Transfer paper for sublimation printing, comprising an alkaline earth salt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transfer papers for sublimation printing with hydrophilic polymer-based barrier layers face issues of long drying times, color mixing, and bleeding, which limit printing rates and quality, and are costly to formulate with fillers to address these drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A sublimation printing transfer paper with alkaline earth salts on at least one side, which immobilizes ink pigments, reducing bleeding and improving optical density, and optionally includes organic cationic agents and minimal formulation ingredients, allowing for high transfer rates and low paper weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a barrier layer based on hydrophilic polymer is used, then the transfer paper provides good barrier properties, but the drying time becomes long, limiting printing rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the barrier layer by replacing hydrophilic polymers with hydrophobic polymers or polymer blends, fundamentally altering the moisture interaction properties to achieve both good barrier performance and rapid drying
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining hydrophobic polymers with specific fillers and additives to create a barrier layer that simultaneously provides effective moisture barrier properties and enables rapid ink drying, resolving the contradiction between barrier performance and drying speed
2Reliability
If a barrier layer based on hydrophilic polymer is used, then the transfer paper provides good barrier properties, but color mixing and bleeding occur, affecting printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical affinity parameters of the barrier layer from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, which fundamentally alters how the layer interacts with water-based ink, preventing capillary action that causes bleeding and color mixing while maintaining barrier functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable transfer paper with a specifically engineered hydrophobic barrier layer that is optimized for single-use in the printing process, ensuring high printing quality without the need for reusable components or complex formulations
3Ease of operation
If fillers are introduced to attenuate drawbacks, then the printability improves, but the formulation cost increases and sublimation transfer rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental material parameters by using hydrophobic polymers as the base barrier layer, which inherently provides better ink fixation and drying properties without requiring excessive filler additions, thereby reducing formulation complexity and cost while maintaining high transfer rates
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 use of alkaline earth salts enhances printability, reduces drying time, and improves optical density and transfer efficiency, eliminating the need for excessive mineral fillers and maintaining high productivity with rapid ink drying.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of an alkaline earth salt on the paper improves the optical density after transfer and limits bleeding. The immobilisation of the surface ink pigments by the alkaline earth salt(s) improves the optical density after transfer and limits bleeding.
Implementation Method 2
The use of alkaline earth salts enhances printability, reduces drying time, and improves optical density and transfer efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to transfer paper for sublimation printing, having one or more alkaline earth salts on at least one face thereof.