EP0781205B1

EP0781205B1 - Ink jet printing sheet

Info

Publication number: EP0781205B1
Application number: EP95928344A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Warner; Wu-Shyong Li; Charles C. Lee
Original assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: 3M Co
Priority date: 1994-09-12
Filing date: 1995-08-07
Publication date: 1999-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2015-08-07
Also published as: DE69509244D1; DE69509244T2; CN1157593A; BR9508911A; CA2197992A1; WO1996008377A1; AU3215195A; EP0781205A1; MX9701762A; KR970705475A; JPH10505800A

Description

Technical Field

This invention relates to ink jet printing sheets suitable for use in signing applications and in particular to a printing sheet having a release surface in contact with an adhesive layer. This invention further relates to a method of printing using the printing sheet of this invention.

Background of the Invention

Various processes suitable for producing outdoor durable signs are known to the art, e.g. by electrostatic printing processes, receptors and methods of transfer to signing materials. These processes have produced materials useful in a whole variety of applications such as advertising, billboards, vehicle signing. However, they suffer from the disadvantage that the machinery requirements for these processes and articles are expensive and the machinery requires relatively high maintenance and operator skill.

The ink jet printing process is now well known. Examples of its applications are as computer printers for the production of documents and overhead transparencies. Recently wide format printers have become commercially available, and therefore the printing of larger articles such as large engineering drawings, blueprints and color posters and signs has become feasible. These printers are relatively inexpensive as compared with many other hardcopy output devices, for example, digital electrostatic printers. However, the printers have all the usual advantages of computer addressed hardcopy output devices, wherein the image as a positive photographic transparency or print can be scanned using scanner devices known in the art, stored on computer disc, manipulated, restored, and printed etc.

Generally, ink jet inks are wholly or partially water-based and receptors for these inks are typically plain papers or preferably specialist ink jet receptor papers, which are treated or coated to improve their receptor properties or the quality of the images resulting therefrom.

Many ink jet receptor compositions suitable for application as overhead transparencies are also known in the art. These are composed of transparent plastic materials such as polyester, which alone will not accept the aqueous inks and are coated with receptor layers. Typically these receptor layers are composed of mixtures of water soluble polymers that can absorb the aqueous mixture from the ink jet ink.

Examples of ink jet receptor compositions used for overhead transparencies are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,935,307 (Iqbal et al.); U.S. Patent No. 5,208,092 (Iqbal); U.S Patent No. 5,342,688 (Kitchin et al.); and EPO Publication 0 484 016 A1.

A common problem with images produced by ink jet is the subsequent spread of the dyes, often particularly bad under warm and humid conditions. Therefore, many receptor materials contain moieties that react with, or otherwise immobilize the dyes after printing. Alternative approaches to prevent the spread of dyes are to modify ink formulations.

Another disadvantage with many current ink jet compositions is color shift or fading of the dyes in the images with subsequent loss of the archivability, change in image quality with time, and a short lifetime for relatively high-quality images in direct sunlight. This is not a problem in applications such as short-term signing, for example for advertisements. However, these disadvantages make the images unsuitable for longer term applications such as archivable prints or exterior durable images and signs.

Other ink jet recording materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,132,146 (Maruyama et al.) and U.S. Patent No. 5,302,437 (Idei et al.).

There is a need for ink jet receptor materials that provide high density, low dye bleed images with dye-based ink jet inks and at the same time provide smear-resistant images with pigmented ink jet inks.

Summary of the Invention

Briefly, in one aspect of the present invention, an ink jet printing sheet is provided comprising a substrate and an image receiving layer contacting the substrate, wherein the image receiving layer is comprised of at least one protective penetrant layer of one composition and at least one ink jet receptor layer of a second composition, and wherein both the protective penetrant layer and the ink jet receptor layer contain dispersed particles or particulates of a size large enough to roughen both a surface of the protective penetrant layer and a surface of the ink jet receptor layer.

Optionally, on the side of the substrate opposite from the image receiving layer, in sequential order, is an adhesive layer and a release liner. The sheet is useful in ink jet printing processes using substrates that may be used in signing, archiving or other imaging applications.

Advantageously, the image receiving layer (either comprised of a single layer or multiple layers) can be used with a wide variety of substrates, such as thermoplastic, thermoset, plastic-coated papers, fabrics, plastic-coated fabrics, thick or thin substrates, provided the coated substrates are capable of being loaded into an ink jet printing system.

