U.S. patent application number 10/009070 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-29 for ink composition.
Invention is credited to Ishimoto, Bunji, Ito, Hiroshi, Sano, Tsuyoshi, Takemoto, Kiyohiko, Watanabe, Kazuaki.
Application Number | 20030097960 10/009070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18622098 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030097960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ito, Hiroshi ; et
al. |
May 29, 2003 |
Ink composition
Abstract
An object of the present invention is to provide an ink
compositions which, when used with an ink jet recording apparatus,
can realize excellent ink ejection stability while maintaining
safety and satisfactory penetration of ink. The ink composition
according to the present invention comprises at least a colorant, a
humectant, a glycol monoether as a penetrating agent, a
1,2-alkanediol, and water, the weight ratio of the glycol monoether
to the 1,2-alkanediol being in the range of 1:5 to 5:1. According
to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
ink composition comprising at least a pigment, a dispersant for
dispersing the pigment, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water as a main
solvent, the content of the 1,2-alkanediol being 0.5 to 10% by
weight based on the total amount of the ink composition.
Inventors: |
Ito, Hiroshi; (Nagano-Ken,
JP) ; Watanabe, Kazuaki; (Nagano-Ken, JP) ;
Sano, Tsuyoshi; (Nagano-Ken, JP) ; Ishimoto,
Bunji; (Nagano-Ken, JP) ; Takemoto, Kiyohiko;
(Nagano-Ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY
26 WEST 61ST STREET
NEW YORK
NY
10023
US
|
Family ID: |
18622098 |
Appl. No.: |
10/009070 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2001 |
PCT Filed: |
April 11, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP01/03127 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
106/31.58 ;
106/31.86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09D 11/322 20130101;
C09D 11/326 20130101; C09D 11/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
106/31.58 ;
106/31.86 |
International
Class: |
C09D 011/00; C09D
011/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 11, 2000 |
JP |
2000-109397 |
Claims
1. An ink composition comprising a colorant, a humectant, a glycol
monoether, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water, wherein the weight ratio of
the glycol monoether to the 1,2-alkanediol is in the range of 1:5
to 5:1.
2. The ink composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight
ratio of the glycol monoether to the 1,2-alkanediol is in the range
of 1:2 to 2:1.
3. The ink composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the
glycol monoether is glycol monobutyl ether.
4. The ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the 1,2-alkanediol has 6 to 8 carbon atoms.
5. The ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the glycol monoether is glycol monobutyl ether, the
1,2-alkanediol is 1,2-hexanediol, and the content of the
1,2-hexanediol is less than 2.5% by weight based on the total
amount of the ink composition.
6. The ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the colorant is a water-soluble dye.
7. The ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the colorant is a pigment and which further comprises a
dispersant for dispersing the pigment.
8. The ink composition according to claim 7, wherein the dispersant
is a block polymer resin having an acid value of 70 to 200.
9. The ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which
further comprises a nonionic surfactant.
10. The ink composition according to claim 9, wherein the nonionic
surfactant is an acetylene glycol surfactant.
11. An ink jet recording method comprising the steps of: ejecting
droplets of an ink composition; and depositing the droplets onto a
recording medium to perform printing, wherein the ink composition
is one according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. A record produced by the recording method according to claim
11.
13. An ink composition comprising a pigment, a dispersant for
dispersing the pigment, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water as a main
solvent, wherein the content of the 1,2-alkanediol is 0.5 to 10% by
weight based on the total amount of the ink composition.
14. An ink composition comprising a pigment, a dispersant for
dispersing the pigment, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water as a main
solvent, wherein the dispersant is a block polymer resin having an
acid value of 70 to 200.
15. The ink composition according to claim 14, which contains the
1,2-alkanediol in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the
ink composition.
16. The ink composition according to any one of claims 13 to 15,
wherein the 1,2-alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of
1,2-butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol,
and a mixture thereof.
17. The ink composition according to any one of claims 13 to 16,
which contains, as the 1,2-alkanediol, 3 to 10% by weight of
1,2-butanediol.
18. The ink composition according to any one of claims 13 to 16,
which contains, as the 1,2-alkanediol, 3 to 10% by weight of
1,2-pentanediol.
19. The ink composition according to any one of claims 13 to 16,
which contains, as the 1,2-alkanediol, 1 to 6% by weight of
1,2-hexanediol.
20. The ink composition according to any one of claims 13 to 16,
which contains, as the 1,2-alkanediol, 0.5 to 3% by weight of
1,2-heptanediol.
21. The ink composition according to any one of claims 16 to 20,
wherein the block polymer resin as the dispersant has an acid value
of 100 to 200.
22. The ink composition according to any one of claims 16 to 21,
wherein the dispersant is a block copolymer represented by AB, ABA,
or ABC in which: A is a hydrophilic block; B is a hydrophobic block
and contains at least 30% by weight, based on the weight of the B,
of a non-acryl monomer selected from the group consisting of (1)
CH.sub.2.dbd.CH--R wherein R represents a C.sub.6-C.sub.20
substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl
group, (2) CH.sub.2.dbd.CH--OR.sup.1 wherein R.sup.1 represents a
C.sub.3-C.sub.20 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl,
or alkaryl group, (3) CH.sub.2--CH--O--C(O)--R.sup.1 wherein
R.sup.1is as defined in (2), and (4)
CH.sub.2.dbd.CH--NR.sup.2R.sup.3 wherein R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are
each independently selected from the group consisting of H and
C.sub.3-C.sub.20 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl,
and alkaryl groups, provided that R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 do not
simultaneously represent H; and C may be any desired block.
23. The ink composition according to any one of claims 13 to 22,
which further comprises a nonionic surfactant.
24. The ink composition according to claim 23, wherein the nonionic
surfactant is an acetylene glycol surfactant.
25. The ink composition according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the
nonionic surfactant is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 5% by
weight based on the total amount of the ink composition.
26. The ink composition according to any one of claims 13 to 25,
which further comprises a penetrating agent.
27. The ink composition according to claim 26, wherein the
penetrating agent is a glycol monoether.
28. The ink composition according to any one of claims 13 to 27,
which further comprises 2-pyrrolidone.
29. The ink composition according to any one of claims 13 to 28,
which is used in an ink jet recording method.
30. The ink composition according to claim 29, wherein the ink jet
recording method is a recording method using an ink jet head which
forms ink droplets by the mechanical deformation of an
electrostrictive device.
31. An ink jet recording method comprising the steps of: ejecting
droplets of an ink composition; and depositing the droplets onto a
recording medium to perform printing, the ink composition being one
according to any one of claims 13 to 30.
32. A record produced by the recording method according to claim
31.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to ink compositions possessing
excellent good stability. More particularly, the present invention
relates to ink compositions for use in ink jet recording
printers.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Ink jet recording is a method wherein ink is ejected as
droplets through fine nozzles to record letters or figures onto the
surface of recording media. Ink jet recording systems which have
been developed and put to practical use include: a method wherein
an electric signal is converted to a mechanical signal using an
electrostrictive element to intermittently eject ink reservoired in
a nozzle head section, thereby recording letters or symbols on the
surface of a recording medium; and a method wherein ink,
reservoired in a nozzle head section, in its portion very close to
the ejection portion is rapidly heated to create a bubble and the
ink is intermittently ejected by volume expansion created by the
bubble to record letters or symbols on the surface of a recording
medium.
[0005] Various properties are required of inks used in the above
ink jet recording. For instance, the good drying property of the
print, no feathering in prints, uniform printing on the surface of
various recording media, and, in the case of multi-color printing,
no color-to-color intermixing are required.
[0006] Studies have hitherto been made on the addition of an
ingredient, which accelerates the penetration of an ink composition
into the record, to the ink composition to fast dry the ink
composition on recording paper or to prevent mixing of adjacent
different color inks.
[0007] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 14260/1990
describes the use of lower alcohols as an ingredient for
accelerating the penetration of ink.
[0008] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 55975/1982 describes that the
addition of a surfactant to an ink composition lowers the surface
tension of ink and can improve the penetration of ink.
[0009] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 157698/1995 describes a
1,2-alkanediol as a penetrating agent. However, all inks, which are
specifically disclosed in this publication, contain a dye as a
colorant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present inventors have now found that the combination of
a glycol monoether and a 1,2-alkanediol in a specific range of a
ratio of the glycol monoether to the 1,2-alkanediol in an ink
composition can impart excellent ejection stability to the ink
composition.
[0011] Further, the present inventors have found that the addition
of a 1,2-alkanediol in a specific concentration to an ink
composition with a pigment dispersed therein with the aid of a
dispersant can realize stable ejection of ink. The present
inventors have further found that the 1,2-alkanediol, when added
even in a relatively small amount, can impart excellent penetration
to the ink composition. Furthermore, the present inventors have
found that the use of a specific dispersant for dispersing the
pigment can improve the level of suppression of ink bleeding and
the level of fast drying.
[0012] The present invention has been made based on these
finding.
[0013] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an ink composition which, when used in an ink jet recording
apparatus, exhibits excellent properties, especially exhibits
excellent ink ejection stability.
[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an ink composition comprising at least a colorant, a
humectant, a glycol monoether, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water, the
weight ratio of the glycol monoether to the 1,2-alkanediol being in
the range of 1:5 to 5:1.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the colorant is a dye or a pigment.
[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an ink composition comprising at least a pigment, a
dispersant for dispersing the pigment, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water
as a main solvent, the content of the 1,2-alkanediol being 0.5 to
10% by weight based on the total amount of the ink composition.
[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an ink composition comprising at least a pigment, a
dispersant for dispersing the pigment, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water
as a main solvent, the dispersant being a block polymer resin
having an acid value of 70 to 200.
[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the ink composition further comprises a nonionic
surfactant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Ink Compositions
[0020] The ink compositions according to the present invention may
be used in recording methods using ink compositions. Recording
methods using ink compositions include, for example, an ink jet
recording method, a recording method using writing utensils, such
as pens, and other various recording methods. Preferably, the ink
compositions according to the present invention are used in an ink
jet recording method. More preferably, the ink compositions
according to the present invention is used in an ink jet recording
method using an ink jet head which forms ink droplets through
mechanical deformation of an electrostrictive element.
[0021] Ink Composition According to First Aspect of Present
Invention
[0022] The ink composition according to the first aspect of the
present invention comprises at least a colorant, a humectant, a
glycol monoether, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water. In the first aspect
of the present invention, the glycol monoether and the
1,2-alkanediol are considered to mainly function as a penetrating
agent.
[0023] The ink composition according to the first aspect of the
present invention contains the 1,2-alkanediol and the glycol
monoether in combination. The combination of the glycol monoether
and the 1,2-alkanediol can impart the same level of penetration to
the ink composition by the addition of the 1,2-alkanediol in a
smaller amount as compared with the use of the 1,2-alkanediol
alone. This can relatively reduce the amount of the 1,2-alkanediol
added to the ink composition and thus permits more ingredients
other than the 1,2-alkanediol to be added. This is in its turn
advantageous from the viewpoint of ink design or improvement.
