U.S. patent application number 14/671130 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body and recording method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Seiko Epson Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Seiko Epson Corporation. Invention is credited to Masahiro Karasawa, Keitaro Nakano, Chigusa Sato.
Application Number | 20150274368 14/671130 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52780902 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150274368 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakano; Keitaro ; et
al. |
October 1, 2015 |
NON-AQUEOUS PHOTOCURABLE INK JET COMPOSITION STORAGE BODY AND
RECORDING METHOD
Abstract
Provided is a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition
storage body including: a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition which contains a polymerizable compound of which a
moisture absorption rate at a temperature of 60.degree. C. and
relative humidity of 90% is equal to or greater than 1.5% by
mass/24 hours; and a container which accommodates the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition and is formed of a member having a
metal oxide layer, or a package which accommodates at least a
container accommodating the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition and is formed of a member having a metal oxide
layer.
Inventors: |
Nakano; Keitaro;
(Matsumoto-shi, JP) ; Sato; Chigusa;
(Shiojiri-shi, JP) ; Karasawa; Masahiro;
(Matsumoto-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seiko Epson Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Seiko Epson Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
52780902 |
Appl. No.: |
14/671130 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
347/20 ;
206/524.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 2/17513 20130101;
B65D 25/14 20130101; B41J 2002/17516 20130101; C09D 11/322
20130101; C09D 11/101 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/14 20060101
B65D025/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 28, 2014 |
JP |
2014-070038 |
Mar 28, 2014 |
JP |
2014-070059 |
Claims
1. A non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
comprising: a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition which
contains a polymerizable compound of which a moisture absorption
rate at a temperature of 60.degree. C. and relative humidity of 90%
is equal to or greater than 1.5% by mass/24 hours; and a container
which accommodates the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition
and is formed of a member having a metal oxide layer, or a package
which accommodates at least a container accommodating the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition and is formed of a
member having a metal oxide layer.
2. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 1, wherein the polymerizable compound includes
one or more selected from a group consisting of oxygen atoms
coupled with two acyclic hydrocarbon groups, a heterocyclic group
containing oxygen atoms, and a hydroxyl group.
3. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 1, wherein content of the polymerizable compound
is equal to or greater than 20% by mass, with respect to the total
amount of the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition.
4. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 1, wherein the metal oxide layer contains one or
more oxides selected from a group consisting of silica, alumina,
titania, zirconia, and ceria.
5. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition further contains an acylphosphine oxide-based
compound.
6. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 1, wherein the polymerizable compound contains a
radical polymerizable compound.
7. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition further contains a pigment and a pigment
dispersant.
8. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 1, wherein the container or the package has
visible light transmission.
9. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 1, wherein the moisture permeability of the
container or the package is equal to or less than 20 g/m.sup.224
hours.
10. A recording method comprising: delivering the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition to discharge nozzles from the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body according
to claim 1, through ink flow paths; and discharging the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition to a recording medium from the
discharge nozzles.
11. The recording method according to claim 10, further comprising:
irradiating the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition
attached to the recording medium with an ultraviolet light beam
having an emission peak wavelength of 350 nm to 420 nm using a
light emitting diode and curing the non-aqueous photocurable ink
jet composition.
12. A non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
comprising: a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition which
contains a polymerizable compound, a pigment, and a pigment
dispersant, in which the moisture absorption rate at a temperature
of 60.degree. C. and relative humidity of 90% is from 0.3% by
mass/24 hours to 2.0% by mass/24 hours; and a container which
accommodates the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition and
is formed of a member having a metal oxide layer, or a package
which accommodates at least a container accommodating the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition and is formed of a
member having a metal oxide layer.
13. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 12, wherein the polymerizable compound contains
a radical polymerizable compound.
14. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 12, wherein the metal oxide layer contains one
or more oxides selected from a group consisting of silica, alumina,
titania, zirconia, and ceria.
15. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 12, wherein the polymerizable compound includes
one or more selected from a group consisting of oxygen atoms
coupled with two acyclic hydrocarbon groups, a heterocyclic group
containing oxygen atoms, and a hydroxyl group.
16. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 12, wherein content of the polymerizable
compound is equal to or greater than 20% by mass, with respect to
the total amount of the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition.
17. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 12, wherein the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition further contains an acylphosphine oxide-based
compound.
18. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 12, wherein the container or the package has
visible light transmission.
19. The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to claim 12, wherein moisture permeability of the
container or the package is equal to or smaller than 20 g/m.sup.224
hours.
20. A recording method comprising: delivering the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition to discharge nozzles from the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body according
to claim 12, through ink flow paths; and discharging the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition to a recording medium
from the discharge nozzles.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a non-aqueous photocurable
ink jet composition storage body and a recording method.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] With an ink jet recording method, recording of a
high-definition image can be performed with a comparatively simple
apparatus and the method has been rapidly developed in various
fields. Meanwhile, various investigations have been performed
regarding a storage body which stores an ink composition.
JP-A-2007-131330, for example, discloses a storage container of a
photocurable ink composition which accommodates a photocurable ink
composition not containing a free thermal polymerization inhibitor
and in which solids containing a substance for preventing a curing
reaction of a radical polymerizable compound, in order to provide a
storage container and a storage method which prevent the curing
reaction and an increase in viscosity of the radical polymerizable
compound when storing the ink composition and do not disturb the
curing reaction when using the ink composition.
[0005] However, an ink composition having excellent curing
properties or adhesiveness includes a component having
hydrophilicity comparatively in many cases. When such an ink
composition is stored in a storage body of the related art, the ink
composition easily absorbs moisture. The moisture absorption of the
ink composition when being stored causes a decrease in curing
properties or generation of foreign materials. Meanwhile, in order
to prevent the moisture absorption, forming a metal deposition
layer on a surface of the storage body is considered, but in this
case, visibility of content in the storage body decreases and it is
difficult to identify the generation of foreign materials.
SUMMARY
[0006] An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide
a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body which
can prevent a decrease in curing properties and ensure visibility
of content, and a recording method using the storage body.
[0007] Another advantage of some aspects of the invention is to
provide a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
which can prevent a decrease in curing properties of an ink
composition and generation of foreign materials and ensure
visibility of content, and a recording method using the storage
body.
[0008] The inventors have performed investigations in order to
solve the problems. As a result, the inventors have found that the
problems can be solved by using a storage body having a
predetermined configuration, and the invention has been
completed.
[0009] A first aspect of the invention is as follows.
[0010] [1] A non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body including: a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition
which contains a polymerizable compound of which a moisture
absorption rate at a temperature of 60.degree. C. and relative
humidity of 90% is equal to or greater than 1.5% by mass/24 hours;
and a container which accommodates the non-aqueous photocurable ink
jet composition and is formed of a member having a metal oxide
layer, or a package which accommodates at least a container
accommodating the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition and
is formed of a member having a metal oxide layer.
[0011] [2] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to [1], in which the polymerizable compound includes
one or more selected from a group consisting of oxygen atoms
coupled with two acyclic hydrocarbon groups, a heterocyclic group
containing oxygen atoms, and a hydroxyl group.
[0012] [3] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to [1] or [2], in which content of the polymerizable
compound is equal to or greater than 20% by mass, with respect to
the total amount of the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition.
[0013] [4] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [3], in which the metal oxide
layer contains one or more oxides selected from a group consisting
of silica, alumina, titania, zirconia, and ceria.
[0014] [5] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [4], in which the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition further contains an acylphosphine
oxide-based compound.
[0015] [6] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [5], in which the polymerizable
compound contains a radical polymerizable compound.
[0016] [7] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [6], in which the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition further contains a pigment and a
pigment dispersant.
[0017] [8] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [7], in which the container or
the package has visible light transmission.
[0018] [9] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [8], in which moisture
permeability of the container or the package is equal to or less
than 20 g/m.sup.224 hours.
[0019] [10] A recording method including: delivering the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition to discharge nozzles
from the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
according to any one of [1] to [9], through ink flow paths; and
discharging the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition to a
recording medium from the discharge nozzles.
[0020] [11] The recording method according to [10], further
including: irradiating the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition attached to the recording medium with an ultraviolet
light beam having an emission peak wavelength of 350 nm to 420 nm
using a light emitting diode and curing the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition.
[0021] A second aspect of the invention is as follows.
[0022] [1] A non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body including: a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition
which contains a polymerizable compound, a pigment, and a pigment
dispersant, in which a moisture absorption rate at a temperature of
60.degree. C. and relative humidity of 90% is from 0.3% by mass/24
hours to 2.0% by mass/24 hours; and a container which accommodates
the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition and is formed of a
member having a metal oxide layer, or a package which accommodates
at least a container accommodating the non-aqueous photocurable ink
jet composition and is formed of a member having a metal oxide
layer.
[0023] [2] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to [1], in which the polymerizable compound contains
a radical polymerizable compound.
[0024] [3] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to [1] or [2], in which the metal oxide layer
contains one or more oxides selected from a group consisting of
silica, alumina, titania, zirconia, and ceria.
[0025] [4] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [3], in which the polymerizable
compound includes one or more selected from a group consisting of
oxygen atoms coupled with two acyclic hydrocarbon groups, a
heterocyclic group containing oxygen atoms, and a hydroxyl
group.
[0026] [5] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [4], in which content of the
polymerizable compound is equal to or greater than 20% by mass,
with respect to the total amount of the non-aqueous photocurable
ink jet composition.
[0027] [6] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [5], in which the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition further contains an acylphosphine
oxide-based compound.
[0028] [7] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [6], in which the container or
the package has visible light transmission.
[0029] [8] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage
body according to any one of [1] to [7], in which moisture
permeability of the container or the package is equal to or smaller
than 20 g/m.sup.224 hours.
[0030] [9] A recording method including: delivering the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition to discharge nozzles from the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body according
to any one of [1] to [8], through ink flow paths; and discharging
the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition to a recording
medium from the discharge nozzles.
[0031] [10] The recording method according to [9], further
including: irradiating the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition attached to the recording medium with an ultraviolet
light beam having an emission peak wavelength of 350 nm to 420 nm
using a light emitting diode and curing the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0032] The invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawing, wherein like numbers reference like
elements.
[0033] FIGURE is an exploded perspective view showing an example of
a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body of the
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments for realizing the first aspect of
the invention (hereinafter, referred to as "the embodiment") will
be described in detail with reference to the drawing, if necessary,
but the invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications
can be performed within a range not departing from the gist
thereof. In the drawing, the same reference numerals are used for
the same elements, and the overlapped description thereof will be
omitted. The positional relationship of upper, lower, right, and
left sides is based on the positional relationship shown in the
drawing, unless otherwise noted. The dimensional ratios of the
drawing are not limited to the scale of the drawing.
Non-Aqueous Photocurable Ink Jet Composition Storage Body
[0035] A non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
of the embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as a "storage
body") includes a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition
(hereinafter, also referred to as an "ink composition") which
contains a polymerizable compound of which a moisture absorption
rate at a temperature of 60.degree. C. and relative humidity of 90%
is equal to or greater than 1.5% by mass/24 hours, and a container
which accommodates the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition
and is formed of a member having a metal oxide layer, or a package
which accommodates at least a container accommodating the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition and is formed of a
member having a metal oxide layer.
[0036] In this specification, the "container" means an element
which directly accommodates the ink composition. The "package"
means an element which accommodates at least a container directly
accommodating the ink composition, that is, an element which
indirectly accommodates the ink composition. Any package may be
used as long as it accommodates at least the container or may be an
element which accommodates the entire storage body. The "storage
body" has a function of containing the container and a case for
protecting the container which is used if necessary, and means an
element which directly or indirectly accommodates the ink
composition. The storage body is used for storage and
transportation of the ink composition before using the ink
composition by a recording apparatus and supplies the ink
composition accommodated in the storage body to a recording
apparatus when using the ink composition. The storage body may be a
storage body which is formed of only a container, that is, the
container as it is.
[0037] The embodiment of the storage body is not particularly
limited to the following, but examples thereof include an ink
cartridge, a pack, a bottle, a tank, a bin, and a can. Among these,
an ink cartridge, a pack, a bottle, and a tank are preferable and a
pack is more preferable, from the viewpoints of general use and
ease of control of the degree of moisture permeability and the
degree of oxygen permeability which will be described later, to a
desired value.
[0038] FIGURE shows an exploded perspective view showing an example
of the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body of
the embodiment. An ink cartridge 40 is configured with an ink pack
70 which is filled with ink, and a cartridge case 72 which is
configured with a main body case 76 and a lid 78 accommodating the
ink pack 70 therein and protecting the ink pack. The ink pack 70
includes an ink supply port 74. The main body case 76 includes a
cut-out portion 80 and grooves 86, and the lid 78 includes a
pressing portion 82 and hooks 84. In the ink cartridge 40, the ink
pack 70 is accommodated in the main body case 76 and the lid 78,
and in this case, the ink supply port 74 is fit into the cut-out
portion 80 and is interposed between the pressing portion 82 and
the cut-out portion 80, and accordingly, the ink supply port is
fixed. The main body case 76 and the lid 78 are sealed by fitting
the hooks 84 into the grooves 86. The ink pack 70 corresponds to
the "container" of the embodiment and the entire cartridge
including the cartridge case 72 corresponds to the storage body.
