White Ink Composition for Stable Embedment on Non-Absorptive Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording methods result in uneven color images due to insufficient embedment of white ink on low-absorptive or non-absorptive recording media, particularly after long-term storage, leading to hydrolysis of silicone-based surfactants in the white ink composition.
Innovation Solution
An ink set comprising a white ink composition with a polyether-modified silicone-based surfactant having a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 or less is used, which reduces hydrolysis and enhances embedment on recording media, thereby minimizing image unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional silicone-based surfactants are used in white ink composition, then the ink can be applied to recording media, but the surfactant undergoes hydrolysis after long-term storage causing insufficient embedment and uneven color images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the silicone-based surfactant to 2,000 or less, which fundamentally alters the chemical stability characteristics. This parameter change prevents hydrolysis during long-term storage while maintaining effective embedment of white ink on low-absorptive recording media, resolving the contradiction between storage duration and embedment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining the low molecular weight silicone-based surfactant with specific organic solvents (cyclic carboxylate and/or chain carboxylate) in defined concentration ranges. This composite formulation enhances the overall stability of the white ink composition during storage while maintaining embedment performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If white ink is overlaid with color ink on low-absorptive recording media, then color images can be produced, but insufficient white ink embedment causes unevenness in the color image
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the molecular weight parameter of the silicone-based surfactant to 2,000 or less, the patent achieves reliable and uniform embedment of white ink on low-absorptive recording media. This creates a stable base layer that ensures uniform color image formation when color ink is overlaid, eliminating the unevenness problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified silicone-based surfactant acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates proper embedment of white ink particles into the low-absorptive recording media. This intermediary action ensures uniform distribution and adhesion of the white ink layer, which in turn provides a uniform base for color ink overlay.
3Reliability
If the molecular weight of silicone-based surfactant is reduced to 2,000 or less, then hydrolysis is reduced and embedment is enhanced, but the surfactant selection range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific parameter threshold (molecular weight ≤ 2,000) for the silicone-based surfactant that simultaneously achieves hydrolysis resistance and effective embedment. This parameter definition provides clear selection criteria that balance reliability with practical formulation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by specifying particular properties (molecular weight ≤ 2,000) for the surfactant component while allowing flexibility in other aspects of the ink formulation. This targeted specification ensures hydrolysis resistance and embedment quality without unduly limiting overall formulation options.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If white ink composition is stored for long periods, then the ink can be used for extended production, but hydrolysis of surfactant occurs causing deterioration of embedment properties
Solution Approach 1:
By defining the molecular weight parameter of the silicone-based surfactant as 2,000 or less, the patent creates a formulation that maintains embedment uniformity throughout extended storage periods. This parameter change fundamentally prevents the hydrolysis that would otherwise deteriorate embedment properties over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs beforehand cushioning by pre-selecting a surfactant with inherently low hydrolysis susceptibility (molecular weight ≤ 2,000). This proactive selection cushions against the adverse effects of long-term storage, ensuring that embedment properties remain stable throughout the extended storage period without deterioration.
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 use of the specified surfactant ensures favorable embedment of the white ink even after long-term storage, reducing color image unevenness by maintaining wet spreadability and adhesion on low-absorptive or non-absorptive recording media.
Implementation Method 1
hydrolysis of silicone-based surfactants in the white ink composition
Implementation Method 2
the white ink composition contains a polyether-modified silicone-based surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
An ink set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a white ink composition containing a white color material and a non-white ink composition containing a non-white color material, and is used for recording on a low-absorptive recording medium or a non-absorptive recording medium, in which the white ink composition and the non-white ink composition are aqueous ink jet inks, and the white ink composition contains a polyether-modified silicone-based surfactant having a weight average molecular weight Mw of 2,000 or less.