U.S. patent application number 14/671166 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for water-based ink for ink-jet recording, ink cartridge and method for producing water-based ink for ink-jet recording.
The applicant listed for this patent is BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Michiko Aoyama, Hiroyuki Tanaka.
Application Number | 20150275011 14/671166 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54189425 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150275011 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanaka; Hiroyuki ; et
al. |
October 1, 2015 |
Water-Based Ink for Ink-Jet Recording, Ink Cartridge and Method for
Producing Water-Based Ink for Ink-Jet Recording
Abstract
A water-based ink for ink-jet recording includes: a
water-soluble colorant; water; a water-insoluble liquid; a nonionic
surfactant; and an ionic surfactant having a polarity same as that
of the water-soluble colorant. The water-insoluble liquid is
dispersed stably in the water by the nonionic surfactant and the
ionic surfactant having the polarity same as that of the
water-soluble colorant.
Inventors: |
Tanaka; Hiroyuki;
(Inazawa-shi, JP) ; Aoyama; Michiko; (Nagoya-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Nagoya-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
54189425 |
Appl. No.: |
14/671166 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
347/86 ;
106/31.25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09D 11/023 20130101;
C09D 11/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C09D 11/38 20060101
C09D011/38; C09D 11/023 20060101 C09D011/023 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 28, 2014 |
JP |
2014-070558 |
Claims
1. A water-based ink for ink-jet recording comprising: a
water-soluble colorant; water; a water-insoluble liquid; a nonionic
surfactant; and an ionic surfactant having a polarity same as that
of the water-soluble colorant; wherein the water-insoluble liquid
is dispersed in the water by the nonionic surfactant and the ionic
surfactant having the polarity same as that of the water-soluble
colorant.
2. The water-based ink for ink-jet recording according to claim 1,
wherein boiling point of the water-insoluble liquid is not less
than 250 degrees Celsius.
3. The water-based ink for ink-jet recording according to claim 2,
wherein the water-insoluble liquid is one kind selected from the
group consisting of: diethyl adipate, diethyl phthalate and
polypropylene glycol.
4. The water-based ink for ink-jet recording according to claim 2,
wherein the water-insoluble liquid is diethyl adipate.
5. The water-based ink for ink-jet recording according to claim 1,
wherein the water-insoluble liquid is a saturated hydrocarbon of
which carbon atom number is not less than 10.
6. The water-based ink for ink-jet recording according to claim 1,
wherein the water-insoluble liquid is dodecane.
7. The water-based ink for ink-jet recording according to claim 1,
wherein weight ratio of the water-insoluble liquid (X) and the
nonionic surfactant (Y) is in a range of X:Y=10:1 to 1:4, and
weight ratio of the water-insoluble liquid (X) and the ionic
surfactant having the polarity same as that of the water-soluble
colorant (Z) is in a range of X:Z=25:1 to 1:3.
8. The water-based ink for ink-jet recording according to claim 1,
wherein a blending amount of the water-soluble colorant in an
entire amount of the water-based ink is in a range of 1% by weight
to 3% by weight.
9. The water-based ink for ink-jet recording according to claim 1,
wherein the nonionic surfactant includes at least one of a
sorbit-based surfactant and an acetylenic glycol-based
surfactant.
10. The water-based ink for ink-jet recording according to claim 1,
wherein the ionic surfactant having the polarity same as that of
the water-soluble colorant includes at least one of an anionic
surfactant having a sulfate-structure and a quaternary ammonium
salt represented by the following formula (4): ##STR00006## wherein
in the formula (4), each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4
is an alkyl group of which carbon atom number is 1 to 18, and
R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are identical to one another
or are different from one another.
11. An ink cartridge configured to contain a water-based ink for
ink-jet recording, wherein the water-based ink is the water-based
ink for ink-jet recording as defined in claim 1.
12. A method for producing the water-based ink for ink-jet
recording as defined in claim 1, the method comprising: a step of
preparing a first liquid by mixing a water-soluble colorant and
water; and a step of preparing a second liquid by mixing a
water-insoluble liquid and a nonionic surfactant; a step of
preparing a third liquid by mixing the water and an ionic
surfactant having a polarity same as that of the water-soluble
colorant; a step of preparing a fourth liquid by mixing the second
liquid and the third liquid; and a step of preparing the
water-based ink for ink-jet recording by mixing the fourth liquid
and the first liquid.
13. The method for producing the water-based ink for ink-jet
recording according to claim 12, wherein boiling point of the
water-insoluble liquid is not less than 250 degrees Celsius.
14. The method for producing the water-based ink for ink-jet
recording according to claim 13, wherein the water-insoluble liquid
is one kind selected from the group consisting of: diethyl adipate,
diethyl phthalate and polypropylene glycol.
15. The method for producing the water-based ink for ink-jet
recording according to claim 13, wherein the water-insoluble liquid
is diethyl adipate.
16. The method for producing the water-based ink for ink-jet
recording according to claim 12, wherein the water-insoluble liquid
is a saturated hydrocarbon of which carbon atom number is not less
than 10.
17. The method for producing the water-based ink for ink-jet
recording according to claim 16, wherein the water-insoluble liquid
is dodecane.
18. The method for producing the water-based ink for ink-jet
recording according to claim 12, wherein in the step of preparing
the second liquid, weight ratio of the water-insoluble liquid (X)
and the nonionic surfactant (Y) is adjusted to be in a range of
X:Y=10:1 to 1:4; and in the step of preparing the fourth liquid,
weight ratio of the water-insoluble liquid (X) and the ionic
surfactant having the polarity same as that of the water-soluble
colorant (Z) is adjusted to be in a range of X:Z=25:1 to 1:3.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2014-070558 filed on Mar. 28, 2014 the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a water-based ink for
ink-jet recording, an ink cartridge and a method for producing a
water-based ink for ink-jet recording.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There is a suggestion to provide a new function to a
water-based ink by adding a water-insoluble liquid to the
water-based ink. For example, to increase a drying property of a
water-based ink, a specific water-insoluble liquid may be added to
the water-based ink. To disperse an oil dye in the oil-in-water
type emulsion ink, a specific water-insoluble liquid may be used as
a dispersant in the oil-in-water type emulsion ink.
