Radiation-Sensitive Printing Plate Composition for Neutral pH Development

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Solution Overview

Problem

The graphic industry faces environmental and economic challenges due to the use of alkaline developers in offset printing, which generate industrial waste and require costly disposal, and existing radiation-sensitive printing plates are not eco-friendly, leading to financial burdens and environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A composition sensitive to ultraviolet, violet, or infrared radiation is developed, comprising a binding polymer, ethylenically unsaturated compounds, free radical-forming compounds, sensitizers, photoaccelerators, adhesion promoters, and thermal polymerization inhibitors, applied to a treated aluminum substrate with a second oxygen-impermeable layer, allowing for image formation using eco-friendly aqueous solutions with neutral pH.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If alkaline developers (pH>12) are used to process printing plates, then image formation is achieved, but environmental pollution and disposal costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter of the developing solution from highly alkaline (pH>12) to neutral (pH 6-8). This parameter change allows the use of eco-friendly aqueous solutions while maintaining image formation capability through the specific photosensitive composition containing ethylenically unsaturated monomers and photopolymerization initiators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite photosensitive composition comprising multiple components: ethylenically unsaturated monomers, photopolymerization initiators, polymer binders, and sensitizers. This composite material enables neutral pH development while achieving proper image formation, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and environmental harm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If alkaline developers are used for plate processing, then desired image is obtained, but disposal costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddisposal costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the pH parameter to neutral range (6-8), the patent enables use of biodegradable aqueous solutions that can be disposed of without costly neutralization treatment, while maintaining image quality through optimized photosensitive composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional alkaline processing is used, then image development is achieved, but ecological compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate processingVSAvoidecological impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical nature of the developing solution from highly alkaline to neutral pH, making it ecologically compatible and biodegradable while maintaining ease of operation through simple aqueous processing without complex neutralization steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously harmful alkaline waste stream into a beneficial neutral aqueous solution that can be biodegraded, turning an environmental liability into an eco-friendly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution enables the use of biodegradable, neutral-pH chemical products, reducing environmental impact and simplifying the printing process, while providing high resistance to abrasion and chemical products, thus aligning with environmental regulations and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

comprising: (a) one or more of a binding polymer; (b) an ethylenically unsaturated compound; (c) one or more compounds capable of forming free radicals in the selected region of the spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

comprising: (a) one or more of a binding polymer; (b) an ethylenically unsaturated compound; (c) one or more compounds capable of forming free radicals in the selected region of the spectrum; (d) a sensitizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10254646B2Composition sensitive to radiation in electromagnetic spectrum ranges for printing purposes, printing plate comprising said composition, use of said composition and image development process

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 IBF INDA BRASILEIRA DE FILMES

AI summary

Provided is a composition that is sensitive to radiation in electromagnetic spectrum ranges for printing purposes, and includes (a) one or more binder polymers; (b) an ethylenically unsaturated compound; (c) one or more compounds that absorbs radiations in the selected region of the spectrum; (d) a sensitizer; (e) optionally a photoaccelarator; (f) an adhesion promoter; (g) a dye; and (h) optionally thermal polymerization inhibitors. Also provided is a printing plate including the radiation sensitive composition, as well as the use of the composition and an image developing process.