Water-Based Ink Composition for Low-Absorbency Substrate Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Resin sheets and non-woven fabrics with ink non-absorbency or low ink-absorbency pose challenges for ink adhesion and scratch resistance in image forming methods, as existing techniques fail to provide sufficient adhesion and durability on these substrates.

Innovation Solution

A water-based ink containing polymer particles, an amine compound with a hydroxyl group, and a colorant is applied using an ink jet method, with specific formulations and additives to enhance adhesion and scratch resistance on substrates with ink non-absorbency or low ink-absorbency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a resin sheet or non-woven fabric with ink non-absorbency or low ink-absorbency is used as a recording substrate, then the substrate maintains its structural integrity and surface properties, but the ink adhesion deteriorates and image scratch resistance becomes low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage adhesionVSAvoidscratch resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specific binder resin as an intermediary substance between the ink and the resin sheet or non-woven fabric substrate. This binder resin contains functional groups that can chemically or physically bond to both the ink components and the substrate surface, thereby mediating the adhesion interface and solving the problem of poor ink adhesion on low-absorbency substrates while maintaining scratch resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the ink formulation by adjusting the binder resin content, molecular weight, and functional group composition. These parameter changes enable the ink to achieve optimal adhesion to the resin sheet or non-woven fabric substrate without compromising the substrate's inherent properties or the image's scratch resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If surface treatment such as corona treatment is performed on the substrate, then ink adhesion is improved, but the surface quality deteriorates and the surface becomes roughened considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink adhesionVSAvoidsurface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical surface treatment method (corona treatment) with a chemical approach by incorporating a specifically designed binder resin in the ink formulation. This substitution achieves improved ink adhesion through chemical bonding mechanisms without the mechanical surface roughening caused by corona treatment, thereby maintaining surface quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The binder resin acts as a chemical intermediary that facilitates adhesion between the ink and the untreated substrate surface. This intermediary approach achieves effective ink bonding without requiring aggressive surface treatment, thus preserving the substrate's surface quality and smoothness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method significantly improves adhesion and scratch resistance of images on resin sheets and non-woven fabrics, ensuring superior durability and image quality on substrates with low ink absorbency.

Implementation Method 1

a method of discharging ink droplets from multiple nozzles, which are provided in an ink jet head, to form an image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInk jet discharge:

Implementation Method 2

A water-based ink containing polymer particles, an amine compound with a hydroxyl group, and a colorant is applied using an ink jet method, with specific formulations and additives to enhance adhesion and scratch resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion enhancement through amine compound: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

A water-based ink containing polymer particles, an amine compound with a hydroxyl group, and a colorant is applied using an ink jet method, with specific formulations and additives to enhance adhesion and scratch resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical strengthening through polymer particles:

Data Source

PatentEP2617780B1Image forming method and image recorded material
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP2617780B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2617780B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2617780B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an image forming method capable of obtaining an image which has superior adhesion with a recording substrate having ink non-absorbency or low ink-absorbency and has superior scratch resistance. The ink forming method includes an ink application step of applying a water-based ink containing polymer particles, an amine compound having at least one hydroxyl group, a colorant, and water, onto a recording substrate having ink non-absorbency or low ink-absorbency.