[0006] For adding the water-insoluble liquid as described above to
the water-based ink, however, it is necessary that the
water-insoluble liquid is made to disperse in the water-based ink,
and further that the dispersed state of the water-insoluble liquid
in the water-based ink is maintained for a long period of time. In
view of this situation, an object of the present teaching is to
provide a water-based ink for ink-jet recording wherein the
water-insoluble liquid is dispersed stably in the water-based
ink.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present teaching, there
is provided a water-based ink for ink-jet recording including:
[0008] a water-soluble colorant;
[0009] water;
[0010] a water-insoluble liquid;
[0011] a nonionic surfactant; and
[0012] an ionic surfactant having a polarity same as that of the
water-soluble colorant;
[0013] wherein the water-insoluble liquid is dispersed in the water
by the nonionic surfactant and the ionic surfactant having the
polarity same as that of the water-soluble colorant. According to a
second aspect of the present teaching, there is provided an ink
cartridge configured to contain a water-based ink for ink-jet
recording, which is the water-based ink for ink-jet recording
according to the first aspect.
[0014] According to a third aspect of the present teaching, there
is provided a method for producing a water-based ink for ink-jet
recording, the method including:
[0015] a step of preparing a first liquid by mixing a water-soluble
colorant and water; and
[0016] a step of preparing a second liquid by mixing a
water-insoluble liquid and a nonionic surfactant;
[0017] a step of preparing a third liquid by mixing the water and
an ionic surfactant having a polarity same as that of the
water-soluble colorant;
[0018] a step of preparing a fourth liquid by mixing the second
liquid and the third liquid; and
[0019] a step of preparing a water-based ink by mixing the fourth
liquid and the first liquid to prepare the water-based ink for
ink-jet recording.
[0020] According to the water-based ink for ink-jet recording of
the present teaching, it is possible to allow the water-insoluble
liquid to be dispersed stably in the water by the nonionic
surfactant and the ionic surfactant having the polarity same as
that of the water-soluble colorant. Accordingly, a variety of kinds
of functions possessed by the water-insoluble liquid can be
effectively expressed in the water-based ink.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1A is a conceptual view for explaining a presumed
mechanism of improving the drying property in the present teaching,
and depicts a state that a water-based ink has landed on a
recording paper.
[0022] FIG. 1B is a conceptual view depicting the behavior of the
water-based ink, following the state depicted in FIG. 1A.
[0023] FIG. 1C is a conceptual view depicting the behavior of the
water-based ink, following the state depicted in FIG. 1B.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view depicting the
construction of an example of the construction of an ink-jet
recording apparatus of the present teaching.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] An explanation will be given about a specific example of a
water-based ink for ink-jet recording of the present teaching. In
the following, the water-based ink for ink-jet recording is also
referred as "water-based ink" or "ink" in some cases. The
water-based ink of the present teaching includes a water-soluble
colorant, water, a water-insoluble liquid, and two kinds of
surfactants which will be described later on.
[0026] The water-soluble colorant can be exemplified, for example,
by a dye, etc. The dye is not particularly limited and can be
exemplified, for example, by direct dye, acid dye, basic dye,
reactive dye, etc. Among these dyes, the basic dye is a cationic
dye, and the direct, acid and reactive dyes are likely to belong to
anionic dyes. The dye may be exemplified, for example, by Color
Index (hereinafter referred to as C. I.) Direct Black, C.I. Direct
Blue, C.I. Direct Red, C.I. Direct Yellow, C.I. Direct Orange, C.I.
Direct Violet, C.I. Direct Brown, C.I. Direct Green; C.I. Acid
Black, C.I. Acid Orange, C.I. Acid Violet; C.I. Basic Black, C.I.
Basic Blue, C.I. Basic Red, C.I. Basic Violet; C.I. Food Black;
etc. The C.I. Direct Black is exemplified, for example, by C. I.
Direct Black 17, 19, 32, 51, 71, 108, 146, 154, 168, etc. The C.I.
Direct Blue is exemplified, for example, by C. I. Direct Blue 6,
22, 25, 71, 86, 90, 106, 199, etc. The C.I. Direct Red is
exemplified, for example, by C. I. Direct Red 1, 4, 17, 28, 83,
227, etc. The C.I. Direct Yellow is exemplified, for example, by
C.I. Direct Yellow 12, 24, 26, 86, 98, 132, 142, 173, etc. The C.I.
Direct Orange is exemplified, for example, by C. I. Direct Orange
34, 39, 44, 46, 60, etc. The C.I. Direct Violet is exemplified, for
example, by C. I. Direct Violet 47, 48, etc. The C.I. Direct Brown
is exemplified, for example, by C. I. Direct Brown 109, etc. The
C.I. Direct Green is exemplified, for example, by C. I. Direct
Green 59, etc. The C.I. Acid Black is exemplified, for example, by
C. I. Acid Black 2, 7, 24, 26, 31, 52, 63, 112, 118, etc. The C.I.
Acid Blue is exemplified, for example, by C. I. Acid Blue 9, 22,
40, 59, 90, 93, 102, 104, 117, 120, 167, 229, 234, etc. The C.I.
Acid Red is exemplified, for example, by C. I. Acid Red 1, 6, 32,
37, 51, 52, 80, 85, 87, 92, 94, 115, 180, 256, 289, 315, 317, etc.
The C.I. Acid Yellow is exemplified, for example, by C. I. Acid
Yellow 11, 17, 23, 25, 29, 42, 61, 71, etc. The C.I. Acid Orange is
exemplified, for example, by C. I. Acid Orange 7, 19, etc. The C.I.
Acid Violet is exemplified, for example, by C. I. Acid Violet 49,
etc. The C.I. Basic Black is exemplified, for example, by C.I.
Basic Black 2, etc. The C.I. Basic Blue is exemplified, for
example, by C.I. Basic Blue 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, etc.
The C.I. Basic Red is exemplified, for example, by C. I. Basic Red
1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 14, 37, etc. The C.I. Basic Violet is exemplified,
for example, by C. I. Basic Violet 7, 14, 27, etc. The C.I. Food
Black is exemplified, for example, by C. I. Food Black 1, 2,
etc.
[0027] The blending amount of the water-soluble colorant
(water-soluble colorant ratio) in the entire amount of the
water-based ink is not particularly limited, and the blending
amount is, for example, in a range of 0.5% by weight to 8% by
weight, preferably in a range of 1% by weight to 4.5% by weight,
and more preferably in a range of 1% by weight to 3% by weight. By
making the water-soluble colorant ratio be in a range of 1% by
weight to 4% by weight, it is possible to obtain a water-based ink
which is further excellent in the stability.
[0028] The water is preferably ion-exchanged water or pure water
(purified water). The blending amount of the water (water ratio) in
the entire amount of the water-based ink is, for example, in a
range of 10% by weight to 90% by weight, and preferably in a range
of 40% by weight to 80% by weight. The water ratio may be, for
example, the balance of the other components.