Further, the ink composition according to the present invention has
excellent ejection stability. Without intending to be bound by
theory, the reason is believed to reside in that the wettability of
ejection nozzles by the ink composition can be rendered proper. As
demonstrated in working examples below, the ink composition
according to the present invention does not cause the deposition of
ink onto a portion around the nozzles. It is considered that this
can effectively prevent the occurrence of an ink droplets
trajectory directionality problem.
[0024] In the ink composition according to the first aspect of the
present invention, the glycol monoether and the 1,2-alkanediol
should be present in a weight ratio of the glycol monoether to the
1,2-alkanediol in the range of 1:5 to 5:1, preferably in the range
of 1:2 to 2:1. The weight ratio falling within the above range is
advantageous from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of the
1,2-alkanediol added while maintaining the excellent ejection
stability.
[0025] Glycol Monoether
[0026] In the present invention, the glycol monoether is selected
from monoether compounds of glycols, such as mono- or polyethylene
glycol and mono- or polypropylene glycol, and is preferably
selected from compounds represented by formula (i):
R--O--[C.sub.xH.sub.2x--O].sub.y--H (i)
[0027] wherein
[0028] R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a
phenyl group, or a benzyl group, preferably a methyl, ethyl,
propyl, or butyl group;
[0029] x is 1 to 3, preferably 2 or 3; and
[0030] y is 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 5, more preferably 1 to 3.
[0031] Specific examples of glycol monoethers include ethylene
glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene
glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether,
diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-propyl
ether, ethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, diethylene glycol
mono-iso-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, ethylene
glycol mono-t-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether,
triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl
ether, triethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol
mono-t-butyl ether, 1-methyl-1-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol
monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene
glycol mono-t-butyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether,
propylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, propylene glycol
mono-n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether,
dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl
ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, and dipropylene
glycol mono-iso-propyl ether.
[0032] In the present invention, among the above glycol monoethers,
ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl
ether, triethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, propylene glycol
monobutyl ether, or dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether has high
compatibility with the 1,2-alkanediol and hence is preferred.
[0033] In the present invention, the content of the glycol
monoether is preferably in the range of 0.25 to 10% by weight, more
preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total
amount of the ink composition. When the glycol monoether content is
not less than 0.25% by weight, the glycol monoether in combination
with the 1,2-alkanediol can provide satisfactory penetration. When
the glycol monoether content is less than 10% by weight, the glycol
monoether in combination with other additives can advantageously
facilitate the regulation of the viscosity of ink to a value
suitable for printing.
[0034] 1,2-Alkanediol
[0035] In the first aspect of the present invention, the
1,2-alkanediol preferably has 4 to 10 carbon atoms. Two or more
types of 1,2-alkanediols may be added as a mixture.
[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the 1,2-alkanediol is selected from the group consisting
of 1,2-butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol,
1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and mixtures of these alkanediols.
More preferably, the 1,2-alkanediol has 6 to 8 carbon atoms, that
is, is 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, or 1,2-octanediol. These
alkanediols advantageously have excellent penetration into
recording media.
[0037] According to a more preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the 1,2-alkanediol is 1,2-hexanediol.
[0038] The ink composition according to the present invention
preferably contains the 1,2-alkanediol in an amount of 0.5 to 10%
by weight, more preferably 1 to 5% by weight, based on the total
amount of the ink composition. When the 1,2-alkanediol content is
not less than 0.5% by weight, satisfactory penetration can be
provided. When the 1,2-alkanediol content is not more than 10% by
weight, the 1,2-alkanediol in combination with other additives can
advantageously facilitate the regulation of the viscosity of ink to
a value suitable for printing.
[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the combination of the glycol monoether with the
1,2-alkanediol is such that the glycol monoether is glycol
monobutyl ether and the 1,2-alkanediol is 1,2-hexanediol. In this
case, the amount of the 1,2-alkanediol added is preferably less
than 2.5% by weight. The addition of the 1,2-alkanediol in this
amount can ensure satisfactory penetration of the ink composition
and, in addition, can realize highly stable printing.
[0040] Here the glycol monobutyl ether refers to a compound
represented by formula (i) wherein R represents a butyl group, x is
2 or 3, and y is 1 to 3. Specific examples of glycol monobutyl
ethers include ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol
monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene
glycol monobutyl ether, and dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether.
[0041] Colorant
[0042] In the present invention, the colorant is one which can be
dissolved or dispersed in an ink composition and, when the ink
composition is printed by means of an ink jet recording apparatus,
can yield a print of a large number of colors on a recording
medium.
[0043] In the ink composition according to the present invention,
the colorant can be properly selected from dyes and pigments. If
necessary, the dye and the pigment may be used in proper
combination.
[0044] In the present invention, the colorant is preferably a color
material, which can be dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous medium,
such as an organic dye or pigment. Organic dyes or pigments have
high color density per weight and exhibit vivid color and thus are
suitable for use in inks.
[0045] Dye
[0046] According to the present invention, the dye is not
particularly limited. For example, various dyes commonly used in
ink jet recording, such as direct dyes, acid dyes, foodstuff dyes,
basic dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, vat dyes, and soluble vat
dyes, may be advantageously used as the dye.
[0047] Specific examples of dyes usable in the present invention
are as follows.
[0048] Specific examples of yellow dyes include: C.I. Acid Yellow
1, 3, 11, 17, 19, 23, 25, 29, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 49, 59, 61, 70,
72, 75, 76, 78, 79, 98, 99, 110, 111, 127, 131, 135, 142, 162, 164,
and 165; C.I. Direct Yellow 1, 8, 11, 12, 24, 26, 27, 33, 39, 44,
50, 58, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 98, 110, 132, 142, and 144; C.I.
Reactive Yellow 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 37, and 42; and C.I. Food Yellow 3 and
4.
[0049] Specific examples of magenta dyes include: C.I. Acid Red 1,
6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 18, 26, 27, 32, 35, 37, 42, 51, 52, 57, 75, 77,
80, 82, 85, 87, 88, 89, 92, 94, 97, 106, 111, 114, 115, 117, 118,
119, 129, 130, 131, 133, 134, 138, 143, 145, 154, 155, 158, 168,
180, 183, 184, 186, 194, 198, 209, 211, 215, 219, 249, 252, 254,
262, 265, 274, 282, 289, 303, 317, 320, 321, and 322; C.I. Direct
Red 1, 2, 4, 9, 11, 13, 17, 20, 23, 24, 28, 31, 33, 37, 39, 44, 46,
62, 63, 75, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 89, 95, 99, 113, 197, 201, 218,
220, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, and 231; C.I. Reactive Red
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,
24, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45,
46, 49, 50, 58, 59, 63, and 64; and C.I. Food Red 7, 9, and 14.
[0050] Specific examples of cyan dyes include: C.I. Acid Blue 1, 7,
9, 15, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 40, 41, 43, 45, 54, 59, 60, 62, 72, 74,
78, 80, 82, 83, 90, 92, 93, 100, 102, 103, 104, 112, 113, 117, 120,
126, 127, 129, 130, 131, 138, 140, 142, 143, 151, 154, 158, 161,
166, 167, 168, 170, 171, 182, 183, 184, 187, 192, 199, 203, 204,
205, 229, 234, 236, and 249; C.I. Direct Blue 1, 2, 6, 15, 22, 25,
41, 71, 76, 77, 78, 80, 86, 87, 90, 98, 106, 108, 120, 123, 158,
160, 163, 165, 168, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 199, 200, 201, 202,
203, 207, 225, 226, 236, 237, 246, 248, and 249; C.I. Reactive Blue
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27,
28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, and 46; and
C.I. Food Blue 1 and 2.
[0051] Specific examples of black dyes include: C.I. Acid Black 1,
2, 7, 24, 26, 29, 31, 48, 50, 51, 52, 58, 60, 62, 63, 64, 67, 72,
76, 77, 94, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 115, 118, 119, 121, 122, 131,
132, 139, 140, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, and 191; C.I. Direct Black
17, 19, 22, 32, 39, 51, 56, 62, 71, 74, 75, 77, 94, 105, 106, 107,
108, 112, 113, 117, 118, 132, 133, 146, 154, and 168; C.I. Reactive
Black 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, and 18; and C.I. Food
Black 2.
[0052] In the present invention, when a dye is used as the
colorant, the amount of the dye added to the ink composition is
preferably 0.5 to 15% by weight, more preferably 0.7 to 10% by
weight. When the dye content is not less than 0.5% by weight, the
use of the ink composition in an ink jet recording apparatus can
provide minimum necessary print density. Further, when the dye
content is not more than 15% by weight, the dye in combination with
other additives can advantageously facilitate the regulation of the
viscosity of ink to a value suitable for printing.
[0053] Pigment
[0054] In the ink composition according to the first aspect of the
present invention, the colorant is a pigment. The pigment is used
in the state of dispersion in an alkaline solvent. This type of
dispersion is, for example, a dispersion produced by dispersing and
stabilizing a material classified as a pigment according to the
color index in a solvent with the aid of a dispersant in an
alkaline pH region, or a dispersion produced by subjecting a
pigment to treatment for imparting a functional group to the
surface of the pigment and dispersing the treated pigment in an
alkaline solvent.
[0055] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the pigment is dispersible with the aid of a dispersant.
In this case, any pigment may be used so far as the pigment is
dispersible in an ink composition with the aid of a dispersant.
Further, in this case, the ink composition preferably contains a
dispersant for dispersing the pigment.
[0056] Pigments usable in the present invention may be those which,
when recorded on recording media, develop any color. Inorganic
pigments or organic pigments may be used. Further, a mixture of
inorganic and organic pigments may be used as the pigment.
[0057] Inorganic pigments include, in addition to titanium oxide
and iron oxide, carbon blacks produced by known processes, such as
contact, furnace, and thermal processes.
[0058] Organic pigments usable herein include: azo pigments
including azo lake pigments, insoluble azo pigments, condensed azo
pigments, and chelate azo pigments; polycyclic pigments, for
example, phthalocyanine pigments, perylene pigments, perinone
pigments, anthraquinone pigments, quinacridone pigments, dioxazine
pigments, thioindigo pigments, isoindolinone pigments, and
quinophthalone pigments; dye-type chelate pigments, for example,
basic dye-type chelate pigments and acid dye-type chelate pigments;
nitro pigments; nitroso pigments; and aniline black.
[0059] Specific examples of pigments usable in the present
invention are as follows.
