Active-ray-curable Inkjet Ink with Sol-gel Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording methods face challenges with inkjet inks on various recording media, particularly with feathering on high ink absorption papers and image mottling on non-absorbable papers, along with issues of liquid gathering and insufficient drying in high-speed printing, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An actinic energy radiation curable inkjet ink comprising a compound that undergoes reversible sol-gel phase transition, allowing for improved fixability and stability on coated printing papers, with a sol-gel phase transition temperature between 30°C and 100°C, and an inkjet recording method that utilizes this ink with controlled temperature differences between the ink in the recording head and the recording medium for enhanced image quality and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If aqueous ink is used on high ink absorption paper, then ink absorption is improved, but feathering and rear side penetration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition materials that undergo sol-gel transition at controlled temperatures. The ink contains compounds that remain in sol state during ejection and absorption, then transition to gel state upon contact with the recording medium or during drying, preventing feathering and rear side penetration while maintaining absorption benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the ink by using compounds with temperature-dependent sol-gel transition properties. By controlling the transition temperature and using specific compounds (0.1-20% by mass), the ink exhibits different states at different stages of the printing process, resolving the contradiction between absorption and image quality
2Adaptability or versatility
If aqueous ink is used on non-absorbable coated paper, then recording media versatility is improved, but droplet coalescence and image mottling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The phase transition material transitions from sol to gel state upon contact with non-absorbable coated paper, preventing droplet coalescence and image mottling. This allows the ink to be used on various recording media including coated papers without sacrificing image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The ink composition with phase transition materials provides universal applicability across different recording media types (absorbable and non-absorbable papers, coated papers, etc.), achieving both versatility and consistent image quality through the temperature-dependent sol-gel transition mechanism
3Productivity
If single pass printing method is used for high speed recording, then productivity is improved, but liquid gathering and insufficient fixing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The phase transition material rapidly transitions from sol to gel state during the single pass printing process, preventing liquid gathering and ensuring proper fixing before the ink can spread or coalesce. This enables high-speed single pass printing while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The ink is formulated with phase transition materials that automatically undergo sol-gel transition upon contact with the recording medium or during the brief drying period in single pass printing, providing preliminary fixation action that prevents liquid gathering and ensures image quality at high speeds
4Reliability
If ultraviolet ray curing is used for various recording media, then fixability is improved, but time lag causes ink spreading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase transition materials that undergo sol-gel transition before or during ultraviolet ray irradiation. This preliminary gelation prevents ink spreading during the time lag between deposition and curing, while the subsequent UV curing provides reliable fixation, thus resolving both dot size control and fixation requirements
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 enables high-quality printing on various media with improved fixability and stability, reducing feathering and mottling, and enhancing storage and ejection stability while minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an actinic energy radiation curable inkjet ink comprising a compound which changes a sol-gel phase transition reversibly according to a temperature
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet ray curable inkjet recording method in which a photo curable compound such as an ultraviolet curable composition is cross-linked and cured by irradiating an actinic radiation such as ultraviolet (UV) ray after printing
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an active-ray-curable inkjet ink which can be printed on various types of recording media, has excellent printed image quality and excellent fixability particularly on coated printing paper, and is improved in storage stability and ejection stability, Also disclosed is an inkjet recording method using the active-ray-curable inkjet ink. The active-ray-curable inkjet ink is characterized by containing a compound represented by general formula (1) or a compound represented by general formula (2) in an amount of not less than 0,1 mass% and less than 20 mass% relative to the total mass of the ink.