[0029] The water-based ink of the present teaching contains a
water-insoluble liquid in a state that the water-insoluble liquid
is dispersed in the water-based ink. It is possible to use, as the
water-insoluble liquid, a water-insoluble liquid which realizes a
variety of kinds of functions such as improved drying property,
dispersion of oil dye, etc., to the water-based ink. Such a
water-insoluble liquid can be exemplified, for example, by diethyl
adipate, diisononyl adipate, diethyl phthalate, high-molecular
weight polypropylene glycol (PPG) (having a molecular weight of
greater than 200), polybutylene glycol, decane, undecane, dodecane,
liquid paraffin, dimethylpolysiloxane, perfluorocarbon, etc. The
molecular weight of polypropylene glycol is preferably greater than
200 and not more than 2,000, more preferably not less than 400 and
not more than 2,000. The functions such as the improved drying
property of the water-based ink, etc., will be described later
on.
[0030] As described above, the water-based ink of the present
teaching further contains the nonionic surfactant and the ionic
surfactant having the charge (polarity) same as the charge
(polarity) of the water-soluble colorant (hereinafter referred to
as the "same charge-ionic surfactant).
[0031] The nonionic surfactant is exemplified, for example, by a
sorbit-based surfactant, an acetylenic glycol-based surfactant, a
sorbitan-based surfactant, a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether-based
surfactant, etc.
[0032] The sorbit-based surfactant is exemplified, for example, by
a surfactant represented by the following formula (1), etc.
##STR00001##
[0033] in the formula (1), each of R.sup.5 to R.sup.10 is a
hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of which carbon atom number is
18;
[0034] "p", "q", "r", "s", "t" and "u" may be identical to one
another or different from one another, and are numbers satisfying:
30.ltoreq.p+q+r+s+t+u.ltoreq.80.
[0035] It is allowable to use, for example, any commercially
available product as the sorbit-based surfactant. The commercially
available product is exemplified, for example, by "SORBON (trade
name) TR-843" (polyoxyethylene sorbitol tetraoleate), produced by
Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., etc.
[0036] The acetylenic glycol-based surfactant is exemplified, for
example, by a surfactant represented by the following formula (2),
etc.
##STR00002##
[0037] In the formula (2), "m" and "n" may be identical to each
other or different from each other, and are numbers satisfying:
m+n=1 to 15 and preferably satisfying: m+n=3 to 11; each of
R.sup.11, R.sup.12, R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 is a straight-chain or
branched-chain alkyl group of which carbon atom number is 1 to 5,
and R.sup.11, R.sup.12, R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 may be identical to
one another or different from one another. The alkyl group is
exemplified, for example, by a methyl group, an ethyl group, a
propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, etc.
[0038] It is allowable to use, for example, any commercially
available product as the acetylenic glycol-based surfactant. The
commercially available product is exemplified, for example, by
"OLFIN (trade name) E1010", "OLFIN (trade name) E1004", "SURFYNOL
(trade name) 440", "SURFYNOL (trade name) 465" which are produced
by Nisshin Chemical Co., Ltd.; "ACETYLENOL (trade name) E40" and
"ACETYLENOL (trade name) E100" produced by Kawaken Fine Chemicals
Co., Ltd.; and the like.
[0039] The sorbitan-based surfactant is exemplified, for example,
by a surfactant represented by the following formula (3), etc.
##STR00003##
[0040] in the formula (3), each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and
R.sup.4 is a hydroxyl group, or a saturated or unsaturated fatty
acid of which carbon atom number is 12 to 18; and "a", "b", "c" and
"d" may be identical to each other or different from each other,
and are numbers satisfying: a+b+c+d.gtoreq.20.
[0041] The saturated or unsaturated fatty acid of which carbon atom
number is 12 to 18 is exemplified, for example, by lauric acid,
myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic
acid, ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, etc., and is preferably the
lauric acid, stearic acid and oleic acid. Further, in the formula
(3), it is preferable that 20.ltoreq.a+b+c+d.ltoreq.160.
[0042] It is allowable to use, for example, any commercially
available product as the sorbitan-based surfactant. The
commercially available product is exemplified, for example, by
"RHEODOL (trade name) TW-0106V (polyoxyethylene sorbitan
monooleate), "RHEODOL (trade name) TW-L120 (polyoxyethylene
sorbitan monolaurate), "RHEODOL (trade name) TW-IS399C
(polyoxyethylene sorbitan triisostearate), etc., which are produced
by KAO CORPORATION.
[0043] The polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether-based surfactant is
exemplified, for example, by polyoxyethylene alkyl ether,
polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, etc. It is also allowable to use, for
example, any commercially available product as the polyoxyalkylene
alkyl ether-based surfactant. The commercially available product is
exemplified, for example, by "EMULGEN (trade name) 408"
(polyoxyethylene oleyl ether), "EMULGEN (trade name) 105"
(polyoxyethylene lauryl ether), "EMULGEN (trade name) 150"
(polyoxyethylene lauryl ether), "EMULGEN (trade name) 220"
(polyoxyethylene cetyl ether), "EMULGEN (trade name) 306P"
(polyoxyethylene stearyl ether), "EMULGEN (trade name) 404"
(polyoxyethylene oleyl ether), "EMULGEN (trade name) 430"
(polyoxyethylene oleyl ether), "EMULGEN (trade name) 705"
(polyoxyethylene alkyl ether), etc., which are produced by KAO
CORPORATION.
[0044] It is allowable that only one kind of the nonionic
surfactant is used singly, or that two or more kinds of the
nonionic surfactant are used in a mixed manner. The blending amount
of the nonionic surfactant in the entire amount of the water-based
ink is, for example, in a range of 0.1% by weight to 20% by weight,
preferably in a range of 0.2% by weight to 5% by weight, and more
preferably in a range of 0.4% by weight to 1.5% by weight.
[0045] The term "same charge-ionic surfactant" means a surfactant
having a same polarity (positive or negative charge) that is same
as the polarity (positive or negative charge) of the colorant used
in the water-based ink. For example, in a case that the colorant
used in the water-based ink is an anionic colorant such as acid
dye, the same charge-ionic surfactant is an anionic surfactant; in
a case that the colorant used in the water-based ink is a cationic
colorant such as basic dye, the same charge-ionic surfactant is a
cationic surfactant. The reason for using the same charge-ionic
surfactant and the nonionic surfactant at the same time is as
follows. A water-insoluble liquid (solvent) is added to the
water-based ink of the present teaching for imparting a
predetermined function to the water-based ink. A surfactant is
effective for dispersing the water-insoluble liquid stably in the
water-based ink. However, in a case that the polarity of the
surfactant is reverse to the polarity of the colorant, the
surfactant does not work effectively for the following reason. When
the surfactant is added into the water-based ink containing the
water-insoluble liquid, surfactant molecules surround small domains
of the water-insoluble liquid so that electric charge is produced
on a surface of each domain of the water-insoluble liquid. These
domains are dispersed stably in the water base ink by the repulsive
force caused by the electric charges produced on the surface of the
respective domains. However, the polarity of the surfactant is
reverse to the polarity of the colorant, the electric charges
produced on the surface of these domains are cancelled by the
colorant, so that the repulsive force among the domains is not
caused or cancelled. As result, the water-insoluble liquid cannot
be dispersed stably in the water based ink. Thus, the surfactant
having the same polarity as the polarity of the colorant is used.
