Titanium Oxide Aqueous Ink Dispersion for Stable Inkjet Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aqueous inks containing titanium oxide particles face challenges in maintaining stable dispersion and ejection stability under varying environmental conditions, particularly due to the interaction between the dispersant and the titanium oxide particles, which affects the ink's performance.

Innovation Solution

Aqueous inks are formulated with titanium oxide particles coated with specific proportions of alumina and silica, using a dispersant represented by general formula (1) to balance dispersion stability and ejection stability, where the titanium oxide particle surface is covered with alumina and silica in a specific mass ratio, and the dispersant forms hydrogen and covalent bonds with the surface hydroxy groups to maintain stable dispersion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a dispersant is used to disperse titanium oxide particles in aqueous ink, then dispersion stability is improved, but ejection stability deteriorates due to excessive adsorption and energy consumption during ejection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersion stabilityVSAvoidejection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the dispersant by specifying particular compounds (polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, or their copolymers) with controlled molecular weights and concentrations. This optimization allows the dispersant to provide sufficient dispersion stability while minimizing excessive adsorption that would consume energy during ejection, thereby resolving the contradiction between dispersion stability and ejection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system combining titanium oxide particles, aqueous medium, and specifically selected dispersants. This composite formulation achieves a balanced interaction where the dispersant adequately stabilizes the titanium oxide suspension without creating excessive adsorption forces that would hinder ejection performance, thus resolving the stability contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If the dispersant is strongly adsorbed on titanium oxide particles, then dispersion stability is improved, but energy consumption during ejection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersion stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption during ejection
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the adsorption parameter by selecting dispersants with specific chemical characteristics (polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, or copolymers) and controlling their concentration. This parameter optimization ensures adequate adsorption for dispersion stability while preventing excessive adsorption that would require additional energy during the ejection process, thereby resolving the contradiction between dispersion stability and energy consumption.

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 formulation achieves improved ejection stability of the ink by controlling the dispersant's presence around the titanium oxide particles, preventing excessive adsorption and energy consumption during ejection, thereby maintaining consistent ink performance.

Implementation Method 1

the dispersant forms hydrogen and covalent bonds with the surface hydroxy groups to maintain stable dispersion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The dispersant is present while repeating adsorption on and desorption from titanium oxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

titanium oxide particles coated with specific proportions of alumina and silica, where the titanium oxide particle surface is covered with alumina and silica in a specific mass ratio

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface coating: Coatings

Data Source

PatentEP4163342B1Aqueous ink, ink cartridge, ink jet recording method, titanium oxide particle dispersion, method for producing titanium oxide particle dispersion and method for producing aqueous ink
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 CANON KK
  • EP4163342B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4163342B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4163342B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An aqueous ink for ink jet recording contains a titanium oxide particle containing titanium oxide, at least part of the surface of the titanium oxide being covered with alumina and silica in specific proportions, and a compound serving as a dispersant for the titanium oxide particle, the compound being represented by the following general formula (1): where in general formula (1), R1, R2 and R3 are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, each R4 is independently an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, X is a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, n is 6 to 24, a is 1 to 3, b is 0 to 2 and a + b = 3.