UV-Curable Ink Composition with Low-HLB Surfactant for Discharge Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording technologies face challenges in achieving stable discharge, blocking resistance, surface scarring resistance, and minimizing image graininess, particularly in UV-curable ink compositions used for various recording media.
Innovation Solution
An ink composition comprising a radically polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, a colorant, and a silicone-based surfactant with a specific HLB range, along with a high proportion of monofunctional monomers and a low content of polyfunctional monomers, which is cured using actinic radiation to enhance discharge stability and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radiation-curing inkjet ink composition is used to achieve excellent drying properties and image resistance to spreading, then the image quality improves, but the discharge stability and image graininess may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the HLB value of the silicone-based surfactant (specifically between 1.5 and 3.5) and adjusting the ratio of monofunctional to polyfunctional monomers. These parameter optimizations resolve the contradiction by achieving the right balance between discharge stability and image graininess while maintaining the excellent drying properties of UV-curable ink compositions.
2Strength
If the content of polyfunctional monomer is increased to improve crosslinking and image durability, then the image resistance improves, but the discharge stability and surface scarring resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by strictly limiting the polyfunctional monomer content to 10 mass% or less and preferably 5 mass% or less of the total monomer content. This parameter control resolves the contradiction by maintaining sufficient crosslinking for image durability while preventing excessive crosslinking that would harm discharge stability and surface scarring resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using a silicone-based surfactant with specific HLB value (1.5-3.5) that localizes at the interface between the ink composition and the recording medium. This localized surfactant action provides discharge stability and surface scarring resistance without interfering with the bulk crosslinking structure that provides image durability.
3Reliability
If a silicone-based surfactant with high HLB value is used to improve discharge stability, then the discharge performance improves, but the blocking resistance and surface scarring resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through precise parameter control of the silicone-based surfactant's HLB value, specifying it should be between 1.5 and 3.5. This specific HLB range optimization allows the surfactant to provide adequate discharge stability while maintaining sufficient blocking resistance and surface scarring resistance, unlike surfactants with higher HLB values.
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 composition exhibits excellent discharge stability, blocking resistance, surface scarring resistance, and reduced image graininess, ensuring high-quality images on diverse recording media.
Implementation Method 1
an ink composition for inkjet recording which comprises (Component A) a radically polymerizable compound, (Component B) a polymerization initiator... the composition comprising no polyfunctional monomer or having a total amount of polyfunctional monomer of no greater than 10 mass% of the entire ink composition, and the composition having a surface tension at 25°C of at least 20.0 mN/m but no greater than 22.5 mN/m
Implementation Method 2
Component D a silicone-based surfactant with an HLB of at least 2 but no greater than 7, Component D having a content of at least 0.4 mass% but no greater than 4.0 mass% of the entire ink composition, the composition having a surface tension at 25°C of at least 20.0 mN/m but no greater than 22.5 mN/m
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an ink composition for inkjet recording comprising (Component A) a radically polymerizable compound, (Component B) a polymerization initiator, (Component C) a colorant, and (Component D) a silicone-based surfactant with an HLB of at least 2 but no greater than 7, Component A comprising (Component A-1) an N-vinyllactam, Component D having a content of at least 0.4 mass% but no greater than 4.0 mass% of the entire ink composition, the total amount of monofunctional monomer being at least 75 mass% of the entire ink composition, the composition comprising no polyfunctional monomer or having a total amount of polyfunctional monomer of no greater than 10 mass% of the entire ink composition, and the composition having a surface tension at 25°C of at least 20.0 mN/m but no greater than 22.5 mN/m.