UV-Absorbing Inkjet Ink for Quick Drying and Image Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aqueous inkjet inks face challenges with low quick-drying characteristics and uneven pigment dispersion, particularly when used on media with low permeability, leading to issues like ink bleeding and poor image fixation.
Innovation Solution
Inkjet-printing ink formulation comprising first particles with a pigment and first resin, second particles with a smaller resin, an ultraviolet absorber, and an aqueous medium, where the second particles fuse upon heating to enhance image fixation, and the UV absorber facilitates quick drying by absorbing UV rays to evaporate the aqueous medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aqueous ink is used for inkjet printing, then safety is improved, but quick-drying characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the ink formulation by incorporating specific resins (first resin with Tg of 50-150°C and second resin with Tg of -50-50°C), controlling particle size distribution (0.01-10 μm), and adjusting component ratios (resin content 1-50 mass%, solid content 5-80 mass%) to achieve both safety and improved quick-drying characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material formulation by combining multiple components: pigment particles, first resin, second resin, aqueous medium, and optional additives. This composite approach allows the ink to maintain safety while achieving rapid drying through the synergistic effects of different materials with complementary properties
2Adaptability or versatility
If ink is used on media with low permeability, then versatility is improved, but ink bleeding worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating particles with specific local characteristics - pigment particles with resin coating, controlled particle size distribution (0.01-10 μm), and specific Tg ranges for different resins. This localized optimization of particle properties prevents ink bleeding on low-permeability media while maintaining versatility across different media types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including particle size (0.01-10 μm), resin glass transition temperatures (first resin: 50-150°C, second resin: -50-50°C), and component concentrations to control ink behavior on different media, preventing bleeding on low-permeability substrates
3Manufacturing precision
If pigment dispersion is enhanced, then image quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resin system into two distinct resin components with different Tg ranges (first resin: 50-150°C, second resin: -50-50°C), allowing each resin to perform specific functions in pigment dispersion and film formation, thereby achieving uniform dispersion without excessive formulation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes particle size parameters (0.01-10 μm) and resin concentration parameters (1-50 mass%) to achieve uniform pigment dispersion, balancing image quality with manageable manufacturing complexity through controlled parameter ranges
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 high quick-drying characteristics and stable image fixation on various media, including those with low permeability, by enhancing pigment dispersion and facilitating rapid evaporation of the aqueous medium.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the ink adhering to the medium with an ultraviolet ray from an ultraviolet light source, thus raising the temperature
Implementation Method 2
volatilizing at least a part of the aqueous medium contained in the ink for removal
Implementation Method 3
second particles each containing a second resin... The second particles have a smaller average particle diameter than the first particles
Implementation Method 4
the ink adhering to the medium with an ultraviolet ray from an ultraviolet light source, thus raising the temperature to a temperature lower than the boiling temperature of the ink
Data Source
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AI summary
An inkjet-printing ink includes first particles, second particles, an ultraviolet absorber, and an aqueous medium. The first particles each contain a pigment and a first resin. The second particles each contain a second resin. The second particles have a smaller average particle diameter than the first particles.