Processing Fluid for Inkjet Adhesion and Nozzle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming methods face challenges with insufficient adhesiveness of images on base materials, leading to peeling issues, and pre-processing fluids can destabilize nozzle discharge due to resin drying.
Innovation Solution
A processing fluid containing a multivalent metal salt, two distinct resins (TA and TB) with specific glass transition temperatures, and a silicone-based surfactant, applied by an inkjet method without organic solvents boiling at 200°C or higher, is used to improve adhesiveness and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a pre-processing fluid containing resin is applied to improve image adhesiveness, then the adhesiveness of images on base materials is improved, but the nozzle discharge stability deteriorates due to resin drying and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the processing fluid by specifying precise ranges for multivalent metal salt concentration (0.01-10 wt%), resin TA content (1-30 wt%), resin TB content (1-30 wt%), and silicone-based surfactant concentration (0.01-5 wt%). This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the right balance between adhesiveness enhancement and nozzle stability maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite processing fluid containing multiple resin types (resin TA and resin TB with different glass transition temperatures), multivalent metal salts, and silicone-based surfactants. This composite formulation achieves both improved image adhesiveness through resin interaction with the base material and maintained nozzle discharge stability through the synergistic effects of multiple components
2Stability of the object's composition
If organic solvents with high boiling points (200°C or higher) are used in processing fluid, then the fluid stability is improved, but the drying time and production efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by strictly limiting the processing fluid to be free of organic solvents with boiling points of 200°C or higher. Instead, it uses organic solvents with lower boiling points within specific ranges, achieving a balance between sufficient fluid stability and acceptable drying time for production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as the primary solvent (60-95 wt%) as an intermediary medium, replacing high-boiling-point organic solvents. This allows the processing fluid to maintain stability through the water-based system while enabling faster evaporation and shorter drying times, thus improving productivity
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 solution enhances image adhesiveness on non-permeating base materials while maintaining stable inkjet printing performance by flocculating pigments and preventing nozzle clogging, resulting in clear images without color bleed.
Implementation Method 1
The solution enhances image adhesiveness on non-permeating base materials while maintaining stable inkjet printing performance by flocculating pigments
Implementation Method 2
applying a processing fluid containing a multivalent metal salt, a resin TA, a resin TB different from the resin TA, and a silicone-based surfactant to a non-permeating base material by an inkjet method
Implementation Method 3
it is known to apply a pre-processing fluid for increasing an ink receiving property to base materials before applying inks
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming method includes a processing fluid applying step and an ink applying step. The processing fluid applying step involves applying a processing fluid containing a multivalent metal salt, a resin TA, a resin TB different from the resin TA, and a silicone-based surfactant to a non-permeating base material by an inkjet method, where the processing fluid is free of an organic solvent having a boiling point of 200° C. or higher at normal pressure. The ink applying step involves applying an ink containing a coloring material, an organic solvent, and a resin onto the processing fluid.