U.S. patent application number 09/834471 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-02 for ink receptive compositions and articles for image transfer.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. Invention is credited to Farooq, Omar.
Application Number | 20020052439 09/834471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27092150 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020052439 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farooq, Omar |
May 2, 2002 |
Ink receptive compositions and articles for image transfer
Abstract
In one aspect, the invention provides ink receptor compositions
capable of receiving and fixing a water resistant image on a
substrate without bleeding, feathering, or smudging. The ink
receptor compositions comprise colloidal alumina; multivalent metal
ion; hydrophilic binder; hydrophobic latex; surfactant; and
optionally an image transfer aid. In other aspects, the invention
provides methods of imaging substrates, ink receptor media, and ink
receptor kits.
Inventors: |
Farooq, Omar; (Woodbury,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Attention: Scott A. Bardell
Office of Intellectual Property Counsel
3M Innovative Properties Company
P.O. Box 33427
St. Paul
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
|
Family ID: |
27092150 |
Appl. No.: |
09/834471 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09834471 |
Apr 13, 2001 |
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09634413 |
Aug 8, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
524/437 ;
427/256; 427/402; 524/413 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06P 1/5278 20130101;
D06P 1/67341 20130101; D06P 1/673 20130101; D06P 5/001 20130101;
B41M 5/5218 20130101; D06P 1/5257 20130101; D06P 5/30 20130101;
D06P 1/5271 20130101; B33Y 80/00 20141201; D06P 1/626 20130101;
B41M 5/025 20130101; D06P 1/67333 20130101; D06P 1/5285 20130101;
B41M 5/5227 20130101; D06P 1/525 20130101; D06P 5/002 20130101;
D06P 1/627 20130101; D06P 5/007 20130101; D06P 1/5242 20130101;
D06P 1/5207 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
524/437 ;
427/256; 427/402; 524/413 |
International
Class: |
C08K 003/10; B05D
005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An ink receptor composition comprising a mixture of: colloidal
alumina; multivalent metal ion selected from the group consisting
of metal ions from group IIA to VIA of the Periodic Table;
hydrophilic binder that is at least partially soluble or swellable
in deionized water; hydrophobic latex having a glass transition
temperature of from about -60.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C.
and a surface having an advancing contact angle with deionized
water of greater than about 60 degrees when dried or cured;
surfactant, wherein said surfactant is non-ionic, cationic,
anionic, zwitterionic, or a combination of anionic and non-ionic
surfactants; and optionally an image transfer aid.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the multivalent metal ion is
selected from the group consisting of ions of aluminum, magnesium,
zinc, iron, bismuth, gallium, strontium, calcium, titanium,
zirconium, and combinations thereof.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the hydrophilic binder is
selected from the group consisting of copolymers of vinyl
pyrrolidone and acrylates, copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and
methacrylamides, copolymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl pyrrolidone,
copolymers of vinyl acetate and acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohols,
acrylic acid homo- and co-polymers, acrylamide homo- and
co-polymers, cellulosic polymers, copolymers of styrene and allyl
alcohol, copolymers of styrene and acrylic acid, copolymers of
styrene and maleic acid, alkylene oxide polymers and copolymers,
gelatins, and polysaccharides.
4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the hydrophobic latex is
selected from the group consisting of copolymers of butyl acrylate,
copolymers of ethyl acrylate, copolymers of acrylic acid,
copolymers of methacrylic acid, copolymers of methyl methacrylate,
copolymers of acrylonitrile, copolymers of styrene, copolymers of
N-methylolacrylamide, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides, and
combinations thereof.
5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the surfactant is selected
from the group consisting of fluorochemical, silicone and
hydrocarbon based surfactants, and combinations thereof.
6. The composition of claim 1 wherein the optional image transfer
aid is present and is selected from the group consisting of
cellulosic polymers.
7. The composition of claim 1 wherein the multivalent metal ion is
present in the form of salt wherein the salt is a salt of sulfuric,
nitric, hydrochloric, sulfonic carboxylic acids phenols, and
hydroxy acids, and combinations thereof.
8. The composition of claim 1 wherein multivalent metal ion is
present in the form of a salt and the salt is selected from the
group consisting of aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum
sulfophthalate, aluminum sulfoisophthalate, and combinations
thereof.
9. The composition of claim 1 wherein the hydrophilic binder is a
copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and methacrylamide.
10. The composition of claim 1 wherein the hydrophobic latex is
selected from the group consisting of acrylate latexes, vinyl
acetate/ethylene latexes, and combinations thereof.
11. The composition of claim 1 wherein the colloidal alumina water
dispersible, organic solvent dispersible or acid dispersible.
12. The composition of claim 1 wherein the surfactant is anionic,
non-ionic, or a combination thereof.
13. An ink receptive coating comprising the dried product of claim
1.
14. An ink receptor medium comprising a substrate with an ink
receptor of claim 13 on at least one surface of the substrate.
15. The ink receptor medium of claim 14 wherein the substrate is
selected from the group consisting of ceramics, painted or
unpainted wall surfaces, woods, painted woods, varnished woods and
wooden surfaces, metals, household items, office supplies,
clothing, tote bags, the human body, and glass substrates.
16. The ink receptor medium of claim 14 wherein the substrate is
capable of being directly imaged by a printer.
17. An ink receptor medium kit comprising: an image transfer
medium; and the ink receptor composition of claim 1 in a
container.
18. The kit of claim 16 wherein the kit further comprises a
substrate to be imaged.
19. The kit of claim 16 further comprising an image storage
medium.
20. The kit of claim 16 wherein the image transfer medium is
imaged.
21. An ink receptor medium kit comprising: an ink receptor
composition of claim 1; and an image storage medium.
22. A method of printing and fixing an image onto a substrate
comprising the steps of: applying the ink receptor composition of
claim 1 to a surface of a substrate; and printing or transferring
an image onto the ink receptor composition applied to the surface
of the substrate.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein the image is transferred onto
the ink receptor composition using a micro-embossed image transfer
medium at ambient temperature.
24. The method of claim 22 wherein the applied ink receptor
composition is dried prior to printing or transferring an image
onto the ink receptor composition applied to the surface of the
substrate.
25. The method of claim 22 wherein the image is transferred onto
the applied ink receptor composition using hand pressure.
26. The method of claim 22 wherein the ink receptor composition is
applied to the surface of the substrate using a brush.
27. The method of claim 22 wherein the image is printed onto the
applied ink receptor composition using a printer.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the printer is an ink jet
printer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Application No. 09/634,413, filed on Aug. 8, 2000, now pending.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to ink receptor compositions, ink
receptors, ink receptor media, and methods of imaging ink receptor
media at ambient temperature.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Direct inkjet printing onto a variety of substrates such as
films, papers, and fabrics has been used to generate graphic
images. However, for substrates that are either of poor dimensional
stability (such as many fabrics), or that are too large to be
handled using a conventional inkjet printer (for example, a wall of
a room), indirect printing methods such as transfer printing
methods are normally employed. Current inkjet transfer printing
methods include printing onto fabrics that have adhesive backings
adhering them to a release liner, or iron-on transfers.
[0004] Inkjet printing has been used to provide images on a wide
variety of substrates including films, papers, fabrics, and the
like. Commercially available inks for inkjet printers are typically
aqueous based and employ dyes as colorants. Current commercially
available inks generally lack the simultaneous properties of good
image quality (e.g., high resolution and color density) and
waterfastness or washfastness when printed on any of the
above-mentioned substrates. This is important if the image is
transferred to a surface that will encounter water or be washed in
normal usage (for example, clothing, room walls, etc.).
[0005] Whether inkjet printing is performed in an industrial
process or on a printer attached to a personal computer, there
exists a need to be able to print an image on a wide variety of
substrates that have the simultaneous properties of good image
quality and waterfastness or even washfastness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, the invention provides an ink receptor
composition comprising a mixture of: colloidal alumina; multivalent
metal ion; hydrophilic binder; hydrophobic latex; surfactant; and
optionally an image transfer aid. Aluminum ion and anionic
surfactant are preferred.
[0007] In another aspect, the invention provides an ink receptive
coating comprising the dried product of an ink receptor composition
of the invention.
[0008] In another aspect, the invention provides an ink receptor
medium comprising a substrate with an ink receptor of the invention
on at least one surface of the substrate. The ink receptor medium
may optionally be imaged.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention provides an ink receptor
medium kit comprising: an image transfer medium or an image storage
medium; and an ink receptor composition of the invention. The image
transfer medium may have a surface that is smooth or microembossed.
The kit may also include a substrate to be imaged and/or an
application tool to apply the ink receptor composition to the
substrate. Preferably, the ink receptor composition is in a storage
container in the kit.
[0010] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of
printing and fixing an image onto a substrate comprising the steps
of: applying an ink receptor composition of the invention onto a
surface of a substrate; and printing or transferring an image onto
the applied ink receptor composition. The ink receptor composition
may also be dried prior to printing or transferring the image.
[0011] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of
preparing a surface of any substrate to receive an image without
application of external heat comprising the step of applying an ink
receptor composition of the invention to the substrate. The ink
receptor compositions and ink receptors of the invention are
capable of receiving and fixing color images from an image transfer
medium such that the image does not bleed, feather or smudge, using
hand or finger pressure in the absence of any externally applied
heat.
[0012] Some other advantages of ink receiving media of the
invention include that they: are cost competitive, work with
pigmented inks, have high resolution, have high color density,
provide wide color gamut, are waterfast, and provide rapid drying.
The compositions of the invention are also shear thinning, that is,
the viscosity decreases with increased shear.
