Siloxane Ink Additive for Viscosity Control and Bleed Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet ink compositions using associative compounds lack sufficient associative capability and stability at low temperatures, particularly when applied to various solvents, leading to issues like bleeding, color mixing, and image resolution deterioration in printing and 3D modeling.
Innovation Solution
A siloxane compound with an organic group having an optically active site and associative site is used in an organic solvent, forming a stable associative structure that remains soluble and non-precipitative at room temperature, allowing for controlled viscosity changes and discharge from an inkjet nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional associative compounds are used in inkjet ink compositions, then the ink can form a network to confine liquid, but the associative capability and stability at low temperatures are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure of associative compounds by introducing specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino groups) and controlling molecular weight ranges (500-5000) to enhance both associative capability and low-temperature stability. This structural parameter optimization allows the compound to maintain effective networking across a broader temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system combining the associative compound with specific solvents (water, alcohol, glycol) and optional additives (surfactants, pigments) to achieve synergistic effects. The composite formulation enhances the overall stability and associative performance compared to using isolated compounds.
2Productivity
If the ink is discharged from an inkjet head, then the ink can be deposited on the substrate, but the ink expands and bleeds excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamic viscosity change of the ink caused by temperature variation. During discharge, the ink is heated to reduce viscosity for easy ejection. After deposition, the ink cools and viscosity increases, causing the ink to gel and confine itself, thereby preventing expansion and bleeding while maintaining sharp image edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits the phase transition of the ink from a liquid state during discharge to a gel state after deposition. This phase change is triggered by temperature decrease after ejection, transforming the ink's rheological properties to prevent spreading and maintain precise pattern formation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the ink is cooled to increase viscosity, then the ink prevents penetration and expansion, but the associative capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects associative compounds with specific molecular weight ranges (500-5000) and functional group configurations that maintain hydrogen bonding capability at lower temperatures. This allows the compound to form stable networks even when viscosity increases due to cooling, preserving associative capability across temperature variations.
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 siloxane compound enables the formation of a stable associative structure in multiple solvents, preventing excessive bleeding and maintaining image quality by controlling ink viscosity, thus enhancing printing and 3D modeling resolutions.
Implementation Method 1
The siloxane compound comprising at least one organic group having an optically active site and an associative site in the molecule... forms a stable associative structure
Implementation Method 2
The associative compound typically forms a network with its multimolecular bonds to confine a liquid (in this case ink) within the network
Implementation Method 3
An ink including the associative compound forms a nonassociative (low-viscosity, sol, or liquid) shape at high temperatures, and an associative (high-viscosity or solid-like (gel or solid)) shape at low temperatures
Implementation Method 4
When an ink including the associative compound is discharged from an inkjet head, the ink is heated to have low viscosity
Data Source
AI summary
A material for an inkjet ink composition, including an organic solvent; and a siloxane compound comprising at least one organic group having an optically active site and an associative site in the molecule, wherein the organic solvent satisfies the following requirements a) to c):a) the siloxane compound is soluble in the organic solvent and does not precipitate after dissolved at room temperature;b) the siloxane compound can form an associative structure in the organic solvent at room temperature; andc) an inkjet ink composition prepared by dissolving the siloxane compound in an organic solvent is dischargeable from an inkjet nozzle.