Solvent-Resistant Glossy Printable Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glossy printing surfaces face challenges in achieving solvent resistance, especially to organic solvents, and are difficult to print on with high quality, particularly for both ink-jet and laser methods, due to their non-crosslinked or lightly-crosslinked polymeric layers which lead to ink penetration and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A glossy printable substrate with a base sheet and a printable coating comprising a film-forming binder mixture, crosslinking agent, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, silicon dioxide microparticles, and a cationic polyelectrolyte, which provides a solvent-resistant and durable surface for printing, suitable for ink-jet and laser printing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a non-crosslinked or lightly-crosslinked polymeric layer is used for glossy printing surfaces, then ink penetration and printing quality are improved, but solvent resistance and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies crosslinking to the polymeric layer, fundamentally changing its chemical structure from linear to three-dimensional network. This parameter change enables the layer to achieve both ink receptivity (through controlled porosity) and solvent resistance (through crosslinked structure that prevents solvent penetration and ink smudging).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining crosslinked polymeric materials with specific properties. The crosslinked network provides structural integrity and solvent resistance, while the material composition maintains ink penetration capability, thus resolving the contradiction between printing quality and solvent resistance.
2Reliability
If crosslinking is increased to improve solvent resistance, then durability is improved, but ink penetration and printing quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the crosslinking degree to an intermediate value that balances two opposing requirements. Neither fully crosslinked nor uncrosslinked, this optimal crosslinking parameter allows the material to provide sufficient solvent resistance while maintaining adequate porosity for ink penetration, thus resolving the contradiction.
3Shape
If a glossy surface is created to improve aesthetics, then transparency and conformability are improved, but solvent resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure of the polymeric layer through crosslinking, which enables the material to simultaneously achieve glossy surface appearance and solvent resistance. The crosslinked network provides the structural basis for both aesthetic properties and chemical resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite approach by using crosslinked polymeric materials that combine the optical properties needed for glossiness with the chemical structure needed for solvent resistance, thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and durability.
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 substrate achieves excellent print quality and durability on glossy surfaces, with improved solvent resistance and scratch resistance, allowing for high-quality image printing even in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The printable coating comprises a film-forming binder mixture, a crosslinking agent, a partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol
Implementation Method 2
a cationic polyelectrolyte serving as a cationic dye fixative
Implementation Method 3
a first plurality of first silicon dioxide microparticles, a second plurality of second silicon dioxide microparticles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Printable substrates that provide a glossy printable surface with solvent resistance are provided. The printable substrate may include a base sheet having a first surface and a second surface, and a printable coating on the first surface. The printable coating includes a film-forming binder mixture, a crosslinking agent, a partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, a first plurality of first silicon dioxide microparticles, a second plurality of second silicon dioxide microparticles, and a cationic dye fixative. The printable substrate may have a gloss level of about 50 to about 60 based on measurement of a gloss meter set with an angle of measurement of 75 degree on the external surface of the printable coating.