JP2007001997A - Liquid composition for inkjet, method for identifying liquid composition for inkjet, liquid composition tank for inkjet and ink set for inkjet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new method for identifying a liquid composition for inkjet, also the liquid composition of the inkjet applicable for the method for identifying the liquid composition for the inkjet, and further a liquid composition tank for the inkjet and an ink set for the inkjet by using the liquid composition for the inkjet. <P>SOLUTION: This method for identifying the liquid composition for the inkjet is provided by having a process of bringing the liquid composition for the inkjet containing any one of a photopolymerizable material and a photopolymerization initiator into contact with a liquid composition for identification examination, containing another one of the photopolymerizable material and photopolymerization initiator, then irradiating light for polymerizing the photopolymerizable material to form a polymer, and identifying whether the liquid composition for the inkjet is a prescribed liquid composition or not by the presence or absence of the polymer. Also, the liquid composition for the inkjet, containing any one of the photopolymerizable material and photopolymerization initiator, and applicable to the above process is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  For example, the present invention relates to a method for identifying an ink-jet liquid composition for identifying the origin of ink and its treatment liquid. The present invention also relates to an ink jet liquid composition applicable to the identification method and the ink jet liquid composition tank. The present invention also relates to an inkjet ink set.

  An ink jet system that discharges ink from an ink discharge port formed by a nozzle, a slit, a porous film, and the like is used in many printers because it is small and inexpensive. Among these ink jet systems, the piezoelectric ink jet system that ejects ink using deformation of piezoelectric elements and the thermal ink jet system that ejects ink using the boiling phenomenon of ink due to thermal energy are excellent in high resolution and high speed printability. Has characteristics.

  By the way, ink-jet liquid compositions such as ink applied to the ink-jet method and its treatment liquid often differ in, for example, ejection characteristics and image quality depending on the composition. It is often better to apply things. For this reason, it is desired that the liquid composition to be applied can be determined (or identified), for example, whether it is genuine specification or not. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is advantageous that identification is possible in order to clarify the origin of a liquid composition such as ink or treatment liquid.

For such an identification method (determination method), or an identifiable inkjet liquid composition and a recording method thereof, for example, JP-A 2000-268223 irradiates UV / IR to IJ ink containing a fluorescent substance, A determination method characterized by measuring the emission intensity and / or fluorescence wavelength of the generated fluorescence to identify the ink composition is disclosed. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-247024 discloses an ink jet recording method in which recording is performed using an ink containing a substance having a specific absorbance peak outside the visible region. JP-A 2000-256594 discloses an ink containing a colorant, water, a diazonium salt compound, and a coupler that reacts with the diazonium salt compound to develop a color.
JP 2000-268223 A JP 2000-247024 A JP 2000-256594 A

  Although these proposals can sufficiently identify (determine) liquid compositions such as ink and processing liquid, development of other identification methods is also desired.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for identifying an ink jet liquid composition. Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet liquid composition applicable to the ink jet liquid composition identification method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet liquid composition tank and an ink jet ink set using the ink jet liquid composition.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
That is, the ink-jet liquid composition of the present invention is characterized by containing either a photopolymerizable material or a photopolymerization initiator for initiating photopolymerization of the photopolymerizable material.

  In the ink jet liquid composition of the present invention, the liquid composition may be an ink jet ink containing at least a coloring material, or at least an aggregating agent having an action of aggregating, thickening or insolubilizing the components of the ink. It may be a treatment liquid for inkjet.

  In the ink-jet liquid composition of the present invention, it is preferable that the photopolymerization initiator is contained among the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator.

  In the ink-jet liquid composition of the present invention, it is preferable that the liquid composition is an aqueous liquid composition, and the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator are water-soluble.

  Moreover, the identification method of the inkjet liquid composition of this invention is what contained in the said inkjet liquid composition among the said inkjet liquid composition of this invention, and the said photopolymerizable material and the said photoinitiator. Is contacted with a liquid composition for identification inspection containing different ones, and then subjected to light irradiation to photopolymerize the photopolymerizable material to form a polymer, and depending on the presence or absence of the polymer, the ink jet It has the identification test process which identifies whether the liquid composition for use is a predetermined liquid composition.

  In the method for identifying an inkjet liquid composition of the present invention, the inkjet liquid composition can be contacted with the identification test liquid composition after printing on a recording medium. Further, the light irradiation is preferably ultraviolet light irradiation.

  The ink-jet liquid composition tank of the present invention is characterized by containing the ink-jet liquid composition of the present invention.

In addition, the ink set for inkjet of the present invention is
Any one of a photopolymerizable material and a photopolymerization initiator for initiating photopolymerization of the photopolymerizable material, and an inkjet ink containing a color material,
Either a polymerizable material or a photopolymerization initiator for initiating photopolymerization of the photopolymerizable material, and an ink jet treatment containing an aggregating agent having an action of aggregating, thickening or insolubilizing ink components Liquid,
It is characterized by having.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the identification method of the novel liquid composition for inkjet can be provided. It is also possible to provide an ink jet liquid composition that can be applied to the ink jet liquid composition identification method. In addition, an ink jet liquid composition tank and an ink jet ink set using the ink jet liquid composition can be provided.

(Method for identifying liquid composition for ink jet)
Hereinafter, the inkjet liquid composition of the present invention applied to the inkjet liquid composition identification method of the present invention will be described.

  The method for identifying an inkjet liquid composition of the present invention includes an inkjet liquid composition containing one of a photopolymerizable material and a photopolymerization initiator, and the other of a photopolymerizable material and a photopolymerization initiator. After contact with the liquid composition for identification inspection, light irradiation is performed, the photopolymerizable material is photopolymerized to form a polymer, and the liquid composition for ink jet has a predetermined liquid composition depending on the presence or absence of the polymer. It has an identification inspection process for identifying whether it is an object or not.

  In the identification inspection step, the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator are mixed by bringing the liquid composition for identification inspection into contact with the liquid composition for ink jet. A polymer is produced by photopolymerization of the material. And it is specified whether it is a predetermined liquid composition by checking the produced | generated said polymer. Thereby, for example, the origin of the inkjet liquid composition to be identified can be identified, whether it is genuine with a predetermined apparatus specification, or whether the inkjet liquid composition can achieve the targeted image quality.

  In addition, since a photopolymerizable material and a photopolymerization initiator are used, and the polymer obtained by the photopolymerization is used for identification, the color used in the ink in the case of a method containing a fluorescent substance, for example, compared to the conventional method. If the material is a substance that emits fluorescence, it is difficult to distinguish the fluorescence emitted from the colorant unless a considerable amount of the fluorescent substance is contained in the ink. This is advantageous because the characteristics of the original ink jet liquid composition can be identified without causing any obstacles.

  Examples of the contact method between the liquid composition for inkjet and the liquid composition for identification inspection include, for example, a method of dropping a predetermined amount of liquid composition for identification inspection into a sampled inkjet liquid composition, and recording the liquid composition for inkjet There is a method of applying (or dropping) a liquid composition for identification inspection to the printed area after printing on the medium.

