Titanium Oxide White Ink Polymer for Storage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current white inks containing titanium oxide, used in printers for transparent or colored plastic films and fabrics, face issues with storage stability and re-dispersibility due to settling of titanium dioxide particles, leading to increased ink viscosity and defective discharging.
Innovation Solution
A polymer with a specific structural unit, represented by Chemical Formula 1, and a copolymer with structural units represented by Chemical Formulas 1 and 2, are used to enhance the dispersion stability of titanium oxide, preventing aggregation and ensuring re-dispersibility, thereby improving the storage stability and performance of the ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If titanium oxide particles are used in white ink to conceal background, then the ink's concealing ability is improved, but the storage stability deteriorates due to particle settling and aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
A polymer dispersant with specific molecular structure (containing hydrophobic groups for particle attachment and hydrophilic groups for water compatibility) is introduced as an intermediary between titanium oxide particles and water-based ink. This dispersant forms a protective layer around particles, preventing aggregation and settling while maintaining suspension stability during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the dispersant by controlling the molecular weight ratio (Mw/Mn between 1.05-2.0) and compositional parameters (specific ratios of hydrophobic to hydrophilic groups). These parameter optimizations ensure the dispersant effectively adsorbs onto titanium oxide particles while maintaining solubility in water, thereby preventing particle aggregation and improving storage stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If titanium oxide particles settle in ink, then storage stability is reduced, but re-dispersibility deteriorates leading to increased viscosity and defective discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersant is pre-added to the ink formulation before particle settling occurs. It proactively forms a stabilizing layer around titanium oxide particles, preventing the formation of hard-to-redispersed aggregates. This preliminary protective action ensures that even after storage, particles remain loosely associated and easily redispersed by gentle agitation, maintaining low viscosity and proper discharging performance.
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 polymer and copolymer systems achieve excellent storage stability and re-dispersibility of the ink, maintaining the ink's performance and preventing aggregation of titanium oxide particles, resulting in improved printing quality and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A water-based ink, a paint, or a coating material contains water, a coloring material, and a polymer or a copolymer... achieving excellent storage stability and re-dispersibility of the ink, maintaining the ink's performance and preventing aggregation of titanium oxide particles
Implementation Method 2
the polymer and copolymer systems achieve excellent storage stability and re-dispersibility of the ink, maintaining the ink's performance and preventing aggregation of titanium oxide particles
Implementation Method 3
A water-based ink, a paint, or a coating material contains water, a coloring material, and a polymer or a copolymer... the polymer and copolymer systems achieve excellent storage stability and re-dispersibility of the ink
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer contains a structural unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1where R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, L1 represents —COO—, —CONH—, or a simple bonding, X represents a hydrocarbon group with 2 to 10 carbon atoms or a hydrocarbon group including an oxygen atom with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, L2 represents —O— or —NH—, Y represents a hydrocarbon group with 2 to 12 carbon atoms or a simple bonding, and L3 represents —OCO—, —O—, —(CH2)n—, or —OCO—(CH2)n—, where n represents an integer of from 1 to 3.