Radiation-Curable Ink Composition for Flexible Images
Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation-curable inks used for flexible images on non-absorbent media like plastic or glass often suffer from agglomeration spots (gloss unevenness) and cracking when stretched, particularly in black and yellow inks, due to incomplete curing and low flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A radiation-curable ink composition comprising phenoxyethyl acrylate, multifunctional acrylate, and specific pigments, with optimized ratios to enhance flexibility and prevent agglomeration spots, using a combination of phenoxyethyl acrylate (20-55%), multifunctional acrylate (20-50%), and pigments, along with optional additives like N-vinyl caprolactam and aminoacrylate, to improve curing and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If polymerizable monomers such as long-chain alkyl acrylate, phenoxyethyl acrylate, or acrylated amine compound are used to record flexible images with 100% or more stretch, then flexibility and stretchability are improved, but agglomeration spots (gloss unevenness) occur on black and yellow inks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the ink by introducing specific polymerizable monomers (phenoxyethyl acrylate, long-chain alkyl acrylate, acrylated amine compound) and controlling their concentrations. This changes the polymerization characteristics and film formation properties to achieve both flexibility and surface uniformity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink system combining multiple polymerizable monomers with specific pigments (black or yellow) and additives. This composite formulation allows the ink to exhibit both the flexibility needed for stretched substrates and the surface uniformity required to prevent agglomeration spots, addressing both requirements simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If images are stretched to 100% or more for flexible applications, then adaptability to curved surfaces is improved, but cracking and peeling occur within several hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates polymerizable monomers that undergo preliminary polymerization during the ink curing process, forming a flexible polymer network before the final stretching operation. This preliminary structural formation prevents cracking and peeling during subsequent stretching, maintaining reliability while achieving high stretchability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition by adding specific polymerizable monomers that alter the physical and chemical properties of the cured film. These monomers create a more flexible polymer matrix that can withstand stretching without cracking, thereby improving both stretchability and long-term durability.
3Productivity
If radiation-curable inks are used for rapid drying and bleeding prevention on non-absorbent media, then productivity is improved, but incomplete curing leads to agglomeration spots and low flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ink composition by adding specific polymerizable monomers and controlling the concentration of existing components. This changes the polymerization kinetics and curing characteristics, allowing rapid drying while ensuring complete curing to prevent agglomeration spots and improve flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation combining radiation-curable monomers, pigments, and additives in specific ratios. This composite system enables rapid drying through the radiation-curable properties while the specific composition ensures complete curing and prevents defects like agglomeration spots.
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 ink composition achieves excellent flexibility and prevents agglomeration spots, allowing images to stretch up to 100% without cracking or peeling, while maintaining adhesion and curing quality.
Implementation Method 1
radiation-curable inks, which are cured by ultraviolet, electron beams, or other radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a radiation-curable ink composition including phenoxyethyl acrylate (A) in an amount of from 20 to 55 mass % of the total reaction components, a multifunctional acrylate (B) in an amount of from 20 to 50 mass % of the total reaction components, and a black pigment (F1); and a radiation-curable ink composition including phenoxyethyl acrylate (A) in an amount of from 20 to 55 mass % of the total reaction components, a multifunctional acrylate (B) in an amount of from 10 to 50 mass % of the total reaction components, and a yellow pigment (F2).