  In addition, the light irradiation to the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator may be any of infrared light irradiation, visible light irradiation, and ultraviolet light irradiation, but ultraviolet light irradiation is preferable in terms of ease of handling.

  In addition, as a method for confirming the presence or absence of a polymer for identification, a visual confirmation method is the simplest, but when visual confirmation is difficult, for example, presence or absence of a residue after filtration, filtration rate , Coarse particle measurement, and the like.

  Hereinafter, the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator will be described together with the liquid composition for inkjet and the liquid composition for identification inspection.

  The inkjet liquid composition includes one of a photopolymerizable material and a photopolymerization initiator, and the identification inspection liquid composition includes the other of the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator. Most preferably, since it is better not to change the characteristics of the ink jet liquid composition, it is preferable to include a photopolymerization initiator in the ink jet liquid composition and to include a photopolymerizable material in the identification inspection liquid composition. Good.

  Inkjet liquid compositions include inks and treatment liquids thereof, which may be aqueous or oily, but are preferably aqueous from the environmental aspect. The liquid composition for identification inspection may be water-based or oil-based, but is preferably water-based from the environmental aspect.

  The photopolymerizable material contained in these compositions is a photopolymerizable monomer or oligomer (prepolymer), which is polymerized by photoirradiation by light irradiation in a mixed state with a photopolymerization initiator.

  Examples of the photopolymerizable monomer and oligomer include the following monomers and their oligomers (pre-monomers). Specifically, for example, as a monomer, a monofunctional monomer (monofunctional acrylate / methacrylate, vinyl compound, etc.) having one unsaturated double bond in the molecule, and two unsaturated double bonds in the molecule. Examples of the polyfunctional monomer (polyfunctional acrylate / methacrylate, etc.) and prepolymer having the above include polyester compounds, epoxy compounds, polyether compounds, and urethane compounds containing two or more acryloyl groups and methacryloyl groups. More specifically, for example, 2 (2-ethoxyethoxy) ethyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl acetate, styrene, vinyl toluene, 1,3-butylene glycol dimethacrylate. , Tripropylene glycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, the following compound A, and the following compound B (R is an alkylene group, alkenylene group, which may have a substituent having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, An alkynylene group, a cycloalkylene group, a cycloalkenylene group, and a phenylene group which may have a substituent).

  Of these, acid anhydride-added epoxy acrylate, polyethylene glycol-added diacrylate, amino group acid-neutralized acrylate, and the like are preferable in that they are easily identifiable after formation of a polymer and are easily contained in water-based ink. is there.

  On the other hand, the photopolymerization initiator is irradiated with light of a specific wavelength, for example, can generate radicals, cations, anions, etc., and can initiate polymerization of the photopolymerizable material, depending on the wavelength of light irradiation. There are various initiators, and any of a radical generator, a cation generator and an anion generator can be used.

Specific examples of the radical generator include benzoin ether, benzophenone benzyl dimethyl ketal, acylphosphine, thioxanthone, and the like.
Examples of the cation generator include aryl diazonium salts, diaryl iodonium salts, and triaryl sulfonium salts.

  Among these, aqueous photopolymerization initiators (for example, 4- (2-hydroxyethoxy) phenyl- (2-hydroxy-2-propyl) ketone (HMPK), thioxanthone ammonium salt (QTX), benzophenone ammonium salt (ABQ) ) Is easy to use and suitable for aqueous liquid compositions.

  These photopolymerizable materials and photopolymerization initiators are preferably water-soluble because the liquid composition for inkjet and the liquid composition for identification inspection are preferably aqueous, but are oil-soluble photopolymerizable materials. Or you may disperse | distribute a photoinitiator in the liquid composition for inkjet or the liquid composition for identification inspection using a well-known dispersing agent.

  Here, water-soluble means that it has a solubility of 1% by mass or more with respect to water at room temperature (25 ° C.), whereas oil-soluble means less than 1% by mass with respect to water at room temperature (25 ° C.). Is meant to indicate the solubility of.

  Further, the content of the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator is such that the necessary properties (for example, viscosity, surface tension, color material dispersion state, etc.) are not deteriorated when the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator are contained in the ink jet liquid composition. If it is, there will be no restriction | limiting in particular, It can select suitably in the range which produces | generates and can identify a polymer.

  Specific examples of the ink-jet liquid composition include ink containing one of a photopolymerizable material and a photopolymerization initiator and a treatment liquid thereof. On the other hand, specific examples of the liquid composition for identification inspection include an aqueous solution containing the other of the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator.

  Hereinafter, the ink and the treatment liquid as the inkjet liquid composition will be further described. First, the ink will be described.

  The ink contains, for example, water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and a color material together with either one of a photopolymerizable material and a photopolymerization initiator (preferably a photopolymerization initiator). In addition, other additives may be included as necessary.

  Next, the color material will be described. As the color material, either a dye or a pigment can be used, but a pigment is preferable. As the pigment, any of organic pigments and inorganic pigments can be used. Examples of black pigments include carbon black pigments such as Nesblack, lamp black, acetylene black, and channel black. In addition to black, cyan, magenta and yellow primary pigments, special color pigments such as red, green, blue, brown and white, metallic luster pigments such as gold and silver, colorless or light color extender pigments, plastic pigments, etc. May be used. In addition, a newly synthesized pigment may be used for the present invention.

  It is also possible to use particles, such as silica, alumina, polymer beads, etc., having a dye or pigment fixed on the surface thereof, a dye insoluble lake, a colored emulsion, or a colored latex as the pigment.

  Specific examples of black pigments include Raven7000, Raven5750, Raven5250, Raven5000 ULTRAII, Raven3500, Raven2000, Raven1500, Raven1250, Raven1200, Raven1125, Raven10, Raven10, Raven10 Regal 330R, Regal 660R, Mogul L, Black Pearls L, Monarch 700, Monarch 800, Monarch 880, Monarch 900, Monarch 1000, Monarch 1100, Monarch 1300, Monarch 140 0 (manufactured by Cabot Corporation), Color Black FW1, Color Black FW2, Color Black FW2V, Color Black 18, Color Black FW200, Color Black S150, Color Black P160, Color Black P160, Color Black FW Printex 140V, Special Black 6, Special Black 5, Special Black 4A, Special Black 4 (manufactured by Degussa), No. 25, no. 33, no. 40, no. 47, no. 52, no. 900, no. 2300, MCF-88, MA600, MA7, MA8, MA100 (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) and the like can be mentioned, but are not limited thereto.

  Specific examples of the cyan pigment include C.I. I. Pigment Blue-1, -2, -3, -15, -15: 1, -15: 2, -15: 3, -15: 4, -16, -22, -60, and the like. It is not limited.

  Specific examples of the magenta color pigment include C.I. I. Pigment Red-5, -7, -12, -48, -48: 1, -57, -112, -122, -123, -146, -168, -177, -184, -202, C.I. I. Pigment Violet-19 etc. are mentioned, However, It is not limited to these.