[0060] Specific examples of color pigments usable in the present
invention include: C.I. Pigment Yellow 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 14C, 15, 16, 17, 24, 34, 35, 37, 42, 53, 55,
65, 73, 74, 75, 81, 83, 93, 95, 97, 98, 100, 101, 104, 108, 109,
110, 114, 117, 120, 128, 129, 138, 150, 151, 153, 154, and 180;
and
[0061] C.I. Pigment Red 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 30, 31, 32, 37, 38, 39, 40,
48(Ca), 48(Mn), 48:2, 48:3, 48:4, 49, 49:1, 50, 51, 52, 52:2, 53:1,
53, 55, 57(Ca), 57:1, 60, 60:1, 63:1, 63:2, 64, 64:1, 81, 83, 87,
88, 89, 90, 101 (iron oxide red), 104, 105, 106, 108 (cadmium red),
112, 114, 122 (quinacridone magenta), 123, 146, 149, 163, 166, 168,
170, 172, 177, 178, 179, 184, 185, 190, 193, 202, 209, and 219.
[0062] Further examples of color pigments include: C.I. Pigment
Blue 1, 2, 3, 15, 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:34, 16, 17:1, 22, 25, 56,
and 60; C.I. Vat Blue 4, 60, and 63; C.I. Pigment Orange 5, 13, 16,
17, 36, 43, and 51; C .I. Pigment Green 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, 17, 18, and
36; and C.I. Pigment Violet 1 (rhodamine lake), 3, 5:1, 16, 19
(quinacridone red), 23, and 38. Further, for example, predispersed
pigments, such as grafted carbons, produced by treating the surface
of pigments, for example, with resin may also be used.
[0063] Black pigments usable in the present invention include, for
example, carbon blacks and C.I. Pigment Black 1. Specific examples
of carbon blacks include: carbon blacks manufactured by Mitsubishi
Chemical Corporation, for example, No. 2300, No. 900, MCF 88, No.
33, No. 40, No. 45, No. 52, MA 7, MA 8, MA 100, and No. 2200 B;
carbon blocks manufactured by Columbian Carbon Co., Ltd., for
example, Raven 5750, Raven 5250, Raven 5000, Raven 3500, Raven
1255, and Raven 700; carbon blacks manufactured by Cabot
Corporation, for example, Regal 400 R, Regal 330 R, Regal 660 R,
Mogul L, Monarch 700, Monarch 800, Monarch 880, Monarch 900,
Monarch 1000, Monarch 1100, Monarch 1300, and Monarch 1400; and
carbon blacks manufactured by Degussa, for example, Color Black FW
1, Color Black FW 2, Color Black FW 2 V, Color Black FW 18, Color
Black FW 200, Color Black S 150, Color Black S 160, Color Black S
170, Printex 35, Printex U, Printex V, Printex 140 U, Special Black
6, Special Black 5, Special Black 4 A, and Special Black 4.
[0064] A single type of pigment may be selected from the above
groups of pigments, or alternatively, a plurality of types of
pigments may be selected from the above groups of pigments and used
in combination.
[0065] Dispersant
[0066] In the first aspect of the present invention, the pigment is
preferably dispersible in an ink composition with the aid of a
dispersant for dispersing the pigment.
[0067] According to a more preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the pigment is added, to the ink composition, as a
pigment dispersion prepared by dispersing the pigment in an aqueous
medium with the aid of a dispersant.
[0068] Preferred dispersants usable for the preparation of the
pigment dispersion include conventional surfactants, dispersants
commonly used in the preparation of pigment dispersions, for
example, polymeric dispersants. It would be apparent to a person
having ordinary skill in the art that the dispersant contained in
the pigment dispersion would function also as a surfactant for the
ink composition.
[0069] More preferred dispersants include polymeric dispersants,
particularly resin dispersants.
[0070] Examples of preferred polymeric dispersants include
naturally occurring polymeric compounds, and specific examples
thereof include: proteins, such as glue, gelatin, casein, and
albumin; naturally occurring rubbers, such as gum arabic and
tragacanth; glucosides, such as saponin; alginic acid and alginic
acid derivatives, such as propylene glycol alginate,
triethanolamine alginate, and ammonium alginate; and cellulose
derivatives, such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose,
hydroxyethylcellulose, and ethylhydroxycellulose.
[0071] Examples of additional preferred polymeric dispersants
include synthetic polymers, and examples thereof include: polyvinyl
alcohols; polyvinyl pyrrolidones; acrylic resins, such as
polyacrylic acid, acrylic acid/acrylonitrile copolymer, salt of
acrylic acid/acrylonitrile copolymer, vinyl acetate/acrylic ester
copolymer, and acrylic acid/acrylic ester copolymer; styrene/acryl
resins, such as styrene/acrylic acid copolymer, styrene/methacrylic
acid copolymer, styrene/methacrylic acid/acrylic ester copolymer,
styrene/.alpha.-methyls- tyrene/acrylic acid copolymer, and
styrene/.alpha.-methylstyrene/acrylic acid/acrylic ester copolymer;
styrene/maleic acid copolymer; styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer;
isobutylene-maleic acid resin; resin-modified maleic acid resin;
vinylnaphthalene/acrylic acid copolymer; vinylnaphthalene/maleic
acid copolymer; vinyl acetate copolymers, such as vinyl
acetate/ethylene copolymer, vinyl acetate/fatty acid vinylethylene
copolymer, vinyl acetate/maleic ester copolymer, vinyl
acetate/crotonic acid copolymer, and vinyl acetate/acrylic acid
copolymer; and salts of the above polymers.
[0072] Among them, styrene/acrylic acid copolymer,
styrene/methacrylic acid copolymer, acrylic acid/acrylic ester
copolymer, and styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer are preferred as
the dispersant.
[0073] According to a more preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the dispersant is a block copolymer resin produced by
block copolymerization and has an acid value of 70 to 200, still
more preferably 100 to 200. The acid value may be regulated by
selecting a suitable monomers as the monomer to be
copolymerized.
[0074] Here the acid value refers to the number of milligrams of
potassium hydroxide necessary for neutralizing free fatty acids
contained in one gram of the block copolymer resin.
[0075] The selection of this type of dispersant is advantageous in
that the bleeding of the ink composition at the time of printing
can be prevented and, in addition, fast drying properties of the
ink can be improved.
[0076] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the dispersant is preferably one described in Japanese
Patent Laid-Open No. 269418/1999. Specifically, a suitable
dispersant is a block copolymer represented by AB, ABA, or ABC. In
this context, A is a hydrophilic block, B is a hydrophobic block,
and contains at least 30% by weight of an non-acrylic monomer
selected from the group consisting of the following monomers (1) to
(4) based on the weight of the B, and C may be any desired
block.
[0077] (1)
CH.sub.2.dbd.CH--R
[0078] wherein R represents a C.sub.6-C.sub.20 substituted or
unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group. Here the
substituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group refers to an
alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group containing one or two or
more substituents, which do not hinder the polymerization process,
including, for example, hydroxy, amino, ester, acid, acyloxy,
amide, nitrile, halogen, haloalkyl, or alkoxy. Specific examples
thereof include styrene, .alpha.-methylstyrene, vinylnaphthalene,
vinylcyclohexane, vinyltoluene, vinylanisole, vinylbiphenyl, and
vinyl-2-norbornene.
[0079] (2)
CH.sub.2.dbd.CH--OR.sup.1
[0080] wherein R.sup.1 represents a C.sub.3-C.sub.20 substituted or
unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group. Here the
substituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group are as defined
above. Specific examples thereof include vinyl n-propyl ether,
vinyl t-butyl ether, vinyl decyl ether, vinyl iso-octyl ether,
vinyl octadecyl ether, and vinyl phenyl ether.
[0081] (3)
CH.sub.2.dbd.CH--O--C(O)--R.sup.1
[0082] wherein R.sup.1 is as defined in (2) above. Specific
examples thereof include vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl
n-decanoate, vinyl stearate, vinyl laurate, and vinyl benzoate.
[0083] (4)
CH.sub.2.dbd.CH--NR.sup.2R.sup.3
[0084] wherein R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each independently selected
from the group consisting of H and C.sub.3-C.sub.20 substituted or
unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, and alkaryl groups, provided
that R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 do not simultaneously represent H. Here
the substituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group is as
defined above. Specific examples thereof include N-vinylcarbazole
and vinylphthalimide.
[0085] In the block copolymer having the AB, ABA, or ABC structure,
the characters A, B, and C indicate blocks of the block copolymer.
Specifically, different characters indicate blocks different from
each other in monomer composition, and the same characters indicate
blocks having the same monomer composition. Accordingly, an AB
block copolymer is a diblock in which the two blocks are different
from each other in monomer composition, and an ABA block copolymer
is composed of three blocks wherein only two blocks are different
from each other in monomer composition (that is, two blocks A are
identical to each other in monomer composition). An ABC block
copolymer also have three blocks. In this case, however, all of the
three blocks are different from one another.
[0086] In the above structure, the block B, even when any block
copolymer is used, is hydrophobic and, in addition, can be attached
to the colorant. The block A is hydrophilic and, at the same time,
is soluble in an aqueous vehicle. The third block (any one of block
A and block C) may be any desired block and may be used to finely
regulate the balance between hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of
the polymer. Therefore, this third block may have the same
composition as the hydrophilic block, for example, ABA, or may have
a composition which is different from any of A and B, for example,
ABC. Here the aqueous vehicle generally refers to water or a
water-soluble organic solvent.
[0087] The size of the hydrophobic block should be large enough to
form an effective bond to the surface of the pigment. The number
average molecular weight is at least 300, preferably at least 500.
The hydrophilic block also should be large enough to create a
sterically stabilized mechanism and an electrostatically stabilized
mechanism for stable dispersion, and the balance in size between
the hydrophilic block and the hydrophobic block is preferably
obtained so that the whole polymer is soluble in an aqueous
vehicle.
[0088] The hydrophobic block may also contain other ethylenically
unsaturated monomer, that is, an acrylic monomer. Specific examples
of this type of monomers include C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 acrylic or
methacrylic esters, for example, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate,
n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl
methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate,
2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, and cyclohexyl methacrylate.
[0089] The hydrophilic block may be prepared from an ethylenically
unsaturated monomer. This hydrophilic block should be soluble in
the selected aqueous vehicle, and may contain an ionizable monomer
in an amount of up to 100% by weight, preferably at least 50% by
weight, based on the total weight of the hydrophilic block. The
ionizable monomer to be selected varies depending upon desired
ionic properties of inks in selected applications. In the case of
an anionic block copolymer dispersant, the ionic monomer is mainly
an acid group- or acid precursor group-containing monomer. Specific
examples of useful monomers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid,
crotonic acid, itaconic acid, itaconic monoesters, maleic acid,
maleic monoesters, fumaric acid, and fumaric monoesters.