The printed receptor sheet, either overlaminated with a protective film or coating or otherwise treated to provide a durable surface can be used for commercial signage, archival or imaging applications.

An advantage of the present invention is an ink jet printing sheet wherein the substrate and adhesive are durable for periods of several years in an exterior environment where the materials and images can be exposed to rain, sun, and such variations in temperature as are found in exterior environments and on surfaces in exterior environments. Typically, the article of the present invention has some flexibility such that it may be adhered onto surfaces having some curvature or non uniformity e.g. walls or surfaces with screw heads or rivets, without easily ripping the material or cracking or delamination of the image receiving layers, overlaminating layers, other coatings or image or "tenting" of the material over the protrusion.

A degree of water resistance, additional image protection to scratches, splashing and the like, and a high gloss finish can be supplied optionally to the printed sheet, e.g. by the overlamination of a clear protective layer.

Finally, the articles of the present invention maintain other desirable properties of an ideal ink jet printing sheet, such as, dye bleed resistance and low background color. Good color saturation and density are also observed in the printed images. The printed articles do not curl excessively on exposure to humidity or during the ink jet printing process, and printed images exhibit quick ink drying times following printing with good image sharpness.

As used in this application:

"colorant" means any substance that imparts color to another material or mixture and maybe either, dyes or pigments;

"durable" means the sheets used in the present invention are capable of withstanding the wear and tear associated with signage and may be 2 to 5 years in exterior environments;

"plastic" means a material that is capable of being shaped or molded with or without application of heat and include thermoplastics types, thermosets types, both of which may be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid, brittle or ductile;

"smear-resistant" as used in this application means resistant of the ink jet ink to smear as described in the following test, printing an image with black lines, allowing a minimum of five minutes time to dry, rubbing the line with the pad of the finger with a light to moderate pressure, such as might be used during normal handling of images, and observing whether spread of the line occurs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a plan end view of a two-layer image receiving layer construction after printing and overlamination.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment(s)

Referring to Figure 1 an ink jet printing sheet of the present invention is illustrated comprising (a) an image receiving layer (11-12) on (b) a substrate (10), wherein the sheet may optionally have (c) a layer of adhesive (13) coated or laminated to the substrate (10) on the surface away from the image receiving layer (11-12). The adhesive layer (13) may or may not be backed with release liner (14). In this embodiment (Figure 1), the image receiving layer (11-12) comprises at least two layers, wherein one layer is a protective penetrant layer (12) and one layer is an ink jet receptor layer (11).

Once the ink jet printing sheet has been imaged (15) using an ink jet printing process, the printed sheet (100) may be overlaminated with a transparent protective layer (16). The transparent protective layer (16) may be a transparent plastic sheet bearing on one side a pressure-sensitive adhesive or hot-melt (thermal) adhesive, or a clear coat, or a processing technique that will affect the surface of the printed sheet (100).

Typical release liner (14) comprise a paper or plastic or other suitable sheet material coated or otherwise treated with a release material such as a silicone or fluorocarbon type material on at least one surface in contact with adhesive layer such that adhesive layer adheres to release layer but is easily removed from the release liner when desired so that the adhesive layer is exposed.

Substrates are preferably durable materials that resist deleterious effects of exterior signing environments including large ambient temperature ranges -60°C to + 107°C, direct exposure to sun and are optionally conformable for fixing to exterior surfaces wherein they may be adhered over surfaces with some curvature or non uniformity e.g. walls or surfaces with screw heads or rivets slightly proud of the surface without easily ripping the material or "tenting". However, the invention need not be limited to these, a less durable plastic is useful for interior signing applications such as might be used when images printed have been printed with dye-based ink jet inks.

Substrates can be clear, translucent, or opaque depending on the application of the invention. Opaque substrates are useful for viewing an image from the image side of the printed sheet in lighting conditions such as artificial lighting or sunlight. Translucent substrates are particularly useful for backlit usages, for example, a luminous sign.

Substrates useful in the practice of the present invention are commercially available and many are designed to be exterior durable, which is preferred. Nonlimiting examples of such substrates include Scotchcal™ Marking Films and Scotchcal™ Series 9000 Short-Term Removable (STR) Film available from 3M Company, Avery™ GL™ Series Long Life Films, Avery™ XL™ Series Long Life Films, Avery™ SX™ Series Long Life Films, suitable films from the FasCal™ or FasFlex™ range of films or any other suitable marking, graphic or promotional films available from Fasson, Avery or Meyercord. However, other manufacturers of suitable materials exist and the invention shall not be limited to the above. Almost any material composed of a plastic sheet could be used depending on the use of the final image, for example, whether outdoor durability is required, and providing that the ink jet receptor bottomcoat can adhere to the film surface sufficiently well.