  Specific examples of yellow pigments include C.I. I. Pigment Yellow-1, -2, -3, -12, -13, -14, -16, -17, -73, -74, -75, -83, -93, -95, -97, -98, -114, -128, -129, -138, -151, -154, -180, and the like, but are not limited thereto.

  Here, when a pigment is used as the color material, it is desirable to use a pigment dispersant together. Examples of the pigment dispersant that can be used include a polymer dispersant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, and a nonionic surfactant.

  As the polymer dispersant, a polymer having a hydrophilic structure portion and a hydrophobic structure portion is preferably used. As the polymer having a hydrophilic structure portion and a hydrophobic structure portion, a condensation polymer and an addition polymer can be used. Examples of the condensation polymer include known polyester dispersants. Examples of the addition polymer include addition polymers of monomers having an α, β-ethylenically unsaturated group. The desired polymer dispersant is obtained by copolymerizing a monomer having an α, β-ethylenically unsaturated group having a hydrophilic group and a monomer having an α, β-ethylenically unsaturated group having a hydrophobic group as appropriate. It is done. In addition, a homopolymer of a monomer having an α, β-ethylenically unsaturated group having a hydrophilic group can also be used.

  As the monomer having an α, β-ethylenically unsaturated group having a hydrophilic group, a monomer having a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a hydroxyl group, a phosphoric acid group, for example, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, Itaconic acid monoester, maleic acid, maleic acid monoester, fumaric acid, fumaric acid monoester, vinyl sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid, sulfonated vinyl naphthalene, vinyl alcohol, acrylamide, methacryloxyethyl phosphate, bismethacryloxyethyl phosphate, Examples include methacryloxyethyl phenyl acid phosphate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and diethylene glycol dimethacrylate.

  Examples of monomers having an α, β-ethylenically unsaturated group having a hydrophobic group include styrene derivatives such as styrene, α-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, vinylcyclohexane, vinylnaphthalene, vinylnaphthalene derivatives, alkyl acrylates, and methacrylic acid. Examples include alkyl esters, methacrylic acid phenyl esters, methacrylic acid cycloalkyl esters, crotonic acid alkyl esters, itaconic acid dialkyl esters, and maleic acid dialkyl esters.

  Examples of preferred copolymers used as the polymer dispersant include styrene-styrene sulfonic acid copolymers, styrene-maleic acid copolymers, styrene-methacrylic acid copolymers, styrene-acrylic acid copolymers, Vinyl naphthalene-maleic acid copolymer, vinyl naphthalene-methacrylic acid copolymer, vinyl naphthalene-acrylic acid copolymer, alkyl acrylate ester-acrylic acid copolymer, alkyl methacrylate ester-methacrylic acid copolymer, styrene -Methacrylic acid alkyl ester-Methacrylic acid copolymer, Styrene-Acrylic acid alkyl ester-Acrylic acid copolymer, Styrene-Methacrylic acid phenyl ester-Methacrylic acid copolymer, Styrene-Methacrylic acid cyclohexyl ester-Methacrylic acid copolymer Etc. . Moreover, you may copolymerize suitably the monomer which has a polyoxyethylene group and a hydroxyl group with these polymers.

  As the polymer dispersing agent, those having a weight average molecular weight of 2000 to 50000 are preferable from the viewpoint of coexistence of pigment dispersibility and ink dischargeability. More preferably, it is 3000-20000, and more preferably 4000-8000.

  These pigment dispersants may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The amount of the pigment dispersant added varies greatly depending on the pigment, so it cannot be generally stated. It is preferable to add in the ratio of%.

  A pigment that is self-dispersible in water can also be used as the color material. The pigment that can be self-dispersed in water refers to a pigment that has many water-solubilizing groups on the pigment surface and can be stably dispersed in water without the presence of a polymer dispersant. Specifically, it can be self-dispersed in water by subjecting ordinary so-called pigments to surface modification treatments such as acid / base treatment, coupling agent treatment, polymer graft treatment, plasma treatment, oxidation / reduction treatment, etc. Pigments are obtained.

  Further, as pigments that can be self-dispersed in water, in addition to pigments obtained by subjecting the above pigments to surface modification treatment, Cab-o-jet-200, Cab-o-jet-300, IJX- manufactured by Cabot Corporation Commercially available self-dispersing pigments such as 157, IJX-253, IJX-266, IJX-273, IJX-444, IJX-55, Cabot 260, Microjet Black CW-1, CW-2 manufactured by Orient Chemical Co., etc. can also be used.

  The self-dispersing pigment is preferably a pigment having at least sulfonic acid, sulfonate, carboxylic acid, or carboxylate as a functional group on the surface thereof. More preferably, it is a pigment having at least a sulfonic acid or a sulfonate as a functional group on the surface.

  Furthermore, a pigment coated with a resin can also be used. This is called a microcapsule pigment, and not only commercially available microcapsule pigments manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc., or Toyo Ink, but also microcapsule pigments produced for the present invention may be used. it can.

  In addition, a resin-dispersed pigment in which a high-molecular substance is chemically bonded to the pigment can also be used.

  The content of the coloring material is 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, preferably 1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. When the content of the color material is less than 0.1% by mass, there is a case where a sufficient optical density cannot be obtained, and when the content is more than 20% by mass, the liquid ejection characteristics are unstable. There was a case.

  In addition, you may make a process liquid mentioned later contain a coloring material as needed. In this case, the content of the color material contained in the treatment liquid is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. When the processing liquid contains the color material, an effect of improving the image density can be obtained. Further, by using the treatment liquid containing the color material as the color ink of the ink jet printer, it is possible to reduce the number of print heads mounted and reduce the manufacturing cost of the recording apparatus and the running cost during printing.

  The volume average particle diameter of the coloring material is preferably 30 nm or more and 250 nm or less. More preferably, they are 50 nm or more and 200 nm or less, More preferably, they are 75 nm or more and 175 nm or less. When the volume average particle diameter of the color material is less than 30 nm, the optical density may be low. On the other hand, when it exceeds 250 nm, the storage stability may not be ensured.

  The volume average particle diameter of the color material refers to the particle diameter of the color material itself or the particle diameter to which the additive has adhered when an additive such as a dispersant is attached to the color material. In the present invention, a Microtrac UPA particle size analyzer 9340 (manufactured by Lees & Northrup) was used as a volume average particle diameter measuring apparatus. The measurement was performed according to a predetermined measurement method by putting 4 ml of ink jet ink into a measurement cell. As parameters to be input at the time of measurement, the viscosity of the inkjet ink was input as the viscosity, and the density of the color material was input as the density of the dispersed particles.

  Next, the water-soluble organic solvent will be described. As the water-soluble organic solvent, polyhydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohol derivatives, nitrogen-containing solvents, alcohols, sulfur-containing solvents and the like are used.

  Specific examples of water-soluble organic solvents include polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and glycerin. Can be mentioned.

