorbable Media Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ink-jet inks struggle with forming high-quality images on non-absorbable recording media due to issues like image blurring, poor fixation, and color unevenness, especially when used in commercial or industrial printing, where the primer solutions proposed in existing technologies do not adequately address the adhesion and curing requirements.

Innovation Solution

A primer ink comprising a polymerizable compound with a monofunctional monomer having an aromatic hydrocarbon-based ring structure and an aliphatic hydrocarbon-based monofunctional monomer, along with a polymerization initiator, is applied to improve the fixation and drawing properties of images on non-absorbable media, ensuring adhesion and proper curing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ink-jet ink is used on non-absorbable recording media, then the printing process can be performed, but the image is easily blurred and fixation properties are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage fixation propertiesVSAvoidimage sharpness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a primer layer to the non-absorbable recording medium before inkjet printing. This preliminary action modifies the surface properties of the non-absorbable medium, creating a surface that enables proper ink fixation and prevents image blurring, thereby resolving the contradiction between being able to print on non-absorbable media and achieving good image fixation properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The primer acts as an intermediary substance between the non-absorbable recording medium and the inkjet ink. It mediates the interaction by providing a surface that both the medium and ink can adhere to properly, thus improving image fixation properties and sharpness without requiring changes to the original non-absorbable medium or the ink formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional ink-jet ink is used on non-absorbable recording media, then printing can be performed, but the image is easily peeled off and abrasion properties are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage fixation propertiesVSAvoidimage adhesion strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The primer is applied in advance to the non-absorbable recording medium to create a surface that provides strong adhesion for the subsequent ink layer. This preliminary surface treatment ensures that the printed image adheres firmly to the medium, preventing peeling and improving abrasion resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The solution creates a composite structure consisting of the non-absorbable recording medium, the primer layer, and the ink layer. This composite material system combines the advantages of each component: the durability of the non-absorbable medium, the adhesion-promoting properties of the primer, and the image-forming capabilities of the ink, thereby achieving strong image fixation and resistance to peeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If high-speed printing is performed with conventional ink, then productivity increases, but liquid droplets are displaced and color unevenness occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoiddroplet placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The primer layer is applied beforehand to create a surface that provides immediate anchoring for the ink droplets. This preliminary surface preparation prevents droplet displacement even during high-speed printing, maintaining precise droplet placement and uniform color rendering while enabling increased printing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 primer ink significantly enhances the fixation and drawing properties of images on non-absorbable media, providing excellent adhesion and high-quality image formation, even on non-porous surfaces like plastics and glass, while maintaining storage stability and compatibility with ink-jet systems.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization:

Implementation Method 2

a monofunctional monomer having an aromatic hydrocarbon-based ring structure in a molecule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRigidity enhancement through aromatic ring structure:

Implementation Method 3

an aliphatic hydrocarbon-based monofunctional monomer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion enhancement through aliphatic hydrocarbon structure: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2653509B1Primer for inkjet recording

Publication Date: 2019.02.20 MAXELL LTD

AI summary

The present Invention relates to a primer ink comprising a polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator, wherein the polymerizable compound comprises a monofunctional monomer having an aromatic hydrocarbon-based ring structure in a molecule and an aliphatic hydrocarbon-based monofunctional monomer, wherein a total mass of the monofunctional monomer having an aromatic hydrocarbon-based ring structure in a molecule and an aliphatic hydrocarbon-based monofunctional monomer is 80% by mass or more based on the total mass of all polymerizable compounds which the primer ink comprises, and wherein a surface tension of is 25 mN/m to 31 mN/m and a viscosity is 50 mPa· s or less.