Silicone Release Layer for Indirect Printing Stretch Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intermediate transfer members in indirect printing systems face issues with stretching and abrasion resistance, leading to reduced printing performance and short lifespan, especially when used with aqueous ink compositions.

Innovation Solution

Development of an intermediate transfer member with a release layer made from a curable polymer composition comprising silanol-terminated polymers and a fast-curing catalyst, which provides enhanced lateral elasticity and superior abrasion resistance, reducing stretching and extending the member's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional release layers are used in indirect printing systems, then the printing process can proceed, but the intermediate transfer member suffers from stretching and poor abrasion resistance, leading to reduced printing performance and short lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting performanceVSAvoidlifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the release layer by using curable polymer compositions with specific silicone polymers and cross-linking agents, which fundamentally alters the material properties to achieve both high reliability during printing and extended lifespan through superior abrasion resistance and dimensional stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The release layer is formulated as a composite material system comprising silicone polymers, cross-linking agents, and optional fillers like carbon black or silica, which combines the benefits of flexibility, abrasion resistance, and dimensional stability that individual materials cannot provide alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the intermediate transfer member is made more durable to extend lifespan, then abrasion resistance improves, but lateral elasticity may be reduced affecting printing quality

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelifespanVSAvoidlateral elasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a release layer with spatially distributed properties: the silicone polymer matrix provides lateral elasticity and flexibility where needed, while cross-linked regions provide durability and abrasion resistance, and optional filler particles provide reinforcement without compromising overall elasticity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines silicone polymers for elasticity, cross-linking agents for durability, and optional fillers for reinforcement, achieving a synergistic effect where the material is both laterally elastic for printing quality and highly durable for extended lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional polymer compositions are used for the release layer, then manufacturing is simpler, but the member exhibits poor stretching resistance and abrasion resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstretching resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing process parameters by using curable polymer compositions that can be applied as liquid or paste and then cured in place, which maintains ease of manufacture while achieving superior stretching resistance through the cross-linked network structure that forms during curing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process utilizes phase transition from liquid/paste state to solid cross-linked network through curing (thermal or chemical), which maintains ease of application while achieving superior stretching resistance and reliability in the final cured state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 significantly reduces stretching and enhances the abrasion resistance of the intermediate transfer member, ensuring improved printing performance and extended lifespan, even under high temperatures and tension.

Implementation Method 1

a release layer made from a curable polymer composition comprising silanol-terminated polymers and a fast-curing catalyst

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation reaction: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

the intermediate transfer member has a substantially greater elasticity in the lateral direction than in the longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11809100B2Intermediate transfer members for use with indirect printing systems and protonatable intermediate transfer members for use with indirect printing systems

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 LANDA

AI summary

Disclosed are curable polymer compositions, elastomers thereof and release layers useful in the art of printing made of the disclosed elastomers. Disclosed are also intermediate transfer members having a release layer useful in the art of printing. Disclosed are anisotropic intermediate transfer members. Disclosed are curable adhesive compositions, that in some embodiments are useful in preparing intermediate transfer members useful in printing. Also disclosed are intermediate transfer members useful in the art of printing having a release layer with an image transfer surface having protonatable functional groups apparent thereupon. Also disclosed are methods of making such intermediate transfer members.