Further, since the deviation of charge in the molecules of the
ionic surfactant is quite great, the molecules of ionic surfactants
repulse strongly away from each other. Although the surfactant
normally contributes to the dispersion stability by covering the
surfaces of the dispersed water-insoluble liquid, it is not
possible to tightly cover the surfaces of the dispersed
water-insoluble liquid only by the molecules of the inonic
surfactant due to the repulsive force therebetween. As a result,
any sufficient dispersing stability cannot be achieved singly by
the molecules of the ionic surfactant. In view of this, a nonionic
surfactant which does not generate any electrostatic repulsive
force is added so as to tightly cover the surfaces of the dispersed
water-insoluble liquid, thereby allowing the water-insoluble liquid
to disperse more stably in the water-based ink. Namely, since the
water-based ink of the present teaching uses the water-insoluble
liquid together with the same charge-ionic surfactant and the
nonionic surfactant, it is possible to maintain the state that the
water-insoluble liquid is dispersed stably in the water-based
ink.
[0046] The anionic surfactant is exemplified, for example, by an
anionic surfactant having a sulfate-structure (--SO.sub.3M, wherein
"M" is a counter ion different from a hydrogen atom), etc. It is
also allowable to use, for example, any commercially available
product as the anionic surfactant. The commercially available
product is exemplified, for example, by "ALSCOPE (trade name)
TH-330" produced by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; "NEOPELEX
(trade name) G-15" and "PELEX (trade name) TR" which are produced
by KAO CORPORATION; "SUNNOL (trade name) NL1430", "LIPON (trade
name) LT-270", "LIPON (trade name) LS-250", "SUNNOL (trade name)
LM-1130" which are produced by Lion Corporation; and the like.
[0047] The cationic surfactant is exemplified, for example, by a
quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following formula (4),
etc.
##STR00004##
[0048] In the formula (4), each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and
R.sup.4 is a alkyl group of which carbon atom number is 1 to 18,
and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may be identical to one
another or may be different from one another. The alkyl group may
be a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group, and is
exemplified, for example, by a methyl group, an ethyl group, a
n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an octyl group, a caprylic
group, a lauroyl group, a myristoyl group, a palmitoyl group, a
stearyl group, etc. The alkyl group may have a substituted group
such as a halogen atom.
[0049] In the formula (4), X.sup.- is an anion. Although the anion
may be any anion, the anion is exemplified, for example, by a
methylsulfate ion, an ethylsulfate ion, a sulfate ion, a nitrate
ion, an acetate ion, a dicarboxylic acid ion (for example, a malic
acid ion, an itaconic acid ion, etc.), a tricarboxylic acid ion
(for example, a citric acid ion, etc.), a hydroxide ion, a halide
ion, and the like. In a case that X.sup.- is a dicarboxylic acid
ion or a tricarboxylic acid ion, the dicarboxylic acid ion or the
tricarboxylic acid ion is a counter ion to two or three pieces of
the quarterly ammonium ions.
[0050] The specific example of the quarterly ammonium salt
represented by the formula (4) includes, for example, dimethylethyl
octyl ammonium ethyl sulfate, dimethylethyl lauryl ammonium ethyl
sulfate, tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, trimethyl lauryl ammonium
hydrochloride, lauryltrimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyltrimethyl
ammonium chloride, tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride,
octadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, etc.
[0051] It is allowable to use a substance different from the
quarterly ammonium salt represented by the formula (4), as the
cationic surfactant, the substance being exemplified, for example,
by a primary, secondary or tertiary amine salt-type compound,
alkylamine salt, di-alkylamine salt, aliphatic amine salt,
benzalkonium salt, alkyl pyridinium salt, imidazolinium salt,
sulfonium salt, phosphonium salt, onium salt, etc. The specific
example of the cationic surfactant different from the quarterly
ammonium salt represented by the formula (4) includes, for example,
hydrochloride, acetate, etc. of lauryl amine, coco amine (coconut
amine), rosin amine, etc.; benzyltributyl ammonium chloride,
benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, cetylpyridinium
bromide, dihydroxyethyl lauryl amine, decyldimethylbenzyl ammonium
chloride, dodecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, etc.
[0052] It is allowable to use, for example, a commercially
available product as the cationic surfactant. The commercially
available product is exemplified, for example, by "KACHIOGEN (trade
name) ES-OW" and "KACHIOGEN (trade name) ES-L" which are produced
by Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd., etc.
[0053] It is allowable that only one kind of the same charge-ionic
surfactant is used singly, or that two or more kinds of the same
charge-ionic surfactant are used in a mixed manner. The blending
amount of the same charge-ionic surfactant in the entire amount of
the water-based ink is, for example, in a range of 0.1% by weight
to 7.5% by weight, preferably in a range of 0.1% by weight to 2.5%
by weight, and more preferably in a range of 0.15% by weight to 1%
by weight.
[0054] The weight ratio of the water-soluble colorant and the same
charge-ionic surfactant is preferably in a range of water-soluble
colorant: same charge-ionic surfactant=20:1 to 4:15.
