Thermal Transfer Sheet Copolymer Release Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal transfer sheets face issues with thermal fusion between the transfer-receiving article and the thermal transfer sheet, leading to printer malfunctions and inadequate durability of printed articles, especially when high energy is applied during the transfer process.
Innovation Solution
A thermal transfer sheet with a transfer layer containing a copolymer of isobutyl (meth)acrylate and a monomer having a carboxyl group, where the acid value of the copolymer is not less than 40 mg KOH/g, is used to improve the peel-off property and durability of the printed article.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high energy is applied to transfer the transfer layer onto the transfer-receiving article, then the transfer efficiency is improved, but thermal fusion between the transfer-receiving article and the thermal transfer sheet occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A release layer is introduced as an intermediary between the substrate and the transfer layer. This release layer has specific thermal and adhesive properties that prevent thermal fusion between the substrate and transfer-receiving article while allowing efficient transfer of the transfer layer. The release layer acts as a mediator that manages the thermal energy distribution and interfacial adhesion during the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal and adhesive parameters of the interface between substrate and transfer layer by using a release layer with controlled melting point and adhesion characteristics. By adjusting the release layer's composition and properties, the system allows high energy application for efficient transfer while preventing harmful thermal fusion through parameter optimization.
2Device complexity
If the transfer layer is directly formed on the substrate, then the structure is simplified, but thermal fusion causes the thermal transfer sheet to break and abnormal conveying to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The release layer serves as a protective intermediary that prevents direct thermal contact and adhesion between the substrate and transfer-receiving article. This intermediary layer maintains the structural integrity of the thermal transfer sheet during high-energy transfer operations, preventing breaking and abnormal conveying while adding only one additional functional layer.
3Speed
If high energy is applied during transfer, then the transfer speed is improved, but the durability of the printed article is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The release layer's thermal and adhesive parameters are optimized to enable rapid heat transfer for fast transfer speed while simultaneously providing controlled adhesion that ensures durable bonding of the transfer layer to the transfer-receiving article. The specific composition and thickness of the release layer allow it to manage energy transfer rates and interfacial strength.
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 effectively suppresses thermal fusion and enhances the durability of printed articles, even when high energy is applied during the transfer process, improving the peel-off property and surface quality of the printed articles.
Implementation Method 1
the acid value of the copolymer is not less than 40 mg KOH/g... suppresses the thermal fusion between the transfer-receiving article and the thermal transfer sheet even when the energy to be applied to the thermal transfer sheet upon transferring the thermal transfer layer onto the transfer-receiving article is enhanced
Implementation Method 2
heating another surface side of the substrate by a heating device such as a thermal head or a heating roll
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a thermal transfer sheet that can suppress thermal fusion of the thermal transfer sheet and a transfer-receiving article and can improve the durability of a printed article obtained by transferring a transfer layer onto the transfer-receiving article, even if energy applied to the thermal transfer sheet was increased upon transferring the transfer layer onto the transfer-receiving article. This thermal transfer sheet 100 comprises a thermal transfer layer 10 on one surface of a substrate 1. The transfer layer 10 comprises one or more layers, and among the layers constituting the transfer layer 10, the layer closest to the substrate 1 contains a copolymer of isobutyl (meth)acrylate and a monomer having a carboxyl group, and the acid value of the copolymer is not less than 40 mg KOH/g.