The "package" is not shown in the drawing, but the package may be a
package which accommodates the entire cartridge, or may be a
package which accommodates the ink pack 70 in the cartridge and is
accommodated in the cartridge case 72. Alternatively, the cartridge
case 72 may also be used as a package. The entire cartridge
including the package may be defined as the "storage body".
[0039] An embodiment of the storage body is not particularly
limited, and an embodiment (A) of a cartridge which mounts a
storage body which is separated from a recording apparatus on a
recording apparatus and supplies an ink composition to a recording
apparatus from a storage body in a state of being mounted, an
embodiment (B) of a bottle which supplies an ink composition to an
ink tank of a recording apparatus from a storage body which is
separated from a recording apparatus, and an embodiment (C) of
attaching a storage body as a part of a recording apparatus in
advance are exemplified. In the cases of the embodiment (A) and the
embodiment (C), it is possible to perform recording by supplying
the ink composition to a head of the recording apparatus through a
connection portion such as an ink tube from the mounted storage
body or the attached storage body. In the case of the embodiment
(B), it is possible to perform recording by transferring the ink
composition to an ink tank of the recording apparatus from the
storage body and supplying the ink composition to a head of the
recording apparatus through a connection portion such as an ink
tube from an ink tank.
Metal Oxide Layer
[0040] The container accommodating the non-aqueous photocurable ink
jet composition or the package accommodating at least the container
accommodating the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition is
formed of a member including a metal oxide layer. The metal oxide
layer is included in at least any one of an outer surface, an inner
surface, and the inside of a member configuring the container or
the package. It is preferable that the metal oxide layer is
included on the entire surface containing a composition of a
member. By including the metal oxide layer, moisture permeability
further decreases and visibility is also excellent in the container
or the package of the embodiment. Since moisture permeability is
low, it is possible to prevent generation of foreign materials
caused by moisture absorption of the ink composition. Since
excellent visibility is obtained, it is easy to find foreign
materials generated in the container or the package.
[0041] The metal oxide contained in the metal oxide layer is not
particularly limited, but it is preferable to use an oxide of one
or more metals selected from a group consisting of silica, alumina,
titania, zirconia, and ceria, for example. By containing the metal
oxide, the moisture permeability of the container or the package
further decreases and curing properties and adhesiveness of the
accommodated ink composition is maintained. The metal oxide
contained in the metal oxide layer may be used alone or in a
combination of two or more kinds thereof. In addition, the metal
oxide layer may be configured with one layer or two or more
layers.
[0042] The thickness of the metal oxide layer is preferably from 10
nm to 500 nm, more preferably from 10 nm to 100 nm, and even more
preferably from 20 nm to 80 nm. Since the thickness of the metal
oxide layer is equal to or greater than 10 nm, the moisture
permeability of the container or the package further decreases and
the curing properties and the adhesiveness of the accommodated ink
composition are maintained. Since the thickness of the metal oxide
layer is equal to or less than 500 nm, visibility or flexibility is
further improved.
[0043] A formation method of the metal oxide layer is not
particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of
performing vapor deposition of a metal oxide on a surface of a
resin structure or an inorganic structure configuring a container
or a package, and a method of applying and drying a liquid
composition containing a metal oxide on a surface of a resin
structure or an inorganic structure configuring a container or a
package. In the container or the package of the embodiment, the
metal oxide layer may be a layer mainly configuring the container
or the package.
Other Constituent Material of Member
[0044] The container or the package is configured with a member
including the metal oxide layer. As a configuration other than the
metal oxide layer of the member, it is possible to use a structure
configured with a resin material (resin structure) or a structure
configured with an inorganic material (inorganic structure), and it
is possible to include the metal oxide layer on the surface or the
inside of the structures. A constituent material configuring the
resin structure or the inorganic structure is not particularly
limited, and examples thereof include a resin such as polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide-based
fiber, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, an ethylene vinyl
alcohol copolymer (EVOH), or polystyrene; and an inorganic
substance such as glass. The constituent materials may be combined
at an appropriate ratio or the plural kinds of the constituent
materials may be used in combination.
[0045] It is possible to configure the member as a film or a member
having a cubic shape such as a box or as a bottle, and it is
preferable to use a film from the viewpoint of achieving a light
weight container. Among the constituent materials, a film material
having excellent durability in the case of using the member as a
film is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a
plastic film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide-based fiber, an ethylene
vinyl acetate copolymer, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, and
polystyrene. Among these, polyethylene, polypropylene,
polyamide-based fiber, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, an
ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, and polystyrene having high
density, low density, or linear low density are preferable. The
film material may be a laminated film or a stretched film. As the
inorganic structure, glass or metal is used. The member may be a
material at least including the metal oxide layer, a member mainly
including the metal oxide layer as a constituent element, or a
member only configured with the metal oxide layer, for example.
[0046] The degree of oxygen permeability of the member including
the metal oxide layer of the container or the package is preferably
equal to or less than 5.0 cc20 .mu.m/(m.sup.2dayatm), more
preferably equal to or less than 2.0 cc20 .mu.m/(m.sup.2dayatm),
and even more preferably equal to or less than 1.0 cc20
.mu.m/(m.sup.2dayatm). Since the degree of oxygen permeability is
in the range described above, an amount of dissolved oxygen in the
ink composition being stored hardly changes. The degree of oxygen
permeability can be measured with a method based on JIS K7126
(ISO15105).
[0047] In order to improve the degree of oxygen permeability, the
container or the package may include a gas barrier layer. The gas
barrier layer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof
include a metal layer such as an aluminum layer, or an organic
layer such as an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer or a polyvinyl
alcohol layer.
[0048] The total thickness of the member of the container or the
package is preferably equal to or greater than 50 .mu.m, more
preferably equal to or greater than 70 .mu.m, and even more
preferably equal to or greater than 100 .mu.m. Since the total
thickness of the container or the package is equal to or greater
than 100 .mu.m, moisture content and the amount of dissolved oxygen
of the accommodated ink composition hardly changes and the desired
strength of the container or the package is obtained. The total
thickness of the container or the package preferably equal to or
less than 300 .mu.m, more preferably equal to or less than 200
.mu.m, and even more preferably equal to or less than 150 .mu.m.
Since the total thickness of the container or the package is equal
to or less than 200 .mu.m, the flexibility is further improved.
[0049] The amount of the ink composition which can be accommodated
in the container or the package is preferably from 100 mL to 5,000
mL, more preferably from 100 mL to 4,000 mL, even more preferably
from 300 mL to 3,000 mL, and further more preferably from 500 mL to
2,500 mL. Since the volume of the container or the package is in
the range described above, after starting the use of the container
or the package, it is possible to use all of the ink composition
while the amount of dissolved oxygen in the ink in the container or
the package does not substantially change, or the amount of
dissolved oxygen in the ink composition being stored hardly
changes.
[0050] The container or the package preferably has visible light
transmission. The term "visible light" means light having a
wavelength of 400 nm to 800 nm. The visible light transmittance is
preferably equal to or greater than 40%, more preferably equal to
or greater than 50%, and even more preferably equal to or greater
than 60%, as an average transmittance in the range of the above
wavelengths. Since the visible light transmittance is equal to or
greater than 40%, the visibility is further improved. An upper
limit of the visible light transmittance is not particularly
limited, but is preferably equal to or less than 100%. The visible
light transmittance decreases by increasing the thickness of the
structure (member) configured with the metal oxide layer and other
constituent materials, and increases by decreasing the thickness of
the structure (member) configured with the metal oxide layer and
other constituent materials. The visible light transmittance can be
measured with a method disclosed in Examples.
[0051] The moisture permeability of the container or the package is
preferably equal to or less than 20 g/m.sup.224 hours, more
preferably equal to or less than 10 g/m.sup.224 hours, and even
more preferably equal to or less than 5.0 g/m.sup.224 hours. Since
the moisture permeability is equal to or less than 20 g/m.sup.224
hours, it is possible to maintain the curing properties and the
adhesiveness of the accommodated ink composition and the generation
of foreign materials is prevented. In addition, the moisture
permeability of the container or the package is preferably equal to
or greater than 0.10 g/m.sup.224 hours, more preferably equal to or
greater than 0.20 g/m.sup.224 hours, even more preferably equal to
or greater than 1.0 g/m.sup.224 hours, and further more preferably
equal to or greater than 2.0 g/m.sup.224 hours. Since the moisture
permeability is equal to or greater than 0.10 g/m.sup.224 hours,
storage stability of the composition is further improved. The
moisture permeability increases by decreasing the thickness of the
member and decreases by increasing the thickness thereof, for
example. The moisture permeability can be measured with a method
disclosed in Examples.
Non-Aqueous Photocurable Ink Jet Composition
[0052] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition contains a
polymerizable compound of which the moisture absorption rate at a
temperature of 60.degree. C. and relative humidity of 90% is equal
to or greater than 1.5% by mass/24 hours. In the embodiment, such a
polymerizable compound is also referred to as a hydrophilic
polymerizable compound.
Hydrophilic Polymerizable Compound
[0053] Among the polymerizable compounds, the polymerizable
compound of which a moisture absorption rate at a temperature of
60.degree. C. and relative humidity of 90% is equal to or greater
than 1.5% by mass/24 hours is contained. The moisture absorption
rate thereof is preferably from 1.75% by mass/24 hours to 11% by
mass/24 hours and more preferably from 1.90% by mass/24 hours to
10% by mass/24 hours. When the moisture absorption rate of the
compound is equal to or greater than 1.5% by mass/24 hours,
excellent curing properties are obtained. When the moisture
absorption rate of the compound is equal to or smaller than 11% by
mass/24 hours, it is possible to further prevent generation of
foreign materials caused by the moisture absorption. The moisture
absorption rate can be measured with a method disclosed in
Examples.
[0054] The polymerizable compound of which the moisture absorption
rate at a temperature of 60.degree. C. and relative humidity of 90%
is equal to or greater than 1.5% by mass/24 hours is not
particularly limited, and examples thereof include a monofunctional
monomer such as acryloyl morpholine, 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate,
tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, or 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate;
and a bifunctional monomer such as 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxyl)ethyl
acrylate or dipropylene glycol diacrylate.
[0055] Among these, it is preferable to use a polymerizable
compound including one or more selected from a group consisting of
oxygen atoms coupled with two acyclic hydrocarbon groups
(hereinafter, also referred to as an "acyclic hydrocarbon group
containing oxygen atoms"), a heterocyclic group containing oxygen
atoms, and a hydroxyl group. These are also referred to as
hydrophilic groups. Since such a polymerizable compound has a
hydrophilic group having comparatively high water absorbability,
the invention is particularly advantageous. The acyclic hydrocarbon
group containing oxygen atoms is obtained by coupling an acyclic
hydrocarbon group with two bonds of the oxygen atoms. The two
acyclic hydrocarbon groups may be the same as each other or may be
different from each other, and each of these is a monovalent or di-
or higher valent saturated or unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon group
and 1 to 8 carbon atoms are preferable for each acyclic hydrocarbon
group. The heterocyclic group containing oxygen atoms includes
oxygen atoms as atoms configuring a heterocyclic ring. The
heterocyclic ring is preferably a three- to eight-membered ring.
The hydroxyl group is a hydroxyl group included in a molecule of
the polymerizable compound. Examples of the polymerizable compound
including an acyclic hydrocarbon group containing oxygen atoms
include 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxyl)ethyl acrylate and dipropylene glycol
diacrylate, examples of the polymerizable compound including a
heterocyclic group containing oxygen atoms include acryloyl
morpholine and tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, and examples of the
polymerizable compound including a hydroxyl group include
4-hydroxybutyl acrylate and 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate. As
the acyclic hydrocarbon group containing oxygen atoms, an ether
bond is used. The moisture absorption rate at a temperature of
60.degree. C. and relative humidity of 90% of the polymerizable
compound including the hydrophilic group is equal to or greater
than 1.5% by mass/24 hours, but since the moisture absorption rate
is determined in balance with a portion other than the hydrophilic
group in a molecule, the moisture absorption rate may be confirmed
with a method disclosed in Examples by preparing the polymerizable
compound including the hydrophilic group, for example.
[0056] The polymerizable compound preferably includes a radical
polymerizable compound and more preferably includes a hydrophilic
radical polymerizable compound. Since the polymerizable compound
includes a radical polymerizable compound, the curing properties
thereof are further improved.
[0057] A Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) value of the
polymerizable compound is preferably equal to or greater than 8,
more preferably equal to or greater than 9, and even more
preferably equal to or greater than 10. Since the polymerizable
compound having the HLB value equal to or greater than 8 has
comparatively high water absorbability, the invention is
particularly advantageous. An upper limit of the HLB value of the
polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and is
preferably equal to or smaller than 13. The HLB value of this
specification is acquired based on the Griffin method.
