Soft Pigmented CIJ Ink Composition for Opacity and Jetting Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pigmented continuous ink jet (CIJ) inks face challenges with opacity and reliability due to the settling and redispersibility of inorganic pigments like TiO2, which negatively impact printer performance, and soft pigmented inks do not adequately improve system reliability despite better settling properties.
Innovation Solution
Developing soft pigmented CIJ inks with organic pigments having a specific particle size mean of 100 nm to 230 nm and a cumulative 99% particle diameter (D99) of less than 600 nm, combined with solvents, binder resins, and conductive agents, to enhance opacity and reliability without requiring specific system accommodations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If inorganic pigments like TiO2 are used to provide high opacity, then opacity is improved, but printer reliability deteriorates due to quick settling and difficulty in redispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from inorganic to organic pigment, and optimizes the particle size parameter to 100-230 nm mean with D99 < 600 nm. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient opacity through optimized organic pigment characteristics while eliminating the settling and redispersion issues inherent in inorganic pigments like TiO2
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining organic pigment particles with specific binders, solvents, and additives. This composite approach allows the organic pigment to achieve opacity comparable to inorganic pigments while the overall formulation ensures colloidal stability and prevents settling, thus resolving the reliability issue
2Quantity of substance
If conventional pigment dispersions are used, then pigment concentration is achieved, but inkjet performance deteriorates due to physical settling and restricted flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter to a narrow distribution with mean 100-230 nm and D99 < 600 nm, and optimizes the pigment concentration to 0.5-5% by weight. These parameter changes enable sufficient pigment concentration for opacity while maintaining small particle sizes that prevent settling and ensure smooth flow through inkjet nozzles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces binder resins and dispersing agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the pigment particles and the ink vehicle. These intermediaries create a stable colloidal dispersion that maintains pigment concentration without settling, resolving the contradiction between quantity and performance
3Reliability
If organic pigments with conventional particle size are used, then settling is reduced, but opacity and system reliability are not adequately improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size parameter to a specific range (mean 100-230 nm, D99 < 600 nm) which is smaller than conventional organic pigments. This parameter change improves settling resistance while the high pigment concentration (0.5-5% wt) and optimized refractive index match provide sufficient opacity, resolving both concerns simultaneously
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 described ink compositions achieve excellent opacity and printer reliability, with improved drop breakoff stability and uptime, suitable for both dye-based and regular CIJ printers, addressing the limitations of conventional inks.
Implementation Method 1
pigments are insoluble particles which are suspended in the ink
Implementation Method 2
these inks have been found to function well in printers with little or no accommodations for pigments
Implementation Method 3
a conductive agent
Implementation Method 4
a binder resin
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are soft pigmented continuous ink jet ink compositions comprising an organic pigment, a solvent, a binder resin, and a conductive agent, wherein the organic pigment comprises particles having a particle size mean of about 100 nm to about 230 nm and a cumulative 99% particle diameter (D99) of less than about 600 nm.