[0055] In the water-based ink of the present teaching, the
water-insoluble liquid is dispersed in the water by the nonionic
surfactant and the same charge-ionic surfactant. According to the
present teaching, for example, by allowing a specific
water-insoluble liquid to be dispersed in the water, an effect of
improving the drying property of the water-based ink can be
expected. With reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, an explanation will be
given about a presumed mechanism of improving the drying property
in the present teaching, with a case that the recording medium is
paper (recording paper) as an example. In a case that the
water-based ink is discharged by an ink-jet system onto a recording
paper, at first, a droplet of the water-based ink (ink droplet)
lands on a fiber P1 of the recording paper (hereinafter referred to
as "paper fiber P1"). FIG. 1A conceptually depicts an ink droplet
10 landed on the paper fiber P1. Although a water-insoluble liquid
12 is present in the landed ink droplet 10 as liquid droplets
dispersed therein, in a process that water 11 of the ink droplet 10
permeates into the paper fiber P1 and the paper fiber P1 swells,
the liquid droplet of the water-insoluble liquid 12 is burst or
split to cover the surface of the paper fiber P1 as indicated by a
reference numeral "12a" in FIG. 1A. With this, the dispersion state
of the water-insoluble liquid 12 is dissolved. Since the surface
tension of the water-insoluble liquid 12 is lower than the surface
tension of water (72 mN/m), the water-insoluble liquid 12 moves
along (rolling on) the surface of the paper fiber P1, so as to
project from the outer peripheral portion of the ink droplet 10, as
indicated by a reference numeral "12b" in FIG. 1A. Namely, the
water-insoluble liquid 12 moves so as to spread on the surface of
the paper fiber P1 more quickly than the water 11 of the ink
droplet 10. Next, as depicted in FIG. 1B, the water 11 of the ink
droplet 10 catches up the forward end portion 12b of the
water-insoluble liquid 12 covering the surface of the paper fiber
P1, and the water 11 permeates into the paper fiber P1 below the
forward end portion 12b. Next, as depicted in FIG. 1C, in a similar
manner as the behavior depicted in FIG. 1A, when water 11 of the
ink droplet 10 permeates into the paper fiber P1, the liquid
droplet of the water-insoluble liquid 12 is burst to cover the
surface of the paper fiber P1 as indicated by the reference numeral
"12a" as a portion (forward end portion) of the water-insoluble
liquid 12, and the forward end portion 12b of the water-insoluble
liquid 12 moves so as to spread on the surface of the paper fiber
P1 more quickly than the water 11 of the ink droplet 10. Then, the
behaviors depicted in FIGS. 1A to 1C are repeated to thereby allow
the water-based ink to permeate in the paper while quickly
spreading on the paper fiber P1, without remaining on the paper
fiber P1, thus allowing the ink droplet 10 landed on the paper to
be dried easily. Note that, however, the above-described mechanism
is merely a presumption, and the present teaching is not limited to
and restricted by this presumed mechanism.
[0056] In some cases, the water-based ink of the present teaching
appears to be muddy to some extent in a state before the
water-based ink is discharged by the ink-jet system, since the
water-insoluble liquid is dispersed. However, when the water-based
ink is landed on the recording medium, the dispersion state of the
water-insoluble liquid is no longer maintained as described above,
and the muddy appearance of the water-based ink has also
disappeared.
[0057] It is possible to use a variety of kinds of water-insoluble
liquid as a specific water-insoluble liquid having the effect of
improving the drying property of the water-based ink. It is more
effective to use a water-insoluble liquid which contains a polar
functional group in the molecule and of which surface tension is
not less than 30 mN/m. Among the variety of kinds of
water-insoluble liquid, a water-insoluble liquid which hardly emit
any odor can be exemplified, for example, by diethyl adipate,
diethyl phthalate, polypropylene glycol, etc. The boiling point and
the structural formula of the water-insoluble liquid are indicated
in Table 1 and Formulae (5) to (7), as follows.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Water-insoluble liquid Diethyl Diethyl
adipate phthalate PPG 400 Boiling point 251 296 273< (.degree.
C.) Structural formula Formula (5) Formula (6) Formula (7)
##STR00005##
[0058] Since the boiling point of the respective water-insoluble
liquids as described above is not less than 250 degrees Celsius,
these water-insoluble liquids have a low volatility and any odor of
the water-based ink is also suppressed by these water-insoluble
liquids.
[0059] Although not having any sufficient drying property, the
water-insoluble liquid capable of suppressing the odor of the
water-based ink can be exemplified, for example, by decane,
undecane, dodecane, etc.
[0060] The blending amount of the water-insoluble liquid
(water-insoluble liquid ratio) in the entire amount of the
water-based ink is, for example, in a range of 1% by weight to 30%
by weight, preferably in a range of 2% by weight to 20% by weight,
and more preferably in a range of 4% by weight to 15% by
weight.
[0061] In the water-based ink of the present teaching, the weight
ratio of the water-insoluble liquid (X) and the nonionic surfactant
(Y) (X:Y) is preferably in a range of X:Y=25:1 to 1:8, is more
preferably in a range of X:Y=10:1 to 1:4.
[0062] In the water-based ink of the present teaching, the weight
ratio of the water-insoluble liquid (X) and the same charge-ionic
surfactant (Z) (X:Z) is preferably in a range of X:Z=25:1 to 1:3,
is more preferably in a range of X:Z=20:1 to 4:15.
[0063] In the water-based ink of the present teaching, the weight
ratio of the water and the water-insoluble liquid is preferably in
a range of water: water-insoluble liquid=60:1 to 1:1, more
preferably in a range of water: water-insoluble liquid=30:1 to 2:1,
further more preferably in a range of water: water-insoluble
liquid=15:1 to 8:3.
[0064] The water-based ink of the present teaching preferably
further contains a water-soluble organic solvent. The water-soluble
organic solvent is exemplified, for example, by a humectant which
prevents the water-based ink from drying at an end of a nozzle in
an ink-jet head.
[0065] The humectant is not particularly limited, and is
exemplified, for example, by lower alcohols such as methyl alcohol,
ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl
alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, and tert-butyl alcohol; amides such as
dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide; ketones such as acetone;
ketoalcohols (ketone alcohols) such as diacetone alcohol; ethers
such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; polyethers such as
polyalkylene glycol; polyvalent alcohols such as alkylene glycol,
glycerol, trimethylolpropane, and trimethylolethane; 2-pyrrolidone;
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone; and the
like. The polyalkylene glycol is not limited, and is exemplified,
for example, by polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol which is
water-soluble and which has a low molecular weight (not more than
200), etc. The alkylene glycol is exemplified, for example, by
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, diethylene
glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene
glycol, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol, etc. It is allowable that
only one kind of the humectant as described above is used singly,
or two or more kinds of the humectant are used in combination.
Among the above-described humectants, it is preferable to use
polyvalent alcohols such as alkylene glycol, glycerol, etc. Note
that these humectants used in water-based ink are normally
water-soluble.
[0066] The blending amount of the humectant in the entire amount of
the water-based ink is, for example, in a range of 0% by weight to
95% by weight, preferably in a range of 5% by weight to 80% by
weight, and more preferably in a range of 5% by weight to 50% by
weight.
[0067] The water-based ink may further contain any known additive,
as necessary. The additive is exemplified, for example, by
pH-adjusting agents, viscosity-adjusting agents, surface
tension-adjusting agents, fungicides, etc. The viscosity-adjusting
agents are exemplified, for example, by polyvinyl alcohol,
cellulose, water-soluble resin, etc.