[0090] In the case of a cationic block copolymer dispersant, an
ionizable monomer preferable for the hydrophilic portion is an
amine-containing monomer. The amine group may be a primary,
secondary, or tertiary amine group, or a mixture of two or more of
these groups. Specific examples of amine-containing monomers
include N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl
methacrylate, N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, t-butylaminoethyl
methacrylate, 2-N-morpholinoethyl acrylate, 2-N-morpholinoethyl
methacrylate, 4-aminostyrene, 2-vinylpyridine, 4-vinylpyridine, and
vinylimidazole.
[0091] A nonionic hydrophilic monomer or a water-soluble monomer
may be properly used to finely regulate the
hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity balance and, in addition, to regulate
the solubility properties of the block copolymer. The nonionic
hydrophilic monomer or the water-soluble monomer can be easily
copolymerized with the hydrophobic block or hydrophilic block or
any third different block such as the block C in the ABC block
copolymer to attain a desired effect. Specific examples of useful
nonionic hydrophilic monomers or water-soluble monomers include
alkyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylates wherein the alkyl group has
1 to 12 carbon atoms, for example, methyl acrylate, methyl
methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate,
and butyl methacrylate and, in addition, acrylamide and
methacrylamide.
[0092] The block copolymer as the dispersant usable in the present
invention may be efficiently produced by the preparation of a
plurality of blocks using a macromonomer as an intermediate in a
simultaneous and continuous manner. The terminal macromonomer
having a polymerizable double bond becomes one of blocks in the
block copolymer and is first prepared. This is then copolymerized
with a monomer selected for the second block. In the case of ABA
and ABC triblock copolymers, the synthesis of the hydrophilic
macromonomer as the first block in the first stage is preferred. In
the case of an AB block copolymer, the hydrophobic macromonomer or
the hydrophilic macromonomer is a first stage useful in the
synthesis. The macromonomer is suitably prepared by free radical
polymerization. In this case, cobalt(II) and cobalt(III) complexes
are used as a catalytic chain transfer agent or an organic chain
transfer agent for enabling chain transfer. Organic chain transfer
agents include allyl sulfide, allyl bromide, and vinyl end
group-containing methacrylate oligomers including dimers,
.alpha.-methylstyrene dimers, and related compounds.
[0093] The block copolymer may be synthesized through a
macromonomer as taught in International Publication WO 96/15157
(June, 1996). The block copolymer useful in the present invention
has a weight average molecular weight of about 1,000 to 50,000,
preferably 2,000 to 20,000.
[0094] The AB block copolymer prepared by the above method is
terminated with a polymerizable double bond which is further
polymerized with other group in the monomer to form an ABA or ABC
block copolymer through conventional free radical polymerization in
the above method.
[0095] A large number of conventional organic solvents are usable
as a polymerization medium for the preparation of both the
macromonomer and the block copolymer. Organic solvents usable
herein include, but are not limited to, alcohols, such as methanol,
ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol, ketones, such as acetone,
butanone, pentanone, and hexanone, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether,
and commonly available cellosolves and carbitols, for example,
ethers, such as ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers, ethylene glycol
dialkyl ethers, polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers, and
polyethylene glycol dialkyl ethers, alkyl esters of acetic acid,
propionic acid, and butyric acid, glycols, such as ethylene glycol,
and mixtures of these organic solvents.
[0096] A salt of an ionizable group should be produced in the
hydrophilic portion to render the block copolymer soluble in the
aqueous vehicle. The salt of the acid group may be prepared by
neutralizing the acid group with a neutralizing agent. Specific
examples of useful bases include: hydroxides of alkali metals, such
as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide;
carbonates and bicarbonates of alkali metals, such as sodium
carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium
bicarbonate; organic amines, such as monomethylamine,
dimethylamine, trimethylamine, morpholine, and N-methylmorpholine;
organic alcohol amines, such as N,N-dimethylethanolamine,
N-methyldiethanolamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and
triethanolamine; ammonium salts, such as ammonium hydroxide and
tetraalkylammonium hydroxide; and pyridine. In the case of a
cationic block copolymer dispersant, the amine group is neutralized
with acids including organic acids and inorganic acids. Specific
examples of useful acids include: organic acids, such as acetic
acid, propionic acid, formic acid, and oxalic acid; hydroxylated
acids, such as glycolic acid and latctic acid; halogenic acids,
such as hydrochloric acid and hydrobromic acid; and other inorganic
acids, such as sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and nitric acid.
[0097] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the dispersant is used in an amount of 0.1 to 2.0% by
weight, more preferably 0.2 to 1.0% by weight, based on the
pigment.
[0098] The pigment may be dispersed by a conventional method. For
example, the dispersant and the pigment are mixed into water which
has been made alkaline, for example, with sodium hydroxide,
potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium
hydrogencarbonate, aqueous ammonia, triethanolamine,
diethanolamine, triethylamine, or aminomethyl propanol, and the
mixture is placed in a dipsergator, such as a ball mill, a sand
mill, an attritor, a roll mill, an agitator mill, a Henschel mixer,
a colloid mill, an ultrasonic homogenizer, a jet mill, or an
angmill to disperse the pigment. In this case, the pigment is
regulated to an average particle diameter of 25 to 1000 nm,
preferably 50 to 250 nm. Further, in this case, preferably,
filtration, for example, through a metallic filter or a membrane
filter, or centrifugation is carried out to remove coarse particles
or foreign matter causative of clogging.
[0099] In the first aspect of the present invention, when a pigment
is used as the colorant, the amount of the pigment added to the ink
composition is preferably 0.5 to 15% by weight, more preferably 0.7
to 12% by weight.
[0100] In the present invention, a single type of a colorant may be
selected from the above groups of dyes and pigments, or
alternatively, a plurality of types of dyes and/or pigments may be
selected from the above groups of dyes and pigments and used in
combination.
[0101] Humectant
[0102] In the first aspect of the present invention, any humectant
may be used so far as the humectant, when used in the ink
composition, can suppress drying of ink to prevent the
solidification of ink at ejection nozzles of an ink jet recording
apparatus.
[0103] The humectant used in the present invention is preferably a
material having moisture retaining properties or hygroscopic
properties among water-soluble organic solvents, and specific
examples of preferred humectants include: polyols, such as
glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,
polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,
polypropylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol,
1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and
pentaerythritol; 2-pyrrolidone; and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.
Further, water-soluble hygroscopic materials, for example, urea
compounds, such as urea, thiourea, ethyleneurea, and
1,3-dimethylimidazolidinones, lactams, such as
.epsilon.-caprolactam, solid glycerins, such as trimethylolpropane
and trimethylolethane, and saccharides, such as maltitol, sorbitol,
gluconic lactone, and maltose.
[0104] The amount of these humectants added may be such that, the
humectants, together with other ingredients of an ink composition,
provide an ink viscosity of not more than 25 mPa.multidot.s at
25.degree. C.
[0105] Nonionic Surfactant
[0106] In the first aspect of the present invention, the ink
composition preferably further comprises a nonionic surfactant. The
use of the nonionic surfactant is advantageous from the viewpoint
of satisfactorily spreading the ink composition even in a small
amount on recording paper. Further, the use of the nonionic
surfactant is advantageous in that an ink composition can be
provided which is less foamable than an ink composition prepared
using an ionic surfactant.
[0107] Nonionic surfactants usable herein include, for example,
polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters,
polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene
alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylenealkylamines, and
polyoxyethylenealkylamides. Further, acetylene glycol surfactants
and the like described later may also be used. These surfactants
may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
[0108] Specific examples of such nonionic surfactants include
Nissan Nonion K-211, K-220, P-213, E-215, E-220, S-215, S-220,
HS-220, NS-212, and NS-220 (all the above products being
manufactured by Nippon Oils & Fats Co., Ltd.).
[0109] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the ink composition further contains an acetylene glycol
surfactant as the nonionic surfactant.
[0110] Specific examples of preferred acetylene glycol surfactants
usable in the present invention include compounds represented by
formula (a): 1
[0111] wherein 0.ltoreq.m+n.ltoreq.50; and R.sup.1*, R.sup.2*,
R.sup.3*, and R.sup.4* each independently represent an alkyl group,
preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
[0112] Among the compounds represented by formula (a), particularly
preferred compounds include 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol,
3,6-dimethyl-4-octyne-3,6-diol, and 3,5-dimethyl-1-hexyn-3-ol.
Commercially available products may also be used as the acetylene
glycol surfactant represented by formula (a). Specific examples
thereof include Surfynol 61, Surfynol 82, Surfynol 104, Surfynol
440, Surfynol 465, Surfynol 485, and Surfynol TG (all the above
products being available from Air Products and Chemicals Inc.) and
OLFINE STG and OLFINE E 1010 (tradenames; manufactured by Nissin
Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.). These acetylene glycol surfactants
may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
[0113] The amount of the nonionic surfactant added is preferably in
the range of about 0.1 to 5% by weight, more preferably in the
range of about 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the ink composition.
When the nonionic surfactant content is not less than 0.1% by
weight, the combined use of the nonionic surfactant and the
penetrating agent composed of the glycol monoether and the
1,2-alkanediol is advantageous from the viewpoint of spreading ink
in the transverse direction of paper upon the impaction of ink on
the recording paper. On the other hand, when the nonionic
surfactant content is not more than 5% by weight, the nonionic
surfactant, together with other additives, can easily regulate the
viscosity of ink to a value suitable for printing.
[0114] Water and Other Ingredients
[0115] The ink composition according to the present invention
comprises water as a main solvent. Water is preferably pure water
obtained by ion exchange, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis,
distillation or the like, or ultrapure water. Further, water, which
has been sterilized, for example, by ultraviolet irradiation or by
addition of hydrogen peroxide, is preferred because, when the ink
composition is stored for a long period of time, it can prevent the
growth of mold, bacteria or the like.
[0116] The ink composition according to the present invention may
further contain other water-soluble organic solvents other than
described above.
[0117] The ink composition according to the present invention may
further contain other optional ingredients. Examples of other
ingredients usable herein include nozzle clogging preventives,
preservatives/antimolds, antioxidants/ultraviolet absorbers,
electric conductivity adjustors, pH adjustors, surface tension
modifiers, solubilizers, viscosity modifiers, and oxygen
absorbers.
[0118] pH adjustors include hydroxides of alkali metals or amines,
for example, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium
hydroxide, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, and
aminomethylpropanol.
[0119] Antioxidants/ultraviolet absorbers include: allophanates,
such as allophanate and methyl allophanate; biurets, such as
biuret, dimethylbiuret, and tetramethylbiuret; L-ascorbic acid and
salts thereof; Tinuvin 328, 900, 1130, 384, 292, 123, 144, 622,
770, and 292, Irgacor 252 and 153, and Irganox 1010, 1076, 1035,
and MD 1024, manufactured by Ciba-Geigy; and lanthanide oxides.