[0058] The ratio of the number of hydrophilic groups with respect
to molecular weight per molecule of the polymerizable compound
(molecular weight/number of hydrophilic groups) is preferably equal
to or greater than 30, more preferably equal to or greater than 50,
and even more preferably equal to or greater than 100. Since the
molecular weight/number of hydrophilic groups of the polymerizable
compound is equal to or greater than 30, the adhesiveness to a base
is further improved. The molecular weight/number of hydrophilic
groups of the polymerizable compound is preferably equal to or
smaller than 250, more preferably equal to or smaller than 200, and
even preferably equal to or smaller than 100. Since the
polymerizable compound having the molecular weight/number of
hydrophilic groups equal to or smaller than 250 has comparatively
high water absorbability, the invention is particularly
advantageous. The hydrophilic group is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include the oxygen atoms coupled with two
acyclic hydrocarbon groups, a heterocyclic group containing oxygen
atoms, and a hydroxyl group.
[0059] The ratio of the number of carbon atoms with respect to the
number of hydrophilic groups per molecule of the polymerizable
compound (number of carbon atoms/number of hydrophilic groups) is
preferably equal to or greater than 3, more preferably equal to or
greater than 4, and even more preferably equal to or greater than
7. Since the number of carbon atoms/number of hydrophilic groups of
the polymerizable compound is equal to or greater than 3, the
adhesiveness to a base is further improved. The number of carbon
atoms/number of hydrophilic groups of the polymerizable compound is
preferably equal to or smaller than 13, more preferably equal to or
smaller than 12, even more preferably equal to or smaller than 10,
and further more preferably equal to or smaller than 8. Since the
polymerizable compound having the number of carbon atoms/number of
hydrophilic groups equal to or smaller than 13 has comparatively
high water absorbability, the invention is particularly
advantageous.
[0060] Content of the polymerizable compound is preferably equal to
or greater than 20% by mass, more preferably equal to or greater
than 30% by mass, even more preferably equal to or greater than 45%
by mass, further more preferably equal to or greater than 50% by
mass, and particularly preferably equal to or greater than 60% by
mass, with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.
Since the content of the polymerizable compound is equal to or
greater than 20% by mass, curing properties and adhesiveness are
further improved. In addition, the content of the polymerizable
compound is preferably equal to or less than 98% by mass, more
preferably equal to or less than 95% by mass, even more preferably
equal to or less than 90% by mass, further more preferably equal to
or less than 80% by mass, and particularly preferably equal to or
less than 70% by mass, with respect to the total amount of the ink
composition. Since the content of the polymerizable compound is
equal to or less than 98% by mass, the foreign materials are more
difficult to generate.
[0061] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition may contain
a monofunctional, bifunctional, and tri- or higher functional
polymerizable compound other than the hydrophilic polymerizable
compound. The other polymerizable compound is not particularly
limited, and examples thereof include a monofunctional monomer such
as phenoxyethyl acrylate or isobornyl acrylate; a bifunctional
monomer such as 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate or
dimethylol-tricyclodecane diacrylate; and a trifunctional monomer
such as pentaerythritol triacrylate.
[0062] The polymerizable compound may be used alone or in a
combination of two or more kinds thereof. The content of the entire
polymerizable compound containing the ink composition is preferably
equal to or greater than 70% by mass with respect to the total
amount of the ink composition.
Photopolymerization Initiator
[0063] The ink composition may further contain a
photopolymerization initiator. The photopolymerization initiator is
not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an acyl
phosphine oxide-based compound and a thioxanthone-based compound.
Among these, an acylphosphine oxide-based compound is preferable.
Since the acylphosphine oxide-based compound is included, the
curing properties are further improved.
AcylPhosphine Oxide-Based Compound
[0064] The acylphosphine oxide-based compound easily exhibits
oxygen inhibition, but in contrast, the curing properties in the
case of using an LED are further improved by using the
acylphosphine oxide-based compound. A curing process by an UV-LED
is more excellent with the combination of the acylphosphine
oxide-based compound and the thioxanthone-based compound, and the
curing properties and the adhesiveness of the ink composition are
more excellent.
[0065] The acylphosphine oxide-based compound is not particularly
limited, and examples thereof include bis(2,4,6-trimethyl
benzoyl)-phenyl phosphine oxide, 2,4,6-trimethyl
benzoyl-diphenyl-phosphine oxide, and bis-(2,6-dimethoxy
benzoyl)-2,4,4-trimethyl pentyl phosphine oxide.
[0066] A commercially available product as the acylphosphine
oxide-based compound is not particularly limited, and examples
thereof include IRGACURE 819 (bis(2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-phenyl
phosphine oxide) and DAROCUR TPO (2,4,6-trimethyl
benzoyl-diphenyl-phosphine oxide).
[0067] Content of the acylphosphine oxide-based compound is
preferably from 5.0% by mass to 15.0% by mass, more preferably from
6.0% by mass to 14.0% by mass, and even more preferably from 7.0%
by mass to 10.0% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the ink
composition. Since the content of the acylphosphine oxide-based
compound is equal to or greater than 5.0% by mass, the curing
properties are more excellent. In addition, since the content of
the acylphosphine oxide-based compound is equal to or less than
15.0% by mass, residual unmelted photopolymerization initiator or
generation of precipitates thereof is decreased, and coloring of
the ink or yellow discoloration of a coated film due to the
photopolymerization initiator is decreased.
Thioxanthone-Based Compound
[0068] Since the thioxanthone-based compound is included, it is
possible to decrease surface tackiness, and it is particularly
possible to prevent color mixture and bleeding between dots by
curing the ink surface, in the case of using a thin film which can
easily exhibit oxygen inhibition.
[0069] The thioxanthone-based compound is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof preferably include one or more selected from a
group consisting of thioxanthone, diethyl thioxanthone, isopropyl
thioxanthone, and chlorothioxanthone. Although not particularly
limited, an example of diethyl thioxanthone preferably includes
2,4-diethyl thioxanthone, an example of isopropyl thioxanthone
preferably includes 2-isopropyl thioxanthone, and an example of
chlorothioxanthone preferably includes 2-chloro thioxanthone. When
the ink composition containing the thioxanthone-based compound is
used, the curing properties, the storage stability, and discharge
stability are more excellent. Among these, the thioxanthone-based
compound containing diethyl thioxanthone is preferable. Since the
diethyl thioxanthone is included, an ultraviolet light (UV light)
beam in a wide range can be efficiently converted into active
species.
[0070] A commercially available product as the thioxanthone-based
compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include
Speedcure DETX (2,4-diethyl thioxanthone) and Speedcure ITX
(2-isopropyl thioxanthone) (all manufactured by Lambson Ltd.), and
KAYACURE DETX-S (2,4-diethyl thioxanthone) (manufactured by Nippon
Kayaku Co., Ltd.)
[0071] Content of the photopolymerization initiator is preferably
from 5.0% by mass to 20% by mass, more preferably from 5.0% by mass
to 15% by mass, and even more preferably from 7% by mass to 13% by
mass, with respect to the total mass of the ink composition. Since
the total content of the polymerization initiator is equal to or
greater than 5.0% by mass, it is possible to decrease surface
tackiness, and it is possible to prevent color mixture and bleeding
between dots by curing the ink surface, in the case of using a thin
film which can easily exhibit oxygen inhibition. In addition, since
the total content of the polymerization initiator is equal to or
less than 20% by mass, coloring of the ink due to the initiator is
decreased, and yellow discoloration of a hue is decreased, or a
residual unmelted initiator or the amount of precipitates is
decreased.
Pigment and Pigment Dispersant
[0072] The ink composition may include a pigment and may further
include a pigment dispersant with the pigment. Since the pigment
and the pigment dispersant easily cause generation of foreign
materials due to moisture absorption, the ink composition contains
these, and accordingly, the invention is particularly
advantageous.
Pigment
[0073] The pigment used in black ink is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include No. 2300, No. 900, MCF88, No. 33, No.
40, No. 45, No. 52, MA7, MA8, MA100, and No. 2200B (all
manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), Raven 5750, Raven
5250, Raven 5000, Raven 3500, Raven 1255, and Raven 700 (all
manufactured by Carbon Columbia), Regal 400R, Regal 330R, Regal
660R, Mogul L, Monarch 700, Monarch 800, Monarch 880, Monarch 900,
Monarch 1000, Monarch 1100, Monarch 1300, and Monarch 1400 (all
manufactured by CABOT JAPAN K.K.), Color Black FW1, Color Black
FW2, Color Black FW2V, Color Black FW18, Color Black FW200, Color
Black S150, Color Black S160, Color Black S170, Printex 35, Printex
U, Printex V, Printex 140U, Special Black 6, Special Black 5,
Special Black 4A, and Special Black 4 (all manufactured by
Degussa).
[0074] A pigment used in white ink is not particularly limited, and
examples thereof include C.I. Pigment White 6, 18, and 21, titanium
oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, antimony oxide, zirconium oxide,
white hollow resin particles, and polymer particles.
[0075] The pigment used in yellow ink is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include C.I. Pigment Yellow, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24, 34, 35, 37, 53, 55, 65, 73, 74,
75, 81, 83, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 108, 109, 110, 113, 114, 117,
120, 124, 128, 129, 133, 138, 139, 147, 151, 153, 154, 167, 172,
and 180.
[0076] The pigment used in magenta ink is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include C.I. Pigment Red 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 30, 31, 32,
37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48(Ca), 48(Mn), 57(Ca), 57:1, 88, 112, 114,
122, 123, 144, 146, 149, 150, 166, 168, 170, 171, 175, 176, 177,
178, 179, 184, 185, 187, 202, 209, 219, 224, 245, or C.I. Pigment
Violet 19, 23, 32, 33, 36, 38, 43, and 50.
[0077] The pigment used in cyan ink is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include C.I. Pigment Blue 1, 2, 3, 15, 15:1,
15:2, 15:3, 15:34, 15:4, 16, 18, 22, 25, 60, 65, and 66, C.I. Vat
Blue 4 and 60.
[0078] The other pigments are not particularly limited, and
examples thereof include C.I. Pigment Green 7 and 10, C.I. Pigment
Brown 3, 5, 25, and 26, C.I. Pigment Orange 1, 2, 5, 7, 13, 14, 15,
16, 24, 34, 36, 38, 40, 43, and 63.
Pigment Dispersant
[0079] The pigment may be a dispersible pigment. As a dispersion
method of the pigment, a pigment dispersant is used, for
example.
[0080] The pigment dispersant is not particularly limited, and
examples thereof include polyvinyl alcohols; polyvinyl
pyrrolidones; an acrylic resin such as polyacrylic acid, an acrylic
acid-acrylonitrile copolymer, a potassium acrylate-acrylonitrile
copolymer, a vinyl acetate-acrylic ester copolymer, or an acrylic
acid-acrylic acid alkyl ester copolymer; a styrene-acrylic resin
such as a styrene-acrylic acid copolymer, a styrene-methacrylic
acid copolymer, a styrene-methacrylic acid-acrylic acid alkyl ester
copolymer, a styrene-.alpha.-methyl styrene-acrylic acid copolymer,
or a styrene-.alpha.-methyl styrene-acrylic acid-acrylic acid alkyl
ester copolymer; a styrene-maleic acid copolymer; a styrene-maleic
anhydride copolymer; a vinyl naphthalene-acrylic acid copolymer; a
vinyl naphthalene-maleic acid copolymer; a vinyl acetate-based
copolymer such as a vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, a vinyl
acetate-fatty acid vinyl ethylene copolymer, a vinyl acetate-maleic
acid ester copolymer, a vinyl acetate-crotonic acid copolymer, a
vinyl acetate-acrylic acid copolymer, or salts thereof; proteins
such as glue, gelatin, casein, or albumin; natural gums such as gum
arabic or gum tragacanth; glucosides such as saponin; alginic acid
derivatives such as alginic acid and propylene glycol alginate,
triethanolamine alginate, or ammonium alginate; and cellulose
derivatives such as methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose,
hydroxyethyl cellulose, or ethyl hydroxy cellulose. The pigment
dispersant may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds
thereof.
Polymerization Inhibitor
[0081] The ink composition of the embodiment may contain a
polymerization inhibitor. The polymerization inhibitor is not
particularly limited, and examples thereof include hydroquinones
represented by hydroquinone, hydroquinone monomethyl ether (MEHQ),
1-o-2,3,5-trimethyl hydroquinone, or 2-tert-butylhydroquinone;
catechols represented by catechol, 4-methyl catechol, or
4-tert-butylcatechol; phenols represented by phenol, butyl hydroxy
toluene, butyl hydroxy anisole, p-methoxy phenol, cresol,
pyrogallol, 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene,
2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol),
2,2'-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-butylphenol), and
4,4'-thiobis(3-methyl-6-t-butylphenol); and hindered amines
represented by a compound having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl
piperidine-N-oxyl skeleton represented by
4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinyl-1-oxyl, a compound having
a 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine skeleton, a compound having a
2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-alkyl skeleton, and a compound
having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-acyl skeleton. The
polymerization inhibitor may be used alone or in combination of two
or more kinds thereof.
