Water-based printing ink compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inks for personal care products, particularly those exposed to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion, are dominated by solvent-based compositions that are not environmentally friendly, and formulations with high natural material content fail to achieve adequate adhesion, moisture resistance, and chemical resistance.

Innovation Solution

Development of water-based ink and coating compositions comprising greater than 70 wt% natural materials, including natural resins, water, and bio-solvents, which exhibit moisture, chemical, and abrasion resistance, suitable for printing on cotton and synthetic materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solvent-based inks are used, then adhesion and moisture resistance are achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion and moisture resistanceVSAvoidenvironmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing petroleum distillates with water as the primary solvent and using naturally derived materials (rosin esters, waxes, oils) for binders and additives. This substitution maintains functional performance while eliminating harmful volatile organic compounds, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental harm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The ink composition employs a composite formulation combining multiple natural materials including water, natural resins (rosin esters), natural waxes, plant oils, and natural pigments. This composite approach synergistically achieves adhesion, moisture resistance, and chemical resistance previously only attainable with synthetic solvents, while maintaining environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If high amounts of naturally derived materials are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but adhesion and moisture resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental harmVSAvoidadhesion and moisture resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates a composite system where naturally derived materials work synergistically: rosin esters provide adhesion and film formation, waxes contribute to moisture barrier properties, plant oils enhance flexibility and bonding, and natural pigments provide coloration. This composite natural material system achieves performance previously only possible with synthetic components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the concentration ratios and molecular weight characteristics of natural materials to achieve desired performance. Specifically, it uses modified rosin esters with controlled molecular weights and functional groups, adjusts the ratio of binding agents to solvents, and selects natural materials with specific properties to ensure adequate adhesion and moisture resistance while maintaining high natural material content

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If water-based formulations are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but performance in moisture-exposed applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental harmVSAvoidmoisture resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the water-based formulation by incorporating hydrophobic natural materials such as waxes and modified rosin esters that create a water-resistant barrier. The molecular structure of these natural materials is selected to provide water repellency while maintaining the water-based nature of the formulation, thus achieving both environmental friendliness and moisture resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The ink combines water-soluble natural binding agents with water-insoluble natural materials (waxes, oils, resins) to create a composite system where the hydrophobic components provide moisture resistance while the hydrophilic components ensure proper application and drying from water-based vehicle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12421404B2Water-based printing ink compositions
Publication Date: 2025.09.23 SUN CHEMICAL CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides water-based ink and coating compositions comprising greater than 70 wt % natural materials. The ink and coating compositions of the present invention are suitable for printing on feminine care products, baby care products, and other personal care products.