[0120] Preservatives/antimolds include, for example, sodium
benzoate, pentachlorophenol sodium, 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide sodium,
sodium sorbate, sodium dehydroacetate, and
1,2-dibenzothiazolin-3-one (Proxel CRL, Proxel BDN, Proxel GXL,
Proxel XL-2, and Proxel TN, manufactured by ICI).
[0121] Ink Compositions According to Second and Third Aspects of
Invention
[0122] The ink composition according to the second aspect of the
present invention comprises at least a pigment, a dispersant for
dispersing the pigment, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water as a main
solvent, the content of the 1,2-alkanediol being 0.5 to 10% by
weight based on the total amount of the ink composition.
[0123] The ink composition according to the third aspect of the
present invention comprises at least a pigment, a dispersant for
dispersing the pigment, a 1,2-alkanediol, and water as a main
solvent, the dispersant being a block polymer resin having an acid
value of 70 to 200.
[0124] The ink compositions according to the second and third
aspects of the present invention can prevent nozzle clogging and
can maintain stable print quality. That is, the ink compositions
according to the present invention have excellent stability in
ejection of ink through the head and stability against nozzle
clogging.
[0125] Further, the ink compositions according to the present
invention possess excellent penetration into recording media. In
general, the addition of a penetrating agent, such as triethylene
glycol monobutyl ether (TEGmBE), is known to improve the
penetration of the ink composition. When the ink compositions
according to the second and third aspects of the present invention
are used, the same level of penetration into media can be realized
in a smaller amount of the 1,2-alkanediol than the case where a
penetrating agent, such as TEGmBE, is used. For this reason,
according to the present invention, the amount of the penetrating
agent added to the ink composition can be relatively reduced. This
is advantageous from the viewpoint of improving the stability of
the state of the dispersion of the pigment in the ink composition,
and thus can improve the storage stability and reliability of the
ink composition. Further, in the ink compositions, the allowance of
ingredients other than the colorant can be increased. This is
advantageous from the viewpoint of ink composition design or
improvement. Further, in the present invention, the increase in
viscosity of the ink composition can be suppressed on a higher
level as compared with conventional penetrating agents, such as
TEGmBE. Therefore, the amount of the humectant added can also be
increased.
[0126] 1,2-Alkanediol
[0127] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the 1,2-alkanediol preferably has 4 to 10 carbon atoms. A mixture
of two or more 1,2-alkanediols may also be added.
[0128] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
1,2-alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of
1,2-butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol,
and a mixture thereof. These alkanediols are advantageous from the
viewpoint of excellent penetration into recording media.
[0129] According to a more preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the 1,2-alkanediol is preferably 1,2-hexanediol or
1,2-pentanediol, more preferably 1,2-hexanediol.
[0130] The content of the 1,2-alkanediol is in the range of 0.5 to
10% by weight, preferably 1 to 5% by weight, based on the total
amount of each of the ink compositions according to the present
invention. When the 1,2-alkanediol content is not less than 0.5% by
weight, the penetration of the ink composition is satisfactory. On
the other hand, when the 1,2-alkanediol content is not more than
10% by weight, the 1,2-alkanediol, together with other additives,
can advantageously easily regulate the viscosity of ink to a value
suitable for printing.
[0131] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
when the 1,2-alkanediol is 1,2-butanediol, the ink composition
according to the present invention preferably contains 3 to 10% by
weight, more preferably 5 to 10% by weight, of 1,2-butanediol. When
the 1,2-alkanediol is 1,2-pentanediol, the ink compositions
according to the present invention each preferably contain 3 to 10%
by weight, more preferably 3 to 7% by weight, of 1,2-pentanediol.
When the 1,2-alkanediol is 1,2-hexanediol, the ink compositions
according to the present invention each preferably contain 1 to 6%
by weight, more preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of 1,2-hexanediol.
When the 1,2-alkanediol is 1,2-heptanediol, the ink composition
preferably contains 0.5 to 3% by weight, more preferably 1 to 2% by
weight, of 1,2-heptanediol.
[0132] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the ink compositions preferably contain, as the 1,2-alkanediol, 1
to 6% by weight of 1,2-hexanediol.
[0133] Colorant
[0134] In the ink compositions according to the second and third
aspects of the present invention, a pigment is used as the
colorant. In the present invention, any pigment may be selected so
far as the pigment is dispersible in the ink composition with the
aid of a dispersant.
[0135] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the pigment may be the same as that described above in connection
with the first aspect of the present invention.
[0136] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the particle diameter of the pigment is preferably not more than
0.2 .mu.m, more preferably 0.05 to 0.15 .mu.m.
[0137] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the content of the pigment is preferably 0.5 to 15% by weight, more
preferably 0.75 to 10% by weight, based on the total amount of the
ink composition.
[0138] Dispersant
[0139] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the pigment is dispersed in the ink compositions with the aid of a
dispersant for dispersing a pigment.
[0140] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the pigment is preferably added, to ink, as a pigment
dispersion produced by dispersing the pigment in an aqueous medium
with the aid of a dispersant.
[0141] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the dispersant may be the same as that described above in
connection with the first aspect of the present invention.
[0142] Nonionic Surfactant
[0143] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the ink compositions preferably further contain a nonionic
surfactant. Nonionic surfactants usable herein are the same as
those described above in connection with the first aspect of the
present invention.
[0144] The amount of the nonionic surfactant added is preferably in
the range of about 0.1 to 5% by weight, more preferably in the
range of about 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on each of the ink
compositions.
[0145] Water and Other Ingredients
[0146] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the ink compositions comprise water as a main solvent. Water is
preferably pure water obtained by ion exchange, ultrafiltration,
reverse osmosis, distillation or the like, or ultrapure water.
Further, water, which has been sterilized by ultraviolet
irradiation or by addition of hydrogen peroxide, is preferred
because, when the ink composition is stored for a long period of
time, it can prevent the growth of mold, bacteria or the like.
[0147] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the ink compositions may further contain, in addition to water, a
water-soluble organic solvent as the solvent from the viewpoint of
regulating the moisture retaining property of ink or imparting
penetration to ink.
[0148] In the present invention, the water-soluble organic solvent
for regulating the moisture retaining property of ink is added as a
humectant or a drying accelerator to the ink compositions according
to the present invention. Further, the water-soluble organic
solvent for imparting penetration to ink is added as a penetration
accelerator to the ink composition of the present invention.
[0149] Specific examples of water-soluble organic solvents for
regulating the moisture retaining property of ink include:
monohydric alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol,
iso-propanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, tert-butanol, iso-butanol,
and n-pentanol; polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerin, ethylene
glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol,
propylene glycol, butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,
polypropylene glycol, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol,
1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol,
1,2,6-hexanetriol, and pentaerythritol; 2-pyrrolidone,
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, urea, thiourea, ethyleneurea, and
1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone.
[0150] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the water-soluble organic solvent for regulating the moisture
retaining property of ink may be added as a humectant to the ink
composition according to the present invention. In the present
invention, the humectant is mainly used for suppressing drying of
ink to prevent the solidification of ink at ejection nozzles of an
ink jet recording apparatus. Humectants usable in the present
invention include, in addition to the above-described water-soluble
organic solvents, for example, lactams such as .epsilon.
caprolactam, solid glycerins such as trimethylolpropane and
trimethylolethane, and saccharides such as maltitol, sorbitol,
gluconolactone, and maltose.
[0151] Preferred water-soluble organic solvents for imparting
penetration to ink, that is, penetrating agents, include glycol
monoethers.
[0152] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
glycol monoethers usable herein are those described above in
connection with the first aspect of the present invention.
[0153] In the second and third aspects of the present invention,
the combined use of the 1,2-alkanediol and the glycol monoether can
impart the same level of penetration to the ink compositions by the
addition of the 1,2-alkanediol in a smaller amount as compared with
the use of the 1,2-alkanediol alone. Further, the deposition of ink
onto ejection nozzles caused by the addition of the 1,2-alkanediol
can be effectively prevented by using the glycol monoether in
combination with the 1,2-alkanediol. By virtue of this in
combination with the effect of reducing the amount of the
1,2-alkanediol added, ink compositions having high printing
stability can be provided.
[0154] In the present invention, when the ink compositions further
contain the glycol monoether, the amount of glycol monoether added
is preferably in the range of 0.25 to 10% by weight based on the
ink composition. When the amount of the glycol monoether added is
in the above defined range, the combined use of the glycol
monoether and the 1,2-alkanediol can provide satisfactory
penetration. Further, the glycol monoether, together with other
additives, can regulate the viscosity of ink to a value suitable
for printing.
[0155] The ratio (weight ratio) of the glycol monoether to the
1,2-alkanediol is preferably in the range of 1:5 to 5:1, more
preferably in the range of 1:2 to 2:1. A weight ratio of the glycol
monoether to the 1,2-alkanediol in the above defined range is
advantageous from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of the
1,2-alkanediol added.
[0156] The water-soluble organic solvent has been described above
in terms of organic solvents for regulating the moisture retaining
property and organic solvents for imparting the penetration.
However, it should be noted that organic solvents mentioned above
as regulating the moisture retaining property sometimes function
also to impart penetration to the ink, and organic solvents
mentioned above as imparting penetration sometimes function also as
the humectant.
[0157] The ink compositions according to the second and third
aspects of the present invention may further contain a surfactant
from the viewpoint of attaining promoted penetration and reliable
ejection and yielding good images. Surfactants of this type
include, in addition to the above-described nonionic surfactants,
for example, anionic surfactants, such as sodium
dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium laurylate, and an ammonium salt of
polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, cationic surfactants, and
amphoteric surfactants. They may be used alone or in combination of
two or more.
[0158] The surface tension of the ink compositions according to the
present invention is in the range of about 20 to 50 mN/m,
preferably in the range of about 25 to 40 mN/m.
[0159] The ink compositions according to the second and third
aspects of the present invention may further contain other optional
ingredients. Examples of other optional ingredients usable herein
include nozzle clogging preventives, preservatives,
antioxidants/ultraviolet absorbers, electric conductivity
adjustors, pH adjustors, solubilizers, viscosity modifiers, and
oxygen absorbers.
[0160] Examples of preservatives include sodium benzoate,
pentachlorophenol sodium, 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide sodium, sodium
sorbate, sodium dehydroacetate, and 1,2-dibenzothiazolin-3-one
(Proxel CRL, Proxel BDN, Proxel GXL, Proxel XL-2, and Proxel TN,
manufactured by ICI).
[0161] Examples of pH adjustors, solubilizers, or antioxidants
include: amines, such as diethanolamine, triethanolamine,
propanolamine, and morpholine, and modification products thereof;
inorganic salts, such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and
lithium hydroxide; ammonium hydroxide; quaternary ammonium
hydroxides, such as tetramethylammonium; salts of carbonic acid,
such as potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and lithium
carbonate; salts of phosphoric acid, such as potassium phosphate,
sodium phosphate, and lithium phosphate; N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone;
urea compounds, such as urea, thiourea, and tetramethylurea;
allophanates, such as allophanate and methyl allophanate; biurets,
such as biuret, dimethylbiuret, and tetramethylbiuret; and
L-ascorbic acid and salts thereof.