[0082] Content of the polymerization inhibitor is preferably from
0.05% by mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably from 0.10% by mass
to 0.50% by mass, and even more preferably from 0.10% by mass to
0.30% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the ink
composition. Since the content of the polymerization inhibitor is
equal to or greater than 0.05% by mass, the storage stability is
further improved. In addition, since the content of the
polymerization inhibitor is equal to or smaller than 1.0% by mass,
the curing properties thereof are further improved.
Non-Aqueous System
[0083] The ink composition of the embodiment has is non-aqueous.
Specifically, content of water is preferably from 0% by mass to
1.0% by mass, more preferably from 0% by mass to 0.50% by mass, and
even more preferably from 0% by mass to 0.30% by mass.
Alternatively, an ink composition which does not substantially
contain water is used.
Recording Method
[0084] A recording method of the embodiment includes a liquid
delivery step of delivering the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition containing the polymerizable compound of which the
moisture absorption rate at a temperature of 60.degree. C. and
relative humidity of 90% is equal to or greater than 1.5% by
mass/24 hours, to discharge nozzles from the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition storage body through ink flow
paths, and a discharge step of discharging the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition to a recording medium from the
discharge nozzles.
Liquid Delivering Step
[0085] The liquid delivering step is a step of delivering the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition to the discharge
nozzles from the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition
storage body through the ink flow paths. The "ink flow paths"
herein are flow paths for causing the ink to flow in the ink jet
recording apparatus. Examples of the ink flow path include an ink
supply path for supplying the ink to an ink jet-type recording head
from an ink accommodation container storing the ink, or a flow path
for causing the ink to flow to nozzle openings in the ink jet-type
recording head. As the liquid delivery step, a well-known method in
the related art can be used.
Discharge Step
[0086] The discharge step is a step of discharging the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition to the recording medium from the
discharge nozzles.
Curing Step
[0087] The recording method of the embodiment may further include a
curing step. The curing step is a step of irradiating the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition attached to the
recording medium with the ultraviolet light beam having an emission
peak wavelength of 350 nm to 420 nm using a light emitting diode
(LED) and curing the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition.
By using the LED, it is possible to realize miniaturization and
long life of the ink jet recording apparatus and high efficiency
and low cost of the ink jet recording method, compared to a case
using a metal halide light source or a mercury lamp.
[0088] Hereinafter, embodiments for realizing the second aspect of
the invention (hereinafter, referred to as "the embodiment") will
be described in detail with reference to the drawing, if necessary,
but the invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications
can be performed within a range not departing from the gist
thereof. In the drawing, the same reference numerals are used for
the same elements, and the overlapped description thereof will be
omitted. The positional relationship of upper, lower, right, and
left sides is based on the positional relationship shown in the
drawing, unless otherwise noted. The dimensional ratio of the
drawing is not limited to the scale of the drawing.
Non-Aqueous Photocurable Ink Jet Composition Storage Body
[0089] A non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body
of the embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as a "storage
body") includes a non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition
(hereinafter, also referred to as an "ink composition") which
contains a polymerizable compound, a pigment, and a pigment
dispersant, in which the moisture absorption rate at a temperature
of 60.degree. C. and relative humidity of 90% is from 0.3% by
mass/24 hours to 2.0% by mass/24 hours, and a container which
accommodates the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition and
is formed of a member having a metal oxide layer, or a package
which accommodates at least a container accommodating the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition and is formed of a
member having a metal oxide layer.
[0090] In this specification, the "container" means an element
which directly accommodates the ink composition. The "package"
means an element which accommodates at least a container directly
accommodating the ink composition, that is, an element which
indirectly accommodates the ink composition. Any package may be
used as long as it accommodates at least the container or may be an
element which accommodates the entire storage body. The "storage
body" has a function of containing the container and a case for
protecting the container which is used if necessary, and means an
element which directly or indirectly accommodates the ink
composition. The storage body is used for storage and
transportation of the ink composition before using the ink
composition in a recording apparatus and supplies the ink
composition accommodated in the storage body to a recording
apparatus when using the ink composition. The storage body may be a
storage body which is formed of only a container, that is, the
container as it is.
[0091] The embodiment of the storage body is not particularly
limited to the following, but examples thereof include an ink
cartridge, a pack, a bottle, a tank, a bin, and a can. Among these,
an ink cartridge, a pack, a bottle, and a tank are preferable and a
pack is more preferable, from the viewpoints of general use and
ease of control of the degree of moisture permeability and the
degree of oxygen permeability which will be described later, to a
desired value.
[0092] FIGURE shows an exploded perspective view showing an example
of the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition storage body of
the embodiment. An ink cartridge 40 is configured with an ink pack
70 which is filled with ink, and a cartridge case 72 which is
configured with a main body case 76 and a lid 78 accommodating the
ink pack 70 therein and protecting the ink pack. The ink pack 70
includes an ink supply port 74. The main body case 76 includes a
cut-out portion 80 and grooves 86, and the lid 78 includes a
pressing portion 82 and hooks 84. In the ink cartridge 40, the ink
pack 70 is accommodated in the main body case 76 and the lid 78,
and in this case, the ink supply port 74 is fit into the cut-out
portion 80 and is interposed between the pressing portion 82 and
the cut-out portion 80, and accordingly, the ink supply port is
fixed. The main body case 76 and the lid 78 are sealed by fitting
the hooks 84 into the grooves 86. The ink pack 70 corresponds to
the "container" of the embodiment and the entire cartridge
including the cartridge case 72 corresponds to the storage body.
The "package" is not shown in the drawing, but the package may be a
package which accommodates the entire cartridge, or may be a
package which accommodates the ink pack 70 in the cartridge and is
accommodated in the cartridge case 72. Alternatively, the cartridge
case 72 may also be used as a package. The entire cartridge
including the package may be defined as the "storage body".
[0093] An embodiment of the storage body is not particularly
limited, and an embodiment (A) of a cartridge which mounts a
storage body which is separated from a recording apparatus on a
recording apparatus and supplies an ink composition to a recording
apparatus from a storage body in a state of being mounted, an
embodiment (B) of a bottle which supplies an ink composition to an
ink tank of a recording apparatus from a storage body which is
separated from a recording apparatus, and an embodiment (C) of
attaching a storage body as a part of a recording apparatus in
advance are exemplified. In the cases of the embodiment (A) and the
embodiment (C), it is possible to perform recording by supplying
the ink composition to a head of the recording apparatus through a
connection portion such as an ink tube from the mounted storage
body or the attached storage body. In a case of the embodiment (B),
it is possible to perform recording by transferring the ink
composition to an ink tank of the recording apparatus from the
storage body and supplying the ink composition to a head of the
recording apparatus through a connection portion such as an ink
tube from an ink tank.
Metal Oxide Layer
[0094] The container or the package is formed of a member including
a metal oxide layer. The metal oxide layer may be formed on the
entire or a part of at least any one of an outer surface and an
inner surface of the container or the package. It is preferable
that the metal oxide layer is included on the entire surface
containing a composition of a member. By including the metal oxide
layer, moisture permeability further decreases and visibility is
also excellent in the container or the package of the embodiment.
Since moisture permeability is low, it is possible to prevent
generation of foreign materials caused by moisture absorption of
the ink composition. Since excellent visibility is obtained, it is
easy to find foreign materials generated in the container or the
package.
[0095] The metal oxide contained in the metal oxide layer is not
particularly limited, but it is preferable to use an oxide of one
or more metals selected from a group consisting of silica, alumina,
titania, zirconia, and ceria, for example. By containing the metal
oxide, the moisture permeability of the container or the package
further decreases and curing properties and adhesiveness of the
accommodated ink composition is maintained. The metal oxide
contained in the metal oxide layer may be used alone or in
combination of two or more kinds thereof. In addition, the metal
oxide layer may be configured with one layer or two or more
layers.
[0096] The thickness of the metal oxide layer is preferably from 10
nm to 500 nm, more preferably from 10 nm to 100 nm, and even more
preferably from 20 nm to 80 nm. Since the thickness of the metal
oxide layer is equal to or greater than 10 nm, the moisture
permeability of the container or the package further decreases and
the curing properties and the adhesiveness of the accommodated ink
composition are maintained. Since the thickness of the metal oxide
layer is equal to or less than 500 nm, visibility or flexibility is
further improved.
[0097] The formation method of the metal oxide layer is not
particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of
performing vapor deposition of a metal oxide on a surface of a
resin structure or an inorganic structure configuring a container
or a package, and a method of applying and drying a liquid
composition containing a metal oxide on a surface of a resin
structure or an inorganic structure configuring a container or a
package. In the container or the package of the embodiment, the
metal oxide layer may be a layer mainly configuring the container
or the package.
Other Constituent Material of Member
[0098] The container or the package is configured with a member
including the metal oxide layer. As a configuration other than that
of the metal oxide layer of the member, it is possible to use a
structure configured with a resin material (resin structure) or a
structure configured with an inorganic material (inorganic
structure), and the metal oxide layer may be included on the
surface or the inside of the structures. A constituent material
configuring the resin structure or the inorganic structure is not
particularly limited, and examples thereof include a resin such as
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polyethylene,
polyamide-based fiber, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, an
ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), or polystyrene; and an
inorganic substance such as glass. The constituent materials may be
combined at an appropriate ratio or the plural kinds of the
constituent materials may be used in combination.
[0099] It is possible to configure the member as a film or a member
having a cubic shape such as a box or as a bottle, and it is
preferable to use a film in a viewpoint of achieving a light weight
container. Among the constituent materials, a film material having
excellent durability in the case of using the member as a film is
not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a plastic
film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyamide-based fiber, an ethylene vinyl acetate
copolymer, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, and polystyrene.
Among these, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide-based fiber, an
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, an ethylene vinyl alcohol
copolymer, and polystyrene having high density, low density, or
linear low density are preferable. The film material may be a
laminated film or a stretched film. As the inorganic structure,
glass or metal is used. The member may be a material at least
including the metal oxide layer, a member mainly including the
metal oxide layer as a constituent element, or a member only
configured with the metal oxide layer, for example.
[0100] The degree of oxygen permeability of the member including
the metal oxide layer of the container or the package is preferably
equal to or less than 5.0 cc20 .mu.m/(m.sup.2dayatm), more
preferably equal to or less than 2.0 cc20 .mu.m/(m.sup.2dayatm),
and even more preferably equal to or less than 1.0 cc20
.mu.m/(m.sup.2dayatm). Since the degree of oxygen permeability is
in the range described above, an amount of dissolved oxygen in the
ink composition being stored hardly changes. The degree of oxygen
permeability can be measured with a method based on JIS K7126
(ISO15105).
[0101] In order to improve the degree of oxygen permeability, the
container or the package may include a gas barrier layer. The gas
barrier layer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof
include a metal layer such as an aluminum layer, or an organic
layer such as an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer or a polyvinyl
alcohol layer.
[0102] The total thickness of the member of the container or the
package is preferably equal to or greater than 50 .mu.m, more
preferably equal to or greater than 70 .mu.m, and even more
preferably equal to or greater than 100 .mu.m. Since the total
thickness of the container or the package is equal to or greater
than 100 .mu.m, moisture content and the amount of dissolved oxygen
of the accommodated ink composition hardly changes and strength of
the container or the package is obtained. The total thickness of
the container or the package preferably equal to or less than 300
.mu.m, more preferably equal to or less than 200 .mu.m, and even
more preferably equal to or less than 150 .mu.m. Since the total
thickness of the container or the package is equal to or less than
200 .mu.m, the flexibility thereof is further improved.
[0103] The amount of the ink composition which can be accommodated
in the container or the package is preferably from 100 mL to 5,000
mL, more preferably from 100 mL to 4,000 mL, even more preferably
from 300 mL to 3,000 mL, and particularly preferably from 500 mL to
2,500 mL. Since the volume of the container or the package is in
the range described above, after starting the use of the container
or the package, it is possible to use all of the ink composition
while the amount of dissolved oxygen in the ink in the container or
the package does not substantially change, or the amount of
dissolved oxygen in the ink composition being stored hardly
changes.
[0104] The container or the package preferably has visible light
transmission. The term "visible light" means light having a
wavelength of 400 nm to 800 nm. The visible light transmittance is
preferably equal to or greater than 40%, more preferably equal to
or greater than 50%, and even more preferably equal to or greater
than 60%, as an average transmittance in the range of the above
wavelengths. Since the visible light transmittance is equal to or
greater than 40%, visibility is further improved. The upper limit
of the visible light transmittance is not particularly limited, but
is preferably equal to or smaller than 100%. The visible light
transmittance decreases by increasing the thickness of the
structure configured with the metal oxide layer and other
constituent materials, and increases by decreasing the thickness of
the structure configured with the metal oxide layer and other
constituent materials. The visible light transmittance can be
measured with a method disclosed in Examples.