[0068] Next, a method for producing the water-based ink for ink-jet
recording of the present teaching will be explained with an
example. Note that, however, the producing method is merely an
example, and that the water-based ink of the present teaching may
be produced in any method.
[Step of Preparing First Liquid]
[0069] At first, the water-soluble colorant, and the water (half of
the blending amount) are mixed and agitated uniformly with a known
method so as to prepare a first liquid. The water-soluble colorant
may be mixed as a solid content with the water, or may be mixed as
an aqueous solution of the water-soluble colorant with the
water.
[Step of Preparing Second Liquid]
[0070] Next, the water-insoluble liquid and the nonionic surfactant
are mixed and agitated uniformly with a known method so as to
prepare a second liquid. It is preferred that the weight ratio of
the water-insoluble liquid (X) and the nonionic surfactant (Y)
(X:Y) is adjusted to be in a range of X:Y=10:1 to 1:4 as described
above.
[Step of Preparing Third Liquid]
[0071] Next, the water (remaining half of the blending amount), and
the same charge-ionic surfactant are mixed and agitated uniformly
with a known method so as to prepare a third liquid.
[Step of Preparing Fourth Liquid]
[0072] Next, the third liquid is dripped as droplets to the second
liquid so as to prepare a fourth liquid. It is preferred that the
weight ratio of the water-insoluble liquid (X) and the same
charge-ionic surfactant (Z) (X:Z) is adjusted to be in a range of
X:Z=25:1 to 1:3 as described above.
[Step of Preparing Water-Based Ink]
[0073] Subsequently, the first liquid and the fourth liquid are
mixed each other. The first liquid may be dropped as droplets to
the fourth liquid or the fourth liquid may be dropped as droplets
to the first liquid, and thus a water-based ink of the present
teaching can be prepared.
[0074] The production method may further includes a filtration step
for performing filtration after the step of preparing the
water-based ink so as to remove any undissolved matter from the
water-based ink with a filter.
[0075] Next, it is possible to produce an ink cartridge by
accommodating the water-based ink of the present teaching in an ink
case. For example, it is allowable to use any known ink case of ink
cartridge (body for ink cartridge) as the ink case (body) of the
ink cartridge.
[0076] Next, an ink-jet recording apparatus and an ink-jet
recording method of the present teaching will be explained.
[0077] The ink-jet recording apparatus of the present teaching is
an ink-jet recording apparatus including an ink-accommodating
section and an ink discharge mechanism, wherein an ink accommodated
in the ink accommodating section is discharged by the ink discharge
mechanism. The water-based ink of the present teaching is
accommodated in the ink accommodating section. The ink
accommodating section may be an exchangeable ink cartridge, as
described above.
[0078] The ink-jet recording method of the present teaching is an
ink-jet recording method for performing recording on a recording
medium by discharging a water-based ink by the ink-jet system onto
the recording medium. The water-based ink for ink-jet recording of
the present teaching may be used as the water-based ink.
[0079] The ink-jet recording method of the present teaching can be
practiced by, for example, using the ink-jet recording apparatus of
the present teaching. The recording includes printing text
(character, letter), printing image or picture, and printing,
etc.
[0080] FIG. 2 depicts the configuration of an example of the
ink-jet recording apparatus of the present teaching. As depicted in
FIG. 2, an ink-jet recording apparatus 1 includes four ink
cartridges 2, an ink discharge mechanism (ink-jet head) 3, a head
unit 4, a carriage 5, a driving unit 6, a platen roller 7 and a
purge device 8 as main constitutive components or parts.
[0081] The four ink cartridges 2 contain four colors of water-based
inks respectively, the four colors being yellow, magenta, cyan and
black. For example, at least one of the water-based yellow ink, the
water-based magenta ink and the water-based cyan ink is the
water-based ink for ink-jet recording of the present teaching. It
is allowable to use commercially available or general water-based
inks as the remaining inks other than the at least one water-based
ink for ink-jet recording of the present teaching. The ink-jet head
3 disposed on the head unit 4 performs recording on a recording
medium P (for example, a recording paper or recording paper sheet
P). The four ink cartridges 2 and the head unit 4 are provided or
arranged on the carriage 5. The driving unit 6 reciprocates the
carriage 5 in a linear direction. As the driving unit 6, it is
possible to use, for example, any known driving unit (see, for
example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2008-246821).
The platen roller 7 extends in the reciprocating direction of the
carriage 5 and is arranged to face or be opposite to the ink-jet
head 3.
[0082] The purge device 8 sucks any unsatisfactory ink which
contains air bubbles, etc. accumulated in the ink-jet head 3. As
the purge device 8, it is possible to use, for example, any known
purge device (for example, see Japanese Patent Application
Laid-open No. 2008-246821).
[0083] A wiper member 20 is provided on the purge device 8, at a
position on the side of the platen roller 7 such that the wiper
member 20 is adjacent to the purge device 8. The wiper member 20 is
formed to have a spatula form, and wipes a nozzle-formation surface
of the ink-jet head 3 accompanying with the movement (reciprocating
movement) of the carriage 5. In FIG. 2, a cap 18 is provided to
cover a plurality of nozzles of the ink-jet head 3 which is
returned to a reset position upon completion of the recording, so
as to prevent the water-based ink from drying.
[0084] In the ink-jet recording apparatus 1 of this example, the
four ink cartridges 2 are provided, together with the head unit 4,
on one carriage 5. Note that, however, the present teaching is not
limited to this. In the ink-jet recording apparatus 1, each of the
four ink cartridges 2 may be provided on another carriage which is
different from that for the head unit 4. Alternatively, each of the
four ink cartridges 2 may be arranged and fixed inside the ink-jet
recording apparatus 1, rather than being provided on the carriage
5. In such an aspect, for example, each of the four ink cartridges
2 and the head unit 4 which is provided on the carriage 5 are
connected with a tube, etc., and each of the water-based inks is
supplied from one of the four ink cartridges 2 to the head unit 4
via the tube.
[0085] An ink-jet recording using the ink-jet recording apparatus 1
is performed, for example, in the following manner. At first, a
recording paper P is supplied or fed, for example, from a paper
feeding cassette (not depicted in the drawing) arranged at a side
of or at a position below the ink-jet recording apparatus 1. The
recording paper P is introduced or guided between the ink-jet head
3 and the platen roller 7. Then, a predetermined recording is
performed on the fed or introduced recording paper P with the
water-based inks discharged from the ink-jet head 3. The odor is
reduced in the water-based ink of the present teaching. The
recording paper P on which the recording has been performed is
discharged from the ink-jet recording apparatus 1. Since the
water-based ink of the present teaching has an excellent stability,
any unevenness in the quality is suppressed in a recorded matter
recorded with the water-based ink of the present teaching. In FIG.
