Sublimation Transfer Ink Composition for Stable Disperse Dye Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sublimation transfer inks containing disperse dyes often form insoluble aggregates, leading to issues with color uniformity and storage stability, which affects the quality and longevity of dyed articles.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ink formulation that includes water, a disperse dye, a resin dispersant, and a compound with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of 15 or more, which prevents the formation of insoluble materials and maintains stability during storage and ink jet discharge processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If disperse dye is used in sublimation transfer ink, then color saturation and hue quality are improved, but insoluble aggregates form during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific surfactant (ingredient D) as an intermediary substance to mediate between the disperse dye and water. This surfactant with HLB≥15 acts as a bridge that prevents aggregate formation while maintaining color saturation, directly resolving the contradiction between dye performance and storage stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ink formulation by specifying precise ratios: ingredient D to ingredient C ratio of 4-50% and ingredient C to ingredient B ratio of 30-70%. These parameter changes optimize the dispersion system to prevent aggregate formation while preserving color quality
2Duration of action of stationary object
If ink is stored for long periods, then usability is extended, but insoluble material forms reducing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the surfactant (ingredient D) and resin dispersant (ingredient C) into the ink formulation before storage. This pre-established dispersion system proactively prevents aggregate formation during long-term storage, maintaining color uniformity throughout the extended usability period
Solution Approach 2:
The surfactant acts as a protective intermediary that stabilizes the disperse dye particles during storage, preventing them from aggregating and thus preserving color uniformity over extended periods
3Reliability
If resin dispersant is added to prevent aggregates, then storage stability is improved, but ink viscosity may change affecting discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter by controlling the ratio of ingredient D to ingredient C at 4-50%. This parameter adjustment ensures that sufficient resin dispersant is present to prevent aggregates while the surfactant maintains appropriate viscosity for ink jet discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The surfactant (ingredient D) serves as a mediator that balances two opposing requirements: it allows sufficient resin dispersant to be incorporated for aggregate prevention while simultaneously maintaining the ink's flow properties suitable for discharge
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 ink provides excellent color saturation and storage stability, reducing the formation of insoluble materials and ensuring consistent ink discharge, resulting in high-quality dyed articles with extended usability.
Implementation Method 1
an ink containing a sublimation dye (a sublimation transfer ink) is applied to a sheet-shaped recording medium... However, known inks containing disperse dyes are often disadvantageous in that insoluble aggregates of a material containing the disperse dye may form in the ink
Implementation Method 2
The ink contains... (D) at least one selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by formula (1) and a compound represented by formula (2)... having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 15 or more
Implementation Method 3
an ink containing a sublimation dye (a sublimation transfer ink) is applied to a sheet-shaped recording medium (e.g., a sheet of paper) by an ink jet process, and the obtained intermediate transfer medium is placed on a substrate (e.g., a piece of fabric) and heated, transferring the image by sublimation
Data Source
AI summary
An ink contains (A) water, (B) a disperse dye, (C) a resin dispersant, and (D) at least one selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by formula (1) and a compound represented by formula (2) and having an HLB of 15 or more:RO(CH2CH2O)mSO3−M+ (1)RO(CH2CH2O)mH (2)where R is an alkyl or alkenyl group containing 8 to 20 carbon atoms, m is an integer of 2 to 50, and M+ is an alkali metal or ammonium ion. The ratio of the mass of the ingredient (D) to that of the ingredient (C) is in the range of 4% to 50%, both inclusive.