[0013] "Ink receptor composition" means the components of the
composition are dissolved, dispersed or mixed in primarily water.
"Ink receptor" means a dried ink receptor composition suitable for
receiving ink. "Colloidal alumina" means stable, aqueous colloidal
dispersion of alumina in water. "Hydrophilic binder" means a
polymer that is at least partially soluble or swellable in
deionized water. "Hydrophobic latex" means a latex polymer
dispersion that dries or cures and having a surface characterized
by an advancing contact angle with deionized water of greater than
about 60 degrees.
[0014] An "image transfer mediu" is any medium which is capable of
receiving an image and then transferring an image to another
substrate. A "micro-embossed element" means a recognizable
geometric shape that either protrudes or is depressed.
"Microembossed capacity" means that the imaging surface is capable
of receiving at least one drop of inkjet ink within or about each
micro-embossed element on the imaging surface. A "micro-embossed"
or "microstructured" surface has a topography wherein the average
micro-embossed element pitch, that is, center to center distance
between features, is from about 1 to about 1000 micrometers and
average peak to valley distances of individual features is from
about 1 to about 100 micrometers. "Micro-embossing" means embossing
a surface and making it a micro-embossed surface. "Nonporous" means
that the integral imaging surface of the sheet is not substantially
porous to liquid inks. "Ink release coating" means a coating that
provides for the release of not only inks but other printed
materials as well. "Surface energy" as used herein is equal to the
surface tension of the highest surface tension liquid (real or
imaginary) that will completely wet a solid with a contact angle of
0 degrees, which may be determined by measuring the critical
surface tension from static contact angles of pure liquids using
the method of W. A. Zisman described in "Relation of Equilibrium
Contact Angle to Liquid and Solid Constitution", ACS Advances in
Chemistry Series #43, American Chemical Society, 1961, pages 1-51,
incorporated by reference herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a magnified illustrative cross sectional view
of an embodiment of an image transfer medium useful with the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a magnified illustrative cross sectional view
of an embodiment of an image transfer medium useful with the
invention.
[0017] FIGS. 3 and 4 show magnified illustrative cross sectional
views of further embodiments of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The ink receptor compositions and ink receptors of the
invention contain colloidal alumina. Colloidal alumina functions as
an ink fixing agent for dye based inks. Useful colloidal alumina
compositions include alumina colloids, aluminosilicate colloids;
and surface treated alumina colloids that have been surface treated
with, for example, alumina, or an organosilane (such as
aminopropyltriethoxysilane, etc.). Colloidal alumina is present in
the compositions of the invention in an amount of from about 20 to
about 50 weight percent, preferably from about 25 weight percent to
about 40 weight percent, and more preferably from about 28 weight
percent to about 33 weight percent on a solids basis.
[0019] Preferably, the average particle diameter of the colloidal
alumina particles is from about 100 to about 900 nm. More
preferably, the average particle diameter of the colloidal alumina
particles is about 150 to 600 nm, and even more preferably from
about 200 to about 400 nm.
[0020] Nonlimiting examples of colloidal alumina dispersions
according to the invention include water dispersible alumina,
organic solvent dispersible alumina, or acid dispersible alumina,
for example, those colloidal aluminas available under the trade
designations "DISPERAL" and "DISPAL" from Condea Vista Co., Houston
Tex. Specific examples include DISPERAL S (15 micrometers average
particle diameter acid dispersible colloidal boehmite); DIPERAL 40
(50 micrometers average particle diameter acid dispersible
colloidal boehmite); DISPERAL HP14 (35 micrometers average particle
diameter acid dispersible colloidal boehmite); DISPERAL 11N7-80 (40
micrometers average particle diameter water dispersible colloidal
alumina); DISPAL 11N7-12 (180 nm average particle diameter water
dispersible colloidal alumina); DISPERAL AL 25 (200 nm average
particle diameter water dispersible colloidal alumina); and DISPAL
23N-20 (100 nm average particle diameter water dispersible
colloidal alumina, and the like.
[0021] The ink receptor compositions and ink receptors of the
invention contain one or more water soluble multivalent metal ions.
Suitable multivalent metal ions may be from group IIA to VIA and
more preferably, from IB to VIIIB in the Periodic Table. Specific
examples include but are not limited to, Al, Mg, Zn, Fe, Bi, Ga,
Sr, Ca, Ti, and Zr. The metal ions are derived from salts of
various inorganic acids such as sulfuric, nitric, hydrochloric, and
the like, and organic acids such as sulfonic (including fluorinated
sulfonic acids), carboxylic acids (including fluorinated carboxylic
acids), phenols, hydroxy acids, and mixed functionalities
thereof.
[0022] Aluminum ions are the preferred multivalent metal ions in
the compositions of the invention. The aluminum ion from the
aluminum salt fixes the pigment of pigment-based inks. Preferred
examples of useful aluminum salts include, but are not limited to,
aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum sulfophthalate,
aluminum sulfoisophthalate, and combinations thereof. Multivalent
metal ion in the form of a metal salt is present in the
compositions of the invention at a level of from about 8 weight
percent to about 45 weight percent, preferably from about 10 to
about 25 weight percent, and more preferably from about 14 to about
18 weight percent on a solids basis.
[0023] The ink receptor compositions and ink receptors of the
invention contain one or more hydrophilic binders. The hydrophilic
binder enhances color density of the image by allowing the ink to
"wet out" over the surface of the ink receptor medium. Further, the
hydrophilic binder provides the simultaneous functions of a binder
and a dye fixing agent. Preferably, the hydrophilic binders are
organic and are soluble or dispersible (at high solids levels in
the ink receptor composition) in water so that they may be easily
incorporated into compositions used to coat substrates in forming
ink receptor media of the invention. Useful compounds that may be
used as hydrophilic binders or as a significant portion of the
hydrophilic binders include copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and
acrylates, copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and methacrylamides, and
substituted derivatives thereof; vinyl acetate copolymers, for
example, copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate,
copolymers of vinyl acetate and acrylic acid, and the like, and
hydrolyzed derivatives thereof; polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic acid
homopolymers and copolymers; acrylamide homopolymers and
copolymers; cellulosic polymers; styrene copolymers with allyl
alcohol, acrylic acid, and/or maleic acid or esters thereof;
alkylene oxide polymers and copolymers; gelatins and modified
gelatins; polysaccharides, and the like, as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,766398; 4,775,594; 5,126,195; and 5,198,306.
[0024] Preferred hydrophilic binders include copolymers of vinyl
pyrrolidone and dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamides such as
vinylpyrrolidone/N,N-dimethylaminopropylmethacrylamide copolymer,
available from International Specialty Products of Wayne, N.J.,
under the trade designation "VIVIPRINT." The hydrophilic binder is
typically present in the ink receptor compositions of the invention
at a level of from about 10 to about 35 weight percent, preferably
from about 13 to about 30 weight percent, more preferably, from
about 18 to about 24 weight percent on a solids basis.
[0025] The ink receptor compositions and ink receptors of the
invention contain hydrophobic latex. The hydrophobic latex provides
water resistance to an applied image. Useful hydrophobic latexes
have a degree of flexibility, especially when used in ink receptor
compositions that are used on fabrics so that the applied and dried
ink receptor composition does not flake off during handling. For
this reason, useful hydrophobic latexes, when dry, have a glass
transition temperature (Tg) in the range of from about -60.degree.
C. to about 100.degree. C., preferably from about -40.degree. C. to
70.degree. C., more preferably from about -30.degree. C. to about
30.degree. C.
[0026] Examples of suitable hydrophobic latexes for use in the ink
receptor compositions of the invention include, but are not limited
to, those based on acrylates such as copolymers of butyl acrylate,
ethyl acrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl
methacrylate, acrylonitrile, styrene, N-metholacrylamide, and the
like; polyurethanes; polyesters; and polyamides. Commercially
available latexes useful in the invention include acrylate latexes
available under the trade designations "Rohamere 132", "Rohamere
1878", "Rohamere 1900-D", "Rohamere 1970-D", "Rohamere 3045",
"Rohamere 31-130", "Rohamere 4096D", "Rohamere 587", "Rohamere
84116", "Rohamere 8437", "Rohamere 8464", "Rohamere 8478",
"Rohamere 8662" and "Rohamere 87219", all available from Rohm Tech
Inc. of Malden, Mass. A variety of hydrophobic latexes having
suitable physical characteristics for the practice of this
invention are commercially available under the trade designation
"RHOPLEX" from Rohm and Haas Co. of Philadelphia, Pa. Vinyl
acetate/ethylene latexes having suitable physical characteristics
are available under the trade designation "AIRFLEX" and polyvinyl
acetate homopolymers are available under the trade designation
"VINAC", both from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. of Allentown,
Pa.
[0027] Hydrophobic latex emulsions are present in the compositions
of the invention at a level of from about 15 weight percent to
about 35 weight percent, preferably from about 18 weight percent to
about 31 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 22
weight percent to about 28 weight percent on a solids basis.
[0028] The ink receptor compositions and ink receptors of the
invention contain surfactant. The surfactant is present to help
control bleeding of the ink when an image is printed or transferred
onto an ink receptor medium. Useful surfactants can be cationic,
anionic, nonionic, or zwitterionic. Many of each type of surfactant
are widely available to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, any
surfactant or combination of surfactants that will render a
substrate hydrophilic, could be employed.
[0029] These may include but are not limited to fluorochemical,
silicone and hydrocarbon-based surfactants wherein the said
surfactants may be anionic or non-ionic. Furthermore, the non-ionic
surfactant may be used either as it is or in combination with
another anionic surfactant in water and/or organic solvent or
solvents, said organic solvent being selected from the group
consisting of alcohols, ethers, amides, ketones, and the like.
