Urethane (Meth)Acrylate Ink Composition for Curability and Fluidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active energy ray-curable inks face issues such as ink mist generation and ink backing away during printing due to low fluidity, and there is a need for improved curability and printability to enhance productivity and reduce radiation usage.
Innovation Solution
The development of an active energy ray-curable ink containing urethane (meth)acrylate with a (meth)acryloyl group concentration ranging from 4.0 to 8.0 mmol/g, composed of a reaction product of a (meth)acrylic compound with hydroxyl groups, a polyol compound, and an isocyanate compound, which improves ink fluidity and curability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the (meth)acryloyl group concentration in urethane (meth)acrylate is increased to improve curability, then the curability is improved, but the ink fluidity deteriorates causing ink mist and backing away
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the (meth)acryloyl group concentration parameter to a specific range (4.0 to 8.0 mmol/g) that balances curability and fluidity. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal value that provides sufficient crosslinking capability while maintaining adequate ink flow properties during printing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite binder resin composition combining urethane (meth)acrylate with other compatible resins and additives. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both high curability from the urethane (meth)acrylate and good fluidity from the synergistic interaction with other components
2Ease of operation
If conventional binder resins without (meth)acryloyl groups are used to maintain ink fluidity, then printability is maintained, but curability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite binder system where urethane (meth)acrylate serves as the primary curable component providing crosslinking capability, while other resin components maintain fluidity and printability. This composite structure allows both functions to coexist
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the functional group composition parameter by incorporating urethane (meth)acrylate with specific (meth)acryloyl group concentration, transforming the binder resin from non-curable to curable while maintaining printability through controlled parameter selection
3Reliability
If more active energy radiation is applied to improve curability, then the curability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high (meth)acryloyl group concentration (4.0 to 8.0 mmol/g) in the urethane (meth)acrylate increases the density of reactive groups, allowing more crosslinking reactions to occur per unit of radiation energy. This parameter optimization improves curability while reducing the total radiation energy required
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 ink achieves excellent printability and curability, reducing ink mist and backing away, and allows for efficient production with lower radiation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The active energy ray-curable ink containing the unsaturated compound is rapidly cured on irradiation with an active energy ray and forms a tough film due to three-dimensional cross-linking of the unsaturated compound
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an active energy ray-curable ink including: a urethane (meth)acrylate (A); and a (meth)acrylic compound (B) other than (A), wherein a (meth)acryloyl group concentration in the urethane (meth)acrylate (A) is within a range from 4.0 to 8.0 mmol/g.