  Polyhydric alcohol derivatives include ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, diglycerin. And ethylene oxide adducts.

Examples of the nitrogen-containing solvent include pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, cyclohexyl pyrrolidone, and triethanolamine. Examples of the alcohol include alcohols such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, and benzyl alcohol.
Examples of the sulfur-containing solvent include thiodiethanol, thiodiglycerol, sulfolane, dimethyl sulfoxide and the like.

  In addition, as the water-soluble organic solvent, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, or the like can be used.

  It is preferable to use at least one water-soluble organic solvent. The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is 1 to 60% by mass, preferably 5 to 40% by mass. When the amount of the water-soluble organic solvent in the ink is less than 1% by mass, a sufficient optical density may not be obtained. Conversely, when the amount is more than 60% by mass, the viscosity of the liquid is large. As a result, there are cases where the liquid ejection characteristics become unstable.

  Next, water will be described. As water, it is preferable to use ion-exchanged water, ultrapure water, distilled water, or ultrafiltered water in order to prevent impurities from being mixed.

  Next, other additives will be described. A surfactant can be added to the ink.

  Examples of these surfactants include various anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and the like. Preferably, anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants are used. An activator is used.

Specific examples of the surfactant are listed below.
Examples of the anionic surfactant include alkylbenzene sulfonate, alkylphenyl sulfonate, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, higher fatty acid salt, sulfate of higher fatty acid ester, sulfonate of higher fatty acid ester, sulfuric acid of higher alcohol ether. Ester salts and sulfonates, higher alkyl sulfosuccinates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether carboxylates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, etc. can be used, preferably , Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, isopropylnaphthalenesulfonate, monobutylphenylphenol monosulfonate, monobutylbiphenylsulfonate, monobutylbiphenylsulfonate, dibutylphenylsulfonate Nord disulfonic acid salts and the like are used.

  Nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, poly Oxyethylene glycerin fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amide, alkyl alkanolamide, polyethylene glycol polypropylene glycol block copolymer, acetylene glycol, polyoxyethylene adduct of acetylene glycol Preferably, polyoxyethylene nonyl pheny Ether, polyoxyethylene octyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene dodecyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, fatty acid alkylolamide, polyethylene glycol polypropylene glycol block copolymer Acetylene glycol and polyoxyethylene adducts of acetylene glycol are used.

  In addition, silicone surfactants such as polysiloxane oxyethylene adducts, fluorine surfactants such as perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, and oxyethylene perfluoroalkyl ethers, spicrispolic acid and rhamnolipids Biosurfactants such as lysolecithin can also be used.

  These surfactants may be used alone or in combination. Further, the HLB of the surfactant is preferably in the range of 3 to 20 in view of dissolution stability and the like.

  0.001-5 mass% is preferable and, as for the addition amount of these surfactant, 0.01-3 mass% is especially preferable.

  In addition, the ink has other properties such as penetrants for adjusting penetrability, polyethyleneimine, polyamines, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, ethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, etc. In order to adjust pH, compounds of alkali metals such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, etc., pH buffer, antioxidant, antifungal agent, viscosity adjuster, conductive agent as necessary UV absorbers, chelating agents, and the like can also be added.

  Next, preferred characteristics of the ink will be described. First, the surface tension of the ink of the present invention is preferably 20 to 60 mN / m, more preferably 20 to 50 mN / m, and still more preferably 20 to 45 mN / m. If the surface tension is less than 20 mN / m, ink may overflow on the nozzle surface, and printing may not be performed normally. On the other hand, if it exceeds 60 mN / m, the permeability may be slow and the drying time may be slow.

  Here, as the surface tension, a value measured in an environment of 23 ° C. and 55% RH using a Wilhelmy type surface tension meter (manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.) was adopted.

  The viscosity of the ink is preferably 1.0 to 30 mPa · s, more preferably 1.2 to 20 mPa · s, and still more preferably 1.5 to 15 mPa · s. When the viscosity of the ink was larger than 30.0 mPa · s, there was a case where the dischargeability was lowered. On the other hand, when it is smaller than 1.0 mPa · s, there is a case where the jetting property is deteriorated.

Here, as the viscosity, a value measured using a rheomat 115 (manufactured by Contraves) as a measuring device, a measurement temperature of 23 ° C., and a shear rate of 1400 s ⁻¹ was adopted.

Further, the number of particles of 0.5 μm or more in 2 μl of ink is preferably less than 2 × 10 ⁶ , more preferably less than 1.5 × 10 ⁶ , and still more preferably 1.0 ×. Less than 10 ⁵ . If the value of the number of particles of 0.5 μm or more is too low, there is a tendency that sufficient optical density cannot be obtained. On the other hand, if the value of the number of particles of 0.5 μm or more is too large, the drying time tends to be long.

  Here, the number of particles of 0.5 μm or more in 2 μl of ink was measured using Accusizer ™ 770 Optical Particle Sizer (manufactured by Particle Sizing Systems). Further, as a parameter input at the time of measurement, the density of the dispersed particles was input as the density of the color material.

  Further, the ζ potential of the ink is preferably 10 to 100 mV or less in absolute value, more preferably 10 to 90 mV, and still more preferably 15 to 80 mV. When the ζ potential was less than 10 mV in absolute value, the water resistance was sometimes reduced. Further, when used in combination with the treatment liquid, there is a case where the cohesiveness of the pigment cannot be ensured and the image quality is not improved. On the other hand, when the ζ potential exceeds 100 mV in absolute value, there are cases where the ink storage stability cannot be ensured.

Here, the ζ potential was measured by ESA (Electrokinetic Sonic Amplitude method) using ESA-8000 (manufactured by Matec Applied Science) as a measuring device, and the zeta potential was calculated using the following calculation formula.
Formula: ζ potential = [ESA × η × G (α) ⁻¹ ] / [ε × c × Δρ × V]
In the formula, ESA indicates a pressure per unit electric field, which is a value obtained by measurement. η is the viscosity of the solvent, G (α) ⁻¹ is the correction term due to inertial force, ε is the dielectric constant, c is the speed of sound in the solvent, Δρ is the density difference between the solvent and the particle, and V is the volume fraction of the particle. Show. In the present invention, the measurement was performed at a temperature of 22.0 ° C. according to a predetermined measurement method. Further, as parameters used when calculating the zeta potential, η is the viscosity of the ink, ε is the dielectric constant of water, c is the speed of sound in water, Δρ is the density difference between the pigment and water, and V is the volume fraction of the pigment. It was.

  Next, the processing liquid will be described. The treatment liquid is either a photopolymerizable material or a photopolymerization initiator (preferably a photopolymerization initiator) and, for example, an aggregating agent having an action of aggregating, thickening or insolubilizing ink components, a water-soluble organic solvent And water.

  Examples of the aggregating agent include a substance having an action of increasing at least the particle diameter of the coloring material at the time of mixing with the ink, or a substance having an action of separating the coloring material component of the ink from the solvent. Examples of the flocculant include inorganic electrolytes, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic amines, and the like.