[0030] Various types of non-ionic surfactants can be used,
including but not limited to: ZONYL fluorocarbons (e.g., ZONYL FSO,
available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. of Wilmington,
Del.); PLURONIC block copolymers of ethylene and propylene oxide to
an ethylene glycol base (available from BASF Corp. Chemicals
Division of Mount Olive, N.J.); TWEEN polyoxyethylene sorbitan
fatty acid esters (available from ICI Americas, Inc. of Wilmington,
Del.); TRITON X series octylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol (available
from Rohm and Haas Co. of Philadelphia, Pa.); SURFYNOL tetramethyl
decynediol (available from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. of
Allentown, Pa.); and SILWET L-7614 and L-7607 silicon surfactants
(available from Union Carbide Corp. of Danbury, Conn.), and the
like known to those skilled in the art.
[0031] Useful anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to,
alkali metal and (alkyl)ammonium salts of: 1) alkyl sulfates and
sulfonates such as sodium dodecyl sulfate and potassium
dodecanesulfonate; 2) sulfates of polyethoxylated derivatives of
straight or branched chain aliphatic alcohols and carboxylic acids;
3) alkylbenzene or alkylnaphthalene sulfonates and sulfates such as
sodium laurylbenzene-sulfonate; 4) ethoxylated and polyethoxylated
alkyl and aralkyl alcohol carboxylates; 5) glycinates such as alkyl
sarcosinates and alkyl glycinates; 6) sulfosuccinates including
dialkyl sulfosuccinates; 7) isethionate derivatives; 8)
N-acyltaurine derivatives such as sodium N-methyl-N-oleyltaurate);
9) amphoteric alkyl carboxylates such as amphoteric propionates and
alkyl and aryl betaines, optionally substituted with oxygen,
nitrogen and/or sulfur atoms; and 10) alkyl phosphate mono or
di-esters such as ethoxylated dodecyl alcohol phosphate ester,
sodium salt.
[0032] Useful cationic surfactants include alkylammonium salts
having the formula C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1N(CH.sub.3).sub.3X, where X is
OH, Cl, Br, HSO.sub.4 or a combination of OH and Cl, and where n is
an integer from 8 to 22, and the formula
C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1N(C.sub.2H.sub.5).sub.3X, where n is an integer
from 12 to 18; gemini surfactants, for example those having the
formula: [C.sub.16H.sub.33N(CH.sub.3).sub.2C.sub.mH.sub.2m+1]X,
wherein m is an integer from 2 to 12 and X is as defined above;
aralkylammonium salts such as, for example, benzalkonium salts; and
cetylethylpiperidinium salts, for example,
C.sub.16H.sub.33N(C.sub.2H.sub- .5)(C.sub.5H.sub.10)X, wherein X is
as defined above.
[0033] Surfactant is present in the compositions of the invention
at a level of from about 15 weight percent to about 35 weight
percent, preferably from about 18 weight percent to about 31 weight
percent, and more preferably from about 22 weight percent to about
28 weight percent on a solids basis.
[0034] The ink receptor compositions and ink receptors of the
invention may optionally contain an image transfer aid. Image
transfer aids are water-soluble polymeric thickeners, having medium
to high molecular weight such that they have viscocities in the
range of from 3,000 to 6,000 cps (30 to 60 Pa s) at ambient
temperature. Their function is to enhance image transfer in the
special case of image transfer from an image transfer medium. Image
transfer aids are unnecessary when direct printing onto ink
receptor compositions of the invention. Non-limiting examples of
useful transfer aids include cellulosic polymers such as
carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl
cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and cellulose acetate.
[0035] Image transfer aids may optionally be present in the
compositions of the invention at a level of from about 0.2 weight
percent to about 1 weight percent, preferably from about 0.3 weight
percent to about 0.8 weight percent, and more preferably from about
0.5 weight percent to about 0.7 weight percent on a solids
basis.
[0036] The ink receptor compositions of the invention also contain
water. The ink receptor compositions may also additionally contain
organic solvent. Organic solvent may be selected from the group
consisting of alcohols, hydroxy-ethers, hydroxy-amides, ketones,
and the like, with isopropyl alcohol being preferred. Solvent may
be present at a level of from about 1 to about 20 weight percent,
preferably, from about 2 to about 12, and more preferably, for
about 3 to about 7 weight percent.
[0037] Method of Making Ink Receptor Compositions
[0038] The ink receptor compositions of the invention can generally
be made by simply mixing the dry components in the desired amounts
in water and solvent if present. For larger quantities of ink
receptor composition, mixing is preferably done using a high speed
electrical mixer such as an Ultra-Turax T-65, with cold water
cooling, available from Divtech Equipment, Cincinnati, Ohio,
although any mechanical mixing means may be used.
[0039] Method of using the compositions of the invention
[0040] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of
printing and fixing an image onto a substrate comprising the steps
of applying an ink receptor composition of the invention to a
surface of a substrate, and printing or transferring an image onto
the ink receptor on the surface of the substrate. The image is
advantageously transferred at ambient temperature using light
pressure, for example using hand or finger pressure. Preferably,
the applied ink receptor composition of the invention is damp prior
to printing or transferring the image. After the image is
transferred, the ink receptor composition is dried or allowed to
dry at ambient temperature. However, an ink receptor composition of
the invention may be also be applied to a substrate, dried, and
then imaged if desired. Typical wet coating weights for the ink
receptor compositions of the invention are from about 1 g/ft.sup.2
to about 5 g/ft.sup.2 (0.001 lg/cm.sup.2 to about 0.0055
g/cm.sup.2, preferably from about 1.8 to about 2.5 g/ft.sup.2
(0.00198 to 0.00275 g/cm.sup.2).
[0041] Substrates
[0042] The compositions of the invention may be applied to a wide
variety of substrates by any means that is capable of providing a
coating of ink receptor composition on the surface to be imaged.
Any substrate that may be printed directly or transfer printed upon
can be coated with the compositions of the invention. These
substrates may be planar or have curves and corners. Such
substrates include ceramics such as ceramic tiles, ceramic
housewares including dishes (especially mugs and plates), vases,
dolls and lamps, bricks (including architectural brick), and the
like; painted or unpainted wall surfaces such as wallboard,
plaster, wood, tiles, doors (including shower and garage doors),
and the like; household items such as dishes, furniture, electronic
devices such as for example computers, photoframes and scrapbooks,
drapes, blinds, pet cages, and the like; office supplies such as
transparency films, "POST-IT" brand repositionable notes, easel
pads, school supplies, file folders, envelopes, stationery, and the
like; clothing and accessories such as T-shirts, tote bags,
scarves, work uniforms, sports uniforms, paper gowns, and the like;
the human body; glass substrates such as architectural windows,
vehicle windows, drinking glasses, eye glasses, aquariums, lamp
shades, glass plates and substrates capable of being directly
printed using a printer for example an ink jet printer. The printer
may be desk-top size or wide format or any size in between.
[0043] Image Transfer Media
[0044] Images may be printed upon the ink receptor media of the
invention by conventional printing methods such as ink jet, screen
printing, etc. Another method of printing an image onto an ink
receptor or ink receptor medium of the invention is by transfer
printing. "Transfer printing" is a method for indirect printing of
an image by printing an ink image onto an image transfer medium and
transferring the image to a second substrate without the
application of external heat. The image can be transferred using
minimal or low pressure (for example, on the back surface of the
transfer medium), and which may be applied with a finger or hand.
Transfer printing allows images to be placed upon objects or
substrates that could not otherwise be printed using a standard,
commercially available ink jet printer.
[0045] Any transfer medium that is capable of transferring an ink
image to another substrate may be used. Such transfer media include
those having a smooth transfer surface, for example, as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,038 (Brooker) and those having a
microembossed surface as described below.
[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a microembossed
image transfer medium: an image transfer medium 10 that is
constructed of a sheet 12 having an imaging surface characterized
by a micro-embossed image surface topography 14 of multiple wells
or cavities 16 and peaks 18 and having a coating of an ink release
material 20. The imaging surface of the sheet is nonporous as
defined above. The ink release material is used to lower the
surface energy of the micro-embossed image surface, which
facilitates ink transfer. The image transfer medium 10 is useful
for receiving an ink image and protecting the ink image from
abrasion, and then capable of transferring the ink to another
substrate. FIG. 1 also illustrates an ink drop 30 within one cavity
16 such that the outermost surfaces or peaks 18 of the
micro-embossed topography, on a macroscopic level, control
placement of the ink drop 30 before transfer.
[0047] Sheet 12 used in the image transfer medium can be made from
any polymer or combination of polymers capable of being
micro-embossed in the manner of the present invention.
[0048] The ink release coating is a coating that resides on the
micro-embossed surface. The ink release coating may be continuous
or discontinuous and is preferably continuous. The purpose or
function of the ink release coating is to lower the surface energy
of the micro-embossed surface of the image transfer medium, thereby
facilitating a more complete transfer of the ink to a second
substrate to form an image of high color density to a second
substrate. Without the ink release coating, only portions of the
image may transfer or only a top portion of the ink contained in
each cavity may transfer to the second substrate, requiring perhaps
a second ink image printed and transferred. Thus, useful ink
release coatings are those coatings that can be applied or migrate
to the micro-embossed surface of the sheet to lower the surface
energy of the portions of the cavities which ink will contact such
that at least 20 percent, preferably at least 50 percent, even more
preferably at least 75 percent of the ink is transferred as
measured by reflectance color density.