[0105] The moisture permeability of the container or the package is
preferably equal to or less than 20 g/m.sup.224 hours, more
preferably equal to or less than 10 g/m.sup.224 hours, and even
more preferably equal to or less than 5.0 g/m.sup.224 hours. Since
the moisture permeability is equal to or less than 20 g/m.sup.224
hours, it is possible to maintain the curing properties and the
adhesiveness of the accommodated ink composition and the generation
of foreign materials is prevented. In addition, the moisture
permeability of the container or the package is preferably equal to
or greater than 0.10 g/m.sup.224 hours, more equal to or greater
than 0.20 g/m.sup.224 hours, even more preferably equal to or
greater than 1.0 g/m.sup.224 hours, and further more preferably
equal to or greater than 2.0 g/m.sup.224 hours. Since the moisture
permeability is preferably equal to or greater than 0.10
g/m.sup.224 hours, the degree of freedom of the design of the
member increases. The moisture permeability increases by decreasing
the thickness of the member and decreases by increasing the
thickness thereof. The moisture permeability can be measured with a
method disclosed in Examples.
Non-Aqueous Photocurable Ink Jet Composition
[0106] The non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition contains a
polymerizable compound, a pigment, and a pigment dispersant, and
the moisture absorption rate at a temperature of 60.degree. C. and
relative humidity of 90% is from 0.3% by mass/24 hours to 2.0% by
mass/24 hours.
[0107] The moisture absorption rate of the non-aqueous photocurable
ink jet composition is from 0.30% by mass/24 hours to 2.0% by
mass/24 hours, preferably from 0.50% by mass/24 hours to 1.5% by
mass/24 hours, and more preferably from 0.50% by mass/24 hours to
1.0% by mass/24 hours. Since the moisture absorption rate of the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition is equal to or greater
than 0.3% by mass/24 hours, the curing properties are further
improved. In addition, since the moisture absorption rate of the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition is equal to or smaller
than 2.0% by mass/24 hours, the generation of the foreign materials
is further prevented. The moisture absorption rate can be
controlled by adjusting the content of the component having a high
moisture absorption rate, for example, the content of the
polymerizable compound, but there is no limitation thereto. The
moisture absorption rate can be measured with a method disclosed in
Examples.
Non-Aqueous System
[0108] The ink composition of the embodiment is non-aqueous.
Specifically, content of water therein is preferably from 0% by
mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably from 0% by mass to 0.50% by
mass, and even more preferably from 0% by mass to 0.30% by mass.
Alternatively, the ink composition which does not substantially
contain water is used.
Polymerizable Compound
[0109] The polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and
examples thereof include a well-known monofunctional, bifunctional,
and tri- or higher polyfunctional monomer and oligomer of the
related art. The polymerizable compound may be used alone or in
combination of two or more kinds thereof. The examples of the
polymerizable compound are shown hereinafter.
[0110] The monofunctional, bifunctional, and tri- or higher
polyfunctional monomer is not particularly limited, and examples
thereof include unsaturated carboxylic acid such as (meth)acrylic
acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, isocrotonic acid, or maleic
acid; salt of unsaturated carboxylic acid; ester, urethane, amide,
and anhydride of unsaturated carboxylic acid; acrylonitrile;
styrene; various unsaturated polyesters; unsaturated polyethers;
unsaturated polyamides; and unsaturated urethanes. The
monofunctional, bifunctional, and tri- or higher polyfunctional
oligomer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include
an oligomer formed from the monomer described above such as a
straight-chain acrylic oligomer, epoxy(meth)acrylate,
oxetane(meth)acrylate, aliphatic urethane(meth)acrylate, aromatic
urethane(meth)acrylate, and polyester(meth)acrylate.
[0111] As the other monofunctional monomer or polyfunctional
monomer, an N-vinyl compound may be contained therein. The N-vinyl
compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include
N-vinyl formamide, N-vinyl carbazole, N-vinyl acetamide, N-vinyl
pyrrolidone, N-vinyl caprolactam, acryloyl morpholine, and a
derivative thereof.
[0112] Monofunctional (meth)acrylate is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include isoamyl(meth)acrylate,
stearyl(meth)acrylate, lauryl(meth)acrylate, octyl(meth)acrylate,
decyl(meth)acrylate, isomyristyl(meth)acrylate,
isostearyl(meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl-diglycol(meth)acrylate,
2-hydroxybutyl(meth)acrylate, butoxyethyl(meth)acrylate, ethoxy
diethylene glycol(meth)acrylate, methoxydiethylene
glycol(meth)acrylate, methoxy polyethylene glycol(meth)acrylate,
methoxy propylene glycol(meth)acrylate, phenoxyethyl(meth)acrylate,
tetrahydrofurfuryl(meth)acrylate, isobornyl(meth)acrylate,
2-hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate,
2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl(meth)acrylate, lactone-modified flexible
(meth)acrylate, t-butyl cyclohexyl(meth)acrylate,
dicyclopentanyl(meth)acrylate, and
dicyclopentenyloxyethyl(meth)acrylate. Among these,
phenoxyethyl(meth)acrylate is most preferable.
[0113] As (meth)acrylate, a material containing a vinyl ether group
is used. The monofunctional(meth)acrylate is not particularly
limited, and examples thereof include
2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate,
2-vinyloxyethyl(meth)acrylate, 3-vinyloxypropyl(meth)acrylate,
1-methyl-2-vinyloxyethyl(meth)acrylate,
2-vinyloxypropyl(meth)acrylate, 4-vinyloxybutyl(meth)acrylate,
1-methyl-3-vinyloxypropyl(meth)acrylate,
1-vinyloxymethylpropyl(meth)acrylate,
2-methyl-3-vinyloxypropyl(meth)acrylate,
1,1-dimethyl-2-vinyloxyethyl(meth)acrylate,
3-vinyloxybutyl(meth)acrylate,
1-methyl-2-vinyloxypropyl(meth)acrylate,
2-vinyloxybutyl(meth)acrylate, 4-vinyloxycyclohexyl(meth)acrylate,
6-vinyloxyhexyl(meth)acrylate,
4-vinyloxymethylcyclohexylmethyl(meth)acrylate,
3-vinyloxymethylcyclohexylmethyl(meth)acrylate,
2-vinyloxymethylcyclohexylmethyl(meth)acrylate,
p-vinyloxymethylphenylmethyl(meth)acrylate,
m-vinyloxymethylphenylmethyl(meth)acrylate,
o-vinyloxymethylphenylmethyl(meth)acrylate,
2-(vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate,
2-(vinyloxyisopropoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate,
2-(vinyloxyethoxy)propyl(meth)acrylate,
2-(vinyloxyethoxy)isopropyl(meth)acrylate,
2-(vinyloxyisopropoxy)propyl(meth)acrylate,
2-(vinyloxyisopropoxy)isopropyl(meth)acrylate,
2-(vinyloxyethoxyethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate,
2-(vinyloxyethoxyisopropoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate,
2-(vinyloxyisopropoxyethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxy
isopropoxy isopropoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxy
ethoxy)propyl(meth)acrylate, 2-vinyloxyethoxy
isopropoxy)propyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxy
isopropoxyethoxy)propyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxy isopropoxy
isopropoxy)propyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxy ethoxy)
isopropyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxy
isopropoxy)isopropyl(meth)acrylate,
2-(vinyloxyisopropoxyethoxy)isopropyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxy
isopropoxy isopropoxy)isopropyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxy
ethoxyethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxy
ethoxyethoxyethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(isopropenoxy
ethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(isopropenoxy ethoxy
ethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(isopropenoxy ethoxy ethoxy
ethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate, 2-(isopropenoxy ethoxy ethoxy ethoxy
ethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol monovinyl
ether(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol monovinyl
ether(meth)acrylate, phenoxyethyl(meth)acrylate,
isobornyl(meth)acrylate, and benzyl(meth)acrylate. Among these,
2-(vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl(meth)acrylate, phenoxyethyl(meth)acrylate,
isobornyl(meth)acrylate, and benzyl(meth)acrylate are most
preferable.
[0114] Among the (meth)acrylates, bifunctional (meth)acrylate is
not particularly limited, and examples thereof include triethylene
glycol di(meth)acrylate, tetraethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate,
polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, dipropylene glycol
di(meth)acrylate, tripropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate,
polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,4-butanediol
di(meth)acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate,
1,9-nonanedioldi(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate,
dimethylol-tricyclodecane di(meth)acrylate, bisphenol A EO
(ethylene oxide) adduct di(meth)acrylate, bisphenol A PO (propylene
oxide) adduct di(meth)acrylate, hydroxypivalic acid neopentyl
glycol di(meth)acrylate, polytetramethylene glycol
di(meth)acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene
glycol di(meth)acrylate, and tri- or higher functional
(meth)acrylate having a pentaerythritol skeleton or a
dipentaerythritol skeleton. Among these, dipropylene glycol
di(meth)acrylate is most preferable. Among them, dipropylene glycol
di(meth)acrylate, tripropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, diethylene
glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, and
tri- or higher functional (meth)acrylate having a pentaerythritol
skeleton or a dipentaerythritol skeleton are most preferable.
[0115] Among the (meth)acrylates, tri- or higher polyfunctional
(meth)acrylate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof
include trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, EO-modified
trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol
tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate,
dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, ditrimethylolpropane
tetra(meth)acrylate, glycerol propoxy tri(meth)acrylate,
caprolactone-modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate,
pentaerythritol ethoxy tetra(meth)acrylate, caprolactam-modified
dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, and dipentaerythritol
hexa(meth)acrylate.
[0116] Among these, it is preferable to use a polymerizable
compound including one or more selected from a group consisting of
oxygen atoms coupled with two acyclic hydrocarbon groups
(hereinafter, also referred to as an "acyclic hydrocarbon group
containing oxygen atoms"), a heterocyclic group containing oxygen
atoms, and a hydroxyl group. In the embodiment, the functional
group is also referred to as a hydrophilic group and such a
polymerizable compound is also referred to as a hydrophilic
polymerizable compound. Since such a polymerizable compound has a
hydrophilic group having comparatively high water absorbability,
the invention is particularly advantageous. The acyclic hydrocarbon
group containing oxygen atoms is obtained by coupling an acyclic
hydrocarbon group with two bonds of the oxygen atoms. The two
acyclic hydrocarbon groups may be the same as each other or may be
different from each other, and each of these is a monovalent or di-
or higher valent saturated or unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon group
and 1 to 8 carbon atoms are preferable for each acyclic hydrocarbon
group. The heterocyclic group containing oxygen atoms includes
oxygen atoms as atoms configuring a heterocyclic ring. The
heterocyclic ring is preferably a three- to eight-membered ring.
The hydroxyl group is a hydroxyl group included in a molecule of
the polymerizable compound. Examples of the polymerizable compound
including an acyclic hydrocarbon group containing oxygen atoms
include 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate and dipropylene glycol
diacrylate, examples of the polymerizable compound including a
heterocyclic group containing oxygen atoms include acryloyl
morpholine and tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, and examples of the
polymerizable compound including a hydroxyl group include
4-hydroxybutyl acrylate and 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate. As
the acyclic hydrocarbon group containing oxygen atoms, an ether
bond is used.
[0117] The polymerizable compound preferably includes a radical
polymerizable compound and more preferably includes a hydrophilic
radical polymerizable compound. Since the polymerizable compound
includes a radical polymerizable compound, the curing properties
thereof are further improved.
[0118] A Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) value of the
polymerizable compound is preferably equal to or greater than 8,
more preferably equal to or greater than 9, and even more
preferably equal to or greater than 10. Since the polymerizable
compound having the HLB value equal to or greater than 8 has
comparatively high water absorbability, the invention is
particularly advantageous. An upper limit of the HLB value of the
polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, but is
preferably equal to or smaller than 13. The HLB value of this
specification is acquired based on the Griffin method.
[0119] The ratio of the number of hydrophilic groups with respect
to molecular weight per molecule of the polymerizable compound
(molecular weight/number of hydrophilic groups) is preferably equal
to or greater than 30, more preferably equal to or greater than 50,
and even more preferably equal to or greater than 90. Since the
molecular weight/number of hydrophilic groups of the polymerizable
compound is equal to or greater than 30, the adhesiveness to a base
is further improved. The molecular weight/number of hydrophilic
groups of the polymerizable compound is preferably equal to or
smaller than 250, more preferably equal to or smaller than 200, and
even preferably equal to or smaller than 100. Since the
polymerizable compound having the molecular weight/number of
hydrophilic groups in the range described above has comparatively
high water absorbability, the invention is particularly
advantageous. The hydrophilic group is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include the oxygen atoms coupled with two
acyclic hydrocarbon groups, a heterocyclic group containing oxygen
atoms, and a hydroxyl group.
[0120] A ratio of the number of carbon atoms with respect to the
number of molecules per molecule of the polymerizable compound
(number of carbon atoms/number of hydrophilic groups) is preferably
equal to or greater than 3, more preferably equal to or greater
than 4, and even more preferably equal to or greater than 7. Since
the number of carbon atoms/number of hydrophilic groups of the
polymerizable compound is equal to or greater than 3, the
adhesiveness to a base is further improved. The number of carbon
atoms/number of hydrophilic groups in the polymerizable compound is
preferably equal to or less than 13, more preferably equal to or
less than 12, even more preferably equal to or less than 10, and
further more preferably equal to or less than 8. Since the
polymerizable compound having the carbon atoms/number of
hydrophilic groups equal to or less than 13 has comparatively high
water absorbability, the invention is particularly
advantageous.
