Water-Based Ink Composition for Higher Optical Density Prints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing coloring agent density in water-based inks to improve optical density leads to increased costs and reduced stability, posing challenges in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A water-based ink formulation comprising a pigment, an acidic preservative (polyvalent unsaturated fatty acid, polyvalent unsaturated fatty acid salt, dehydroacetic acid, or dehydroacetate), and a penetrant (alkylene diol or glycol ether compound) is used, with specific formulation ratios to enhance optical density without increasing pigment content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic solvents are used in ink formulations, then inkjet recording properties are improved, but health hazards and environmental pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the solvent system from organic to water-based, while adjusting other parameters (surfactant selection, pH control, additive composition) to maintain inkjet recording performance. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of organic solvents while preserving functional properties through careful formulation optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential disadvantage of water-based solvents (lower solvating power compared to organic solvents) into a benefit by utilizing water's unique properties (high heat capacity, hydrogen bonding capability) combined with specially selected surfactants and additives to achieve both safe operation and excellent recording performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based solvents are used in ink formulations, then health hazards and environmental pollution are reduced, but inkjet recording properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining water as the base solvent with carefully selected surfactants, polymers, and functional additives. This composite system leverages the synergistic effects of different components to achieve both the safety benefits of water-based formulations and the performance characteristics traditionally associated with organic solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surfactants and coupling agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the water-based solvent and the colorants/functional additives. These intermediaries enable effective interaction and distribution of components, ensuring proper inkjet recording performance while maintaining the safety advantages of water as the primary solvent.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional water-based ink formulations are used, then safety is improved, but storage stability deteriorates due to bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biocidal agents and preservative systems that effectively prevent bacterial growth throughout the ink's shelf life. These additives create an environment hostile to microbial contamination, ensuring the ink remains stable and safe for extended storage periods while maintaining the inherent safety advantages of water-based formulations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If biocidal agents are added to water-based ink, then storage stability is improved, but clogging of ink-jet nozzle holes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and optimizes the concentration, molecular structure, and distribution of biocidal agents within the ink formulation. By controlling the local properties and compatibility of these additives with other ink components, the patent prevents precipitation or aggregation that could lead to nozzle clogging, while maintaining effective biocidal activity for storage stability.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Provided is a water-based ink for ink-jet recording which, without having a heightened colorant concentration, can give prints having an improved optical density (OD value). This water-based ink for ink-jet recording is characterized by comprising a pigment, water, and an acidic antiseptic. The pigment is, for example, a self-dispersing pigment. The acidic antiseptic includes, for example, at least one compound selected from among polyvalent unsaturated fatty acids, salts of polyvalent unsaturated fatty acids, dehydroacetic acid, and salts of dehydroacetic acid.