  Inorganic electrolytes include alkali metal ions such as lithium ion, sodium ion, potassium ion, aluminum ion, barium ion, calcium ion, copper ion, iron ion, magnesium ion, manganese ion, nickel ion, tin ion, titanium ion, zinc Polyvalent metal ions such as ions, hydrochloric acid, odorous acid, hydroiodic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, thiocyanic acid, and acetic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid And the like, and organic carboxylic acids such as salts of organic sulfonic acids.

  Specific examples include lithium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium iodide, potassium iodide, sodium sulfate, potassium nitrate, sodium acetate, potassium oxalate, sodium citrate, potassium benzoate and the like. Alkali metal salts and aluminum chloride, aluminum bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, sodium aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, aluminum acetate, barium chloride, barium bromide, barium iodide, barium oxide, barium nitrate, thiocyanate Barium acid, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium nitrite, calcium nitrate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium thiocyanate, calcium benzoate, calcium acetate, salicylic acid Lucium, calcium tartrate, calcium lactate, calcium fumarate, calcium citrate, copper chloride, copper bromide, copper sulfate, copper nitrate, copper acetate, iron chloride, iron bromide, iron iodide, iron sulfate, iron nitrate, oxalic acid Iron, iron lactate, iron fumarate, iron citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium acetate, magnesium lactate, manganese chloride, manganese sulfate, manganese nitrate, manganese dihydrogen phosphate , Manganese acetate, manganese salicylate, manganese benzoate, manganese lactate, nickel chloride, nickel bromide, nickel sulfate, nickel nitrate, nickel acetate, tin sulfate, titanium chloride, zinc chloride, zinc bromide, zinc sulfate, zinc nitrate, thiocyanate Examples thereof include salts of polyvalent metals such as zinc acid and zinc acetate.

  Specific examples of organic acids include arginic acid, citric acid, glycine, glutamic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, cysteine, oxalic acid, fumaric acid, phthalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, lysine, malic acid, and general formula Examples thereof include compounds represented by (1) and derivatives of these compounds.

Here, in the formula, X represents O, CO, NH, NR ₁ , S, or SO ₂ . R ₁ represents an alkyl group, and R ₁ is preferably CH ₂ , C ₂ H ₅ , or C ₂ H ₄ OH. R represents an alkyl group, and R is preferably CH ₂ , C ₂ H ₅ , or C ₂ H ₄ OH. R may be contained in the formula or may not be contained. X is preferably CO, NH, NR, or O, and more preferably CO, NH, or O. M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal or an amine. M is preferably H, Li, Na, K, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, etc., more preferably H, Na, K, and still more preferably a hydrogen atom. n is an integer of 3-7. n is preferably a case where the heterocyclic ring is a 6-membered ring or a 5-membered ring, more preferably a 5-membered ring. m is 1 or 2. The compound represented by the general formula (1) may be a saturated ring or an unsaturated ring as long as it is a heterocyclic ring. l is an integer of 1-5.

  Specifically, the compound represented by the general formula (1) has a furan, pyrrole, pyrroline, pyrrolidone, pyrone, pyrrole, thiophene, indole, pyridine, quinoline structure, and further has a carboxyl group as a functional group. Compounds. Specifically, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, 4-methyl-4-pentanolide-3-carboxylic acid, furan carboxylic acid, 2-benzofuran carboxylic acid, 5-methyl-2-furan carboxylic acid, 2,5 -Dimethyl-3-furancarboxylic acid, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, 4-butanolide-3-carboxylic acid, 3-hydroxy-4-pyrone-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, 2-pyrone-6-carboxylic acid, 4-pyrone-2-carboxylic acid, 5-hydroxy-4-pyrone-5-carboxylic acid, 4-pyrone-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, 3-hydroxy-4-pyrone-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, thiophenecarboxylic Acid, 2-pyrrolecarboxylic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrrole-4-carboxylic acid, 2,4,5-trimethylpyrrole-3-propionic acid, 3-hydroxy-2-yne Carboxylic acid, 2,5-dioxo-4-methyl-3-pyrroline-3-propionic acid, 2-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, 4-hydroxyproline, 1-methylpyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, 5-carboxy-1-methyl Pyrrolidine-2-acetic acid, 2-pyridinecarboxylic acid, 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid, 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid, pyridinedicarboxylic acid, pyridinetricarboxylic acid, pyridinepentacarboxylic acid, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl Examples include nicotinic acid, 2-quinolinecarboxylic acid, 4-quinolinecarboxylic acid, 2-phenyl-4-quinolinecarboxylic acid, 4-hydroxy-2-quinolinecarboxylic acid, and 6-methoxy-4-quinolinecarboxylic acid. .

  The organic acid is preferably citric acid, glycine, glutamic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, phthalic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, pyrone carboxylic acid, pyrrole carboxylic acid, furan carboxylic acid, pyridine carboxylic acid, coumaric acid, thiophene carboxylic acid, Nicotinic acid, derivatives of these compounds, or salts thereof. More preferred are pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, pyrone carboxylic acid, pyrrole carboxylic acid, furan carboxylic acid, pyridine carboxylic acid, coumaric acid, thiophene carboxylic acid, nicotinic acid, derivatives of these compounds, or salts thereof. More preferred are pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, pyrone carboxylic acid, furan carboxylic acid, coumaric acid, or a compound derivative thereof, or a salt thereof.

The organic amine compound may be any of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines and salts thereof. Specific examples include tetraalkylammonium, alkylamine, benzalkonium, alkylpyridium, imidazolium, polyamine, and derivatives or salts thereof. Specifically, amylamine, butylamine, propanolamine, propylamine, ethanolamine, ethylethanolamine, 2-ethylhexylamine, ethylmethylamine, ethylbenzylamine, ethylenediamine, octylamine, oleylamine, cyclooctylamine, cyclobutylamine, cyclohexane Propylamine, cyclohexylamine, diisopropanolamine, diethanolamine, diethylamine, di-2-ethylhexylamine, diethylenetriamine, diphenylamine, dibutylamine, dipropylamine, dihexylamine, dipentylamine, 3- (dimethylamino) propylamine, dimethylethylamine, dimethyl Ethylenediamine, dimethyloctylamine, 1,3-dimethylbutylamine, dimethyl 1,3-propanediamine, dimethylhexylamine, amino-butanol, amino-propanol, amino-propanediol, N-acetylaminoethanol, 2- (2-aminoethylamino) -ethanol, 2-amino-2- Ethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2- (2-aminoethoxy) ethanol, 2- (3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) ethylamine, cetylamine, triisopropanolamine, triisopentylamine, triethanolamine, trioctylamine, Tritylamine, bis (2-aminoethyl) 1,3-propanediamine, bis (3-aminopropyl) ethylenediamine, bis (3-aminopropyl) 1,3-propanediamine, bis (3-aminopropyl) methylamine, Bis (2-ethylhexyl ) Amine, bis (trimethylsilyl) amine, butylamine, butylisopropylamine, propanediamine, propyldiamine, hexylamine, pentylamine, 2-methyl-cyclohexylamine, methyl-propylamine, methylbenzylamine, monoethanolamine, laurylamine, Nonylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, dimethylpropylamine, propylenediamine, hexamethylesidiamine, tetraethylenepentamine, diethylethanolamine, tetramethylammonium chloride, tetraethylammonium bromide, dihydroxyethyl stearylamine, 2-heptadecenyl-hydroxyethylimidazoline, lauryl Dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium mouth Ride, stearamide methylbiridium chloride, diallyldimethylammonium chloride polymer, diallylamine polymer, monoallylamine polymer, and the like.
More preferably, triethanolamine, triisopropanolamine, 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol, ethanolamine, propanediamine, propylamine and the like are used.