[0121] Content of the specific polymerizable compound is preferably
from 10% by mass to 90% by mass, more preferably equal to or
greater than 20% by mass, even more preferably equal to or greater
than 25% by mass, and further more preferably equal to or greater
than 45% by mass, with respect to the total amount of the ink
composition. In addition, the content of the specific polymerizable
compound is preferably equal to or less than 85% by mass, more
preferably equal to or less than 80% by mass, even more preferably
equal to or less than 75% by mass, and further more preferably
equal to or less than 70% by mass, with respect to the total amount
of the ink composition. Since the content of the polymerizable
compound is in the range described above, the moisture absorption
rate of the composition easily falls in the range described
above.
[0122] In addition, the content of the entire polymerizable
compound contained in the ink composition is preferably equal to or
greater than 70% by mass, with respect to the total amount of the
ink composition.
Polymerization Initiator
[0123] The ink composition may further contain a polymerization
initiator. The polymerization initiator is not particularly
limited, and examples thereof include an acylphosphine oxide-based
compound and a thioxanthone-based compound. Among these, the
acylphosphine oxide-based compound is preferable. Since the
acylphosphine oxide-based compound is included, the curing
properties thereof are further improved.
Acylphosphine Oxide-Based Compound
[0124] The acylphosphine oxide-based compound easily exhibits
oxygen inhibition, but in contrast, the curing properties in the
case of emitting an ultraviolet light beam using a light emitting
diode (LED) are further improved by using the acylphosphine
oxide-based compound. A curing process using an UV-LED is more
excellent with the combination of the acylphosphine oxide-based
compound and the thioxanthone-based compound, and the curing
properties and the adhesiveness of the ink composition are more
excellent.
[0125] The acylphosphine oxide-based compound is not particularly
limited, and examples thereof include bis(2,4,6-trimethyl
benzoyl)-phenyl phosphine oxide, 2,4,6-trimethyl
benzoyl-diphenyl-phosphine oxide, and bis-(2,6-dimethoxy
benzoyl)-2,4,4-trimethyl pentyl phosphine oxide.
[0126] A commercially available product as the acylphosphine
oxide-based compound is not particularly limited, and examples
thereof include IRGACURE 819 (bis(2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-phenyl
phosphine oxide) and DAROCUR TPO (2,4,6-trimethyl
benzoyl-diphenyl-phosphine oxide).
[0127] Content of the acylphosphine oxide-based compound is
preferably from 5.0% by mass to 15.0% by mass, more preferably from
6.0% by mass to 14.0% by mass, and even more preferably from 7.0%
by mass to 10.0% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the ink
composition. Since the content of the acylphosphine oxide-based
compound is equal to or greater than 5.0% by mass, the curing
properties are more excellent. In addition, since the content of
the acylphosphine oxide-based compound is equal to or less than
15.0% by mass, the amount of residual unmelted photopolymerization
initiator is decreased, and coloring of the ink or yellow
discoloration of a coated film due to the photopolymerization
initiator is decreased.
Thioxanthone-Based Compound
[0128] Since the thioxanthone-based compound is included, it is
possible to decrease a surface tackiness, and it is particularly
possible to prevent color mixture and bleeding between dots by
curing the ink surface, in the case of using a thin film which can
easily exhibit oxygen inhibition.
[0129] The thioxanthone-based compound is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof preferably include one or more selected from a
group consisting of thioxanthone, diethyl thioxanthone, isopropyl
thioxanthone, and chlorothioxanthone. Although not particularly
limited, an example of diethyl thioxanthone preferably includes
2,4-diethyl thioxanthone, an example of isopropyl thioxanthone
preferably includes 2-isopropyl thioxanthone, and an example of
chlorothioxanthone preferably includes 2-chloro thioxanthone. When
the ink composition containing the thioxanthone-based compound is
used, the curing properties, the storage stability, and discharge
stability are more excellent. Among these, the thioxanthone-based
compound containing diethyl thioxanthone is preferable. Since the
diethyl thioxanthone is included, an ultraviolet light (UV light)
beam in a wide range can be efficiently converted into active
species.
[0130] A commercially available product as the thioxanthone-based
compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include
Speedcure DETX (2,4-diethyl thioxanthone), Speedcure ITX
(2-isopropyl thioxanthone) (all manufactured by Lambson Ltd.), and
KAYACURE DETX-S (2,4-diethyl thioxanthone) (manufactured by Nippon
Kayaku Co., Ltd.)
[0131] Content of the photopolymerization initiator is preferably
from 5.0% by mass to 20% by mass, more preferably from 5.0% by mass
to 15% by mass, and even more preferably from 7% by mass to 13% by
mass, with respect to the total mass of the ink composition. Since
the total content of the polymerization initiator is equal to or
greater than 5.0% by mass, it is possible to decrease a surface
tackiness, and it is possible to prevent color mixture and bleeding
between dots by curing the ink surface, in the case of using a thin
film which can easily exhibit oxygen inhibition. In addition, since
the total content of the polymerization initiator is equal to or
less than 20% by mass, coloring of the ink due to the initiator is
decreased, and yellow discoloration of a hue is decreased, or the
amount of residual unmelted initiator is decreased.
Pigment and Pigment Dispersant
[0132] The ink composition includes a pigment and a pigment
dispersant. Since the pigment and the pigment dispersant easily
cause generation of foreign materials due to moisture absorption,
the invention is particularly advantageous.
Pigment
[0133] The pigment used in black ink is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include No. 2300, No. 900, MCF88, No. 33, No.
40, No. 45, No. 52, MA7, MA8, MA100, and No. 2200B (all
manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), Raven 5750, Raven
5250, Raven 5000, Raven 3500, Raven 1255, and Raven 700 (all
manufactured by Carbon Columbia), Regal 400R, Regal 330R, Regal
660R, Mogul L, Monarch 700, Monarch 800, Monarch 880, Monarch 900,
Monarch 1000, Monarch 1100, Monarch 1300, and Monarch 1400 (all
manufactured by CABOT JAPAN K.K.), Color Black FW1, Color Black
FW2, Color Black FW2V, Color Black FW18, Color Black FW200, Color
Black S150, Color Black S160, Color Black S170, Printex 35, Printex
U, Printex V, Printex 140U, Special Black 6, Special Black 5,
Special Black 4A, and Special Black 4 (all manufactured by
Degussa).
[0134] The pigment used in white ink is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include C.I. Pigment White 6, 18, and 21,
titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, antimony oxide, zirconium
oxide, white hollow resin particles and polymer particles.
[0135] The pigment used in yellow ink is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include C.I. Pigment Yellow, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24, 34, 35, 37, 53, 55, 65, 73, 74,
75, 81, 83, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 108, 109, 110, 113, 114, 117,
120, 124, 128, 129, 133, 138, 139, 147, 151, 153, 154, 167, 172,
and 180.
[0136] The pigment used in magenta ink is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include C.I. Pigment Red 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 30, 31, 32,
37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48(Ca), 48(Mn), 57(Ca), 57:1, 88, 112, 114,
122, 123, 144, 146, 149, 150, 166, 168, 170, 171, 175, 176, 177,
178, 179, 184, 185, 187, 202, 209, 219, 224, 245, or C.I. Pigment
Violet 19, 23, 32, 33, 36, 38, 43, and 50.
[0137] The pigment used in cyan ink is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof include C.I. Pigment Blue 1, 2, 3, 15, 15:1,
15:2, 15:3, 15:34, 15:4, 16, 18, 22, 25, 60, 65, and 66, C.I. Vat
Blue 4 and 60.
[0138] The other pigments are not particularly limited, and
examples thereof include C.I. Pigment Green 7 and 10, C.I. Pigment
Brown 3, 5, 25, and 26, C.I. Pigment Orange 1, 2, 5, 7, 13, 14, 15,
16, 24, 34, 36, 38, 40, 43, and 63.
Pigment Dispersant
[0139] The pigment may be a dispersible pigment. As a dispersion
method of the pigment, a pigment dispersant is used, for
example.
[0140] The pigment dispersant is not particularly limited, and
examples thereof include polyvinyl alcohols; polyvinyl
pyrrolidones; an acrylic resin represented by polyacrylic acid, an
acrylic acid-acrylonitrile copolymer, a potassium
acrylate-acrylonitrile copolymer, a vinyl acetate-acrylic ester
copolymer, or an acrylic acid-acrylic acid alkyl ester copolymer; a
styrene-acrylic resin represented by a styrene-acrylic acid
copolymer, a styrene-methacrylic acid copolymer, a
styrene-methacrylic acid-alkyl acrylate copolymer, a
styrene-.alpha.-methyl styrene-acrylic acid copolymer, or a
styrene-.alpha.-methyl styrene-acrylic acid-alkyl acrylic acid
ester copolymer; a styrene-maleic acid copolymer; a styrene-maleic
anhydride copolymer; a vinyl naphthalene-acrylic acid copolymer; a
vinyl naphthalene-maleic acid copolymer; a vinyl acetate copolymer
represented by a vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, a vinyl
acetate-fatty acid vinyl ethylene copolymer, a vinyl acetate-maleic
acid ester copolymer, a vinyl acetate-crotonic acid copolymer, a
vinyl acetate-acrylic acid copolymer or salts thereof; proteins
represented by glue, gelatin, casein, or albumin; natural gums
represented by gum arabic or gum tragacanth; glycosides represented
by saponin; alginic acid derivatives represented by alginic and
propylene glycol alginate, triethanolamine alginate, or ammonium
alginate; and cellulose derivatives represented by methyl
cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, or
ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. The pigment dispersant may be used
alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.
Polymerization Inhibitor
[0141] The ink composition of the embodiment may contain a
polymerization inhibitor. The polymerization inhibitor is not
particularly limited, and examples thereof include hydroquinones
represented by hydroquinone, hydroquinone monomethyl ether (MEHQ),
1-o-2,3,5-trimethyl hydroquinone, or 2-tert-butylhydroquinone;
catechols represented by catechol, 4-methyl catechol, or
4-tert-butylcatechol; phenols represented by phenol, butyl hydroxy
toluene, butyl hydroxy anisole, p-methoxy phenol, cresol,
pyrogallol, 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene,
2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol),
2,2'-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-butylphenol), and
4,4'-thiobis(3-methyl-6-t-butylphenol); hindered amines represented
by a compound having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine oxyl skeleton
represented by 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinyl-1-oxyl, a
compound having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine skeleton, a
compound having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-alkyl skeleton,
and a compound having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-acyl
skeleton. The polymerization inhibitor may be used alone or in
combination of two or more kinds thereof.
[0142] Content of the polymerization inhibitor is preferably from
0.10% by mass to 1.0% by mass, more preferably from 0.10% by mass
to 0.50% by mass, and even more preferably from 0.10% by mass to
0.30% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the ink
composition. Since the content of the polymerization inhibitor is
equal to or greater than 0.10% by mass, the storage stability
thereof is further improved. In addition, since the content of the
polymerization inhibitor is equal to or smaller than 1.0% by mass,
the curing properties thereof are further improved.
Recording Method
[0143] A recording method of the embodiment includes a liquid
delivery step of delivering the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet
composition containing the polymerizable compound of which the
moisture absorption rate at a temperature of 60.degree. C. and
relative humidity of 90% is equal to or greater than 1.5% by
mass/24 hours, to discharge nozzles from the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition storage body through ink flow
paths, and a discharge step of discharging the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition to a recording medium from the
discharge nozzles.
Liquid Delivering Step
[0144] The liquid delivery step is a step of delivering the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition to the discharge
nozzles from the non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition
through the ink flow paths. The "ink flow paths" herein are flow
paths for causing the ink to flow in the ink jet recording
apparatus. Examples of the ink flow path include an ink supply path
for supplying the ink to an ink jet-type recording head from an ink
accommodation container storing the ink, or a flow path for causing
the ink to flow to nozzle openings in the ink jet-type recording
head. As the liquid delivering step, a well-known method in the
related art can be used.
Discharge Step
[0145] The discharge step is a step of discharging the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition to the recording medium from the
discharge nozzles.
Curing Step
[0146] The recording method of the embodiment may further include a
curing step. The curing step is a step of irradiating the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition attached to the
recording medium with the ultraviolet light beam having an emission
peak wavelength of 350 nm to 420 nm using an LED and curing the
non-aqueous photocurable ink jet composition. By using the LED, it
is possible to realize miniaturization and long life of the ink jet
recording apparatus and high efficiency and low cost of the ink jet
recording method, compared to the case of using a metal halide
light source or a mercury lamp.
EXAMPLES
[0147] Hereinafter, the first aspect of the invention will be
described in detail using examples and comparative examples. The
invention is not limited to the following examples.
Material for Ink Composition
[0148] Main materials for the ink composition used in the following
examples and the comparative examples are as follows.