[0049] Preferred ink release coatings include compositions
comprising silicones, fluorochemicals, and polymers thereof.
Alternatively, additives may be incorporated into polymeric
materials used for sheets or surfaces of sheets that migrate to the
surface of the image transfer medium and provide a low surface
energy coating, that is, ink release coating. These additives may
be added to thermoplastic and/or thermoset resins that are extruded
and micro-embossed to form image transfer media of the invention.
Useful surface energy modifying additives include silicone
surfactants such as those available from Osi Specialties, Inc., of
Danbury, Conn., under the tradename SILWET.
[0050] Preferred ink release coatings provide the micro-embossed
surface with a surface energy of about 43 dyne/centimeter or less,
preferably about 30 dyne/centimeter or less, more preferably about
25 dyne/centimeter or less. Ink release coating materials that will
provide surface energies of 43, 30, and 25 dynes/centimeter or less
are commercially available.
[0051] In general, the choice of geometrical configuration of the
specific micro-embossed features does not greatly influence image
transfer performance, so long as there is sufficient micro-embossed
capacity to control placement of an individual drop of ink. In some
preferred embodiments, the geometrical configuration is chosen such
that the micro-embossed element pitch (i.e., center to center
distance between micro-embossed elements) is less than about 340
micrometers. In further preferred embodiments, the micro-embossed
micro-embossed element density of the pattern is such that the
cavity walls actually collapse when moderate pressure is applied by
hand to effect the transfer of the image.
[0052] For example, low density polyethylene walls micro-embossed
as an orthogonal grid and having an average wall thickness of 10-25
micrometers, spaced with a micro-embossed element pitch of 338
micrometers, and having square cavities with a depth of 25
micrometers, completely collapse during image transfer with
moderate hand pressure. On the other hand, the same low density
polyethylene material micro-embossed with an orthogonal grid
pattern with walls 10-25 micrometers thick, spaced with a
micro-embossed element pitch of 127 micrometers, and having square
cavities with a depth of 25 micrometers do not collapse.
[0053] In general, the amount of ink transferred from films with
collapsible features is superior to those films containing more
rigid features. Silicone rubber micro-embossed elements are
preferred, since they collapse under pressure, but quickly recover
to their original shape when pressure is removed so the film can be
used again.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the micro-embossed imaging
surface topology is chosen so that ink droplets printed onto the
micro-embossed surface do not protrude above the tops of the
micro-embossed elements thereby improving handling properties of
imaged sheet.
[0055] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the image transfer
medium 40 is constructed of a sheet 42 having an micro-embossed
imaging surface topography 44 of multiple wells or cavities 46 and
peaks 48 wherein the micro-embossed or image surface has ink
release properties. In this embodiment, the micro-embossed imaging
surface itself has ink release properties, that is, the
micro-embossed surface has a surface energy that facilitates the
transfer of ink from the surface topography without any additional
ink release coating added (See FIG. 1). The imaging surface of the
sheet is also nonporous as defined above.
[0056] Materials having a surface energy in the range of from about
43 dyne/centimeter or less are suitable for use as sheets 42 or as
a micro-embossed surface topography 44. Non-limiting examples of
materials that provide a suitable surface energy include polymeric
materials such as polydimethylsiloxanes, fluorinated polymers,
polyolefins (e.g., such as polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) and
polyvinyl chloride. For use with aqueous inks, useful materials
have a surface energy of less than about 43 dyne/centimeter, with
materials having a surface energy of from about 30 dyne/centimeter
or less being preferred. For use with non-aqueous inks (i.e.,
solvent based or 100 percent solids), materials having a surface
energy of from about 30 dyne/centimeter or less are useful,
preferably from about 25 dyne/centimeter or less.
[0057] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the image transfer
medium 50 is constructed of a sheet 52 having a micro-embossed
imaging surface topography 54 of multiple posts 56. The posts may
be any protruding geometric shape, for example, circular, oval,
trapezoidal, spiral, square, triangular, octagonal, and the like.
Preferably, the space between posts is from about 10 to about 1000
micrometers, even more preferably from about 50 to about 800
micrometers, and even more preferably from about 200 to about 600
micrometers. Preferably, the height of the posts ranges from about
5 to about 100 micrometers, more preferably from about 10 to about
70 micrometers, even more preferably from about 10 to about 40
micrometers. Preferably, the diameter of the posts ranges from
about 10 to about 150 micrometers, more preferably from about 10 to
about 100 micrometers, and even more preferably from about 30 to
about 90 micrometers. Preferably, the density of the posts ranges
from about 1 to about 40 posts per square millimeter, more
preferably from about 2 to about 20 posts per square millimeter,
and even more preferably from about 2 to about 10 posts per square
millimeter. As shown above, sheet 52 may be made from a material
that provides an ink release property to the imaging surface.
Alternatively, an ink release coating may be coated onto the
imaging surface.
[0058] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the image transfer
medium 60 is constructed of a sheet 62 having a micro-embossed
imaging surface topography 64 of wells or cavities 66 and posts 68.
The cavities are spaced such that they provide control over the
placement of the ink droplets while the posts are spaced to prevent
accidental smearing of the wet ink. Preferably, the pitch of the
cavities is finer than the pitch of the posts. However, the pitch
of the cavities when combined with the posts can typically be wider
than the pitch of cavities alone since the posts prevent the wet
image from smearing during handling. The posts may also be applied
in a random manner to an imaging substrate having cavities such
that some of the posts are within a cavity. The height of the posts
may or may not exceed the height of the walls of the cavities. As
described above, the imaging surface may be constructed of a
material that provides an ink release property or the imaging
surface may be coated with an ink release coating.
[0059] The sheets in FIGS. 1-4 can be a solid film. The sheets may
be transparent or translucent, clear or tinted, or optically
transmissive. The sheets 12 and 42 are preferably transparent.
[0060] Nonlimiting examples of polymeric films useful as sheets in
the present invention include thermoplastics such as polyolefins
(for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, copolymers
of styrene and butadiene, copolymers of ethylene and propylene,
etc.); poly(vinyl chloride); hydrolyzed or unhydrolyzed copolymers
of ethylene with vinyl acetate; polycarbonates; norbornene
copolymers; fluorinated thermoplastics such as copolymers and
terpolymers comprising hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride,
tetrafluoroethylene, or vinyl fluoride, and surface modified
versions thereof, poly(ethylene terephthalate) and copolymers
thereof, polyurethanes, polyimides, acrylics, and filled versions
of the above using fillers such as silicates, aluminates, feldspar,
talc, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and the like. Also
useful in the application are non-wovens, coextruded films, and
laminated films made from the materials listed above. A person of
ordinary skill in the art can easily measure the surface energy of
any of the above films to determine whether the films provide a
suitable surface energy for use in an image transfer media
described by FIG. 2 and the accompanying text.
[0061] More specifically, polyolefins can be ethylene homopolymers
or copolymers, such as "7C50" brand ethylene propylene copolymer
commercially available from Union Carbide Co. of Houston, Tex.
Other specifically useful films include "LEXAN" polycarbonate from
General Electric Plastics of Pittsfield, Mass., "ZEONEX" polymer
from B. F. Goodrich of Richfield, Ohio., fluoropolymers such as
"THV-500" and "THV 250" polymers from Dyneon LLC of Oakdale, Minn.,
plasticized poly(vinyl chloride), poly(ethylene terephthalate)
copolymer "EASTAR" 6763 from Eastman Chemical Co. of Kingsport,
Tenn., "AFFINITY" PL 1845 from Dow Chemical Co. of Midland, Mich.,
and SURLYNTM acrylic acid copolymers from E. I. Du Pont de Nemours
and Co. of Wilmington, Del.
[0062] In further embodiments of the sheets of FIGS. 1-4, any sheet
suitable for feeding into an inkjet printer may be further coated,
laminated, or co-extruded with one or more of the polymers suitable
for use in polymeric films of according to the invention and
further micro-embossed (and, if necessary, coated with an ink
release material as described herein) to provide image transfer
media of the invention. Non-limiting examples of such sheets are
papers, including for example xerographic grade papers, specialty
inkjet papers, and coated papers, etc.; nonwoven materials,
including for example spunbond polyolefins, etc.; card stock;
envelopes; etc.
[0063] Thermoset materials are also additionally useful as
materials for sheet 42 or micro-embossed imaging surface topography
44. For example, reactive silicones (either two-part or moisture
curable, UV-curable materials (e.g., acrylate mixtures) may be
applied to a micro-embossed roll, cured and removed from the roll
to give an micro-embossed film having an inverse image of the
roll.
[0064] The structure of the micro-embossed surface topography can
be any structure that provides cavities that will each hold at
least 10 pL of ink. For example, the topographies for the cavities
can range from the extreme of cubic cavities with parallel
vertical, planar walls, to the extreme of hemispherical cavities,
with any possible solid geometrical configuration of walls in
between the two extremes. Specific examples include conical
cavities with angular, planar walls, truncated pyramid cavities
with angular, planar walls, and cube corner shaped cavities. Other
useful micro-embossed structures are described in co-pending U.S.
application Nos. 09/713,610, filed on Nov. 15, 2000; and 09/583,294
and 09/583,295, filed on May 31, 2000, incorporated by reference
herein for the micro-embossed structures and methods of making
micro-embossed substrates.