  The flocculant may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the flocculant is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less. More preferably, they are 0.1 mass% or more and 15 mass% or less, More preferably, they are 1 mass% or more and 15 mass% or less. When the addition amount of the flocculant is less than 0.01% by mass, the color material is insufficiently aggregated when contacting the ink, and the optical density, bleeding, and intercolor bleeding may be deteriorated. When the amount exceeds 30% by mass, the jetting characteristics are degraded, and the liquid may not be jetted normally.

As the treatment liquid, a water-soluble organic solvent similar to the ink can be used. The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is 1 to 60% by mass, preferably 5 to 40% by mass. When the amount of the water-soluble organic solvent is less than 1% by mass, a sufficient optical density may not be obtained. Conversely, when the amount is more than 60% by mass, the viscosity of the liquid increases and the liquid In some cases, the injection characteristics of the engine became unstable.
In addition, the polymer dispersant used in the ink can be added to the treatment liquid.

  The surface tension and viscosity of the treatment liquid should have the same characteristics as ink.

  Here, the number of coarse particles of 5 μm or more in the mixed liquid of the ink and the treatment liquid is preferably 1,000 / μL or more. More preferably, it is 2,500 / μL or more, and further preferably 5,000 / μL or more. When the number of coarse particles of 5 μm or more in the mixed liquid of the ink and the treatment liquid is less than 1,000 / μL, the optical density sometimes decreases.

  For the coarse particle number of 5 μm or more in the mixed liquid of ink and processing liquid, two liquids are mixed at a mass ratio of 1: 1, and 2 μL is collected while stirring, and Accumizer TM770 Optical Particle Sizer (Particle Sizing). Measured using a system). In addition, the density of the color material was input to the density of the dispersed particles as a parameter at the time of measurement. The density of the colored fine particles can be determined by measuring the powder obtained by heating and drying the ink using a hydrometer or a specific gravity bottle.

  The ink set having the ink and the treatment liquid is the ink jet ink set of the present invention.

(Liquid composition tank for inkjet)
The ink jet liquid composition (ink jet ink tank, treatment liquid tank) of the present invention contains each liquid (ink or treatment liquid) of the ink jet liquid composition of the present invention described above. Ink tanks described in -138541 and the like can be applied. In this case, even when ink is filled in the ink tank and ink is ejected from the recording head, the change in ink characteristics during long-term storage in the ink tank is suppressed, and in particular, the ejection properties from the recording head during long-term storage are sufficiently satisfactory. It will be a thing.

(Inkjet recording method, inkjet recording apparatus)
The ink jet recording method of the present invention is a recording method using the above-described ink jet liquid composition of the present invention. Specifically, each ink is ejected onto a recording medium using an ink jet ink or an ink jet ink set. This is a method for forming an image. In addition, when the inkjet ink set of the present invention is used, printing is performed so that the inkjet ink and the treatment liquid are brought into contact with each other.

  On the other hand, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is a recording method using the ink jet liquid composition of the present invention. Specifically, the ink jet ink or ink jet ink set is used, and each liquid is used as a recording medium. A recording head for discharging is provided. These are not only ordinary inkjet recording apparatuses, but also recording apparatuses equipped with heaters for controlling the drying of ink, or intermediate transfer mechanisms, and after printing a recording material on the intermediate, A recording apparatus or the like that transfers to a recording medium can be applied.

  In the inkjet recording method (apparatus) of the present invention, the liquid mass per drop is preferably 0.01 ng or more and 25 ng or less for both the inkjet ink and the treatment liquid. More preferably, they are 0.5 ng or more and 20 ng or less, More preferably, they are 0.5 ng or more and 8 ng or less. When the liquid mass per drop exceeded 25 ng, there was a case where bleeding deteriorated. This is because the contact angles of the ink and the treatment liquid with respect to the recording medium change depending on the drop amount, and it is considered that the drop tends to spread in the paper surface direction as the drop amount increases. When the liquid mass per drop was less than 0.01 ng, there was a case where the jetting stability deteriorated.

  However, in an ink jet apparatus capable of ejecting a plurality of drops from a single nozzle, the drop amount refers to the minimum drop amount that can be printed.

  In the case of using an ink jet ink set, the ink jet ink and the treatment liquid are applied onto the recording medium so that they come into contact with each other. This is because the ink aggregates due to the action, and the recording method is excellent in color developability, solid portion unevenness, optical density, bleeding, intercolor bleeding, and drying time. As long as they are in contact with each other, they may be given so as to be adjacent to each other or may be given so as to cover them.

  The order of application to the recording medium is to apply the inkjet ink after applying the treatment liquid. This is because the constituent components of the inkjet ink can be effectively aggregated by applying the treatment liquid first. Any ink jet ink may be applied at any time after the treatment liquid is applied. Preferably, it is 0.5 seconds or less after the treatment liquid is applied.

  In the ink jet recording method (apparatus) of the present invention, the mass ratio between the ink application amount and the treatment liquid application amount required for forming one pixel is preferably 1:20 to 20: 1. More preferably, it is 1: 10-10: 1, More preferably, it is 1: 5-5: 1. When the amount of ink applied for inkjet was too small or too large with respect to the amount of treatment liquid applied, there was a case where aggregation was insufficient, resulting in a decrease in optical density, deterioration in bleeding, and deterioration in intercolor bleeding. . Here, the pixel is a grid point formed when a desired image is divided by the minimum distance that can be applied with ink in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and is appropriate for each pixel. By applying an appropriate ink set, the color and image density are adjusted, and an image is formed.

  The ink jet recording method (apparatus) of the present invention preferably adopts a thermal ink jet recording method or a piezo ink jet recording method from the viewpoint of the effect of improving bleeding and intercolor bleeding. The cause of this is not clear, but in the case of the thermal ink jet recording method, the ink is heated at the time of ejection and has a low viscosity, but since the temperature of the ink is lowered on the recording medium, the viscosity rapidly increases. Become. For this reason, it is considered that bleeding and intercolor bleeding have an improving effect. On the other hand, in the case of the piezo ink jet method, it is possible to discharge a high-viscosity liquid, and the high-viscosity liquid can suppress spreading in the paper surface direction on the recording medium. It is estimated that there is an improvement effect on intercolor bleeding.