[0162] Further, in the present invention, a single type of other
optional ingredient may be selected from the above groups of other
optional ingredients, or alternatively, a plurality of types of
other optional ingredients may be selected from the above groups of
other optional ingredients and used in combination.
[0163] In the present invention, the amounts of all the ingredients
of the ink composition are preferably selected so that the
viscosity of the ink composition is not more than 10 mPa.multidot.s
at 20.degree. C.
[0164] The ink compositions according to the second and third
aspects of the present invention may be prepared by dispersing and
mixing the above ingredients together by means of a conventional
suitable method. A preferred method is as follows. A mixture of all
the ingredients except for the organic solvent and the volatile
ingredient is mixed by means of a suitable dispergator, for
example, a ball mill, a roll mill, a sand mill, an attritor, an
agitator mill, a Henschel mixer, a colloid mill, a jet mill, an
angmill, or an ultrasonic homogenizer, to prepare a homogeneous
composition, and the organic solvent and the volatile ingredient
are added to the homogeneous composition. Thereafter, preferably,
filtration under reduced pressure or under applied pressure, for
example, through a metallic filter or a membrane filter, or
centrifugation is carried out to remove coarse particles and
foreign matter.
[0165] Recording Method
[0166] According to the present invention, there is provided a
recording method comprising the step of depositing the ink
composition onto a recording medium to perform printing. Recording
methods using an ink composition include, for example, an ink jet
recording method, screen printing, recording methods with writing
implements, such as pens, and other various printing methods.
[0167] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided an ink jet recording method comprising the steps of:
ejecting droplets of the ink composition according to the present
invention; and depositing the droplets onto a recording medium to
perform printing.
[0168] In the present invention, any system may be used in the ink
jet recording method so far as the ink composition is ejected as
droplets through fine nozzles and the ink droplets are deposited
onto a recording medium. Examples of such systems include a method
wherein an ink jet head having a mechanism utilizing the response
of an electrostrictive element is used, that is, a method wherein
pressure and printing information signals are simultaneously added
to liquid ink by means of an electrostrictive element to cause
mechanical deformation which ejects ink droplets to form an image,
a method wherein thermal energy is applied to rapidly expand the
volume of liquid ink, a method wherein static electricity-driven
ejection is used, and a method wherein pressure is applied to
liquid ink by means of a small pump and the nozzles are
mechanically vibrated, for example, by means of a crystal vibrator,
to forcibly eject ink droplets.
[0169] According to the present invention, in the above various ink
jet recording methods, printing can be carried out at a relatively
low ink ejection speed of not more than 10 m/sec, and the use of
the ink composition according to the present invention can prevent
the deposition of ink onto ejection nozzles and can realize stable
ink jet recording.
[0170] According to a more preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the ink jet recording method according to the present
invention is preferably such that an ink jet head is used wherein
ink droplets are formed by mechanical deformation using an
electrostrictive element.
[0171] Further, according to the present invention, there is
provided a record produced by the above recording method.
EXAMPLES
[0172] The following examples further illustrate the present
invention, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
present invention.
[0173] Test A
[0174] Ink compositions A1 to A11 were prepared as follows.
[0175] Ink Composition A1
[0176] C.I. Direct Black 32 (6 g) as a black dye, 10 g of glycerin,
5 g of diethylene glycol, 1 g of diethylene glycol monomethyl
ether, 5 g of 1,2-pentanediol, 0.1 g of potassium hydroxide as a pH
adjustor, and 0.5 g of aminomethylpropanol were mixed together.
Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to bring the total amount
of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was prepared. This
mixed solution was stirred for 2 hr, and filtered through a
membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m
(manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.) to prepare an ink
composition A1.
[0177] Ink Composition A2
[0178] C.I. Direct Blue 86 (3 g) as a cyan dye, 5 g of glycerin, 10
g of triethylene glycol, 3 g of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,
3 g of 1,2-pentanediol, and 0.1 g of potassium hydroxide as a pH
adjustor were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the
mixture to bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a
mixed solution was prepared. This mixed solution was stirred for 2
hr, and filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of
about 1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.) to prepare
an ink composition A2.
[0179] Ink Composition A3
[0180] C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 (100 g) as a yellow pigment, 150 g of
Joncryl J-62 (manufactured by Johnson Polymer Corp.) as a
water-soluble resin dispersant, 6 g of potassium hydroxide, and 250
g of water were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a ball
mill using zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus
obtained was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore
diameter of about 8 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.)
to remove coarse particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to
bring the concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a
yellow pigment dispersion A3 was prepared.
[0181] The yellow pigment dispersion A3 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin,
1.5 g of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and 4 g of
1,2-pentanediol were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to
the mixture to bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g.
Thus, a mixed solution was prepared. The mixed solution was then
adjusted to pH 9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH
adjustor. The mixed solution was then stirred for 2 hr, and was
filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of about
1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink
composition A3 was prepared.
[0182] Ink Composition A4
[0183] C.I. Pigment Blue 15 (100 g) as a cyan pigment, 100 g of
Joncryl J-62 (manufactured by Johnson Polymer Corp.) as a
water-soluble resin dispersant, 4.5 g of potassium hydroxide, and
250 g of water were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a
ball mill using zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus
obtained was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore
diameter of about 8 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.)
to remove coarse particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to
bring the concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a
cyan pigment dispersion A4 was prepared.
[0184] The cyan pigment dispersion A4 (30 g), 10 g of glycerin, 5 g
of diethylene glycol, 2 g of triethylene glycol monoethyl ether,
and 3 g of 1,2-hexanediol were mixed together. Ultrapure water was
added to the mixture to bring the total amount of the mixture to
100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was prepared. The mixed solution was
then adjusted to pH 9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH
adjustor. This mixed solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then
filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of about
1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink
composition A4 was prepared.
[0185] Ink Composition A5
[0186] Color Black S 170 (manufactured by Degussa) (100 g), which
is carbon black as a black pigment, 150 g of Joncryl J-62
(manufactured by Johnson Polymer Corp.) as a water-soluble resin
dispersant, 6 g of potassium hydroxide, and 250 g of water were
mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a ball mill using
zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus obtained was
filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 8
.mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.) to remove coarse
particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to bring the
concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a black
pigment dispersion A5 was prepared.
[0187] The black pigment dispersion A5 (50 g), 8 g of glycerin, 6 g
of triethylene glycol, 2 g of diethylene glycol monobutyl ether as
a glycol monoether, and 2 g of 1,2-hexanediol were mixed together.
Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to bring the total amount
of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was prepared. The
mixed solution was then adjusted to pH 9.5 by the addition of
triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. This mixed solution was stirred
for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a membrane filter with a
pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore,
Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition A5 was prepared.
[0188] Ink Composition A6
[0189] C.I. Direct Black 32 (6 g) as a black dye, 10 g of glycerin,
5 g of diethylene glycol, 1 g of diethylene glycol monomethyl
ether, 4 g of 1,2-pentanediol, 1.5 g of Nissan Nonion NS-220
(manufactured by Nippon Oils & Fats Co., Ltd.) as a nonionic
surfactant, 0.1 g of potassium hydroxide as a pH adjustor, and 0.5
g of aminomethylpropanol were mixed together. Ultrapure water was
added to the mixture to bring the total amount of the mixture to
100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was prepared. This mixed solution was
stirred for 2 hr, and filtered through a membrane filter with a
pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore,
Ltd.) to prepare an ink composition A6.
[0190] Ink Composition A7
[0191] C.I. Direct Blue 86 (3 g) as a cyan dye, 5 g of glycerin, 10
g of triethylene glycol, 2 g of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,
2 g of 1,2-pentanediol, 1 g of Surfynol 440 (manufactured by Air
Products and Chemicals, Inc.) as an acetylene glycol surfactant,
and 0.1 g of potassium hydroxide as a pH adjustor were mixed
together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to bring the
total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was
prepared. This mixed solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was
filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of about
1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.) to prepare an ink
composition A7.
[0192] Ink Composition A8
[0193] Bonjet Black CW-1 (manufactured by Orient Chemical
Industries, Ltd.) (10 g), that is, a carbon black, as a black
pigment, which has been treated for introducing a functional group
into the surface of the pigment and then dispersed, 5 g of
glycerin, 10 g of triethylene glycol, 2 g of diethylene glycol
monoethyl ether, 2 g of 1,2-pentanediol, 1 g of Surfynol 440
(manufactured by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.) as an acetylene
glycol surfactant, and 0.5 g of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor
were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to
bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed
solution was prepared. This mixed solution was stirred for 2 hr,
and was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of
about 1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.) to prepare
an ink composition A8.
[0194] Ink Composition A9
[0195] C.I. Pigment Blue 15 (100 g) as a cyan pigment, 100 g of
Joncryl J-62 (manufactured by Johnson Polymer Corp.) as a
water-soluble resin dispersant, 4.5 g of potassium hydroxide, and
250 g of water were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a
ball mill using zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus
obtained was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore
diameter of about 8 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.)
to remove coarse particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to
bring the concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a
cyan pigment dispersion A9 was prepared.
[0196] The cyan pigment dispersion A9 (30 g), 10 g of glycerin, 5 g
of diethylene glycol, 2 g of triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, 2
g of 1,2-hexanediol, and 1 g of Surfynol 440 (manufactured by Air
Products and Chemicals, Inc.) as an acetylene glycol surfactant
were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to
bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed
solution was prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH
9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. This mixed
solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a
membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m
(manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition
A9 was prepared.
[0197] Ink Composition A10
[0198] An ink composition A10 was prepared in the same manner as
used in the preparation of the ink composition A1, except that 6 g
of 1,2-hexanediol was added instead of 1 g of diethylene glycol
monomethyl ether and 5 g of 1,2-penetanediol.
[0199] Ink Composition A11
[0200] An ink composition A11 was prepared in the same manner as
used in the preparation of the ink composition A5, except that 7 g
of 1,2-hexanediol was added instead of 2 g of diethylene glycol
monobutyl ether and 2 g of 1,2-hexanediol.
[0201] Evaluation Test A
[0202] Each of the ink compositions A1 to A11 was printed by means
of a piezoelectric on-demand ink jet recording apparatus MJ-930C
manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation on a neutral plain paper
Xerox-P manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
[0203] The prints thus obtained for each of the ink compositions
were inspected for print quality, dropouts of print dots, ink
droplets trajectory directionality problem and the like.
[0204] As a result, for all the ink compositions, the print quality
on the recording paper was good.
[0205] For the ink compositions A1 to A9, print disorders, such as
dropouts of print dots and ink droplets trajectory directionality
problem, did not occur even in continuous printing of 300
pages.