Polymerizable Compound
Trifunctional Monomer
[0149] SR444 (pentaerythritol triacrylate, manufactured by
Sartomer)
Bifunctional Monomer
[0150] VEEA (2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate, manufactured by
Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.) SR508 (dipropylene glycol diacrylate,
manufactured by Sartomer) V#230 (1,6-hexanediol diacrylate,
manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.) KAYARAD R-684
(dimethylol-tricyclodecanedimethanol acrylate, manufactured by
Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.)
Monofunctional Monomer
[0151] ACMO (acryloyl morpholine, manufactured by KOHJIN Film &
Chemicals Co., Ltd.) 4HBA (4-hydroxybutyl acrylate, manufactured by
Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.) V#150 (tetrahydrofurfuryl
acrylate, manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.)
DA141 (2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate, manufactured by Nagase
ChemteX Corporation) V#192 (phenoxyethyl acrylate, manufactured by
Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.) IBXA (isobornyl acrylate,
manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.)
Surfactant
[0152] BYK3500 (silicone surfactant, manufactured by BASF)
Polymerization Inhibitor
[0153] MEHQ (p-methoxyphenol, manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co.,
Inc.) LA7RD (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinyl-1-oxyl,
manufactured by ADEKA)
Polymerization Initiator
[0154] Hostalux KCB (manufactured by Clariant) IRGACURE 819
(manufactured by BASF) Speedcure TPO (manufactured by Lambson Ltd.)
Speedcure DETX (manufactured by Lambson Ltd.)
Pigment
PR122 (C.I. Pigment Red 122)
Titanium Oxide
Pigment Dispersant
[0155] BYK180 (manufactured by BYK) for a white pigment Solsperse
36000 (manufactured by Lubrizol Corporation) for a magenta
pigment
Preparation of Ink Composition
[0156] Each material was mixed with a composition shown in Table 1,
and sufficiently stirred to obtain Ink Compositions 1 to 9. The
unit of numerical values in Table 1 is % by mass and the total is
100.0% by mass.
Measurement Method of Moisture Absorption Rate of Polymerizable
Compound
[0157] In a state where a sample bottle (13.5 mL) with 7 mL of the
polymerizable compound added thereto was not covered with a lid,
the sample bottle was stood up in a disposable cup (200 mL) with 50
cc of water added thereto and the upper portion of the disposable
cup was wrapped with Saran Wrap (product name). The disposable cup
was stood up with the thermostat set at 60.degree. C. for 24 hours
and a moisture absorption sample was prepared. After the moisture
absorption occurs, the sample bottle was wrapped, and the amount of
moisture contained in the polymerizable compound was measured using
a Karl Fischer moisture meter (minute amount moisture measurement
apparatus, AQ-2200, manufactured by Hiranuma Sangyo Co., Ltd.) The
amount by which the moisture was increased after the moisture
absorption test was calculated with the following equation and the
moisture absorption rate was acquired.
Moisture absorption rate=(amount of moisture after moisture
absorption-amount of moisture before moisture absorption)/mass of
polymerizable compound before moisture absorption.times.100
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Number of Molecular Moisture carbon atoms/
weight/ absorption Number of Number of Number of rate [%
Hydrophilic hydrophilic hydrophilic HLB by mass/ Classification
Product name groups groups groups value 24 h] Trifunctional SR444 0
14 298 10 0.84% monomer Bifunctional VEEA 2 4.5 93 11.18 1.98%
monomer SR508 1 12 242 9.75 1.89% V#230 0 -- -- 7.78 1.18% KAYARAD
R-684 0 -- -- 5.79 0.47% Monofunctional ACMO 1 7 141 12.62 10.86%
monomer 4HBA 1 7 144 8.47 10.71% V#150 1 8 156 9.49 4.18% DA141 1
12 222 8.2 2.10% V#192 0 -- -- 7.71 0.64% IBXA 0 -- -- 4.23 0.18%
Surfactant BYK3500 Polymerization MEHQ inhibitor LA7RD
Polymerization Hostalux KCB initiator Irgacure 819 Speedcure TPO
Speedcure DETX Pigment PR122 Titanium oxide Pigment BYK180
dispersant Solsperse36000 Total Total amount of hydrophilic
polymerizable compound Ink composition Classification Product name
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Trifunctional SR444 5.55 2.00 monomer
Bifunctional VEEA 65.00 37.00 20.00 53.00 48.00 20.00 10.00 65.00
monomer SR508 28.00 V#230 20.00 20.00 2.00 KAYARAD R-684 11.65 2.00
Monofunctional ACMO 2.00 monomer 4HBA 30.00 V#150 10.00 10.00 DA141
3.00 V#192 16.00 10.00 33.00 18.00 18.00 41.00 34.00 18.00 12.00
IBXA 5.00 57.00 Surfactant BYK3500 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
0.20 0.20 0.20 Polymerization MEHQ 0.20 0.10 0.20 0.20 0.35 0.20
0.20 0.20 0.20 inhibitor LA7RD 0.20 0.20 0.05 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
Polymerization Hostalux KCB 0.20 0.25 0.20 0.20 0.05 0.20 0.20 0.20
0.20 initiator Irgacure 819 5.00 3.00 5.20 5.00 2.30 5.00 5.00 5.00
7.00 Speedcure TPO 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 6.80
Speedcure DETX 3.00 3.00 3.00 0.50 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 Pigment
PR122 5.20 5.20 5.20 5.20 5.20 5.20 5.20 Titanium oxide 18.00
Pigment BYK180 2.20 dispersant Solsperse36000 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
0.20 0.20 0.20 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
100.00 100.00 100.00 Total amount of hydrophilic 65.00 70.00 48.00
63.00 48.00 20.00 22.00 0.00 65.00 polymerizable compound
Preparation of Container
[0158] As a base, a low-density polyethylene film having a
thickness of 80 .mu.m was used. Pretreatment of reactive ion
etching was performed on one surface of the PET film using a plasma
treatment machine. At that time, a high frequency power source was
used for an electrode and an atmosphere was set to an argon/oxygen
mixed gas atmosphere. Next, a film was obtained by performing vapor
deposition of silica having a thickness of 50 nm on the surface
subjected to the pretreatment of reactive ion etching, with a vapor
deposition apparatus using an electron beam heating system. After
that, a container 1 for accommodating the ink composition was
prepared using the obtained film.
[0159] A container 2 for accommodating the ink composition was
prepared, in the same manner as in the preparation of the container
1, except for performing the vapor deposition of aluminum oxide
having a thickness of 50 nm. A container 3 for accommodating the
ink composition was prepared, in the same manner as in the
preparation of the container 1, except for using a biaxially
stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film having a thickness
of 12 .mu.m and not including a metal oxide layer, as a base. A
container 4 for accommodating the ink composition was prepared, in
the same manner as in the preparation of the container 1, except
for performing the vapor deposition of aluminum having a thickness
of 50 nm.
Moisture Permeability
[0160] The moisture permeability of the containers 1 to 4 was
measured using JIS K 7129 Plastics-Film and Sheeting-Determination
of water vapor transmission rate (gas chromatograph method). First,
a low-humidity chamber and a high-humidity chamber were isolated
with a test piece. In the gas chromatograph method, gas in the
low-humidity chamber was exhausted with a vacuum pump, gas
controlled to a constant relative humidity was caused to flow to
the high-humidity chamber, water vapor transmitted from the test
piece was collected in a measuring glass for a given time, the
amount of the collected water vapor was measured with a gas
chromatograph, and the water vapor transmission rate was
calculated.
Oxygen Transmission Rate
[0161] The oxygen transmission rate of the containers 1 to 4 was
measured using JIS K 7126 Plastics-Film and Sheeting-Determination
of gas transmission rate (gas chromatograph method). One side (low
pressure side) separated by the test piece was held in a vacuum
state, test gas was introduced to the other side (high pressure
side), the amount of gas transmitted towards the low pressure side
through the test piece was measured by the gas chromatograph
method, and the gas transmission rate was calculated.
Evaluation of Foreign Materials
[0162] Each of the ink compositions was sealed in the container
prepared as described above, and the container was stored at a
temperature of 60.degree. C., and a relative humidity of 90% for 7
days. The stored container was accommodated in an ink cartridge
which is the package, and the cartridge was mounted on a printer
(PX-G5000, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation). After that,
the ink composition in the storage body was continuously discharged
from a head including 360 nozzles for 10 minutes. At that time, the
ink temperature in the head was adjusted so that the viscosity of
the ink composition becomes 10 mPas. After the discharging, the
nozzles were inspected and the number of non-discharging nozzles
was counted. Based on the number of non-discharging nozzles, the
generation of the foreign materials due to the storage thereof was
evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. When the
generation of the foreign materials was evaluated as B, residual
materials considered as the foreign materials were found when the
ink composition in the storage body was filtered with filter
paper.
A: The number of non-discharging nozzles was equal to or less than
1. B: The number of non-discharge nozzles was equal to or greater
than 2.
Curing Properties
[0163] Each of the ink compositions was sealed in the container
prepared as described above, and the container was stored at a
temperature of 60.degree. C., and a relative humidity of 90% for 7
days. The stored container was accommodated in an ink cartridge
which is the package, and the cartridge was mounted on a printer
(PX-G5000, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation). Then, the ink
composition in the storage body was discharged from a head
including 360 nozzles and attached to a recording medium. After
that, the ink composition on the recording medium was irradiated
with an ultraviolet light beam at an accumulated energy of 200
mJ/cm.sup.2, and a coated film having a thickness of 10 .mu.m was
obtained.
[0164] A coated film of the ink composition irradiated with the
ultraviolet light beam was rubbed with a cotton swab and scratches
or stains were checked for on the cotton swab. Based on the
scratches or stains on the cotton swab, the curing properties were
evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
AA: No scratches or stains on the cotton swab were observed when
the accumulated energy was 150 mJ/cm.sup.2. A: No scratches or
stains on the cotton swab were observed when the accumulated energy
was 200 mJ/cm.sup.2, but scratches or stains on the cotton swab
were observed when the accumulated energy was 150 mJ/cm.sup.2. B:
Scratches or stains on the cotton swab were observed even when the
accumulated energy was 200 mJ/cm.sup.2.
Adhesiveness
[0165] Each of the ink compositions was sealed in the container
prepared as described above, and the container was stored at a
temperature of 60.degree. C., and a relative humidity of 90% for 7
days. The stored container was accommodated in an ink cartridge
which is the package, and the cartridge was mounted on a printer
(PX-G5000, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation). Then, the ink
composition in the storage body was discharged from a head
including 360 nozzles and attached to a recording medium. After
that, the ink composition on the recording medium was irradiated
with an ultraviolet light beam at an accumulated energy of 200
mJ/cm.sup.2, and a coated film having a thickness of 10 .mu.m was
obtained.
[0166] A single cutting tool (a generally commercially available
cutter) and a guide for cutting at regular intervals using the
single cutting tool were prepared. First, the blade of the cutting
tool was placed vertically with respect to the coated film and six
cuts parallel to each other were made on the recorded matter. After
making the six cuts, the coated film was rotated by 90.degree., and
six cuts were made vertically with respect to the previous cuts. As
described above, the coated film having cuts in a lattice shape was
obtained. Then, transparent adhesive tape (width of 25.+-.1 mm) was
extracted to have a length of approximately 75 mm, the tape was
adhered to a part of the lattice-shaped cuts made on the coated
film, and the tape was sufficiently adhered with fingers so that
the coated film was seen through the tape. Next, the tape was
peeled from the coated film for 0.5 seconds to 1.0 seconds, at an
angle close to 60.degree., within 5 minutes after adhering the
tape. Based on the peeling of the coated film at this time from the
recording medium, the adhesiveness was evaluated according to the
following evaluation criteria.
A: No peeling was observed. B: The peeling was observed.
Visibility
[0167] The average transmittance of the containers prepared as
described above in a visible light area of 400 nm to 800 nm was
measured with a spectrophotometer (product name: U-3300
spectrophotometer, manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.) The visibility
was evaluated based on the obtained transmittance.
A: The transmittance was equal to or greater than 40%. B: The
transmittance was smaller than 40%.
Viscosity
[0168] The viscosity of each prepared ink composition at 20.degree.
C. was measured with a viscometer (product name: MCR-300,
manufactured by Physica) and the viscosity was evaluated according
to the following evaluation criteria. A shear velocity was set to
200 s.sup.-1 using a cone (diameter of 75 mm and angle of
1.degree.).
AA: The viscosity was equal to or less than 15 mPas. A: The
viscosity was greater than 15 mPas and less than 20 mPas. B: The
viscosity was equal to or greater than 20 mPas.
Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6
[0169] Any one of the ink compositions 1 to 9 was accommodated and
sealed in any one of the containers (packs) 1 to 4, and the storage
body including the ink composition sealed in the container was
obtained. The combinations of the ink compositions and the
containers are as shown in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Examples Comparative examples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ink composition 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 1 8 2 1 8 9 Pack
Container 1 (water .largecircle. .largecircle. .largecircle.
.largecircle. .largecircle. .largecircle. .largecircle.
.largecircle. .largecircle. vapor transmission rate: 5 g/m.sup.2 24
h) Container 2 (water .largecircle. vapor transmission rate: 5
g/m.sup.2 24 h) Container 3 (water .largecircle. .largecircle.
