Printed Composite Protective Layer for Sunscreen Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printed composites with ink layers on products intended for outdoor use often degrade or discolor when exposed to sunscreen lotions, as the ink layers physically and chemically react with these agents.
Innovation Solution
A printed polyvinylchloride (PVC) composite with a protective layer made of transparent oil, such as air-drying or UV transparent oil, is applied on top of the ink layer to prevent chemical and physical reactions with sunscreen, ensuring the ink layer remains intact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a printed ink layer is applied on outdoor products, then the products gain decorative patterns and trademarks, but the ink layer becomes vulnerable to dissolution, removal, and discoloration when contacted by sunscreen lotion
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer is introduced as an intermediary between the ink layer and sunscreen lotion. This protective layer acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the ink and harmful sunscreen chemicals, thereby maintaining ink integrity while allowing the product to retain its printed decorative patterns and trademarks
Solution Approach 2:
The solution creates a composite structure consisting of multiple layers: the substrate, the ink layer, and the protective layer. This composite material approach combines different materials with complementary properties - the ink layer provides decoration while the protective layer provides chemical resistance to sunscreen agents
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ink layer is directly exposed to sunscreen lotion, then the product can be used for outdoor activities, but the ink layer undergoes physical and chemical reactions causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer serves as a barrier mediator that allows the product to be used outdoors with sunscreen application while preventing the harmful chemical interactions between sunscreen agents and the ink layer, thus eliminating ink degradation without limiting outdoor usability
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is applied in advance before any sunscreen contact occurs, creating a pre-established defense mechanism that proactively prevents the harmful chemical reactions between sunscreen ingredients and the ink layer, thereby preventing degradation before it can occur
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 protective layer effectively prevents the ink layer from dissolving, removing, or discoloring when in contact with sunscreen, maintaining the appearance and durability of the composite.
Implementation Method 1
The protective layer does not react with the ink layer
Implementation Method 2
A protective layer covers the upper ink surface of the ink layer and is configured to inhibit the ink layer from being altered from sunscreen
Data Source
AI summary
A printed composite including a substrate layer having an upper substrate surface for printing; an ink layer having an upper ink surface and an opposed lower ink surface, the lower ink surface being disposed on the upper substrate surface; and a protective layer covering the upper ink surface is disclosed. During use, the protective layer prevents the ink layer from being damaged, such as removal or discoloration, as could otherwise happen by exposure to sunscreen location. A method for preparing the printed composite is also provided.