[0065] The pattern of the topography can be regular, random, or a
combination of the two. "Regular" means that the embossing pattern
is planned and reproducible regardless of the pattern of the
embossing. "Random" means one or more features of the
micro-embossed elements are intentionally and/or systematically
varied in a non-regular manner. Examples of features that are
varied include for example, micro-embossed element pitch,
peak-to-valley distance, depth, height, wall angle, edge radius,
and the like. Combination patterns may for example comprise
patterns that are random over an area having a minimum radius of
ten cavity widths from any point, but these random patterns can be
reproduced over larger distances within the overall pattern.
[0066] More than one drop of ink may be contained in a cavity
because the mixing of the colors cyan, yellow, and magenta are
required to create the infinite number of colors demanded in the
inkjet industry. Thus, the volume of the cavities should be capable
of holding as many as three drops of different colors of ink. The
volume of a cavity can range from about 1 to about 20,000 pL,
preferably from about 1 to about 10,000 pL, more preferably from
about 3 to about 1,000 pL, even more preferably from about 30 to
about 10,000 pL, and even more preferably from about 300 to about
10,000 pL.
[0067] For applications in which desktop inkjet printers (typical
drop size of 3-20 pL) will be used to generate the image, cavity
volumes of from about 1000 to about 3000 pL are preferred. For
applications in which large format desktop inkjet printers (typical
drop size of 10-200 pL) will be used to generate the image, cavity
volumes of from about 3,000 to about 10,000 pL are preferred.
[0068] Another way to characterize the structure of the cavities is
to describe the cavities in terms of aspect ratios. An "aspect
ratio" is the ratio of the depth to the width of the cavity. Useful
aspect ratios range from about 0.01 to about 2, preferably from
about 0.05 to about 1, and more preferably from about 0.05 to about
0.3.
[0069] The overall depth of the cavities depends on the shape,
aspect ratio, and desired volume of the cavities. For a
cubic-shaped cavity, the depth ranges from about 5 to about 100
micrometers. For a hemispherical-shaped cavity, the depth ranges
from about 7 to about 100 micrometers. The depths of other
geometrically shaped cavities reside in between these two extremes
for a given volume.
[0070] Micro-embossed element pitch of the micro-embossed image
transfer media of the invention are in the range of from 1 to about
1000 micrometers, preferably from 10 to about 500 micrometers, more
preferably from about 50 to about 400 micrometers. It is recognized
that in some embodiments of the invention, it may not be necessary,
or desirable, that uniform micro-embossed element pitch be observed
between micro-embossed elements, nor that all features be
identical. Thus, an assortment of different types of features, for
example, cavities or wells with, perhaps, an assortment of
micro-embossed element pitches may comprise the micro-embossed
surface of the image transfer media according to the invention.
[0071] Image transfer media of the invention may be prepared and
used in many dimensions. Useful lengths may be from about 1
centimeter up to 2,000 meters or even longer (especially when used
in roll form). Useful widths may be from about 0.5 centimeter up to
about 250 centimeters or even wider. Useful thicknesses of image
transfer media of the invention may range from about 25 micrometers
up to 0.5 millimeter or even higher so long as the material may be
printed by inkjet means.
[0072] The image transfer media of the invention may also
optionally have an ink receptive coating on the micro-embossed
imaging surface. The ink receptive coating may comprise one or more
layers. The purpose of the ink receptive coating is to limit
migration of colorant both prior to and after subsequent image
transfer. The ink receptive coating may be used on any image
transfer media described in this application.
[0073] Useful ink receptive coatings are hydrophilic and aqueous
ink sorptive. Such coatings include, but are not limited to,
polyvinyl pyrrolidone, homopolymers and copolymers and substituted
derivatives thereof; vinyl acetate copolymers, for example,
copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, copolymers of
vinyl acetate and acrylic acid, and the like, and hydrolyzed
derivatives thereof; polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic acid homopolymers
and copolymers; acrylamide homopolymers and copolymers; cellulosic
polymers; styrene copolymers with allyl alcohol, acrylic acid,
and/or maleic acid or esters thereof; alkylene oxide polymers and
copolymers; gelatins and modified gelatins; polysaccharides, and
the like, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,766,398; 4,775,594;
5,126,195; and 5,198,306. Vinyl pyrrolidone homopolymers and
copolymers are preferred.
[0074] Optionally, the ink receptive coatings may also include
additives that provide a visual property to the transferred image.
Such additives include glitter, glass bubbles, pigments, mica, UV
absorbers and stabilizers, etc.
[0075] Additionally, the image transfer media of the invention may
also have one or more surfactants coated onto the micro-embossed
imaging surface. Examples of useful surfactants include those
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,355 at column 7, lines 22-31,
incorporated by reference in this application.
[0076] The transfer medium 10 optionally has an adhesive layer on
the major surface of the sheet opposite micro-embossed image
surface 12 that is also optionally but preferably protected by a
release liner. After imaging, the receptor medium 10 can be adhered
to a rigid substrate before image transfer.
[0077] The choice of adhesive and release liner depends on usage
desired for the image graphic.
[0078] Pressure-sensitive adhesives can be any conventional
pressure-sensitive adhesive that adheres to both the polymer sheet
and to the surface of the item upon which the transfer medium
having the precise image is to be placed. Pressure-sensitive
adhesives are generally described in Satas, Ed., Handbook of
Pressure Sensitive Adhesives 2nd Ed. (Von Nostrand Reinhold 1989),
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
Pressure-sensitive adhesives are commercially available from a
number of sources. Particularly preferred are acrylate
pressure-sensitive adhesives commercially available from Minnesota
Mining and Manufacturing Company, and generally described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,141,790; 4,605,592; 5,045,386; and 5,229,207; and EPO
Patent Publication EP 0 570 515 B1.
[0079] Release liners are also well known and commercially
available from a number of sources. Nonlimiting examples of release
liners include silicone coated kraft paper, silicone coated
polyethylene coated paper, silicone coated or non-coated polymeric
materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene, as well as the
aforementioned base materials coated with polymeric release agents
such as silicone urea, fluorinated polymers, urethanes, and long
chain alkyl acrylates, such as defined in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,957,724;
4,567,073; 4,313,988; 3,997,702; 4,614,667; 5,202,190; and
5,290,615; the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference
herein and those liners commercially available as POLYSLIK brand
liners from Rexam Release of Oakbrook, Ill., and EXHERE brand
liners from P. H. Glatfelter Company of Spring Grove, Pa.
[0080] Method of Forming Micro-embossed Image Surface
[0081] The micro-embossed imaging surface can be made from any
contacting technique such as casting, coating, or compressing
techniques. More particularly, micro-embossing can be achieved by
at least any of (1) casting a molten thermoplastic using a tool
having a pattern, (2) coating of a fluid onto a tool having a
pattern, solidifying the fluid, and removing the resulting
micro-embossed solid, or (3) passing a thermoplastic film through a
nip roll to compress against a tool having that micro-embossed
pattern. Desired embossing topography can be formed in tools via
any of a number of techniques well-known to those skilled in the
art, selected depending in part upon the tool material and features
of the desired topography. Illustrative techniques include etching
(e.g., via chemical etching, mechanical etching, or other ablative
means such as laser ablation or reactive ion etching, etc.),
photolithography, stereolithography, micromachining, knurling
(e.g., cutting knurling or acid enhanced knurling), scoring or
cutting, etc.
[0082] Alternative methods of forming the micro-embossed image
surface include thermoplastic extrusion, curable fluid coating
methods, and embossing thermoplastic layers which can also be
cured.
[0083] Compressing Method
[0084] This method uses a hot press familiar to those skilled in
the art of compression molding.
[0085] The pressure exerted in the press typically ranges from
about 48 kPa to about 2400 kPa.
[0086] The temperature of the press at the mold surface typically
ranges from about 100.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C. and
preferably from about 110.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C.
[0087] The dwell time of pressure and temperature in the press
typically ranges from about 1 to about 5 minutes. The pressure,
temperature and dwell time used depend primarily on the particular
material being micro-embossed, as is well known to those skilled in
the art. The process conditions should be sufficient to cause the
material to flow and faithfully take the shape of the surface of
the tool being used. Any generally available commercial hot press
may be used, such as Wabash Model 20-122TM2WCB press from Wabash
MPI of Wabash, Ind.
[0088] Extrusion Method
[0089] A typical extrusion process for the present invention
involves passing an extruded material or preformed substrate
through a nip created by a chilled roll and a casting roll having a
surface having a random pattern inverse of desired micro-embossed
image surface, with the two rolls rotating in opposite
directions.
[0090] Single screw or twin screw extruders can be used. Conditions
are chosen to meet the general requirements which are understood to
the skilled artisan. Representative but non-limiting conditions are
outlined below.
[0091] The temperature profile in the extruder can range from
100.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. depending on the melt
characteristics of the resin.
[0092] The temperature at the die ranges from 150.degree. C. to
230.degree. C. depending on the melt strength of the resin.
[0093] The pressure exerted in the nip can range from about 140 to
about 1380 kPa and preferably from about 350 to about 550 kPa.
[0094] The temperature of the nip roll can range from about
5.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. and preferably from about
10.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C., and the temperature of the
cast roll can range from about 25.degree. C. to about 100.degree.
C. and preferably about 40.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C.
[0095] The speed of movement through the nip typically ranges from
about 0.25 to about 10 m/min and preferably as fast as conditions
allow.
