Water-Based Ink Stabilization for Ceramic DoD Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drop-on-demand (DoD) inkjet printing technologies face challenges in stabilizing nanometric particles in aqueous media, leading to nozzle blockages and ineffective printing, as dispersing agents used in non-aqueous media are not viable in water-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A water-based ink formulation using dispersing agents that combine electrostatic and steric interactions to stabilize nanometric particles, with a liquid medium containing at least 20% water, along with specific solvents, ceramic pigments or frits, and additives like polyacrylate salts and polysiloxane copolymers, ensuring stable ink behavior during printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If non-aqueous dispersing agents are used to stabilize particles, then particle stability is improved, but compatibility with water-based media deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of dispersing agents from non-aqueous to water-compatible types (ionic and nonionic surfactants). This parameter change enables the dispersing agents to function effectively in water-based media while maintaining their particle stabilization capability, thus resolving the contradiction between particle stability and media compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water-compatible dispersing agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the hydrophobic particles and the aqueous medium. These dispersing agents have amphiphilic structures that allow them to interact with both the particles and water, enabling stable suspension in water-based media without requiring non-aqueous environments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water content is increased to reduce environmental impact, then environmental compatibility is improved, but particle stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the type of dispersing agents to water-compatible ionic and nonionic surfactants, which enables the formulation to maintain high water content (reducing environmental impact) while still achieving effective particle stabilization through electrostatic and steric mechanisms that work in aqueous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation that combines water, water-compatible dispersing agents, and ceramic particles. This composite structure allows the system to leverage the environmental benefits of high water content while the dispersing agents provide the necessary stabilization mechanisms to prevent particle aggregation and sedimentation.
3Ease of operation
If nanometric particle size is used to prevent nozzle blockage, then printability is improved, but tendency to aggregate and sedimentate worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water-compatible dispersing agents as intermediary substances that adsorb onto the surface of nanometric particles. These dispersing agents create electrostatic repulsion and steric barriers that prevent particle aggregation and sedimentation, allowing nanometric particles to remain stably suspended in water-based media for effective DoD printing without nozzle blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of particles by adsorbing dispersing agents onto them. This parameter change modifies the interfacial properties between particles and water, creating repulsive forces that counteract gravitational settling and aggregation, thereby maintaining particle stability while preserving the nanometric size needed for printability.
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 solution provides stable water-based inks for DoD technology, preventing particle sedimentation and achieving chromatic or ceramic effects after firing, while reducing environmental impact through lower CO2 emissions and improved printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
dispersing agents that combine electrostatic and steric interactions to stabilize nanometric particles
Implementation Method 2
dispersing agents that combine electrostatic and steric interactions to stabilize nanometric particles
Implementation Method 3
uses printheads based on the use of piezoelectric elements with trigger frequencies which, depending on the printhead manufacturer, range between 0.05-300 KHz
Implementation Method 4
dispersing agents that combine electrostatic and steric interactions to stabilize nanometric particles
Implementation Method 5
dispersing agents that combine electrostatic and steric interactions to stabilize nanometric particles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a water-based ink composition for drop-on-demand (DoD) printing technology, which is intended for glazing and decorating ceramic products and provides colour or ceramic effects on ceramic supports once it has been fired at temperatures between 850° C. and 1280° C.