2, the paper feeding mechanism and discharging mechanism for the
recording paper P are omitted.
[0086] Although the apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 adopts an ink-jet
head of the serial type, the present teaching is not limited to
this. The ink-jet recording apparatus may be an apparatus adopting
an ink-jet head of the line type.
EXAMPLES
[0087] Next, examples of the present teaching will be explained
together with comparative examples. Note that the present teaching
is not limited to and is not restricted by the examples and the
comparative examples which will be described below.
Examples 1-1 to 3-4 and Comparative Examples 1-1 to 3-4
[0088] A water-soluble colorant and water (half the water amount
indicated in TABLE 2 to TABLE 4 as follows) in Water-based Ink
Composition (TABLE 2 to TABLE 4) were mixed and agitated uniformly
or homogeneously; and thus the first liquid was prepared.
Subsequently, the water-insoluble liquid and the nonionic
surfactant in Water-based Ink Composition (TABLE 2 to TABLE 4) were
mixed and agitated uniformly; and thus the second liquid was
prepared. Then, the water (remaining half the water amount
indicated in TABLE 2 to TABLE 4), and the same charge-ionic
surfactant in Water-based Ink Composition (TABLE 2 to TABLE 4) were
mixed and agitated uniformly; and thus the third liquid was
prepared. Then, the second liquid was dripped as droplets to the
third liquid, and thus the fourth liquid was prepared. Next, the
first liquid was dripped as droplets to the fourth liquid, and thus
water-based inks of Examples 1-1 to 3-4 and Comparative Examples
1-1 to 3-4 were obtained.
[0089] With respect to the water-based inks of Examples 1-1 to 3-4
and Comparative Examples 1-1 to 3-4, (a) evaluation of odor, (b)
evaluation of stability and (c) evaluation of drying property were
performed by the following methods.
(a) Evaluation of Odor
[0090] Took a smell of each of the water-based inks of Examples 1-1
to 3-4 and Comparative Examples 1-1 to 3-4 to confirm whether or
not there was any odor. If there was no odor, it was judged "G"
(passed); if there was any odor, it was judged "NG" (failed).
(b) Evaluation of Stability
[0091] The water-based inks of Examples 1-1 to 3-4 and Comparative
Examples 1-1 to 3-4 after the preparation were visually observed,
and the stability was evaluated in accordance with the following
evaluation criterion.
[Evaluation Criterion for Stability]
[0092] AA: The water-based ink was not separated.
[0093] A: Although the water-based ink was not separated, a bubble
was observed in the liquid surface.
[0094] A-: Although the water-based ink was not separated, many
bubbles were observed in the liquid surface.
[0095] B: It was observed that the water-based ink was separated to
some extent.
[0096] C: The water-based ink was completely separated.
(c) Evaluation of Drying Property
[0097] An ink-jet printer "MFC-J4510N", manufactured by BROTHER
KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA was used to record an image including a
single-color patch on a plain paper, with a resolution of 600
dpi.times.300 dpi, by using each of the water-based inks of
Examples 1-1 to 3-4 and Comparative Examples 1-1 to 3-4. Regarding
each of the images recorded with one of the water-based inks of
Examples 1-1 to 3-4 and Comparative Examples 1-1 to 3-4, the single
color patch was rubbed by a cotton swab after 5 seconds elapsed
from the recording, and the drying property was evaluated in
accordance with the following evaluation criterion. As the plain
paper, "Office Paper W" (trade name) produced by FUJITSU COWORCO
LIMITED was used.
[Evaluation Criterion for Drying Property]
(Regarding the Plain Paper)
[0098] G: The single-color patch was dried at a point of time 5
seconds had elapsed since the recording.
[0099] NG: The single-color patch was not dried at the point of
time 5 seconds had elapsed since the recording.
[0100] The compositions of the water-based inks of Examples 1-1 to
1-21 and Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-8 in each of which the
colorant used was C. I. Acid Red 52 as the anionic colorant and the
results of evaluation are indicated in TABLE 2 as follows. Further,
the compositions of the water-based inks of Examples 2-1 to 2-4 and
Comparative Examples 2-1 to 2-4 in each of which the colorant used
was C. I. Direct Yellow 132 as the anionic colorant and the results
of evaluation are indicated in TABLE 3 as follows. Furthermore, the
compositions of the water-based inks of Examples 3-1 to 3-4 and
Comparative Examples 3-1 to 3-4 in each of which the colorant used
was C. I. Direct Blue 199 as the anionic colorant and the results
of evaluation are indicated in TABLE 4 as follows.
TABLE 2 TO TABLE 4 (FOLLOWING)
LEGEND
[0101] 1: Polyoxyethylene sorbitol tetraoleate, produced by Toho
Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. [0102] 2: Acetylenic glycol-based
surfactant (ethylene oxide (10 mol) adduct of diol); produced by
Nisshin Chemical Co., Ltd.; active ingredient amount=100% [0103] 3:
Anionic surfactant having a sulfate-structure; produced by Toho
Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; active ingredient amount=in a range of
25% by weight to 30% by weight [0104] 4: Anionic surfactant having
a sulfate-structure; produced by KAO CORPORATION; active ingredient
amount=16% by weight
TABLE-US-00002 [0104] TABLE 2 EXAMPLES 1-1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-7
1-8 1-9 Composition Water-soluble C. I. Acid Red 52 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 of colorant water-based Water- Dodecane 2.5 2.5
2.5 2.5 -- -- -- -- -- ink (% insoluble Diethyl adipate -- -- -- --
2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 5.0 by weight) liquid Nonionic SORBON (trade 0.50
0.50 -- -- 0.50 0.50 -- -- -- Surfactant name) TR-843 (*1) OLFIN
(trade -- -- 0.50 0.50 -- -- 0.50 0.50 0.50 name) E1010 (*2) Same
charge- ALSCOPE (trade 0.25 -- 0.25 -- 0.25 -- 0.25 -- -- ionic
Surfactant name) TH-330 (*3) NEOPELEX (trade -- 0.25 -- 0.25 --
0.25 -- 0.25 0.25 name) G-15 (*4) Water balance balance balance
balance balance balance balance balance balance Odor G G G G G G G
G G Stability AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA Drying property NG NG NG
NG G G G G G EXAMPLES 1-10 1-11 1-12 1-13 1-14 1-15 1-16 1-17 1-18
Composition Water-soluble C. I. Acid Red 52 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
2.0 2.0 2.0 of colorant water-based Water- Dodecane -- -- -- -- --
-- -- -- -- ink (% insoluble Diethyl adipate 7.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
2.5 2.5 1.0 3.5 by weight) liquid Nonionic SORBON (trade -- -- --
-- -- -- -- -- -- Surfactant name) TR-843 (*1) OLFIN (trade 0.50
0.10 0.25 10.00 20.00 0.50 0.50 0.30 0.80 name) E1010 (*2) Same
charge- ALSCOPE (trade -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ionic Surfactant
name) TH-330 (*3) NEOPELEX (trade 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.10
7.50 0.20 0.40 name) G-15 (*4) Water balance balance balance
balance balance balance balance balance balance Odor G G G G G G G
G G Stability A A AA AA A AA AA AA AA Drying property G G G G G G G
G G EXAMPLES 1-19 1-20 1-21 Composition of water-based ink
Water-soluble C. I. Acid Red 52 1.0 3.0 4.5 (% by weight) colorant
Water-insoluble Dodecane -- -- -- liquid Diethyl adipate 2.5 2.5
2.5 Nonionic SORBON (trade -- -- -- Surfactant name) TR-843 (*1)
OLFIN (trade 0.50 0.50 0.50 name) E1010 (*2) Same charge- ALSCOPE
(trade -- -- -- ionic Surfactant name) TH-330 (*3) NEOPELEX (trade
0.25 0.25 0.25 name) G-15 (*4) Water balance balance balance Odor G
G G Stability AA AA A Drying property G G G COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES
1-1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-7 1-8 Composition of Water-soluble C. I.
