Urethane-Vinyl Composite Binder for Inkjet Scratch Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ink-jet printing inks lack sufficient scratch resistance, alkali resistance, and ink dischargeability while maintaining high gloss, leading to issues with pigment detachment and image degradation under external forces or alkali exposure.

Innovation Solution

A binder for ink-jet printing ink is developed using composite resin particles formed by dispersing a vinyl polymer in an aqueous medium with a urethane resin having a hydrophilic group, without forming a covalent bond between the two, which enhances scratch resistance, alkali resistance, and ink dischargeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the scratch resistance and durability are improved by using conventional ink formulations, then the scratch resistance and alkali resistance are enhanced, but the ink dischargeability considerably degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescratch resistanceVSAvoidink dischargeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite resin system combining urethane resin and vinyl polymer in a specific mass ratio (1:4 to 4:1). This composite structure provides both the durability needed for scratch resistance and the dischargeability required for inkjet printing, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes specific parameters including the mass ratio of urethane resin to vinyl polymer (1:4 to 4:1), acid value (15-80 mg KOH/g), and hydroxyl value (15-80 mg KOH/g). These parameter adjustments enable simultaneous achievement of high scratch resistance and good ink dischargeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the scratch resistance and durability are improved by using conventional ink formulations, then the scratch resistance and alkali resistance are enhanced, but the inkjet printing ink cannot be used effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealkali resistanceVSAvoidinkjet printing applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The composite resin system of urethane resin and vinyl polymer provides both alkali resistance and inkjet printing compatibility. The specific composition and ratio ensure the ink can be used effectively in inkjet printers while maintaining high durability and alkali resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

By controlling the acid value (15-80 mg KOH/g) and hydroxyl value (15-80 mg KOH/g) within specific ranges, the invention achieves both high alkali resistance and compatibility with inkjet printing systems, enabling versatile application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If a polyurethane resin with specific properties is used to achieve scratch resistance, then the detachment of pigments is prevented, but floating and bleeding are caused when alkali detergent adheres to the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescratch resistanceVSAvoidfloating and bleeding
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines urethane resin with vinyl polymer to create a composite binder that maintains scratch resistance while preventing floating and bleeding. The vinyl polymer component specifically addresses the alkali resistance issue, eliminating the harmful effects when alkali detergent contacts the printed surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

By adjusting the acid value and hydroxyl value to specific ranges (15-80 mg KOH/g for each), the invention optimizes the resin's interaction with pigments and alkali substances, preventing both pigment detachment and floating/bleeding phenomena.

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 method provides ink-jet printing inks with excellent scratch resistance, high alkali resistance, and good ink dischargeability, ensuring stable and high-quality printed images even under strong external forces and alkali exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a binder for ink-jet printing ink, which contains a vinyl polymer (B) dispersed in an aqueous medium (D) by a urethane resin (A) having a hydrophilic group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentEP2647674B1Binder for inkjet printing ink, inkjet printing ink, printed matter, and binder production method
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 DIC CORP
  • EP2647674B1 patent drawing
  • EP2647674B1 patent drawing

AI summary

It is an object of the present invention to provide a binder for ink-jet printing ink that achieves excellent scratch resistance, high durability such as alkali resistance, and good ink dischargeability and that can form a printed image with high gloss and an ink-jet printing ink containing the binder. The present invention relates to a binder for ink-jet printing ink in which a vinyl polymer (B) is dispersed in an aqueous medium (D) by a urethane resin (A) having a hydrophilic group.