Thermochromic Solid Marker Composition for Erasable Color Writing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermochromic ink compositions have not been developed for writing instruments with solid color development means, such as solid drawing materials, despite growing user demand for erasable thermochromic coloring means.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising microcapsule particles with a core composition of leuco dye and developer, surrounded by a polymer resin shell, along with a gelling agent, water, and optional glycol-based solvent, is used to create a thermochromic solid marker, which can be prepared by gelling and freezing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing thermochromic ink compositions are used, then color development and discoloration functions are achieved, but they cannot be applied to writing instruments with solid color development means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical state parameter of the thermochromic composition from liquid to solid by incorporating a gelling agent. The composition contains 5-20 wt% gelling agent that transforms the liquid ink formulation into a solid marker form while preserving the thermochromic microcapsule particles (10-35 wt%) that provide color development and discoloration functions. This parameter change enables application to solid color development means while maintaining functional reliability.
2Ease of operation
If solid drawing materials are used, then writing instruments with solid color development means are achieved, but erasability is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic responsiveness to temperature changes through thermochromic microcapsule particles containing leuco dyes and developers. The solid marker composition (10-35 wt% microcapsule particles, 5-20 wt% gelling agent) maintains structural integrity at normal temperatures while dynamically discoloring at elevated temperatures (above 50°C), enabling erasability. The microcapsule shell structure protects the thermochromic components until activated by heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water (30-60 wt%) from liquid to ice during freezing (-10 to -20°C), which enables the solid marker to be formed and stored. The gelling agent (5-20 wt%) undergoes gel-sol transition at elevated temperatures, facilitating the erasability function while maintaining solid structure during normal use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If microcapsule particles with thermosensitive colorant and developer are used, then thermochromic color development is achieved, but the composition is only suitable for liquid ink writing instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system combining thermochromic microcapsule particles (10-35 wt%), gelling agent (5-20 wt%), water (30-60 wt%), and optional glycol-based organic solvent (0-10 wt%). This composite formulation integrates the functional microcapsules with a solidifying matrix, enabling application to solid writing instruments while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single-step mixing and freezing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The gelling agent acts as an intermediary substance that bridges the liquid thermochromic microcapsule formulation and the solid marker form. The gelling agent (5-20 wt%) provides the structural framework that holds the microcapsule particles while allowing the composition to be processed through freezing and maintain solid integrity for use in solid writing instruments.
4Shape
If gelling agent is added to create solid marker form, then solid color development means is achieved, but the composition may lose fluidity needed for uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the gelation temperature parameter by selecting appropriate gelling agents and concentrations (5-20 wt%). The composition remains in a fluid state during mixing and filling operations, allowing uniform distribution of microcapsule particles (10-35 wt%), then transitions to solid form during freezing (-10 to -20°C). This parameter control ensures both uniform distribution and solid form maintenance.
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 resulting thermochromic solid marker exhibits erasability at a certain temperature or under friction, providing excellent color development and writing properties, suitable for solid drawing materials.
Implementation Method 1
the principle of color development or discoloration due to the action of the thermosensitive colorant and developer at a certain temperature
Implementation Method 2
gelling a gelling agent contained in the composition while stirring at a temperature of 50° C. or more
Implementation Method 3
freezing the gelled composition while maintaining it at a temperature of −5° C. or less
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a composition for preparing a thermochromic solid marker, which enables the production of a color development means for a thermochromic writing instrument capable of being erased in response to a change in temperature in the form of a solid marker having desirable physical properties, and a preparation method for a thermochromic solid marker using the same. The composition for preparing a thermochromic solid marker comprises: 10 to 35 wt. % of microcapsule particles comprising a core composition containing a leuco dye and a developer, and a polymer resin shell surrounding the core composition; 5 to 20 wt. % of a gelling agent; 30 to 60 wt. % of water; and 0 to 10 wt. % of a glycol-based organic solvent.