Acid Red 52 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 water-based ink
colorant (% by weight) Water-insoluble Dodecane 2.5 2.5 -- -- 2.5
2.5 -- -- liquid Diethyl adipate -- -- 2.5 2.5 -- -- 2.5 2.5
Nonionic SORBON (trade 0.50 -- 0.50 -- -- -- -- -- Surfactant name)
TR-843 (*1) OLFIN (trade -- 0.50 -- 0.50 -- -- -- -- name) E1010
(*2) Same charge- ALSCOPE (trade -- -- -- -- 0.50 -- 0.50 -- ionic
Surfactant name) TH-330 (*3) NEOPELEX (trade -- -- -- -- -- 0.50 --
0.50 name) G-15 (*4) Water balance balance balance balance balance
balance balance balance Odor G G G G G G G G Stability C C B C C C
B B Drying property NG NG G G NG NG G G
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 EXAMPLES COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 2-1 2-2 2-3
2-4 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-4 Composition of Water-soluble C. I. Direct
Yellow 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 water-based ink colorant 132
(% by weight) Water-insoluble Dodecane -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
liquid Diethyl adipate 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Nonionic
SORBON (trade 0.50 0.50 -- -- 0.50 -- -- -- Surfactant name) TR-843
(*1) OLFIN (trade -- -- 0.50 0.50 -- 0.50 -- -- name) E1010 (*2)
Same charge- ALSCOPE (trade 0.25 -- 0.25 -- -- -- 0.50 -- ionic
Surfactant name) TH-330 (*3) NEOPELEX (trade -- 0.25 -- 0.25 -- --
-- 0.50 name) G-15 (*4) Water balance balance balance balance
balance balance balance balance Odor G G G G G G G G Stability A-
A- A A C C C C Drying property G G G G G G G G
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 EXAMPLES COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 3-1 3-2 3-3
3-4 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 Composition of Water-soluble C. I. Direct Blue
2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 water-based ink colorant 199 (% by
weight) Water-insoluble Dodecane -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- liquid
Diethyl adipate 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Nonionic SORBON
(trade 0.50 0.50 -- -- 0.50 -- -- -- Surfactant name) TR-843 (*1)
OLFIN (trade -- -- 0.50 0.50 -- 0.50 -- -- name) E1010 (*2) Same
charge- ALSCOPE (trade 0.25 -- 0.25 -- -- -- 0.50 -- ionic
Surfactant name) TH-330 (*3) NEOPELEX (trade -- 0.25 -- 0.25 -- --
-- 0.50 name) G-15 (*4) Water balance balance balance balance
balance balance balance balance Odor G G G G G G G G Stability A A
AA AA C C C C Drying property G G G G G G G G
[0105] As indicated in TABLE 2, in Examples 1-1 to 1-21, even
though any one of dodecane and diethyl adipate was contained as the
water-insoluble liquid in the ink, the water-insoluble liquid was
stably dispersed in the ink, since the same charge-ionic surfactant
and the nonionic surfactant were contained at the same time. In
particular, in Examples 1-1 to 1-9, 1-12, 1-13 and 1-15 to 1-20 in
which the water-insoluble liquid: the nonionic surfactant (weight
ratio)=10:1 to 1:4 and the ratio of the water-soluble colorant was
in a range of 1% by weight to 3% by weight, the stability was
particularly satisfactory. In a case that diethyl adipate (boiling
point: 251 degrees Celsius) was used as the water-insoluble liquid,
both of the drying property and the suppression of odor were
satisfactory. In a case that dodecane (boiling point: 216 degrees
Celsius) was used as the water-insoluble liquid, the odor was
suppressed but the drying property was not sufficient. On the other
hand, in Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-4 in which the same
charge-ionic surfactant was not used and in Comparative Examples
1-5 to 1-8 in which the nonionic surfactant was not used, the
stability of the ink was low.
[0106] Further, as indicated in TABLE 3, the stability, the drying
property and the suppression of odor were satisfactory in Examples
2-1 to 2-4. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 2-1 and 2-2
in which the same charge-ionic surfactant was not used and in
Comparative Examples 2-3 and 2-4 in which the nonionic surfactant
was not used, the drying property and the suppression of odor were
satisfactory but the stability was low.
[0107] Furthermore, as indicated in TABLE 4, the stability, the
drying property and the suppression of odor were satisfactory in
Examples 3-1 to 3-4. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 3-1
and 3-2 in which the same charge-ionic surfactant was not used and
in Comparative Examples 3-3 and 3-4 in which the nonionic
surfactant was not used, the drying property and the suppression of
odor were satisfactory, but the stability was low.
[0108] As described above, the water-based ink of the present
teaching has excellent stability although the water-based ink
contains the water-insoluble liquid, and also has excellent drying
property and is excellent in the suppression of odor by containing
the specific water-insoluble liquid. The usage of the water-based
ink of the present teaching is not particularly limited, and is
widely applicable to a variety of kinds of ink-jet recording.
* * * * *