  In the ink jet recording method (apparatus) of the present invention, replenishment (supply) of ink and processing liquid to the recording head is performed from an ink tank (including a processing liquid tank) filled with each liquid of ink and processing liquid. Is good. The ink tank is preferably a cartridge system that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus, and ink and processing liquid can be easily replenished by replacing the ink tank of this cartridge system.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, members having substantially the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a preferred embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal basic configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) of FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a configuration that operates based on the above-described inkjet recording method of the present invention to form an image. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an image forming apparatus 100 mainly includes an external cover 6, a tray 7 on which a predetermined amount of recording medium 1 such as plain paper can be placed, and the recording medium 1 as an image forming apparatus. An image forming unit 8 (image forming unit) for forming an image by ejecting ink and processing liquid onto the surface of the recording medium 1; The main ink tank 4 is configured to supply ink and processing liquid to the sub ink tanks 5 of the forming unit 8.

  The conveyance roller 2 is a paper feed mechanism constituted by a pair of rollers rotatably disposed in the image forming apparatus 100, sandwiches the recording medium 1 set on the tray 7, and has a predetermined amount of recording medium 1. Are conveyed one by one into the image forming apparatus 100 at a predetermined timing.

  The image forming unit 8 forms an image with ink on the surface of the recording medium 1. The image forming unit 8 mainly includes a recording head 3, a sub ink tank 5, a power supply signal cable 9, a carriage 10, a guide rod 11, a timing belt 12, a driving pulley 13, and a maintenance unit 14. ing.

  The sub ink tank 5 has sub ink tanks 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 in which different colors of ink and processing liquid are stored so as to be ejected from the recording head. These include, for example, black ink (K), yellow ink (Y), magenta ink (M), and cyan ink (C) as the first liquid, and processing liquid from the main ink tank 4 as the second liquid. Replenished and paid.

  The sub ink tank 5 is provided with an exhaust hole 56 and a supply hole 57, respectively. When the recording head 3 moves to the standby position (or replenishment position), the exhaust pin 151 and the replenishment pin 152 of the replenishing device 15 are inserted into the exhaust hole 56 and the replenishment hole 57, respectively. 5 and the replenishing device 15 can be connected. The replenishing device 15 is connected to the main ink tank 4 via the replenishing pipe 16, and the replenishing device 15 replenishes ink or processing liquid from the main ink tank 4 to the sub ink tank 5 through the replenishing hole 57.

  Here, the main ink tank 4 also has main ink tanks 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 in which different colors of ink and processing liquid are stored. These are filled with, for example, black ink (K), yellow ink (Y), magenta ink (M), and cyan ink (C) as the first liquid, and the processing liquid as the second liquid, Each is stored in the image forming apparatus 100 in a detachable manner.

  Furthermore, the power supply signal cable 9 and the sub ink tank 5 are connected to the recording head 3, and when external image recording information is input from the power supply signal cable 9 to the recording head 3, the recording head 3 detects the image recording information. Based on the above, a predetermined amount of ink is sucked from each ink tank and discharged onto the surface of the recording medium. The power supply signal cable 9 also has a role of supplying power necessary for driving the recording head 3 to the recording head 3 in addition to the image recording information.

  The recording head 3 is arranged and held on a carriage 10, and the carriage 10 is connected to a guide rod 11 and a timing belt 12 connected to a driving pulley 13. With such a configuration, the recording head 3 extends along the guide rod 11 and is parallel to the surface of the recording medium 1 and perpendicular to the conveyance direction X (sub-scanning direction) of the recording medium 1 (main scanning direction). It can also be moved in the scanning direction.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes control means (not shown) that adjusts the drive timing of the recording head 3 and the drive timing of the carriage 10 based on the image recording information. Thereby, an image based on the image recording information can be continuously formed in a predetermined region of the surface of the recording medium 1 that is transported at a predetermined speed along the transport direction X.

  The maintenance unit 14 is connected to a decompression device (not shown) via a tube. Further, the maintenance unit 14 is connected to the nozzle portion of the recording head 3 and has a function of sucking ink from the nozzles of the recording head 3 by reducing the pressure in the nozzles of the recording head 3. By providing the maintenance unit 14, if necessary, excess ink adhering to the nozzles during operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is removed, or evaporation of ink from the nozzles is suppressed when the operation is stopped. be able to.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of another preferred embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an internal basic configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) of FIG. The image forming apparatus 101 of the present embodiment has a configuration that operates based on the above-described inkjet recording method of the present invention to form an image.

  In the image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the width of the recording head 3 is the same as or larger than the width of the recording medium 1, does not have a carriage mechanism, and is in the sub-scanning direction (conveying direction of the recording medium 1: arrow X). Direction) paper feed mechanism (the transport roller 2 is shown in the present embodiment, but it may be a belt-type paper feed mechanism, for example).

  Although not shown, the nozzle group for discharging each color (including the treatment liquid) is also provided in the same manner as the sub ink tanks 51 to 55 are sequentially arranged in the sub scanning direction (conveyance direction of the recording medium 1: arrow X direction). They are arranged in the sub-scanning direction. Other configurations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. In the drawing, since the recording head 3 does not move, the sub ink tank 5 is always connected to the replenishing device 15. However, the sub ink tank 5 may be connected to the replenishing device 15 at the time of ink replenishment.

  In the image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, since the printing in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the recording medium 1 is collectively performed by the recording head 3, the configuration of the apparatus is simpler than the system having the carriage mechanism. Yes, printing speed will be faster.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples. However, these examples do not limit the present invention.

Example 1
-Preparation of ink 1-A-
The following ink components were mixed, stirred, and then filtered using a membrane filter having a pore size of 5 μm to prepare an ink.

Ink component / Pigment dispersion (Pigment Blue 15: 3 10% by mass / styrene-methacrylic acid-methacrylic acid ester 3% by mass): 40% by mass
・ Glycerin: 10% by mass
・ Ethylene glycol: 5% by mass
・ Diethylene glycol: 5% by mass
・ Surfactant (Olfin E1010) 0.5% by mass
・ Thioxanthone ammonium salt (photopolymerization initiator): 0.1% by mass
・ Pure water: remaining amount

-Preparation of ink 1-B-
An ink was prepared in the same manner as ink 1-A, except that thioxanthone ammonium salt (photopolymerization initiator) was removed.

-Preparation of identification test liquid 1-
An acid group (carboxylic acid) was introduced into the epoxy acrylate modified product to make it water-soluble, and then mixed with water to prepare a 5% by mass aqueous solution of the epoxy acrylate modified product to obtain a liquid for identification inspection.