Useful substrates can have a variety of surface finishes such a matte finish as provided with Scotchcal™ Series 9000 Short-Term Removable (STR) Film or glossy finish as provided with Scotchcal™ 3650 Marking Film. Plastic films can be extruded, calendared or cast different plastic materials may be used, such as those exemplified by the Scotchcal™ plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) or Surlyn, a polyolefin. Any suitable plastic material can be employed. Nonlimiting examples include polyester materials exemplified by Mylar™ available from E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company, Melinex™ available from Imperial Chemicals, Inc., and Celanar™ available from Celanese Corporation. Other examples include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polycarbonates, polymerized acrylates, polystyrene, polysulfones, polyether sulfones, cellulose triacetate, cellophane, poly(vinyl fluoride), polyimides, Teslin™ available from PPG Industries, rubbery polymers such as styrene-butadiene copolymers, nitrile or butyl rubbers, polybutadienes. Preferred materials for substrates can include those that are plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)s or ionomers although the invention is not limited to these. Preferred materials are white opaque or translucent materials but transparent materials and colored opaque, translucent or transparent materials could be useful in special applications.

Typical thicknesses of the substrate are in the range of 0.05 to 0.75 mm. However, the thickness can be outside this range and almost any thickness can be useful provided the film resists tearing or splitting during the printing and application process. Given all considerations, any thickness is useful provided the substrate is not too thick to feed into an ink jet printer of choice.

The image receiving layer is comprised of at least two layers, such that at least one of the layers functions as an ink jet receptor. When the image receiving layer is comprised of at least two layers, the uppermost layer functions as a protective penetrant layer and the bottomcoat layer functions as the ink jet receptor.

Preferred is a two layer construction as shown in Figure 1. Although an image receiving layer is described as a multilayer constructions, the use of the term "multilayer" does not necessarily imply that the layers are wholly distinct, that is, there is a discernible demarcating interface, although they may be. There may be, for example, some interlayer mixing especially at the interface during a coating procedure.

Typical hydrophilic or water soluble or water absorbent polymers or binders used in the art are poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone e.g. with ethylene or styrene, poly(vinyl alcohol), polyacrylic acids, polymethacrylic acids or (1-alkyl) acrylic acid copolymers and the inorganic salts such as alkali metal salts derived therefrom, poly(alkylene oxides) or polyglycols, carbohydrates, alkyl and hydroxylalkyl cellulose derivatives, starch and starch derivatives such as hydroxyalkyl starches, carboxyalkyl celluloses and their salts, gum arabic, xanthan gum, carageenan gum, proteins and polypeptides. One or more polymers can be crosslinked by employing other reactants or catalysts.

Preferred constituents of the bottomcoat layer include copolymers as disclosed in EP 0484016 A1, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), poly(ethylene oxide), and mordants such as are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,342,688 to hinder dye migration in images after printing. However, mordants are not required in printing sheet designed for use with pigment-based ink jet inks.

Preferred constituents of the topcoat layer are hydrophilic or water-soluble polymers, gums and surfactants which are less sensitive to humidity and moisture from the touch than for example is poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). These include poly(vinyl alcohol), aforementioned particulates such as corn starch or their derivatives or modified corn starches, Xanthan gum and surfactants such as Triton X-100. A similar topcoat is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,935,307 and such description is incorporated herein by reference.

An image receiving layer is used having a two layer construction wherein both the bottomcoat and topcoat layers contain a dispersed particle or particulate, such that the surface of the ink jet printing sheet is roughened. The roughened surface is characterized by dispersed particles and/or particulates such that images printed using pigment-based ink jet inks in the ink jet printing process are essentially non-smearable or smear resistant. Filling the bottomcoat with particulate matter achieves a roughened receptor surface. Other advantages may also be gained such as improved grip in the ink jet printer and improved transport of the article of the invention through the printer and the prevention of"blocking."

Furthermore, the thickness of the topcoat layer is much thinner than the bottomcoat layer. Depending on the printing application, the thicknesses may vary. Relative to each other, the particles and/or particulates contained in the bottomcoat layer preferably should be larger than the thickness of the topcoat layer.