[0206] On the other hand, for the ink compositions A10 and A11 as
comparative ink compositions, the print quality was the same as
that for the ink compositions A1 to A9. In the case of continuous
printing, although printing of about 100 pages caused no problem,
increasing the number of print pages gradually led to the
occurrence of an ink droplets trajectory directionality problem and
this made it impossible to stably carry out printing of 300 pages.
For the ink jet recording apparatus in which the ink droplets
trajectory directionality problem occurred, ejection nozzles were
observed under a microscope. As a result, the deposition of ink was
found around the nozzles. This suggests that the deposition of ink
caused the ink droplets trajectory directionality problem.
[0207] Test B
[0208] Ink compositions B1 to B8 were prepared as follows.
[0209] Ink Composition B1
[0210] C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 (100 g) as a yellow pigment, 150 g of
Joncryl J-62 (manufactured by Johnson Polymer Corp.) as a
water-soluble resin dispersant, 6 g of potassium hydroxide, and 250
g of water were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a ball
mill using zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus
obtained was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore
diameter of about 8 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.)
to remove coarse particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to
bring the concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a
yellow pigment dispersion B1 was prepared.
[0211] The yellow pigment dispersion B1 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin,
10 g of 1,2-pentanediol, and 1 g of Olfine E 1010 were mixed
together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to bring the
total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was
prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH 9.5 by the
addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. The mixed solution
was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a membrane
filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by
Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition B1 was
prepared.
[0212] Ink Composition B2
[0213] C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3 (100 g) as a cyan pigment, 100 g of
Joncryl J-62 (manufactured by Johnson Polymer Corp.) as a
water-soluble resin dispersant, 4.5 g of potassium hydroxide, and
250 g of water were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a
ball mill using zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus
obtained was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore
diameter of about 8 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.)
to remove coarse particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to
bring the concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a
cyan pigment dispersion B2 was prepared.
[0214] The cyan pigment dispersion B2 (30 g), 10 g of glycerin, 5 g
of diethylene glycol, 1 g of 1,2-hexanediol, and 1 g of Olfine STG
were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to
bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed
solution was prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH
9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. This mixed
solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a
membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m
(manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition
B2 was prepared.
[0215] Ink Composition B3
[0216] C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3 (100 g) as a cyan pigment, 100 g of
Joncryl J-62 (manufactured by Johnson Polymer Corp.) as a
water-soluble resin dispersant, 4.5 g of potassium hydroxide, and
250 g of water were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a
ball mill using zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus
obtained was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore
diameter of about 8 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.)
to remove coarse particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to
bring the concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a
cyan pigment dispersion B3 was prepared.
[0217] The cyan pigment dispersion B3 (30 g), 10 g of glycerin, 5 g
of diethylene glycol, 6 g of 1,2-hexanediol, and 1 g of Olfine E
1010 were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture
to bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed
solution was prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH
9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. This mixed
solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a
membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m
(manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition
B3 was prepared.
[0218] Ink Composition B4
[0219] A yellow pigment dispersion B4 was prepared in the same
manner as used in the preparation of the ink composition B1, except
that C.I. Pigment Yellow 128 was used as the pigment instead of
C.I. Pigment Yellow 74.
[0220] The yellow pigment dispersion B4 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin, 3
g of 1,2-hexanediol, and 1 g of Olfine E 1010 were mixed together.
Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to bring the total amount
of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was prepared. The
mixed solution was then adjusted to pH 9.5 by the addition of
triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. The mixed solution was stirred
for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a membrane filter with a
pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore,
Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition B4 was prepared.
[0221] Ink Composition B5
[0222] A magenta pigment dispersion B5 was prepared in the same
manner as used in the preparation of the ink composition B1, except
that C.I. Pigment Red 122 was used as the pigment instead of C.I.
Pigment Yellow 74.
[0223] The magenta pigment dispersion B5 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin,
0.5 g of 1,2-heptanediol, and 1 g of Olfine E 1010 were mixed
together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to bring the
total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was
prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH 9.5 by the
addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. The mixed solution
was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a membrane
filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by
Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition B5 was
prepared.
[0224] Ink Composition B6
[0225] A yellow pigment dispersion B6 was prepared in the same
manner as used in the preparation of the ink composition B4.
[0226] The yellow pigment dispersion B6 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin, 3
g or 1,2-hexanediol, 0.5 g of Olfine E 1010, and 0.8 g of Olfine
STG were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture
to bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed
solution was prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH
9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. The mixed
solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a
membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m
(manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition
B6 was prepared.
[0227] Ink Composition B7 (Comparative Example)
[0228] A yellow pigment dispersion B7 was prepared in the same
manner as used in the preparation of the ink composition B1.
[0229] The yellow pigment dispersion B7 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin, 5
g of triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and 1 g of Olfine E 1010
were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to
bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed
solution was prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH
9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. The mixed
solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a
membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m
(manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition
B7 was prepared.
[0230] Ink Composition B8 (Comparative Example)
[0231] A yellow pigment dispersion B8 was prepared in the same
manner as used in the preparation of the ink composition B4.
[0232] The yellow pigment dispersion B8 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin, 5
g of triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and 1 g of Olfine E 1010
were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to
bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed
solution was prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH
9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. The mixed
solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a
membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m
(manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition
B8 was prepared.
[0233] Evaluation Test B
[0234] Evaluation Test B1: Ejection Stability
[0235] For each of the ink compositions B1 to B8, a pattern having
a combination of graphics and texts was continuously printed by
means of a piezoelectric on-demand ink jet printer MJ-930C
manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation. In this case, the number
of prints produced, until an ink droplets trajectory directionality
problem occurred, was counted. The results were evaluated according
to the following criteria.
[0236] A plain paper Xerox-P manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
was used as a printing paper in the test.
[0237] AA: An average number of prints produced in continuous
printing of not lees than 300
[0238] A: An average number of prints produced in continuous
printing of not less than 100 and less than 300
[0239] B: An average number of prints produced in continuous
printing of not less than 50 and less than 100
[0240] C: An average number of prints produced in continuous
printing of less than 50
[0241] Evaluation Test B2: Recovery From Clogging
[0242] Each of the ink compositions B1 to B8 was filled into the
head of the printer MJ-930C, and ejection of ink through all
nozzles was confirmed. The printer was then allowed to stand
without capping in an environment of 25.degree. C. for one year.
After the standing, cleaning operation was carried out until all
the nozzles could normally eject the ink. The number of cleaning
operations necessary for return to normal ejection of ink through
all the nozzles was evaluated according to the following
criteria.
[0243] A: Two or less cleaning operations
[0244] B: Three or four cleaning operations
[0245] C: Five or more cleaning operations
[0246] The results were as summarized in Table 1.
[0247] Test C
[0248] Preparation of Dispersants
[0249] Dispersants .alpha. to .gamma. for dispersing pigments were
prepared according to the procedure described in Japanese Patent
Laid-Open No. 269418/1999. Specifically, these dispersants were
prepared as follows.
[0250] Dispersant .alpha.: t-Butylstyrene/Styrene/Methacrylic Acid
(27/18//55 wt %) Block Copolymer
[0251] At the outset, the following ingredients were provided, and
a macromonomer a was prepared as follows.
1 Ingredients Weight, g Portion 1: Methanol 233.4 Isopropanol 120.3
Portion 2: Methacryclic acid monomer 238.1 Methanol 39.3 Portion 3:
Isopropyl-bis (borondichloromethyl- 0.143 glyoximate) cobalt (III)
salt 2,2'-Azobis(2,2- 6.52 dimethylvaloronitrilo) (Vazo (trademark,
manufactured by DuPont)) Acetone 87.2
[0252] The mixture of the portion 1 was charged into a 2-liter
flask equipped with a thermometer, a stirrer, a dropping funnel, a
reflux condenser, and means for maintaining a nitrogen blanket for
covering reactants. The mixture was heated to the reflux
temperature, and was refluxed for about 20 min. The portions 2 and
3 were simultaneously added to the reaction mixture while
maintaining the temperature of the reaction mixture at the reflux
temperature. In this case, the portion 2 was added over a period of
4 hr, and the portion 3 was added over a period of 4.5 hr. The
reflux was continued for additional 2 hr, and the solution was then
cooled to room temperature to prepare a macromonomer solution
a.
[0253] Next, the macromonomer a and, in addition, the following
ingredients were provided, and a dispersant .alpha. was prepared
according to the following procedure.
2 Ingredients Weight, g Portion 1a: Macromonomer a 152.4
2-Pyrrolidone 40.0 Portion 2a: Lupersol 11 (t-butyl peroxypivalate
0.07 (manufactured by ELf Arochem North America) Acetone 10.0
Portion 3a: 1-Butylstyrene 27.0 Styrene 18.0 Portion 4a: Lupersol
11 2.67 Acetone 20.0 Portion 5a: Lupersol 11 0.67 Acetone 10.0
[0254] The mixture of the portion 1a was charged into a 500-mL
flask equipped with a thermometer, a stirrer, a dropping funnel, a
reflux condenser, and means for maintaining a nitrogen blanket for
covering reactants. The mixture was heated to the reflux
temperature, and was refluxed for about 10 min. The solution of the
portion 2a was added thereto. Subsequently, the portions 3a and 4a
were simultaneously added to the reaction mixture while maintaining
the temperature of the reaction mixture at the reflux temperature.
In this case, the portions 3a and 4a were added over a period of 3
hr. The reaction mixture was refluxed for one hr. Thereafter, the
solution of the portion 5a was added thereto, and the reaction
mixture was then refluxed for additional one hr. The mixture was
subjected to distillation until about 117 g of volatiles was
recovered. 2-Pyrrolidone (75.0 g) was then added thereto to prepare
239.0 g of a 41.8% polymer solution (dispersant .alpha.).
[0255] Dispersant .beta.: Styrene/Methyl Methacrylate//Methacrylic
Acid (25.0/29.2//45.8 wt %) Block Copolymer
[0256] The following ingredients were provided, and a dispersant
.beta. was prepared as follows.
3 Ingredients Weight, g Portion 1b: Macromonomer a 152.4
2-Pyrrolidone 40.0 Portion 2b: Lupersol 11 0.67 Acetone 10.0
Portion 3b Styrene 30.0 Styrene methacrylate 35.0 Portion 4b:
Lupersol 11 2.67 Acetone 20.0 Portion 5b Lupersol 11 0.67 Acetone
10.0
[0257] The procedure used in the preparation of the dispersant
.alpha. was repeated, except that the above portions 1b to 5b were
used. Thus, 270 g of a 44.0% polymer solution (dispersant .beta.)
was prepared.
