Sizing Composition for Inkjet Media Using Starch and Salt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing faces challenges in achieving high-speed, high-resolution, full-color image formation with improved stability and smear resistance on coated media, particularly in commercial printing, where conventional media may not meet requirements for image quality, gloss, and abrasion resistance.
Innovation Solution
A sizing composition comprising 40-85 wt% starch, 10-40 wt% cationic multivalent salt, and 1-15 wt% inorganic pigment, applied to cellulosic media substrates, enhances ink receptivity and rapid dry time, reducing smear and roller tracking, especially in duplex printing environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional coated media is used for high-speed inkjet printing, then printing speed can be maintained, but image quality, gloss, and abrasion resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining starch, cationic multivalent salt, and inorganic pigment into a sizing composition that forms a specialized coating on the media surface. This composite structure provides both high-speed printability and improved image quality, gloss, and abrasion resistance that conventional coated media cannot achieve alone.
2Manufacturing precision
If print density is increased to improve image quality, then color gamut is improved, but dry time increases and smear resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the media surface by applying a sizing composition containing cationic multivalent salt and starch. This modifies the surface properties to enable rapid drying even at high print densities, allowing the media to accept high concentrations of ink while maintaining fast drying times and smear resistance.
3Productivity
If high-speed printing is implemented to improve productivity, then output increases, but smear and roller tracking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating the media surface with a sizing composition before printing. This pre-treatment creates a surface layer that prevents ink smear and roller tracking during high-speed printing, allowing the media to withstand the mechanical stresses of fast printing without generating harmful smearing effects.
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 composition improves image durability and smearfastness, maintaining print density and color gamut while enabling rapid drying and smudge resistance, even in high-speed printing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The inorganic pigment can be selected from a calcium carbonate, a swellable clay, or a combination of the calcium carbonate and the swellable clay
Implementation Method 2
drying the cellulosic pulp substrate after applying the liquid sizing composition thereto
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure is drawn to sizing compositions, which can include 40 wt% to 85 wt% starch based on dry components, 10 wt% to 40 wt% cationic multivalent salt based on dry components, and 1 wt% to 1 5 wt% inorganic pigment selected from a calcium carbonate, a swellable clay, or combination of the calcium carbonate and the swellable clay.