Silanol Copolymer Coating for Thermal Stability and Wettability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermediate transfix blankets in aqueous printing face challenges in achieving high thermal stability, moderate wettability, and non-stick properties, as existing materials fail to balance ink spreading and release effectively.
Innovation Solution
A composition and method using a silanol terminated copolymer crosslinked with tetraethoxysilane, trialkoxysilane terminated polydialkylsiloxane, or trialkoxysilyl terminated polymer, which forms a topcoat layer on the blanket, providing improved wettability and thermal stability while preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone or fluorinated materials are used for blanket topcoat, then thermal stability and non-stick properties are improved, but wettability deteriorates (difficult to wet)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite topcoat formulation combining silane-modified polyetherester polymer with crosslinking agents (alkoxysilanes). This composite material integrates the thermal stability of siloxane structures with the wettability of polyetherester components, resolving the contradiction between thermal resistance and ink spreading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by incorporating specific ratios of silane groups and crosslinking density. By adjusting the crosslinking degree and silane content, the formulation achieves optimal balance between thermal stability (maintained through crosslinked network) and wettability (maintained through polyetherester segments).
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional topcoat materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but phase separation and gelation occur during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces silane-modified polyetherester polymer as an intermediary component that acts as a molecular spacer and stabilizer. This intermediary prevents direct interaction between incompatible ink components and the topcoat matrix, thereby preventing phase separation and gelation during storage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight and functional group density of the polyetherester polymer to achieve optimal solubility and compatibility. By carefully controlling these parameters, the formulation remains homogeneous during storage without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If crosslinking density is increased to improve thermal stability, then thermal resistance is improved, but flexibility and ink release deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality variations within the topcoat matrix by distributing crosslinked regions and non-crosslinked polyetherester regions. The crosslinked silane regions provide thermal stability locally, while the polyetherester segments maintain flexibility and ink release capability in other regions, resolving the contradiction between thermal resistance and ink release.
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 results in a stable, long-lasting coating that effectively wets and cures on various substrates, reducing phase separation and gelation, and is manufactured using non-toxic components with minimal waste generation.
Implementation Method 1
A composition and method using a silanol terminated copolymer crosslinked with tetraethoxysilane, trialkoxysilane terminated polydialkylsiloxane, or trialkoxysilyl terminated polymer
Implementation Method 2
forming a cured coating by curing the liquid coating composition at a temperature in the range of 80° C. to about 150° C.
Implementation Method 3
The catalyst may be about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt % of the liquid coating composition. The catalyst may be at least one of titanate, zirconate and/or tin.
Implementation Method 4
The silanol terminated copolymer may include from about 10 to about 25 mol % of a diphenylsiloxane repeat unit and greater than about 50 mol % of a dialkylsiloxane repeat unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is composition for a liquid coating. The composition may include a silanol terminated copolymer, at least one cross-linker, and a catalyst. The silanol terminated copolymer may include from about 10 to about 25 mol % of a diphenylsiloxane repeat unit and greater than about 50 mol % of a dialkylsiloxane repeat unit. The at least one cross-linker may be one or more selected from: tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), a trialkoxysilane terminated polydialkylsiloxane and/or one or more of a trialkoxysilyl terminated polymer.