[0096] Nonlimiting examples of equipment useful for this extrusion
method include single screw extruders such as a 11/4 inch KILLION
extruder, available from Killion Extruders, Inc. of Cedar Grove,
N.J., equipped with a gear pump such as a ZENITH gear pump,
available from Parker Hannifin Corp., Zenith Pumps Division of
Sanford, N.C., to control flow rate; co-rotating twin screw
extruders such as a 25 millimeters BERSTORFF extruder, available
from Berstorff Corporation of Florence, Ky.; and counter-rotating
twin screw extruders such as a 30 millimeters LEISTRITZ extruder,
available from American Leistritz Extruder Corporation of
Somerville, N.J. Flow rate in the twin screw extruder can be
controlled using weight loss feeders such as a K-TRON extruder,
available from K-tron America of Pitman, N.J., to feed the raw
material into the extruder. A film die with adjustable slot is used
to form a uniform film out of the extruder.
[0097] Calendering may be accomplished in a continuous process
using a nip, as is well known in the film handling arts. In the
present invention, a web having a suitable embossable thermoplastic
exposed layer, and having sufficient thickness to receive the
desired pattern is passed through a nip formed by two cylindrical
rolls, one of which has an inverse image to the desired embossing
engraved into its surface. The embossable thermoplastic exposed
layer must contact the engraved roll at the nip. Sufficient heating
to temperatures of from 100.degree. C. up to 540.degree. C. of the
web so that embossing may occur may be supplied to the web prior to
reaching the nip by radiant heat sources (e.g., heat lamps,
infrared heaters, etc.) and/or by use of heated rolls at the nip. A
combination of heat and pressure at the nip (typically, 100 to 500
lb/inch (1.8 kg/centimeter to 9 kg/centimeter)) is generally used
in the practice of the present invention.
[0098] The image transfer media of the invention are useful for
receiving an ink image and then transferring that image to another
substrate. The transfer of the image is a "cold transfer" in that
no external heat is required to transfer the image and the image is
transferred at ambient temperature. Generally, an image is printed
onto the micro-embossed surface of the image transfer media. The
image transfer media is then applied to a second substrate coated
with an ink receptor of the invention, image side down, and
pressure is applied to the back of the image transfer medium such
that the ink image is transferred to the second substrate. Then the
image transfer medium is removed from the second substrate.
[0099] The image to be transferred is first preferably selected on
a computer. After the image is selected, the image is manipulated
or modified as desired on the computer. Examples of image
manipulation include reversing, rotating, reducing, distorting,
adjusting color, removing or adding background, removing or adding
foreground, removing or adding images, and adjusting the brightness
of the image. Then the image is printed onto the image transfer
medium of the invention.
[0100] The image is preferably applied to the image transfer medium
using inkjet printing techniques. Nonlimiting commercially
available examples include thermal inkjet printers such as DESKJET
brand, PAINTJET brand, DESKWRITER brand, DESIGNJET brand, and other
printers commercially available from Hewlett Packard Corporation of
Palo Alto, Calif., and the NovaJet brand wide format printers
commercially available from Encad, Inc., of San Diego, Calif. Also
included are piezo type inkjet printers such as those from
Seiko-Epson, Raster Graphics, and Xerox, spray jet printers and
continuous inkjet printers. Any of these commercially available
printing techniques introduce the ink in a jet spray of a specific
image into the medium of the present invention. Any of the above
printers can be attached to a computer so to print computer
generated images.
[0101] The image transfer media of the invention can be used with a
variety of inkjet inks obtainable from many commercial sources. It
should be understood that each of these inks has a different
formulation, even for different colors within the same ink family.
Nonlimiting sources include Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
Company, Encad Corporation, Hewlett Packard Corporation, Nukote,
and the like. These inks are preferably designed to work with the
inkjet printers described above, although the specifications of the
printers and the inks will have to be reviewed for appropriate drop
volumes and dot per inch (dpi) in order to further refine the
usefulness of the present invention.
[0102] Once the image has been printed onto the transfer medium,
the image can be transferred to a second medium or substrate. The
image may be transferred to any substrate capable of receiving the
ink image and being coated with an ink receptor composition of the
invention. Specific examples include those listed above. Once the
image transfer medium is placed onto the substrate, pressure is
applied to the back of the transfer medium. The pressure is
preferably applied by hand, but may be applied using rollers,
stamps, or any other means of applying substantially vertical
pressure to the back of the transfer medium. After sufficient
pressure has been applied to the back of the transfer medium, the
transfer medium is removed from the second substrate and the image
transfer has been completed.
[0103] The ink receptor or the ink receptor composition of the
invention may be provided with a image transfer medium as a part of
a kit. The ink receptor composition could be contained in a
container such as a bottle and the ink receptor could be coated
onto the substrate to form an ink receptor medium. Such kits could
also include a substrate to receive the image and/or an image
storage medium such as a floppy disk, CD Rom, DVD disk, magnetic
tape, computer chip and the like such that the user could be
provided an image in a readily usable and compact form or be able
to choose from a myriad of images. The kits could also include
tolls for the application of the ink receptor composition to the
substrate such as brushes (foam, feather, cloth, paint, etc.)
rollers, spray nozzles, applicator bottles, and the like.
EXAMPLES
[0104] Ink transfer was calculated by measuring color density of
the imaged ink transfer medium before and after transfer using a
"GRETAG SPM 55 REFLECTANCE DENSITOMETER" available from
Gretag-Macbeth of Gastonia, NC. Percent ink transfer was calculated
according to the following equation:
Percent ink transfer=(reflective optical density of material
receiving image)/(reflective optical density of material receiving
image)+(reflective optical density of remainder on transfer
sheet).times.100 percent.
[0105] The image transfer sheet used in the examples was a "130
lines per inch" pattern of square cavities of 197 micrometers
micro-embossed element pitch, cavity depth of 15 micrometers, and
included wall angle of 60.degree.. The wall thickness is 20
micrometers at the bottom of the cavity. Additionally, at the
center of the bottom of this cavity resides a second cavity that
increases the total volume of the structure. This second cavity is
pyramid shaped (four sides proceeding to a point at the deepest
point of the two-cavity structure). It is 38 micrometers wide at
the opening, and is 10 micrometers deep with a 125.degree. included
angle of descent. It was prepared by micro-embossing a continuous
film of low LDPE/PET/HDPE film (silicone release layer coated on
the HDPE layer, from Rexam Release of Bedford Park, Ill.) on the
surface treated with silicone using a corresponding engraved roll
having an inverse image as the roll contacting the micro-embossed
side of the web.
[0106] Images on image transfer sheet were transferred to
substrates listed in the examples that follow by contacting the
imaged surface of the image transfer sheet and rubbing the
contacted sheet using hand and finger-pressure.
[0107] Waterfastness of the transferred images was determined by
placing and stirring the imaged substrate in deionized water
(.about.300 ml) in a beaker (.about.IL), drying the substrate, and
then comparing the optical densities before and after immersing in
water. "Aluminum sulphophthalate" is available from Aldrich
Chemical, Milwaukee, Wis. (Aluminum salt). "DISPAL 11 N7-12" is a
trade designation for 15 weight percent solids in water colloidal
alumina dispersion and is available from Vista Chemical of Houston,
Tex. (Colloidal alumina).
[0108] "ELEVES T0703WDO" is a trade designation for spunbonded
polyethylene/polyester non-woven fabric (70 g/m.sup.2 basis weight,
0.25 millimeter thickness) available from Unitika Ltd. of Tokyo,
Japan.
[0109] "AEROSOL MA 80-I" is a trade designation for dihexyl
sulfosuccinate sodium salt solution (80 weight percent in
water/isopropyl alcohol=15:5) available from Cytec of West
Paterson, N.J. (Surfactant).
[0110] "AIRFLEX 465" is a trade designation for an ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymer latex emulsion (66 weight percent in water).
"AIRFLEX 460" is a trade designation for an ethylene-vinyl acetate
copolymer latex emulsion (63 weight percent in water). Both are
available from Air Products and Chemicals of Allentown, Pa.
(Hydrophobic latex).
[0111] "VIVIPRINT 111 " is a trade designation for
vinylpyrrolidone/N,N-di- methylaminopropylmethacrylamide copolymer
(10 weight percent in water, M.sub.w=1.2-1.5.times.10.sup.6 g/mole,
T.sub.g=167.degree. C.) available from International Specialty
Products (ISP) of Wayne, N.J. (Transfer aid).
[0112] Isopropanol, vinylpyrrolidone/acrylic acid copolymer (75/25
mole ratio, M.W.=20,000 g/mole, Cat. No. 41,852-8),
carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (Cat. No. 32,306-3, viscosity
3,000-6,000 cps for 1 percent aqueous solution) are available from
Aldrich Chemical Co. of Milwaukee, Wis. (Hydrophilic binder).
[0113] "METHOCEL F50" is a trade designation for
hydroxypropylcellulose available from Dow Chemical Company of
Midland, Mich.
[0114] "HP DeskJet855C", "HP DesignJet 2000CP", "HP DesignJet
3000CP" and "HP DeskJet 870C" are trade designations for inkjet
printers available from Hewlett-Packard Corp. of Palo Alto, Calif.
The inks used were: HP 855C and HP 870C -Part Nos. 51645 (black)
and 51641A (color); HP 2000C -C4841A (cyan), C4842A (yellow),
C4843A (magenta),C4844A (black); HP 3500 CP - C1892A (black,
pigment based), C1893A (cyan, pigment based), C1895A (pigment, dye
based), C1894A (magenta, pigment based).
[0115] No. 26 Meyer bars are wire-wound coating rods (nominal wet
film thickness is 0.054 mm) available from R D Specialties of
Webster, N.Y.
