Self Cross-Linkable Latex Particles for Ink Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink-jet inks lack durability, particularly in terms of resistance to highlighter smear, rub resistance, and solvent resistance, due to the absence of self cross-linkable latex particles that form an intra- and inter-particle cross-linked polymer film after printing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating self cross-linkable latex particles with hydrophobic, acidic, and self cross-linkable monomers into the ink-jet ink, which form an intra- and inter-particle cross-linked latex polymer film upon partial depletion of the liquid vehicle, enhancing the durability of the printed image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional water-based ink-jet inks are used, then the ink can be jetted at high speed with low viscosity, but the printed image lacks durability against highlighter smear, rubbing, and solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite latex particles containing multiple monomer types (hydrophobic, acidic, and self-crosslinkable monomers) to create a multi-functional ink formulation. This composite approach provides both the low viscosity needed for jetting and the crosslinked film structure needed for durability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and composition complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the latex particles by incorporating self-crosslinkable monomers with specific functional groups that react to form crosslinked structures. This parameter change enables the ink to transform from a simple water-based solution to a durable crosslinked film after printing, achieving durability without requiring complex additional components.
2Reliability
If self cross-linkable latex particles are incorporated into the ink, then highlighter smearfastness, rub resistance, and solvent resistance are improved, but the ink formulation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional properties into a single latex particle type by combining hydrophobic, acidic, and self-crosslinkable monomers. This consolidation achieves multiple durability functions (smear resistance, rub resistance, solvent resistance) in one component, reducing the need for multiple separate additives and simplifying the overall formulation despite the enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-crosslinkable monomers within the latex particles automatically crosslink after printing without requiring external catalysts or additional processing steps. This self-service mechanism provides the durability function autonomously, reducing the complexity of ink formulation and application while achieving reliable smearfastness and resistance properties.
3Reliability
If the ink forms an intra- and inter-particle cross-linked polymer film, then durability is enhanced, but the liquid vehicle must be partially depleted which affects jetting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the latex particles with self-crosslinkable monomers in advance, so that the crosslinking action occurs automatically after printing when the liquid vehicle depletes. This preliminary preparation allows the ink to maintain low viscosity during jetting for high-speed operation while ensuring durability is achieved through the pre-programmed crosslinking capability that activates post-printing.
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-jet ink with self cross-linkable latex particles demonstrates improved durability through increased highlighter smearfastness, rub resistance, and solvent resistance, as evidenced by enhanced performance in aggressive testing such as window cleaner and rub resistance tests.
Implementation Method 1
the self cross-linkable latex particles can have at least 0.1 wt % of the self cross-linkable monomer on the surface of the self cross-linkable latex particle providing cross-linking sites on the surface of the self cross-linkable latex particle
Implementation Method 2
upon at least partial depletion of the liquid vehicle or a liquid vehicle component
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes compositions, methods, and systems including an ink-jet ink comprising a liquid vehicle, a colorant dispersed or dissolved in a liquid vehicle, and self cross-linkable latex particles dispersed in the liquid vehicle. The self cross-linkable latex particle can have at least 0.1 wt % of the self cross-linkable monomer on the surface of the self cross-linkable latex particle providing cross-linking sites on the surface of the self cross-linkable latex particle, and can form an intra- and inter-particle cross-linked latex polymer film after printing the ink-jet ink on a substrate and upon at least partial depletion of the liquid vehicle or a liquid vehicle component.