-Ink identification-
20 ml was sampled from the ink 1-A, 20 ml of the identification test liquid 1 was dropped on the sample, and irradiated with ultraviolet light with a high-pressure mercury lamp (light illuminance: 500 mJ / cm ² , irradiated for 30 seconds). ) Was confirmed to be generated. On the other hand, similarly, when the liquid 1 for identification inspection was dropped on the sampled ink 1-B, it was not confirmed that a polymer (polymer) was generated by visual observation. Thereby, the ink 1-A and the ink 1-B could be identified.

(Example 2)
-Preparation of ink 2-B-
The following ink components were mixed, stirred, and then filtered using a membrane filter having a pore size of 5 μm to prepare an ink.

Ink component / pigment dispersion (Pigment red 122 15% by mass / styrene-acrylic acid-methyl acrylate 10% by mass): 20% by mass
・ Triethylene glycol: 15% by mass
・ 2-Pyrrolidone: 5% by mass
・ Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether: 3% by mass
・ Surfactant (oleyl alcohol oxyethylene adduct): 0.5% by mass
4-benzoylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride (photopolymerization initiator): 0.3% by mass
・ Pure water: remaining amount

-Preparation of treatment liquid 2-A-
The following processing liquid components were mixed to prepare a processing liquid.
・ Processing liquid components ・ Diethylene glycol: 30% by mass
-2-furancarboxylic acid (pKa = 2.4): 8% by mass
・ Sodium hydroxide: 0.8% by mass
-Acetylene glycol ethylene oxide adduct: 1% by mass
4-benzoylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride (photopolymerization initiator): 0.3% by mass
・ Pure water: balance

-Preparation of ink 2-B-
An ink was prepared in the same manner as ink 2-A, except that 4-benzoylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride (photopolymerization initiator) was omitted.

-Preparation of treatment liquid 2-B-
A treatment liquid was prepared in the same manner as in the treatment liquid 2-A, except that 4-benzoylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride (photopolymerization initiator) was removed.

-Preparation of identification test liquid 2-
Polyethylene glycol diacrylate was mixed with water to prepare a 3% by mass aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, and a liquid for identification inspection was obtained.

-Identification of ink and treatment liquid-
Printing on a recording medium (C2 paper manufactured by Fuji Xerox Office Supply Co., Ltd.) so that ink 2-A and treatment liquid 2-A are in contact with each other by a printer having a piezo-type prototype inkjet head having a nozzle density of 1200 dpi × 600 dpi (Drop amount 14 ng), FX-C ² paper (manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.), dried, 0.1 ml of the identification inspection liquid 1 is dropped on the print area, and irradiated with ultraviolet light with a high-pressure mercury lamp (light illuminance: 500 mJ / cm ² , irradiation for 60 seconds), it was confirmed that a polymer was formed in the print area.

  On the other hand, similarly, the ink 2-B and the treatment liquid 2-B are printed, and after drying, the identification inspection liquid 2 is dropped on the print region and irradiated with ultraviolet light, and a polymer is formed. That was not confirmed.

  As a result, it was possible to identify whether printing was performed with the ink 2-A and the treatment liquid 2-A or with the ink 2-B and the treatment liquid 2-B.

  The confirmation of the polymer (polymer) in the printing area was performed as follows. By measuring the gross change before and after the ultraviolet light irradiation, it can be seen that an article with a large gross change indicates that the polymer film is purified on the printed matter, that is, it is genuine.

(Example 3)
-Preparation of ink 3-A-
The following ink components were mixed, stirred, and then filtered using a membrane filter having a pore size of 5 μm to prepare an ink.

Ink component / pigment dispersion (Pigment red 122 15% by mass / styrene-acrylic acid-methyl acrylate 10% by mass): 20% by mass
・ Triethylene glycol: 15% by mass
・ 2-Pyrrolidone: 5% by mass
・ Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether: 3% by mass
Surfactant (Olfin E1004): 0.5% by mass
-Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (photopolymerizable monomer): 0.3% by mass
-Pure water: remaining amount-Preparation of ink 3-B-
An ink was prepared in the same manner as ink 3-A, except that polyethylene glycol diacrylate (photopolymerizable monomer) was omitted.

-Preparation of identification test liquid 3-
4-Benzoylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride (photopolymerization initiator) was mixed with water to prepare a 0.1% by mass aqueous solution of 4-benzoylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride to obtain a liquid for identification test.

-Ink identification-
A 15 ml sample was taken from the ink 3-A, 5 ml of the identification test liquid 3 was dropped on the sample, and irradiated with ultraviolet light (light illuminance: 1000 mJ / cm ² , irradiated for 60 seconds) with a high-pressure mercury lamp. ) Was confirmed to be generated. On the other hand, when the identification inspection liquid 3 was dropped on the sampled ink 3-B, it was not confirmed that a polymer was formed by visual observation. Thereby, the ink 3-A and the ink 3-B could be identified.

1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a preferred embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal basic configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of another suitable one Embodiment of the inkjet recording device of this invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an internal basic configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 3.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100, 101 Image forming apparatus 1 Recording medium 2 Conveying roller 3 Recording head 4 Main ink tank 5 Sub ink tank 6 External cover 7 Tray 8 Image forming part 9 Power supply signal cable 10 Carriage 11 Guide rod 12 Timing belt 13 Drive pulley 14 Maintenance unit 15 Replenisher

Claims (10)

  A liquid composition for inkjet, comprising any one of a photopolymerizable material and a photopolymerization initiator for initiating photopolymerization of the photopolymerizable material.   The ink-jet liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein the ink-jet liquid composition is an ink-jet ink containing at least a coloring material.   2. The ink jet liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet liquid composition is an ink jet processing liquid containing at least an aggregating agent having an action of aggregating, thickening or insolubilizing ink components. object.   The liquid composition for inkjet according to claim 1, wherein the photopolymerization initiator is contained among the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator.   The inkjet liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet liquid composition is an aqueous liquid composition, and the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator are water-soluble.   The liquid composition for inkjet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and the photopolymerizable material and the photopolymerization initiator, which are different from those contained in the liquid composition for inkjet. After contacting the liquid composition for identification inspection, light irradiation is performed, the photopolymerizable material is photopolymerized to form a polymer, and the ink jet liquid composition is determined depending on the presence or absence of the polymer. An identification method for identifying a liquid composition for inkjet, comprising an identification inspection step for identifying whether the composition is a liquid composition.   The ink jet liquid composition identification method according to claim 6, wherein the ink jet liquid composition is printed on a recording medium and then brought into contact with the identification test liquid composition.   The said light irradiation is ultraviolet light irradiation, The identification method of the liquid composition for inkjets of Claim 6 characterized by the above-mentioned.   An ink jet liquid composition tank containing the ink jet liquid composition according to claim 1. Any one of a photopolymerizable material and a photopolymerization initiator for initiating photopolymerization of the photopolymerizable material, and an inkjet ink containing a color material,
Either a polymerizable material or a photopolymerization initiator for initiating photopolymerization of the photopolymerizable material, and an ink jet treatment containing an aggregating agent having an action of aggregating, thickening or insolubilizing ink components Liquid,
An ink-jet ink set comprising:

Images