Recording Medium Ink-Receiving Layer Matte Appearance Dusting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording media with low-gloss matte surfaces face challenges in achieving a good matte appearance while preventing the dusting phenomenon, as adding large particles to the ink-receiving layer can degrade binding properties.

Innovation Solution

A recording medium with a substrate, a first ink-receiving layer containing amorphous silica with an average particle size of 1.0 µm or more, and a second ink-receiving layer with colloidal silica, where the root-mean-square slope of the surface roughness is 0.3 or more, suppressing the dusting phenomenon while maintaining a matte appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If particles having a large particle size are added to an ink-receiving layer to achieve a good matte appearance, then the matte appearance is improved, but the binding property of the ink-receiving layer degrades causing dusting phenomenon

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematte appearanceVSAvoidbinding property
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ink-receiving layer is divided into two distinct layers: a lower layer containing large particle size inorganic particles (1.0 µm or more) for matte appearance, and an upper layer containing colloidal silica for binding. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between matte appearance and binding property.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the ink-receiving layer are assigned different properties: the lower layer has large particles for light scattering and matte appearance, while the upper layer has fine colloidal silica particles for strong binding. This local differentiation of particle size and function enables both matte appearance and dusting prevention to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If the surface roughness is increased to reduce surface reflection and achieve matte appearance, then the matte appearance is improved, but the binding property may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface roughnessVSAvoidbinding property
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ink-receiving layer is segmented into two layers with different surface characteristics. The lower layer provides the rough surface profile (RΔq ≥ 0.3) for matte appearance, while the upper layer provides a relatively smoother surface with fine colloidal silica particles for strong binding and dusting prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ink-receiving layer uses a composite structure combining two types of inorganic particles with different size ranges and functions. The lower layer uses large particles (1.0 µm or more) for surface roughness and light scattering, while the upper layer uses colloidal silica for binding, creating a composite material that achieves both matte appearance and dusting prevention.

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

The solution effectively achieves a matte appearance with reduced surface reflection and improved binding properties, preventing dusting and enhancing image color development.

Implementation Method 1

a first ink-receiving layer containing amorphous silica with an average particle size of 1.0 µm or more

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a second ink-receiving layer containing colloidal silica... suppressing the dusting phenomenon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3000609B1Recording medium
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 CANON KK

AI summary

A recording medium includes a substrate, a first ink-receiving layer, and a second ink-receiving layer serving as a top layer in this order. The first ink-receiving layer contains an amorphous silica having an average particle size of 1.0 µm or more. The second ink-receiving layer contains a colloidal silica. The root-mean-square slope RΔq of roughness profile elements, provided in JIS B 0601:2001, of a surface of the second ink-receiving layer is 0.3 or more.