Sublimation Transfer Ink Composition for Stable Jetting and Low Vapor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sublimation transfer inks used in dyeing processes produce misty vapor (smoke) due to the high boiling point of glycerol, which affects the workplace environment and reduces productivity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a trehalose-based compound and propylene glycol into the sublimation transfer ink, along with water and a sublimation dye, to enhance discharge stability and prevent misty vapor formation during heating, while maintaining moisture retention and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glycerol is used in sublimation transfer ink to ensure discharge stability and prevent nozzle clogging, then discharge stability is improved, but misty vapor (smoke) is generated during heating due to glycerol's high boiling point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by replacing glycerol with a polyol compound having specific molecular weight and hydroxyl group characteristics. This parameter change allows the ink to maintain discharge stability while preventing misty vapor generation during heating, as the new compound has different thermal properties compared to glycerol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a polyol compound with lower molecular weight and appropriate viscosity that can be easily discharged and does not require long-term retention in the nozzle. This compound serves its function during the discharge process and does not persist as a harmful residue, effectively replacing glycerol's role without its harmful side effects.
2Reliability
If glycerol is used to maintain moisture retention in the ink jet head, then moisture retention is improved, but productivity is reduced due to misty vapor obscuring operator vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ink composition by using a polyol compound with specific molecular weight (100-500) and hydroxyl group content, which provides adequate moisture retention properties. This parameter change eliminates the misty vapor issue that previously reduced productivity, allowing operators to work efficiently without vision obstruction.
3Reliability
If conventional sublimation transfer ink is used, then the basic dyeing function is achieved, but energy is wasted due to high heating requirements needed to evaporate glycerol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal properties of the ink by replacing glycerol with a polyol compound having lower molecular weight and appropriate boiling point characteristics. This allows the sublimation process to occur at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the essential dyeing function. The new compound requires less energy to evaporate, directly addressing the energy waste problem.
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 provides excellent discharge stability, prevents misty vapor generation, and improves the reliability and productivity of dyed articles by allowing sublimation transfer under milder conditions, conserving energy and ensuring a cleaner work environment.
Implementation Method 1
An image is printed on this ink-receiving layer by ink jet printing, and the substrate is heated. After the ink sublimes and diffuses into the substrate located beneath
Data Source
AI summary
A sublimation transfer ink to be discharged by an ink jet process contains water, a sublimation dye, and a trehalose-based compound. The amount of the trehalose-based compound in the sublimation transfer ink is preferably in the range of 3% by mass to 20% by mass, both inclusive.