UV-Resistant Ink Composition for Weatherable Inkjet Prints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink compositions for inkjet printing, while providing quick dry properties and preventing ink bleeding, suffer from insufficient weathering resistance when exposed to outdoor conditions due to the exposure of the coloring layer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a polymerizable compound, an ultraviolet absorber with a maximum absorption wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm, and an antioxidant into the ink composition, forming a weatherable layer that enhances weathering resistance by absorbing UV-A rays and suppressing discoloration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an active energy ray-curable ink composition is used for inkjet printing, then quick dry properties and prevention of ink bleeding are achieved, but weathering resistance is insufficient when exposed to outdoor conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating UV absorbers and antioxidants into the ink composition before printing. These additives are pre-positioned in the ink layer to absorb UV radiation and scavenge free radicals before they can cause degradation of the coloring materials, thereby preventing weathering damage in advance while maintaining the quick-dry properties of the active energy ray-curable ink system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by formulating an ink composition that combines polymerizable compounds (for curing), UV absorbers (for weathering protection), antioxidants (for preventing oxidation), and coloring materials. This multi-component composite structure provides both the quick-dry functionality and the weathering resistance required for outdoor exposure
2Ease of manufacture
If a coloring layer is exposed to obtain a printed matter, then the printed matter can be produced, but the coloring layer itself is exposed and weathering resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs intermediaries by introducing UV absorbers and antioxidants as protective agents between the harmful UV radiation and the coloring materials. These intermediary substances absorb or neutralize the damaging effects of UV radiation, thereby protecting the coloring layer while maintaining the simplicity of the inkjet printing process
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 achieves high weathering resistance and prevents discoloration of printed matters, maintaining appearance over extended exposure to sunlight.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet absorber having a maximum absorption wavelength in a wavelength range of 315 nm or more and 400 nm or less, a medium containing the ultraviolet absorber at a concentration of 20 ppm having an absorbance area Ab in a wavelength range of 315 nm or more and 400 nm or less of 25.0 or more
Implementation Method 2
an active energy ray-curable ink composition which is cured by active energy rays such as ultraviolet rays
Implementation Method 3
an antioxidant, the ultraviolet absorber having a maximum absorption wavelength in a wavelength range of 315 nm or more and 400 nm or less
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition able to yield a printed adherend having high weathering resistance; wherein, this ink composition is an active energy ray curing type ink composition that is discharged using an inkjet method. The ink composition contains a polymerizable compound, an ultraviolet radiation absorber and an antioxidant. The ultraviolet radiation absorber has a maximum absorption wavelength within the range 315-400 nm. A medium containing the ultraviolet radiation absorber at a concentration of 20 ppm has an absorbance area Ab of 25.0 or more at wavelengths within the range of 315-400 nm.