.largecircle. .largecircle. vapor transmission rate: 25 g/m.sup.2
24 h) Container 4 (water .largecircle. vapor transmission rate: 0.1
g/m.sup.2 24 h) Evalu- Evaluation of foreign A A A A A A A A A B A
A A A B ation materials Curing properties AA AA AA AA A AA A A AA B
B B AA B A Adhesiveness A A A A A A A A A B A B A A B Viscosity AA
AA AA A AA AA A A AA AA B AA AA B AA Visibility A A A A A A A A A A
A A B A A
[0170] In Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and 6, since the container
does not include the metal oxide layer, the curing properties were
decreased due to the moisture absorption, and in Comparative
Example 1, the generation of the foreign materials was observed. In
Comparative Example 2, the ink composition having relatively low
moisture absorbing properties was obtained, but since the container
does not include the metal oxide layer, the curing properties were
deteriorated. In Comparative Example 4, since the container
includes the metal layer instead of the metal oxide layer,
visibility was degraded. In Comparative Example 5, the container
included the metal oxide layer, but since the comparatively
hydrophilic ink composition was obtained, the curing properties
were deteriorated. In Comparative Example 6, the content of the
acylphosphine oxide-based compound of the ink composition was high
and the curing properties were improved, unlike in Comparative
Example 1, but the foreign materials caused by the acyl phosphine
oxide-based compound were observed as residual materials.
Therefore, it was determined that the invention is advantageous,
since it is possible to decrease the generation of foreign
materials caused by the acyl phosphine oxide-based compound while
obtaining the composition having further improved curing properties
using the acyl phosphine oxide-based compound.
[0171] Hereinafter, the second aspect of the invention will be
described in detail using examples and comparative examples. The
invention is not limited to the following examples.
Material for Ink Composition
[0172] Main materials for the ink composition used in the following
examples and the comparative examples are as follows.
Polymerizable Compound
Hexafunctional Monomer
[0173] DPHA (dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, manufactured by
Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Bifunctional Monomer
[0174] VEEA (2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate, manufactured by
Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.) SR508 (dipropylene glycol diacrylate,
manufactured by Sartomer)
Monofunctional Monomer
[0175] ACMO (acryloyl morpholine, manufactured by KOHJIN Film &
Chemicals Co., Ltd.) PEA (phenoxyethyl acrylate, manufactured by
Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.) IBXA (isobornyl acrylate,
manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.)
Surfactant
[0176] BYK3500 (silicone surfactant, manufactured by BYK)
Polymerization Inhibitor
[0177] MEHQ (p-methoxyphenol, manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co.,
Inc.) LA7RD (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinyl-1-oxyl,
manufactured by ADEKA)
Polymerization Initiator
[0178] IRGACURE 819 (manufactured by BASF) Speedcure TPO
(manufactured by Lambson Ltd.) Speedcure DETX (manufactured by
Lambson Ltd.)
Pigment
PR122 (C.I. Pigment Red 122)
Titanium Oxide
Pigment Dispersant
[0179] BYK180 (manufactured by BYK) for a white pigment Solsperse
36000 (manufactured by Lubrizol Corporation) for a magenta
pigment
Preparation of Ink Composition
[0180] Each material was mixed with a composition shown in Table 3,
and sufficiently stirred to obtain Ink Compositions 1 to 6. The
unit of numerical values in Table 3 is % by mass and the total is
100.0% by mass.
Measurement Method of Moisture Absorption Rate of Ink
Composition
[0181] In a state where a sample bottle (13.5 mL) with 7 mL of the
ink composition added thereto was not covered with a lid, the
sample bottle was stood up in a disposable cup (200 mL) with 50 cc
of water added thereto and the upper portion of the disposable cup
was wrapped with Saran Wrap (product name). The disposable cup was
stood up with the thermostat set at 60.degree. C. for 24 hours and
a moisture absorption sample was prepared. After the moisture
absorption, the sample bottle was closed, and the amount of
moisture contained in the ink composition was measured using a Karl
Fischer moisture meter (minute amount moisture measurement
apparatus, AQ-2200, manufactured by Hiranuma Sangyo Co., Ltd.) The
amount by which the moisture was increased after the moisture
absorption test, was calculated with the following equation and the
moisture absorption rate was acquired.
Moisture absorption rate=(amount of moisture after moisture
absorption-amount of moisture before moisture absorption)/mass of
ink composition before moisture absorption.times.100
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Ink composition No. Composi- Composi-
Composi- Composi- Composi- Composi- Composi- tion 1 tion 2 tion 3
tion 4 tion 5 tion 6 tion 7 Hexafunctional DPHA 8.6 8.6 8.6 monomer
Bifunctional VEEA 45.0 67.0 20.0 38.6 45.0 monomer SR508 12.6 5.0
Monofunctional ACMO 2.0 30.0 53.6 monomer IBXA 1.0 53.6 PEA 15.0
15.0 35.0 15.0 11.0 Surfactant BYK3500 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Polymerization MEHQ 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 inhibitor LA7RD 0.1
0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Polymerization Irgacure 819 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
5.0 5.0 7.0 initiator Speedcure TPO 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 6.0
Speedcure DETX 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Pigment dispersant 2.0
2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Pigment Titanium oxide 18.0 18.0 18.0 18.0
18.0 18.0 PR122 4.0 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Moisture
absorption rate [% by mass/24 h] 1.00 1.79 0.20 0.73 4.03 5.93 1.00
Content (%) of polymerizable compound including 45.0 81.6 0.0 25.0
68.6 53.6 45.0 one or more selected from a group consisting of an
acyclic hydrocarbon group containing oxygen atoms, a heterocyclic
group containing oxygen atoms, and a hydroxyl group.
Preparation of Container
[0182] As a base, a low-density polyethylene film having a
thickness of 80 .mu.m was used. Pretreatment of reactive ion
etching was performed on one surface of the PET film using a plasma
treatment machine. At that time, a high frequency power source was
used for an electrode and an atmosphere was set to an argon/oxygen
mixed gas atmosphere. Next, a film was obtained by performing vapor
deposition of silica having a thickness of 50 nm on the surface
subjected to the pretreatment of reactive ion etching, with a vapor
deposition apparatus by an electron beam heating system. After
that, a container 1 for accommodating the ink composition was
prepared using the obtained film.
[0183] A container 2 accommodating the ink composition was prepared
using a biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film
having a thickness of 12 .mu.m which does not include a metal oxide
layer. A container 3 was prepared, in the same manner as described
above, except for performing the vapor deposition of aluminum
having a thickness of 50 nm. A container 4 was prepared, in the
same manner as described above, except for performing the vapor
deposition of aluminum oxide having a thickness of 50 nm.
Moisture Permeability
[0184] The moisture permeability of the containers 1 to 4 was
measured using JIS K 7129 Plastics-Film and Sheeting-Determination
of water vapor transmission rate (gas chromatograph method). First,
a low-humidity chamber and a high-humidity chamber were isolated
with a test piece. In the gas chromatograph method, gas in the
low-humidity chamber was exhausted with a vacuum pump, gas
controlled to a constant relative humidity was caused to flow to
the high-humidity chamber, water vapor transmitted the test piece
was collected in a measuring glass for a given time, the amount of
the collected water vapor was measured with a gas chromatograph,
and the water vapor transmission rate was calculated.
Oxygen Transmission Rate
[0185] The oxygen transmission rate of the containers 1 to 4 was
measured using JIS K 7126 Plastics-Film and Sheeting-Determination
of gas transmission rate (gas chromatograph method). One side (low
pressure side) separated by the test piece was held in a vacuum
state, test gas was introduced to the other side (high pressure
side), the amount of gas transmitted towards the low pressure side
through the test piece was measured by the gas chromatograph
method, and the gas transmission rate was calculated.
Evaluation of Foreign Materials
[0186] Each of the ink compositions was sealed in the container
prepared as described above, and the container was stored at a
temperature of 25.degree. C., and a relative humidity of 45% for a
predetermined period. The stored ink composition was visually
observed, and the generation of the foreign materials due to the
storage was evaluated according to the following evaluation
criteria. Regarding the ink in which the generation of the foreign
materials was evaluated as B and C, residual materials considered
as the foreign materials were found, when the ink composition in
the storage body was filtered with filter paper.
A: No generation of the foreign materials was observed when the ink
was kept for 12 months. B: No generation of the foreign materials
was observed when the ink was kept for 6 months, but the generation
of the foreign materials was observed when the ink was kept for 12
months. C: The generation of the foreign materials was observed
when the ink was kept for 6 months.
Curing Properties
[0187] Each of the ink compositions was sealed in the container
prepared as described above, and the container was stored at a
temperature of 60.degree. C., and a relative humidity of 90% for 7
days. The stored container was accommodated in an ink cartridge
which is the package, and the cartridge was mounted on a printer
(PX-G5000, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation). Then, the ink
composition in the storage body was discharged from a head
including 360 nozzles and attached to a recording medium. After
that, the ink composition on the recording medium was irradiated
with an ultraviolet light beam at an accumulated energy of 200
mJ/cm.sup.2, and a coated film having a thickness of 7 .mu.m was
obtained.
[0188] A coated film of the ink composition irradiated with the
ultraviolet light beam was rubbed with a cotton swab and scratches
or stains were checked for on the cotton swab. Based on the
scratches or stains on the cotton swab, curing properties were
evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
A: No scratches or stains on the cotton swab were observed when the
accumulated energy was 150 mJ/cm.sup.2. B: No scratches or stains
on the cotton swab were observed when the accumulated energy was
200 mJ/cm.sup.2, but scratches or stains on the cotton swab were
observed when the accumulated energy was 150 mJ/cm.sup.2. C:
Scratches or stains on the cotton swab were observed even when the
accumulated energy was 200 mJ/cm.sup.2.
Visibility
[0189] The average transmittance of the containers prepared as
described above in a visible light area of 400 nm to 800 nm was
measured with a spectrophotometer (product name: U-3300
spectrophotometer, manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.) The visibility
was evaluated based on the obtained transmittance.
A: The transmittance was equal to or greater than 40%. B: The
transmittance was less than 40%.
Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7
[0190] Any one of the ink compositions 1 to 6 was accommodated and
sealed in any one of the containers (packs) 1 to 4, and the storage
body including the ink composition sealed in the container was
obtained. The combinations of the ink compositions and the
containers are as shown in Table 4.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Examples Comparative examples 1 2 3 4 5 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 Ink composition Com- Com- Com- Com- Com- Com- Com- Com-
Com- Com- Com- Com- posi- posi- posi- posi- posi- posi- posi- posi-
posi- posi- posi- posi- tion tion tion tion tion tion tion tion
tion tion tion tion 1 4 2 1 7 1 3 5 6 5 3 7 Pack Container 1 (water
.largecircle. .largecircle. .largecircle. .largecircle.
.largecircle. .largecircle. .largecircle. vapor transmission rate:
5 g/m.sup.2 24 h) Container 2 (water .largecircle. .largecircle.
.largecircle. vapor transmission rate: 25 g/m.sup.2 24 h) Container
3 (water .largecircle. vapor transmission rate: 0.1 g/m.sup.2 24 h)
Container 4 (water .largecircle. vapor transmission rate: 5
g/m.sup.2 24 h) Evalu- Evaluation of foreign A A B A A C A C C A B
C ation materials Evaluation of curing B B A B A B C B C B C B
properties Evaluation of visibility A A A A A A A A A B A A
[0191] In Comparative Example 1, since the container does not
include the metal oxide layer, the generation of the foreign
materials due to the moisture absorption was observed. In
Comparative Example 2, since the ink composition having a low
moisture absorption rate was used, the curing properties thereof
were deteriorated. In Comparative Examples 3 and 4, since the ink
composition having a high moisture absorption rate was used, a
large number of foreign materials was generated and the curing
properties thereof were deteriorated. In Comparative Example 5,
since the container includes the metal layer instead of the metal
oxide layer, the visibility thereof was degraded. In Comparative
Example 6 in which the ink composition having a low moisture
absorption rate was used, since the container does not include the
metal oxide layer, the generation of the foreign materials was
slight compared to the case of Comparative Example 1, but the
curing properties were deteriorated. Therefore, it was found that
the invention is necessary in order to prevent the generation of
the foreign materials, in a case of using the non-aqueous
photocurable ink jet composition having excellent curing properties
in which the moisture absorption rate at a temperature of
60.degree. C. and relative humidity of 90% is from 0.3% by mass/24
hours to 2.0% by mass/24 hours. In Example 5 using the composition
7, the curing properties were further improved compared to the case
of Example 1, but in Comparative Example 7 using the composition 7
in the same manner, the generation of the foreign materials was
observed in the same manner as in the case of Comparative Example
1, and the foreign materials caused by the initiator were also
observed as the residual materials. Therefore, it was found that
the invention is particularly advantageous in decreasing the
foreign materials in the case of using the composition which
contains the acylphosphine oxide-based compound and has further
improved curing properties.
[0192] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.:
2014-070038, filed Mar. 28, 2014 and 2014-070059, filed Mar. 28,
2014 are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
* * * * *