Textile Ink Set Composition for Stable Ejection and Dense Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inkjet textile printing methods face challenges in achieving stable ink ejection and desired image density with scratch resistance, particularly due to issues with pigment particle aspect ratio, dispersant type, and binder resin properties.

Innovation Solution

An ink set comprising pigment particles with a major axis of 50-200 nm and an aspect ratio of 2.0-3.0, an anionic dispersant, and binder resin particles with a specific glass transition point, combined with a pretreatment liquid containing a cationic material, to enhance ejection stability and image formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pigment particles with aspect ratio of 1.0-2.0 are used, then ejection stability is improved, but image density is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection stabilityVSAvoidimage density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the aspect ratio parameter of pigment particles from the conventional 1.0-2.0 range to a specific range of 2.0-4.0, while simultaneously optimizing the major axis size to 50-200 nm. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by achieving both ejection stability (through controlled aspect ratio) and image density (through optimized size and aspect ratio combination).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite approach by combining specifically sized and shaped pigment particles (50-200 nm major axis, aspect ratio 2.0-4.0) with binder resin particles having controlled glass transition points (0-45°C). This composite material system achieves synergistic effects that simultaneously provide ejection stability and image density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If pigment particles with larger aspect ratio are used, then image density is improved, but ejection stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage densityVSAvoidejection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the aspect ratio parameter to a specific range of 2.0-4.0 (rather than using larger values), and combines it with a major axis size of 50-200 nm. This controlled parameter change prevents nozzle clogging while maintaining image density, resolving the contradiction between ejection stability and image density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality optimization by controlling the distribution and characteristics of pigment particles within the ink composition. The specific size range (50-200 nm) and aspect ratio (2.0-4.0) create optimal local properties that balance ejection stability and image density without compromising either.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional dispersants are used, then pigment dispersion is achieved, but scratch resistance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepigment dispersionVSAvoidscratch resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the glass transition point parameter of binder resin particles to a specific range of 0-45°C. This parameter optimization enhances the binder's ability to adhere pigment particles while providing sufficient scratch resistance, resolving the contradiction between pigment dispersion stability and image strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite system combining anionic dispersants with binder resin particles having controlled glass transition points. This composite approach ensures both adequate pigment dispersion and sufficient scratch resistance by leveraging the synergistic effects of the dispersant and binder resin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Manufacturing precision

If binder resin with low glass transition point is used, then film formability is improved, but ejection stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm formabilityVSAvoidejection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the glass transition point parameter of binder resin to a specific range of 0-45°C, preventing it from being too low. This controlled parameter change maintains film formability while avoiding nozzle clogging, resolving the contradiction between film formability and ejection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures excellent ink ejection stability and image density with improved scratch resistance, preventing nozzle clogging and pigment permeation while maintaining fluidity and film formability.

Implementation Method 1

The inkjet ink contains pigment particles, an anionic dispersant, and binder resin particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 2

The pretreatment liquid contains water and a cationic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

The binder resin particles contain a specific binder resin. The specific binder resin has a glass transition point of at least 0° C. and no higher than 45° C.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11807765B2Ink set and inkjet textile printing method
Publication Date: 2023.11.07 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An ink set includes an inkjet ink and a pretreatment liquid. The inkjet ink contains pigment particles, an anionic dispersant, and binder resin particles. The pigment particles have a major axis of at least 50 nm and no greater than 200 nm. The pigment particles have an aspect ratio of at least 2.0 and no greater than 3.0. The binder resin particles contain a specific binder resin. The specific binder resin has a glass transition point of at least 0° C. and no higher than 45° C. The pretreatment liquid contains water and a cationic material.