[0258] Dispersant .gamma.: t-Butylstyrene/Styrene/Methacrylic Acid
(27/18//55 wt %) Random Copolymer
[0259] The following ingredients were provided, and a dispersant
.gamma. was prepared as follows.
4 Ingredients Weight, g Portion 1c: t-Butylstyrene 4.0 Styrene 5.2
Methacrylic acid 8.8 2-Pyrrolidone 40.0 Isopropanol 90.0 Portion
2c: Lupersol 11 0.67 Acetone 10.0 Portion 3c: t-Butylstyrene 21.0
Styrene 16.8 Methacrylic acid 46.2 Portion 4c: Lupersol 11 2.67
Acetone 20.0 Portion 5c: Lupersol 11 0.67 Acetone 10.0
[0260] The procedure used in the preparation of the dispersant
.alpha. was repeated, except that the above portions 1c to 5c were
used. Thus, 205 g of a 43% polymer solution (dispersant .gamma.)
was prepared.
[0261] Preparation of Ink Compositions
[0262] The dispersants .alpha. to .gamma. thus obtained were used
to prepare the following ink compositions C1 to C8.
[0263] Ink Composition C1
[0264] C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 (100 g) as a yellow pigment, 150 g of
the dispersant .alpha., 6 g of potassium hydroxide, and 250 g of
water were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a ball mill
using zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus obtained
was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of
about 8 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.) to remove
coarse particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to bring the
concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a yellow
pigment dispersion C1 was prepared.
[0265] The yellow pigment dispersion C1 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin,
10 g of 1,2-pentanediol, and 1 g of Olfine E 1010 were mixed
together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to bring the
total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was
prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH 9.5 by the
addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. The mixed solution
was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a membrane
filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by
Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition C1 was
prepared.
[0266] Ink Composition C2
[0267] C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3 (100 g) as a cyan pigment, 100 g of
the dispersant .alpha., 4.5 g of potassium hydroxide, and 250 g of
water were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a ball mill
using zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus obtained
was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of
about 8 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.) to remove
coarse particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to bring the
concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a cyan pigment
dispersion C2 was prepared.
[0268] The cyan pigment dispersion C2 (30 g), 10 g of glycerin, 5 g
of diethylene glycol, 1 g of 1,2-hexanediol, and 1 g of Olfine STG
were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to
bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed
solution was prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH
9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. This mixed
solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a
membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m
(manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition
C2 was prepared.
[0269] Ink Composition C3
[0270] C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3 (100 g) as a cyan pigment, 100 g of
the dispersant .alpha., 4.5 g of potassium hydroxide, and 250 g of
water were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a ball mill
using zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus obtained
was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of
about 8 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.) to remove
coarse particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to bring the
concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a cyan pigment
dispersion C3 was prepared.
[0271] The cyan pigment dispersion C3 (30 g), 10 g of glycerin, 5 g
of diethylene glycol, 6 g of 1,2-hexanediol, and 1 g of Olfine E
1010 were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture
to bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed
solution was prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH
9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. This mixed
solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a
membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m
(manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition
C3 was prepared.
[0272] Ink Composition C4
[0273] C.I. Pigment Yellow 128 (100 g) as a yellow pigment, 150 g
of the dispersant .beta., 6 g of potassium hydroxide, and 250 g of
water were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a ball mill
using zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus obtained
was filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of
about 8 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.) to remove
coarse particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to bring the
concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a yellow
pigment dispersion C4 was prepared.
[0274] The yellow pigment dispersion C4 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin, 3
g of 1,2-hexanediol, and 1 g of Olfine E 1010 were mixed together.
Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to bring the total amount
of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was prepared. The
mixed solution was then adjusted to pH 9.5 by the addition of
triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. The mixed solution was stirred
for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a membrane filter with a
pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore,
Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition C4 was prepared.
[0275] Ink Composition C5
[0276] C.I. Pigment Red 122 (100 g) as a pigment, 150 g of the
dispersant .beta., 6 g of potassium hydroxide, and 250 g of water
were mixed together. The mixture was dispersed in a ball mill using
zirconia beads for 10 hr. The stock dispersion thus obtained was
filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 8
.mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.) to remove coarse
particles. The filtrate was diluted with water to bring the
concentration of the pigment to 10% by weight. Thus, a magenta
pigment dispersion C5 was prepared.
[0277] The magenta pigment dispersion C5 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin,
0.5 g of 1,2-heptanediol, and 1 g of Olfine E 1010 were mixed
together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture to bring the
total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was
prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH 9.5 by the
addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. The mixed solution
was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a membrane
filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by
Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition C5 was
prepared.
[0278] Ink Composition C6
[0279] A yellow pigment dispersion C6 was prepared in the same
manner as used in the preparation of the ink composition C4.
[0280] The yellow pigment dispersion C6 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin, 3
g of 1,2-hexanediol, 0.5 g of Olfine E 1010, and 0.8 g of Olfine
STG were mixed together. Ultrapure water was added to the mixture
to bring the total amount of the mixture to 100 g. Thus, a mixed
solution was prepared. The mixed solution was then adjusted to pH
9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH adjustor. The mixed
solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then filtered through a
membrane filter with a pore diameter of about 1.2 .mu.m
(manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink composition
C6 was prepared.
[0281] Ink Composition C7 (Comparative Example)
[0282] A yellow pigment dispersion C7 was prepared in the same
manner as used in the preparation of the ink composition C1, except
that the dispersant .gamma. was used as the dispersant instead of
the dispersant .alpha..
[0283] The yellow pigment dispersion C7 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin,
and 1 g of Olfine E 1010 were mixed together. Ultrapure water was
added to the mixture to bring the total amount of the mixture to
100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was prepared. The mixed solution was
then adjusted to pH 9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH
adjustor. The mixed solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then
filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of about
1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink
composition C7 was prepared.
[0284] Ink Composition C8 (Comparative Example)
[0285] A yellow pigment dispersion C8 was prepared in the same
manner as used in the preparation of the ink composition C4, except
that the dispersant .gamma. was used as the dispersant instead of
the dispersant .alpha..
[0286] The yellow pigment dispersion C8 (30 g), 15 g of glycerin,
and 1 g of Olfine E 1010 were mixed together. Ultrapure water was
added to the mixture to bring the total amount of the mixture to
100 g. Thus, a mixed solution was prepared. The mixed solution was
then adjusted to pH 9.5 by the addition of triethanolamine as a pH
adjustor. The mixed solution was stirred for 2 hr, and was then
filtered through a membrane filter with a pore diameter of about
1.2 .mu.m (manufactured by Nihon Millipore, Ltd.). Thus, an ink
composition C8 was prepared.
[0287] Evaluation Test C
[0288] Evaluation Test C1: Ejection Stability
[0289] For each of the ink compositions C1 to C8, a pattern having
a combination of graphics and texts was continuously printed by
means of a piezoelectric on-demand ink jet printer MJ-930C
manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation. In this case, the number
of prints produced, until an ink droplets trajectory directionality
problem occurred, was counted. The results were evaluated according
to the following criteria.
[0290] A plain paper Xerox-P manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
was used as a printing paper in the test.
[0291] AA: An average number of prints produced in continuous
printing of not less than 300
[0292] A: An average number of prints produced in continuous
printing of not less than 100 and less than 300
[0293] B: An average number of prints produced in continuous
printing of not less than 50 and less than 100
[0294] C: An average number of prints produced in continuous
printing of less than 50
[0295] Evaluation Test C2: Recovery From Clogging
[0296] Each of the ink compositions C1 to C8 was filled into the
head of the printer MJ-930C, and ejection of ink through all
nozzles was confirmed. The printer was then allowed to stand
without capping in an environment of 25.degree. C. for one year.
After the standing, cleaning operation was carried out until all
the nozzles could normally eject the ink. The number of cleaning
operations necessary for return to normal ejection of ink through
all the nozzles was evaluated according to the following
criteria.
[0297] A: Two or less cleaning operations
[0298] B: Three or four cleaning operations
[0299] C: Five or more cleaning operations
[0300] Evaluation C3: Fast Drying Property
[0301] For each of the ink compositions C1 to C8, a print pattern
of 100% duty was printed by means of the same printer as used
above. After the printing, the time required for the printed ink no
longer to be transferred onto the hand, when the hand is touched to
the printed face, was measured. The results were evaluated
according to the following criteria.
[0302] A plain paper Xerox-P manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
was used as a printing paper in the test.
[0303] A: Less than 30 sec
[0304] B: Not less than 30 sec and less than 1 min
[0305] C: Not less than 1 min.
[0306] The results were as summarized in Table 2.
5 TABLE 1 Ink composition Ink formulation wt % B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7
B8 Pigment dispersion 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 Pigment PY 74 PB 15:8
PB 25:3 PY 128 PR 122 PY 128 PY 74 PY 128 Dispersant J-62 J-62 J-62
J-62 J-62 J-62 J-52 J-62 Glycerin 15 10 10 15 15 15 15 15
Diethylene glycol -- 5 5 -- -- -- -- -- TEGnBE -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
5 1,2-Pentanediol 10 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,2-Hexanediol -- 1 5 3
-- 3 -- -- 1,2-Heptanediol -- -- -- -- 0.5 -- -- -- Olfine E 1010 1
-- 1 1 1 0.5 1 1 Olfine STG -- 1 -- -- -- 0.8 -- -- Water Balance
Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance Results of
evaluation test B: Evaluation test B1 A A A A A A B C Evaluation
test B2 A A A A A A A C
[0307]
6TABLE 2 Ink formulation: Ink composition wt % C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7
C8 Pigment dispersion 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 Pigment PY 74 PB 15:3
PB 15:3 PY 126 PR 122 PY 128 PT 74 PY 128 Resin dispersant *
.alpha. .alpha. .alpha. .beta. .beta. .beta. .gamma. .gamma.
Glycelin 15 10 10 15 15 15 15 15 Diethylene glycol -- 5 5 -- -- --
-- -- TEGnBE -- -- -- -- -- -- 5 5 1,2-Pentanediol 10 -- -- -- --
-- -- -- 1,2-Hexanediol -- 1 6 3 -- 3 -- -- 1,2-Heptanediol -- --
-- -- 0.5 -- -- -- Olfine E 1010 -- -- 1 1 1 0.5 1 1 Olfine STG --
1 -- -- -- 0.8 -- -- Water Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance
Balance Balance Balance Results of Evaluation test C: Evaluation
test C1 A A A A A A A A Evaluation test C2 A A A A A A A A
Evaluation test C3 A A A A A A B B *Resin dispersant .alpha.:
butylstyrene/styrene/methacrylic acid (27/18/15) block copolymer
.beta.: styrene/methyl methacrylate/methacrylic acid (25/29.2/45.8)
block copolymer .gamma.: butylstyrene/styrene//methacrylic acid
random copolymer
* * * * *