Recording Ink Resin Composition for Rapid Drying and Nozzle Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet recording methods face challenges in achieving high image density, low backside density, good color formation, and rapid drying on plain paper and non-porous substrates like plastic films and coated papers, while also preventing nozzle clogging when the system is idle for long periods.
Innovation Solution
A recording ink with a solid component containing a colorant and resin, a liquid component with a higher boiling point than water, and a resin content of 40% to 95% by mass, which enhances fixing and drying properties, allowing for quick drying and high image quality on low water-absorbing papers without nozzle clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wetting agent composed of organic solvent having high boiling point is abundantly contained in ink, then nozzle drying prevention is improved, but show-through increases and drying time extends on plain paper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by introducing a specific polymer emulsion with carboxyl groups that can form coordination bonds with metal ions. This chemical modification allows the ink to achieve both prolonged nozzle moisture retention and rapid drying on paper by creating a different drying mechanism that doesn't rely solely on high boiling point solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink system combining polymer emulsion, metal ions, and wetting agents. The polymer emulsion containing carboxyl groups forms a complex with metal ions, creating a composite material that provides both nozzle protection through moisture retention and rapid drying capability on paper surfaces.
2Reliability
If wetting agent is abundantly contained in ink, then nozzle moisture retention is improved, but drying speed on non-porous substrates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ink's chemical parameters by adding polymer emulsion with specific functional groups (carboxyl) that coordinate with metal ions. This creates a new drying mechanism where the polymer-metal complex facilitates rapid water evaporation from non-porous substrates while the wetting agent maintains nozzle moisture, resolving the speed-retention contradiction.
3Manufacturing precision
If resin is not contained in ink, then image density on plain paper is improved, but image fixing property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the resin content parameter by incorporating polymer emulsion at controlled concentrations (0.1-10% by mass). The polymer emulsion with carboxyl groups forms coordination complexes with metal ions, creating a fixing mechanism that maintains high image density while providing adequate fixing property through the polymer-metal-ion network formed on the paper surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fixing system using polymer emulsion and metal ions that work together to provide image fixing without compromising density. The carboxyl groups in the polymer form complexes with metal ions, creating a cross-linked network that secures the image while allowing sufficient light transmission for high density.
4Speed
If electrolytes are abundantly contained in ink, then drying speed is improved, but image fixing property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple electrolyte-based drying with a composite system using polymer emulsion and metal ions. The polymer-metal coordination complex provides both rapid drying through controlled water release and superior image fixing through the formation of a cross-linked polymer network that secures the image on the substrate.
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 enables high image density, low backside density, and rapid drying on plain paper and non-porous substrates, while preventing nozzle clogging, even after extended periods of inactivity, by optimizing the resin and liquid component ratios in the recording ink.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid component which has a higher boiling point than that of water and is a liquid at 25° C.
Implementation Method 2
a solid component which contains a colorant and a resin and is a solid at 25° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording ink containing at least a solid component which contains a colorant and a resin and is a solid at 25° C., a liquid component which has a higher boiling point than that of water and is a liquid at 25° C. and water, wherein the total content of the liquid component in the recording ink is 20% by mass or less, the total content of the solid component in the recording ink is 20% by mass or more, and the total content of a resin component in the solid component is 40% by mass to 95% by mass relative to a total amount of the solid component is provided.