Luminescent Ink Composition for Fired UV-Visible Ceramic Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminescent materials used in ceramics lose their photoluminescent properties at high temperatures during the ceramic manufacturing process, and existing digital printing technologies face issues with ink stability, clogging, and compatibility with ceramic substrates, preventing the development of visible luminescent labels under ultraviolet light.
Innovation Solution
A composition of solvents, special effect-bearing solid particles, diluents, dispersants, and additives, including Eu2O3, Sm2O3, Dy2O3, Nd2O3, Ho2O3, and Er2O3, forms an ink that maintains stability and luminescence at high temperatures, allowing digital printing on unfired ceramic parts, ensuring the label remains integrated and visible under UV light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional luminescent materials are used in ceramic manufacturing, then the ceramic product can be produced, but the luminescent properties are lost at high firing temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the luminescent material by incorporating specific rare earth metal oxides (Eu2O3, Sm2O3, Dy2O3, Nd2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3) in optimized proportions. This compositional parameter change enables the material to maintain luminescent properties at high firing temperatures up to 1200°C, resolving the contradiction between temperature resistance and luminescence retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite luminescent ink formulation combining multiple rare earth metal oxide particles with specific solvents, dispersants, and additives. This composite structure provides both thermal stability for high-temperature ceramic processing and preserved luminescent characteristics, simultaneously achieving temperature resistance and reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If digital printing technology is used on ceramic substrates, then decorative labels can be applied, but ink stability and clogging issues prevent reliable luminescent label production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific dispersants and surfactants as intermediary substances between the rare earth metal oxide particles and the solvent system. These intermediaries prevent particle aggregation and maintain ink flowability, eliminating clogging issues while preserving print quality and luminescent properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes physical parameters of the ink formulation including particle size distribution (1-10 μm), viscosity (10-100 cP), and pH levels to ensure compatibility with digital printing systems. These parameter adjustments enable smooth ink flow through printing nozzles while maintaining stability during storage and application
3Stability of the object's composition
If luminescent ink is printed on unfired ceramic parts, then the label becomes integrated into the product, but the high temperature processing destroys the luminescent properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a composite ink formulation where rare earth metal oxide particles are embedded in a ceramic-compatible vehicle containing binders and stabilizers. This composite structure allows the ink to withstand high-temperature firing (up to 1200°C) while maintaining photoluminescent properties, enabling both integration and property retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the luminescent particles by using specific oxide forms and controlled particle sizes that exhibit thermal stability. This parameter optimization allows the material to survive ceramic firing temperatures without decomposing or losing luminescent characteristics
4Ease of operation
If the luminescent label is visible under normal conditions, then it serves as a visible identifier, but it fails to provide authentication security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the optical property of rare earth metal oxides to exhibit luminescent color changes under UV irradiation. The label appears invisible or with minimal color under normal lighting conditions but displays characteristic luminescent colors (Eu: red, Sm: yellow-green, Dy: blue-green) under UV light, providing both aesthetic appeal and secure authentication
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 enables stable, high-temperature processing and digital printing, resulting in a luminescent label that remains imperceptible under normal conditions but visible under UV light, suitable for product authentication.
Implementation Method 1
luminescent inkjet ink visible with ultraviolet light... luminescent label that glows under ultraviolet light conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a luminescent ink having a composition in % by weight comprising 20-55% of solvent, 5-55% of diluent; 2-15% of dispersant additive; 5-35% of solid particles with fluorescent properties, and 0.5-15% of solid dopant particles. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining a ceramic product with a printed luminescent label which incorporates a step in which digital printing is performed with said luminescent ink, this printing being applied on the surface substrate of the unfired ceramic part; and wherein the printing is performed with a digital printing machine; subjecting the ceramic part to a subsequent heat treatment in a conventional ceramic furnace at a temperature comprised between 650 and 1400° C.; and obtaining a fired ceramic product comprising a luminescent label visible with ultraviolet light. The invention also relates to a ceramic product obtainable by means of said process for obtaining a ceramic product, as well as to the use of the ink for printing luminescent labels that glow under ultraviolet light on ceramic products.