Surface-Treated Titanium Oxide Ink for Crack-Free Cured Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Actinic radiation-curable inkjet inks containing titanium oxide and wax tend to form cracks and reduce the smoothness of the cured film, leading to increased paper jams in image forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet ink includes surface-treated titanium oxide with carbon atoms in the range of 0.31 mass % to 2.0 mass % based on its total mass, which reduces the tendency for cracks and maintains smoothness by attracting and distributing wax effectively within the cured film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wax is added to an actinic radiation-curable inkjet ink containing titanium oxide, then the pinning performance after landing is improved, but cracks may form in the cured film and the smoothness of the surface decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the titanium oxide surface treatment by controlling the carbon atom content within a specific range (0.31 mass% to 2.0 mass%). This parameter optimization allows the titanium oxide to effectively interact with the wax component, resolving the contradiction between achieving good pinning performance and preventing crack formation. The controlled carbon content on the titanium oxide surface modifies its affinity characteristics, enabling it to work synergistically with the wax without causing the harmful effects observed with conventional formulations.
2Quantity of substance
If the surface treatment of titanium oxide increases the affinity with dispersant, then the adsorbency of titanium oxide for dispersant increases and the amount of dispersant added can be reduced, but the interaction with wax may cause cracks and reduce smoothness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the surface treatment parameters of titanium oxide by controlling the carbon atom content (0.31 mass% to 2.0 mass%). This parameter adjustment creates a balanced surface chemistry that maintains effective dispersant adsorption while preventing excessive affinity that would cause crack formation when wax is present. The controlled carbon content modifies the surface properties to achieve the right balance between dispersant interaction and wax compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surface treatment on titanium oxide that combines carbon-containing compounds with the oxide surface. This composite structure provides dual functionality: maintaining dispersant adsorption capability while introducing properties that are compatible with wax components. The carbon-containing surface treatment acts as an intermediate layer that mediates the interaction between titanium oxide, dispersant, and wax, preventing the harmful effects of excessive affinity.
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
This approach minimizes crack formation and maintains the smoothness of the cured film, reducing the likelihood of paper jams and enhancing the performance of actinic radiation-curable inkjet inks.
Implementation Method 1
an actinic radiation-polymerizable compound... irradiating the deposited droplet with actinic radiation to cure the droplet
Implementation Method 2
surface-treated titanium oxide... contains carbon atoms in an amount of 0.31 mass % to 2.0 mass % based on a total mass thereof... attracting and distributing wax effectively within the cured film
Data Source
AI summary
An actinic radiation-curable inkjet ink contains an actinic radiation-polymerizable compound, surface-treated titanium oxide, and a wax. The surface-treated titanium oxide contains carbon atoms in an amount of 0.31 mass % to 2.0 mass % based on the total mass thereof.