Sodium Sulfonated Polyester Ink with Silver Nanoparticles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for aqueous anti-bacterial ink compositions that are effective in a printed or coated state, environmentally friendly, and do not require organic solvents, with improved polymer binders and enhanced water dispersibility for use in inkjet printing applications.
Innovation Solution
A composite comprising a sodium sulfonated polyester matrix with a degree of sulfonation of at least 7.5 mol percent and dispersed silver nanoparticles, which is synthesized by heating the polyester resin in water and adding a silver ion solution, optionally with a reducing agent, to form an emulsion of composite particles for use in inkjet printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic biocides are used in polymer materials to prevent microbial growth, then anti-microbial effectiveness is improved, but compatibility with aqueous ink jet ink formulations deteriorates due to requirement of organic solvents like dimethylsulfoxide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ink formulation by using silver nanoparticles instead of organic biocides, and by employing a sulfonated polyester binder with specific sulfonation degree (at least 7.5 mol percent) that enables aqueous compatibility without requiring organic solvents like dimethylsulfoxide
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system combining silver nanoparticles with sulfonated polyester binder to achieve both anti-microbial effectiveness and aqueous compatibility, where the composite particles integrate the biocidal function with the binding and dispersibility functions
2Device complexity
If conventional polymer binders are used in anti-bacterial ink compositions, then ink formulation simplicity is maintained, but water dispersibility and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the polymer binder by introducing sulfonation groups at a degree of at least 7.5 mol percent, which fundamentally changes the water interaction properties of the polyester, enabling superior water dispersibility and stability while maintaining formulation simplicity
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 resulting ink composition provides anti-bacterial and antifungal protection, is environmentally friendly due to the absence of organic solvents, and exhibits improved water dispersibility and stability, making it suitable for high-quality printing on various substrates.
Implementation Method 1
heating a sodium sulfonated polyester resin in water
Implementation Method 2
adding a solution of a silver (I) ion to the heated resin in water to form a mixture; optionally, adding a reducing agent to the mixture; forming an emulsion of composite particles comprising a sodium sulfonated polyester matrix and a plurality of silver nanoparticles disposed within the sodium sulfonated polyester matrix
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A composite including a sodium sulfonated polyester matrix; wherein the sodium sulfonated polyester has a degree of sulfonation of at least about 3.5 mol percent; and a plurality of silver nanoparticles dispersed within the matrix. An aqueous ink composition including water; an optional co-solvent; an optional colorant; and a composite comprising a sodium sulfonated polyester matrix; wherein the sodium sulfonated polyester has a degree of sulfonation of at least about 3.5 mol percent; and a plurality of silver nanoparticles dispersed within the matrix. A method including heating a sodium sulfonated polyester resin in water, wherein the sodium sulfonated polyester has a degree of sulfonation of at least about 3.5 mol percent; adding a solution a silver (I) ion to the heated resin in water to form a mixture; optionally, adding a reducing agent to the mixture; forming an emulsion of composite particles comprising a sodium sulfonated polyester matrix and a plurality of silver nanoparticles disposed within the sodium sulfonated polyester matrix.