Printable Recording Media Rub Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing technologies face challenges in achieving durable prints due to limitations in binder loading, leading to durability issues in applications like magazines and direct mail, where ink formulations with low binder loading are prone to damage during downstream processing, and overprint varnishes increase costs without pre-coating protection.
Innovation Solution
A printable recording media with a coating composition containing metallic salts of C8-C30 alkyl acid or alkyl ester chains, inorganic pigment particles, and polymeric binders applied to the substrate, enhancing rub durability and scratch resistance without the need for additional varnishes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ink formulations use low binder loading, then printing cost is reduced, but print durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of binder and protective coating by incorporating durability-enhancing particles directly into the ink formulation. This combines the binding function with the protective function, eliminating the need for separate overprint varnish applications while maintaining durability even with lower overall binder loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink formulation uses composite materials by combining traditional binder components with durability-enhancing particles such as metallic salts of C8-C30 alkyl acid or alkyl ester chain. This creates a composite ink system that provides both adhesion and durability properties within a single formulation layer.
2Reliability
If overprint varnish is applied to protect ink, then print durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function previously requiring a separate overprint varnish coating step is merged into the ink formulation itself. The durability-enhancing particles are incorporated directly into the ink, eliminating the need for additional coating hardware, factory floorspace, and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The durability protection is built into the ink formulation before printing occurs. By pre-incorporating durability-enhancing particles into the ink itself, the protection is applied automatically during the printing process, eliminating the need for subsequent protective coating steps.
3Productivity
If traditional ink formulations are used, then printing speed can be maintained, but print durability during downstream processing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ink formulation is enhanced with composite materials including metallic salts of C8-C30 alkyl acid or alkyl ester chain and other durability-enhancing particles. These composite formulations provide mechanical resistance during downstream processing while maintaining compatibility with high-speed inkjet web press printing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A printable recording media that comprises a base substrate with an image-side and a back-side and a coating composition comprising, at least, particles of metallic salt of C8-C30 alkyl acid chain or alkyl ester chain having a mean particle size (D50) above 3 μm and having about 99.5% of the particle size distribution which is less than 80 μm, inorganic pigment particles and/or mixture inorganic particles, and polymeric binders and/or mixture of polymeric binders, is applied to the image-side of the base substrate. Also described herein are a method for forming the printable recording media and a printing method that includes ejecting an ink composition onto the print media described herein.