Silver Nanoplatelet Security Features for Fast Visual Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing overt security features with silver nanoplatelets lack reliability, ease of implementation, and high production speed, especially for applications requiring high counterfeiting resilience and excellent optical properties, and do not allow for easy, direct authentication by humans without external tools.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of a UV-Vis radiation curable ink containing silver nanoplatelets and a top coating composition, cured in a wet-on-wet state, using contactless fluid microdispensing technology and high-speed printing processes, to create security features with distinct optical characteristics for easy authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional printing methods are used to produce security features, then production speed and cost-effectiveness are maintained, but the optical properties and counterfeiting resistance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounterfeiting resistanceVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing UV-Vis radiation to transform the ink from a liquid state to a cured solid state, fundamentally changing the physical and chemical properties of the ink layer. This curing process enhances the optical properties and counterfeiting resistance while maintaining compatibility with high-speed production processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining UV-Vis radiation curable inks containing silver nanoplatelets with top coating compositions. This composite approach creates security features with superior optical characteristics including dichroic effects (different colors in transmitted vs reflected light) while maintaining production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If complex security features with high counterfeiting resistance are produced, then reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounterfeiting resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated process: the UV-Vis radiation curable ink simultaneously provides security features, optical effects, and indicia formation. The top coating composition is applied directly over the uncured ink, combining multiple layers into a streamlined manufacturing process that reduces complexity while enhancing security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical printing and drying systems with UV-Vis radiation curing. This substitution eliminates the need for complex drying ovens and mechanical pressing equipment, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving superior security features through photopolymerization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If traditional ink formulations are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but optical properties and color contrast are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical contrastVSAvoidease of application

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ink formulation by using UV-Vis radiation curable compounds instead of traditional solvents-based inks. This enables superior optical contrast and color saturation while maintaining ease of application through the same printing methodologies, as the ink remains in liquid form during application and only cures after deposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enables the production of eye-catching overt security features with high contrast and optical properties, allowing easy, direct authentication by humans, and can be implemented at a high production speed on an industrial scale.

Implementation Method 1

a UV-Vis radiation curable ink which is in a first, liquid state so as to form a coating layer, subsequently a top coating composition is applied by a contactless fluid microdispensing technology at least partially on top of the coating layer in the form of one or more indicia, and subsequently the coating layer and the one or more indicia are cured

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

dichroic security features exhibiting a first color upon viewing in transmitted light and a second color different from the first color upon viewing in incident light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroism: Pleochroism

Data Source

PatentUS12616995B2Methods for producing overt security features exhibiting one or more indicia

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SICPA HOLDING SA

AI summary

Methods for producing eye-catching overt security features exhibiting one or more indicia for anti-counterfeit purposes on value documents or articles as well as decorative purposes are disclosed. In particular, the present invention provides methods for producing security features that can be easily, directly and unambiguously authenticated by the human without any external device or tool, wherein the security features comprised a cured ink and one or more cured indicia, the ink comprising cured cationically curable compounds or cured hybrid curable compounds and silver nanoplatelets.