PVC Wallpaper Ink Coating with Gel-Layer Absorption Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for printing images on wallpapers using polyvinyl chloride-based resins face poor ink absorbability due to the materials' properties, leading to issues with ink permeation and image quality, particularly with oil-based inks.

Innovation Solution

A method for coating multiple kinds of oil-based inks on a target with a base and a gel layer containing vinyl chloride resin and plasticizer, where the interpenetration ratio and Hansen solubility parameter of the oil constituents are controlled to enhance ink droplet spreadability and absorption, using a specific range of adipic acid and octanoic acid esters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polyvinyl chloride-based resin layers are used on wallpapers, then noninflammability and fireproofness are improved, but ink absorbability deteriorates significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoninflammabilityVSAvoidink absorbability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an ink receiving layer as an intermediary between the polyvinyl chloride-based resin layer and the oil-based ink. This intermediate layer has both affinity for the resin layer and high absorbability for oil-based inks, thereby resolving the contradiction by mediating the interaction between the fireproof resin and the ink.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure consisting of the polyvinyl chloride-based resin layer combined with an ink receiving layer having specific compositional ratios (vinyl chloride polymer 10-40 parts, acrylic polymer 30-70 parts, silicone oil 5-20 parts). This composite material structure achieves both fireproofness from the PVC layer and ink absorbability from the specially formulated receiving layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If oil-based inks are used for printing, then image density and water resistance are improved, but ink droplet spreadability on resin layers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage densityVSAvoidink droplet spreadability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ink receiving layer acts as a mediator that provides both good wetting properties for oil-based ink droplets (ensuring spreadability) and high absorption capacity (ensuring image density). The specific composition with vinyl chloride polymer, acrylic polymer, and silicone oil creates an intermediate layer that facilitates ink spreading while maintaining high image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of the ink receiving layer, specifically controlling the ratios of vinyl chloride polymer (10-40 parts), acrylic polymer (30-70 parts), and silicone oil (5-20 parts). By adjusting these parameters, the layer achieves optimal balance between ink droplet spreadability and image density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If ink receiving layers are added to improve ink permeation, then ink absorbability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink permeationVSAvoidlayer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite wallpaper structure by combining the existing polyvinyl chloride-based resin layer with an additional ink receiving layer. While this does increase structural complexity, the ink receiving layer is formulated as a integrated coating that can be applied in combination with the resin layer, making the overall process manageable and the structure functional rather than overly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This method achieves high image density and excellent chromogenic properties by ensuring good ink droplet spreadability and absorption, preventing color bleeding and improving image quality on wallpapers.

Implementation Method 1

there is proposed an embossed wallpaper producing method of additionally providing an ink receiving layer as the upper layer of the resin layer formed of a vinyl chloride resin, to promote permeation and fixing of an ink

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

The target includes a base and a gel layer provided on the base and containing a vinyl chloride resin and a plasticizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP3481905B1Method for coating inks, method for producing wallpaper, image forming set, image forming system, ink, and ink set
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3481905B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3481905B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~3
  • EP3481905B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a method for coating inks, the method including coating a plurality of kinds of inks on a target by an inkjet method individually, wherein the target includes a base and a gel layer provided on the base and containing a vinyl chloride resin and a plasticizer, wherein the plurality of kinds of inks are oil-based inks and include an ink x and an ink y that is to be discharged after the ink x is discharged, and wherein an interpenetration ratio Pxy of the ink y to the ink x is 7.0% or greater but 13.0% or less.