[0116] "VITEL 2700B" is a trade designation for a copolyester resin
(T.sub.g=47.degree. C., M.sub.w=67,000), "VITEL 3550B " is a trade
designation for a copolyester resin (T.sub.g=-15.degree. C.,
M.sub.w=75,000), "VITEL 7962" is a trade designation for a
copolyester resin (T.sub.g=-5.degree. C., M.sub.w=55,000), "VITEL
7935" is a trade designation for a copolyester resin
(T.sub.g=-15.degree. C., M.sub.w=48,000) and "VITEL 7915" is a
trade designation for a copolyester resin (T.sub.g=-15.degree. C.,
M.sub.w=44,000), all are available from Bostik Inc. of Middleton,
Mass.
[0117] "LEXMARK Z11" is a trade designation for a thermal inkjet
printer, available from Lexmark International of Lexington, Ky. Ink
used with this printer was Lexmark Part No. 12A 1980.
[0118] The 100 percent cotton T-shirt cloth used in the examples
was "HANES SPECIAL-TEE BRAND", 100 percent combed cotton (white),
available from Hanes Companies of Winston Salem, N.C. and had a
thickness of 0.203 millimeter and basis weight of 104
g/m.sup.2.
[0119] EPSON II inkjet printer (EPSON Color Stylus II, model
#P880A, Cartridge Black S020047, Color S-20049) is available from
EPSON America, Inc. of Long Beach, Calif.
[0120] NOVAJET inkjet printer (Encad Novajet 4, model #900,
American Inkjet (AIJ) inks) is available from Encad, Inc. of San
Diego, Calif. The inks (parts Nos. 201809 (magenta), 201810
(yellow), 201808 (cyan), 201818 (black)) are available from
American Inkjet Corporation (AIJ), Billerica, Mass.
[0121] "TEXWIPE MP-10" is a trade designation for a silica-filled
HDPE, microporous cloth, "TEXWIPE TX-318" is a trade designation
for a cotton fabric cloth, "TEXWIPE Alpha 10" is a trade
designation for a continuous filament polyester cloth and "TEXWIPE
TX-8501" is a trade designation for a cotton/polyester (55/45)
cloth, all are available from Texwipe Company of Saddle River,
N.J.
Example 1
[0122] This example shows the preparation of Compositions 1(a)
(comparative) and 1(b)-1(d) according to the invention.
[0123] Composition 1(a) (comparative) was prepared by combining
with mixing 19.85 parts aluminum sulfophthalate solution (45.36
weight percent solids in water/isopropanol (80:20) solution), 5
parts dihexyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt solution, 1.5 g
vinylpyrrolidone/acrylic acid copolymer, 25 parts isopropanol, and
48.66 parts deionized water. The resultant solution was 14.5 weight
percent solids.
[0124] Composition 1(b) was prepared by combining with mixing 12
parts DISPAL 11 N7-12, 2 parts AIRFLEX 465, 12 parts deionized
water and 8 parts composition 1(a).
[0125] Composition 1(c) was prepared by combining with mixing 12
parts DISPAL 11 N7-12, 2 parts AIRFLEX 465, 16 parts deionized
water, 8 parts composition 1(a) and 8 parts VIVIPRINT 111.
[0126] Composition 1(d) was prepared by combining with mixing 12
parts DISPAL 11 N7-12, 2 parts AIRFLEX 465, 20 parts deionized
water, 8 parts composition 1(a) and 12 parts VIVIPRINT 111.
[0127] Compositions 1(b)-1(d) were each individually coated onto
two identical pieces of (15 cm.times.23 cm) 100 percent cotton
fabric (150 thread count, 22.7 g/ft.sup.2, 0.0298 g/cm.sup.2), one
using a #26 Meyer rod and the other a foam-brush to impregnate the
substrate with the coating composition resulting in coated
substrates S 1(b)-1 and S1(b)-2, S 1(c)1 and S1(c)-2, S1(d)1 and
S1(d)-2. The fabric was impregnated to such an extent so that it
felt damp and any excess composition/prep-solution was removed by
absorption using a paper towel (approximately coat weights were
19-27 g/m.sup.2).
[0128] Transfer of an image from an image transfer sheet as
described above resulted in a 90-95 percent ink transfer to the
substrate.
[0129] All of the images transferred were waterfast and had good
dye fixation except for the image transferred to Composition
1(a).
Example 2
[0130] This example shows the preparation of Compositions 2(a)
(comparative) and 2(b)-2(f) according to the invention in which
aluminum sulfophthalate in Compositions 1(a)-1(d) was replaced by
hydrated aluminum sulfate.
[0131] Composition 2(a) (comparative) was prepared by combining
with mixing 8.0 Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3.14H.sub.2O, 1.7 parts
dihexyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt solution, 25 parts isopropanol
and 65.3 parts deionized water. The resultant solution was 9.34
weight percent solids.
[0132] Composition 2(b) was prepared by combining with mixing 10
parts DISPAL 11N7-12, 2.5 parts AIRFLEX 465, 20 parts deionized
water, 10 parts Composition 2(a) and 10 parts VIVIPRINT 111
(hydrophilic binder).
[0133] Composition 2(c) was prepared by combining with mixing 15
parts DISPAL 11 N7-12, 2.5 parts AIRFLEX 465, 20 parts deionized
water, 10 parts Composition 2(a) and 10 parts VIVIPRINT 111.
[0134] Composition 2(d) was prepared by combining with mixing 10
parts DISPAL 11 N7-12, 2.5 parts AIRFLEX 465, 20 parts deionized
water, 10 parts Composition 2(a) and 15 parts VIVIPRINT 111.
[0135] Composition 2(e) was prepared by combining with mixing 10
parts DISPAL 11N7-12, 3.5 parts AIRFLEX 465, 20 parts deionized
water, 10 parts Composition 2(a) and 10 parts VIVIPRINT 111.
[0136] Composition 2(f) was prepared by combining with mixing 10
parts DISPAL 11N7-12, 2.5 parts AIRFLEX 465, 25 parts deionized
water, 10 parts Composition 2(a) and 10 parts VIVIPRINT 111.
[0137] Compositions 2(a) -2(f) were each individually coated onto
two identical pieces of (15 cm.times.23 cm) 100 percent cotton
fabric (150 thread count, 27.7 g/ft.sup.2, 0.0298 g/cm.sup.2), one
using a #26 Meyer rod and the other a foam-brush to impregnate the
substrate with the coating composition resulting in coated
substrates S2(b)1 and S2(b)2, S2(c)1 and S2(c)2, S2(d)1 and S2(d)2.
The fabric was impregnated to such an extent so that it felt damp
and any excess composition/prep-solution was removed by absorption
using a paper towel (approximately coat weights were 19-27
g/m.sup.2).
[0138] Transfer of an image from an image transfer sheet as
described above resulted in a 90-95 percent ink transfer (average
for yellow, magenta, cyan) to the substrate. All of the images
transferred were waterfast and had good dye fixation except for the
image transferred to Composition 2(a).
Example 3
[0139] This example shows the preparation of Compositions 3(a)
-3(c).
[0140] Composition 3(a) (comparative) was prepared by combining
with mixing 10 parts DISPAL 11N7-12, 10 parts
Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3.14H.sub- .2O,2 parts AIRFLEX 465, 25 parts
deionized water and 12 parts VIVIPRINT 111 (as the hydrophilic
binder).
[0141] Composition 3(b) (comparative) was prepared by combining
with mixing 10 parts DISPAL 11N7-12, 10 parts
Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3.14H.sub- .2O, 2 parts AIRFLEX 465, 25
parts deionized water, 8 parts carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt
and 12 parts VIVIPRINT 111.
[0142] Composition 3(c) was prepared by combining with mixing 10
parts DISPAL 11N7-12, 10 parts Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3.14H.sub.2O,
2 parts AIRPLEX 465, 4 parts dihexyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt
solution, 4 parts carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt, and 25 parts
deionized water and 12 parts VIVIPRINT 111.
[0143] Compositions 3(a)(comparative)-3(c) were each individually
coated onto two identical pieces of (15 cm.times.23 cm) 100 percent
cotton fabric (150 thread count, 27.7 g/ft.sup.2, 0.0298
g/cm.sup.2), one using a #26 Meyer rod and the other a foam-brush
to impregnate the substrate with the coating composition resulting
in coated substrates S3(a)-1 and S3(a)-2, S3(b)1 and S3(b)-2,
S3(c)1 and S3(c)-2. The fabric was impregnated to such an extent so
that it felt damp and any excess composition/prep-solution was
removed by absorption using a paper towel (approximately coat
weights were 19-27 g/m.sup.2).
[0144] Comparative coated substrates S3(a)1-2 showed poor transfer
of the black image. Comparative coated substrates S3(b)1-2 showed
better transfer of black image. Coated substrates S3(c)1-2 showed
little if any intercolor bleed with excellent black transfer.
Example 4
[0145] This example shows the preparation of Composition 4
according to the invention.
[0146] Composition 4 was prepared by combining with mixing 60 parts
DISPAL 11N7-12, 60 parts of a solution of 8 parts
Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3.14H.s- ub.2O and 1.67 parts dihexyl
sulfosuccinate sodium salt solution in isopropanol/water (75:25),
12 parts AIRFLEX 460, 20 parts carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt,
and 80 parts deionized water and 60 parts VIVIPRINT 111 (as a 10
weight percent solids in water).
[0147] Composition 4 was mixed for about 30 minutes with a
mechanical stirrer at about 80-100 rpm. The emulsion thus prepared
was further milled for about 2 hours using 0.5 inch (1.25 cm)
diameter glass-beads to eliminate any small agglomerate formed.
