Silane-Functionalized Silver Digital Ink for High-Temperature Tile Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink compositions for ceramic tiles with bactericidal and antiviral properties fail to withstand high firing temperatures (950 °C to 1,300 °C) without altering the decoration or surface finish, and existing photocatalytic solutions are limited by temperature constraints and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A bactericidal and antiviral ink composition using silver nanoparticles functionalized with silane, combined with dispersants and solvents, applied via drop-on-demand inkjet technology, which maintains stability and efficacy through high firing temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silver nanoparticles are applied on ceramic glaze and subjected to firing cycle, then bactericidal and antiviral effect is achieved, but the organic chains are destroyed and silver nanoparticles dissolve or integrate into molten glaze, losing their effect
Solution Approach 1:
Silane functionalization acts as an intermediary protective layer between the silver nanoparticles and the ceramic glaze. The silane coating remains stable during high-temperature firing, preventing direct contact between the glaze and silver nanoparticles, thus preventing dissolution while maintaining bactericidal and antiviral efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where silver nanoparticles are functionalized with silane molecules. This composite material combines the bactericidal properties of silver with the thermal stability of silane, enabling the nanoparticles to withstand firing temperatures without losing their biological activity or structural integrity.
2Reliability
If TiO2 composite microparticles with Ag nanoparticles are used for bactericidal effect, then photocatalytic and bactericidal effect is achieved, but the maximum firing temperature is limited to 780 °C due to anatase to rutile transformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts TiO2 from the composite formulation and uses pure silver nanoparticles functionalized with silane instead. This removes the temperature limitation imposed by TiO2's phase transformation, allowing the material to be fired at the required 950-1300 °C while maintaining bactericidal and antiviral properties.
3Reliability
If TiO2 is deposited on ceramic surfaces, then bactericidal effect is achieved, but undesirable iridescent effects occur that alter the final aesthetic and chromatic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes TiO2 from the formulation and replaces it with silane-functionalized silver nanoparticles. This extraction eliminates the iridescent effects caused by TiO2 deposition while preserving and potentially enhancing the bactericidal effect, allowing the ceramic tile's aesthetic appearance to remain unchanged.
4Reliability
If ink composition is applied by inkjet technology with bactericidal properties, then antibacterial and antiviral effect is achieved, but the ink is not viable for ceramic tiles subjected to firing cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the ink formulation by functionalizing silver nanoparticles with silane. This modification enables the ink to withstand the high-temperature firing process required for ceramic tiles, expanding its adaptability from non-fired substrates to fired ceramic applications while maintaining biological efficacy.
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 achieves bactericidal and antiviral efficacy exceeding 99% on ceramic tiles post-firing, without altering the aesthetic or functional properties, across various firing temperatures and decorative effects.
Implementation Method 1
silver nanoparticles functionalised with silane... which simultaneously provide bactericidal and antiviral action
Implementation Method 2
silver nanoparticles functionalised with silane... which simultaneously provide bactericidal and antiviral action
Implementation Method 3
the ink composition... which simultaneously provide bactericidal and antiviral action on a ceramic tile without altering the decoration or surface finish when subjected to a firing cycle at a maximum temperature between 950 °C and 1,300 °C
Implementation Method 4
Bactericidal and antiviral digital ink... applied by means of inkjet technology with drop-on-demand (DoD) technology
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ink composition applicable by means of drop-on-demand (DoD) ink-jet technology of the type which, without altering the decoration or the surface of the ceramic tile glaze, simultaneously provides bactericidal and antiviral action when subjected to a firing cycle at a maximum temperature between 950 °C and 1,300 °C, and which comprises silver nanoparticles functionalised with at least one silane.