[0148] Composition 4 was coated onto two pieces of 100 percent
cotton cloth (T-shirt) using an applicator bottle with a foam brush
onto it. Excess solution was blotted out using a paper towel. To
the damped surface of the cotton cloth, an image printed on an
image transfer sheet in using an a HP 855C printer was transferred
using hand/finger pressure. There was 96-98 percent colored ink
transfer in both cases. Black ink transfer was 40-60 percent.
[0149] Coating Composition 4 was also applied in like manner to
TEXWIPE TX-318 cotton wiper, a TEXWIPE ALPHA 10 wiper, TEXWIPE TX
8501 cotton/polyester (55/45) wipers and were successfully
transferred as above.
Example 5
[0150] This example shows ink and image transfer from an imaged
transfer medium to a substrate coated with Composition 4.
[0151] Composition 4 was coated/applied onto a sheet of another 100
percent cotton fabric (T-shirt cloth) using a foam-brush. Excess
solution was blotted up using a paper towel. To the damp surface
was transferred a freshly printed image from an image transfer
medium printed using a Lexmark Z11 printer. The procedure was
reproduced using various desk-top printers. Typically, 93-98
percent transfer of yellow, magenta and cyan colors using different
printers was observed. The results are shown in following Table
1.
1 TABLE 1 Percent Ink Transfer Printer Colors* Black HP 855C 94 52
HP 2000 93 48 LexMark Z11 98 90 Epson II 94 72 *based on average
density of the colors yellow, magenta and cyan
Example 6
[0152] Composition 4 was applied onto a polished and varnished
wooden surface using a foam-brush. Excess solution was blotted up
using a paper towel. To the damp surface was transferred a freshly
printed image from an imaged transfer sheet printed using an HP
855C desk-top printer. There was 96-98 percent transfer of all
color, black transfer was 50-60 percent. An image printed using an
imaged transfer medium from a Lexmark Z11 printer, was transferred
near-quantitatively to the varnished wooden surface (98-99 percent
ink transferred).
[0153] This procedure was repeated to transfer an image onto a
polished, painted wooden jewelry box. An image printed on an image
transfer sheet using a Lexmark Z11 printer was transferred
quantitatively to the wooden surface (all color being 98 percent
transferred including black). The transfer was nearly flawless and
the image quality was very high.
[0154] Similar results were obtained on a clean glass, a clean
glazed a ceramic tile and painted walls using a freshly printed
image from an image transfer sheet printed in an HP 855C desk-top
printer. Ink transfer was typically 90-95 percent for combined
colors, black ink transfer was 40-60 percent. The transfer was
flawless and the image quality was very high.
Example 7
[0155] This example shows the use of the ink receptive compositions
of the invention for direct imaging processes. Composition 4 was
coated onto a 90 cm.times.61 cm piece of thin 100 percent cotton
fabric (98 g/m.sup.2 basis weight) using a #26 Meyer rod. The
coated fabric was air-dried for 2 hour. The dry fabric was directly
imaged in a wide-format inkjet printer (Encad/Novajet) operating on
a dye-based ink. Test patterns and images directly printed onto the
fabric dried instantaneously and were free from any bleeding,
feathering, smudging or any other distortion as judged by eye.
[0156] The above procedure was repeated except that an HP 3500 cp
wide-format inkjet printer operating on a pigment-based ink. The
ink dried instantaneously to provide very high quality and high
density images which were nearly completely free from any bleeding,
feathering, smudging or distortion as judged by eye.
Example 8
[0157] This example shows that ink receptive compositions of the
invention are useful on over-head transparency films.
[0158] A 28 cm.times.23 cm polyethylene terephthalate polyester
film was coated with Composition 4 using a #26 Meyer rod. The film
was dried using a heat-gun and then was imaged in an HP 855C
desk-top printer using a dye based ink. High density, high quality
images were obtained that were free from any bleeding, feathering
and smudging as judged by eye. Image dry time was 2 minutes.
[0159] The example was repeated to coat two sheets using a
knife-coater for thick coating (6 mil wet). The dry films were
printed in a HP 970C and an Epson Color Styllus printer to obtain
similar quality images with dry time of 0.75 and 0.5 minutes
respectively.
Example 9
[0160] A microporous silica-filled polypropylene sheet (TEXWIPE
MP-10) was coated with Composition 4 using a Meyer rod #26. A test
color image was directly printed with a HP 870C inkjet printer
using a dye-based ink. The test image dried instantaneously to give
an image without intercolor bleed, good smudge resistances and high
image quality.
[0161] Similar results were obtained using spunbonded
polyethylene/polyester non-woven fabric (ELEVES T0703WDO) that were
coated with Composition 4 using a Meyer rod #26 and a knife coater
for thicker coating and dried with a heat gun.
Example 10
[0162] Composition 5 was prepared as described in Example 4 by
combining with mixing 15 parts DISPAL 11N7-12, 10 parts Composition
l(a), 2.5 parts AIRFLEX 460, 25 parts deionized water and 15 parts
VIVIPRINT 111 (as a 10 weight percent solids in water).
[0163] Composition 5 was coated onto 100 percent cotton fabric
using a foam brush. The fabric was impregnated to such an extent so
that it felt damp and any excess solution was removed by absorption
using a paper towel.
[0164] An image from an imaged transfer sheet was transferred to
the coated fabric. Ink transfer was 90 -98 percent using imaged
transfer sheets printed in a HP 855C and Lexmark Z11 desktop
printers.
[0165] The imaged fabric was coated with a VITEL 2700 solution (15
weight percent in toluene/isopropyl alcohol=85/15) using a paint
brush, dried within 1-2 minutes in the air and then left overnight
at ambient conditions. Application of the VITEL 2700 coating did
not diminish image quality of the imaged fabric. The imaged fabric
was washed with water for 1 hour using 300 g water in a IL beaker
with magnetic stirring at 60-70 rpm and dried. Very low loss of any
color was observed from the fabric. The color/image density before
and after washing is shown in Table 2.
2 TABLE 2 Reflectance Color Density Green Red Blue Magenta Cyan
Yellow Black Before 1.236 1.192 1.247 1.218 1.228 1.012 0.785
Washing After 0.948 0.969 1.090 0.993 1.169 0.895 0.538 Washing
Example 11
[0166] A solution was prepared by combining with mixing 8 parts
aluminum sulfate hydrate Al.sub.2(SO.sub.4).sub.3.15-18 H.sub.2O,
1.67 parts AEROSOL MA 80-I, 25 parts isopropanol and 65.3 parts
deionized water. Composition 6 was prepared by combining with
mixing 15 parts of the above mentioned solution, 15 parts DISPAL 11
N7-12, 3 parts AIRFLEX 460, 20 parts deionized water and 15 parts
VIVIPRINT 111 (as a 10 weight percent solids in water).
[0167] Composition 6 was mixed for about 30 minutes as described in
Example 4.using an electrical stirrer.
[0168] Composition 6 was coated onto 100 percent cotton fabric and
allowed to dry 24 hours as in Example 10. An image from an imaged
transfer sheet was transferred to the coated fabric. Ink transfer
was 90 -96 percent using imaged transfer sheets printed using an HP
855C desktop printer.
[0169] The imaged fabric was washed with water for 24 hours using
water as described in Example 10 and dried. Very low loss of any
color was observed from the fabric. The image was dried at ambient
conditions for another 24 hours and its reflectance color density
was measured (as shown in Table 3).
3 TABLE 3 Reflectance Color Density Green Red Blue Magenta Cyan
Yellow Before Washing 1.160 0.987 1.103 1.027 1.173 0.740 After
Washing 0.808 0.620 0.615 0.581 0.677 0.404
Example 12
[0170] The procedure of Example 11 was repeated except that the
imaged cotton fabric was coated with a 15 percent VITEL 2700
solution using a paint brush. The coating was dried overnight. The
imaged fabric was washed with water as described in Example 10 and
dried. Very low loss of any color was observed from the fabric. The
image was dried at ambient conditions for another 24 hours and its
reflectance color density was measured (as shown in Table 4).
4 TABLE 4 Reflectance Color Density Green Red Blue Magenta Cyan
Yellow Before Washing 1.143 1.112 1.120 1.075 1.134 0.936 After
Washing 0.921 0.840 0.985 0.898 0.902 0.756
Example 13
[0171] Composition 6 was coated onto TEXWIPE TX 318, TX 1010 Alpha
and TX 8501 wipers, 100 percent cotton T-shirt cloth, 100 percent
cotton fine cloth, glazed ceramic tile, polished wood, varnished
wood, painted wood, substrates and glass slabs, vases and windows
as previously described and an image was applied from an imaged
transfer sheet. The transferred images were high quality and in the
cases of varnished wood and ceramic tile were similar to direct
photo-quality printing.
Example 14
[0172] Example 12 was repeated using various polyester resins
having different glass transition temperatures. The results are
shown in Table 5.
5 TABLE 5 Resin Color Density Used Green Red Blue Magenta Cyan
Yellow Before None 1.160 0.987 1.103 1.027 1.173 0.740 Washing
VITEL 1.143 1.112 1.120 1.075 1.134 0.936 2700 After VITEL 0.884
0.823 0.809 0.823 0.824 0.637 Washing VITEL 0.690 0.667 0.585 0.658
0.658 0.557 3550B VITEL 0.795 0.759 0.821 0.750 0.695 0.695 7962
VITEL 0.776 0.754 0.708 0.762 0.621 0.579 7935 VITEL 0.755 0.740
0.795 0.743 0.716 0.456 7915
[0173] Various modifications and alterations of this invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from
the scope and spirit of this invention, and it should be understood
that this invention is not to be unduly limited to the illustrated
embodiments set forth herein.
* * * * *