Preferred materials for such dispersed particles and particulate material include materials that are insoluble or of sufficient low solubility in the rest of the ink jet coating mixture that is typically aqueous. Preferred are materials that have some water absorbency. Nonlimiting examples of particulate material include corn starch or modified corn starches, silica, alumina, titanium dioxide or other white inorganic oxide or hydroxide materials, cotton or flock particles and other cellulose or modified cellulose particulates, calcium carbonate or calcium silicate and other white inorganic silicates, sulfides and carbonates, clays, and talc. The size of the dispersed particles or particulates are typically in the range of approximately 1 to 40 micrometers in diameter, preferably in the range of approximately 2 to 20 micrometers in diameter. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to this range, provided there are sufficient particles have sizes large enough to roughen the surface of the bottomcoat and topcoat layers. The enumerate size distribution is a typical range, although it permissible to use particles or particulates that are outside the above-stated range of sizes. Particles and/or particulates are added into the image receiving layers in the range of 10 to 60 % by weight of total solids, preferably in the range of 15 to 25 % by weight of total solids. Furthermore, dispersed particles and particulates are generally available in a distribution of sizes, although it is not intended to forclose the use of single sized particle or particulate, provided the size is large enough as described above.

Adjuvants to the receptor coatings include but are not limited to water soluble polymers or mixtures of water-soluble polymers acting as absorbent materials or binders or both, crosslinked materials or other polymers, and optionally other materials such as surfactants, crosslinkers, mordants to prevent dye bleed or other dye migration in the printed image, other moieties for the prevention of dye-bleed, and dispersions or emulsions. Ultraviolet radiation absorbing materials, free radical scavangers and antioxidants may also be used. The amounts used of any of the adjuvants are those typical for the adjuvant selected and known to those skilled in the art.

Although it is preferable to use a pressure-sensitive adhesive, any adhesive that is particularly suited to the particular substrate selected and end-use application can be used on the ink jet printing sheet. Such adhesives are those known in the art and may include adhesives that are agressively tacky adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, repositionable and/or positionable adhesives, hot melt adhesives and the like. Furthermore, it is permissible to fabricate an ink jet receptor sheet without the addition of an adhesive layer, for example, short-run interior signage loaded into a sign box.

In this application, overlaminate layer refers to any sheet material that can be adhered to the surface of any existing coated or uncoated sheet material. "Overlamination" refers to any process of achieving this adherence, particularly without the entrapment of air bubbles, creases or other defects that might spoil the appearance of the finished article or image.

The deleterious effects of ambient humidity may be slowed by the overlamination of a transparent protective coat or sheet herein referred to as an overlaminate. Overlamination has the further advantage that the images are protected from scratching, splashes, and the overlaminate can supply a high gloss finish or other desired surface finish or design, and provide a degree of desired optical dot-gain. The overlaminate layer may also absorb ultraviolet radiation or protect the underlayers and image from deleterious effects of direct sunlight or other sources of radiations. Overlamination is, for example, described in US patent 4,966,804.

After printing an image or design onto the receptor layers of the present invention, the image is preferably overlaminated with a transparent colorless or nearly colorless material. Suitable overlaminate layers include any suitable transparent plastic material bearing on one surface an adhesive. The adhesive of the overlaminate layer could be a hot-melt or other thermal adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The surface of the overlaminate layer can provide high gloss or matte or other surface texture. Preferred overlaminate layers are designed for external graphics applications and include materials such as those commercially available from 3M Company as Scotchprint™ 8910 Exterior Protective Film, 8911 Exterior Protective Film, and 8912 Exterior Protective Film. However, other films are available or could be fabricated and the invention is not limited to those exemplified.

An example of a printing process used in the present invention comprises feeding the material in either sheet form or dispensed from a roll into an ink jet printer, printing a desired color or monochrome image, retrieving the image from the printer and, optionally, overlaminating the image with an overlaminating layer to protect the receptor coatings and image from water, scratching and other potential sources of damage to the image, and then removing the release liner, and affixing the printed image to a wall, vehicle side, banner, page or other surface for viewing.

Advantageously the articles of the present invention accept pigment-based ink jet inks when the substrate is comprised of weatherable plastic materials, allowing for heat and light stable image constructions under such circumstances as are found in exterior signing environments.

The ink jet printing sheet provide useable images using both dye-based and pigment-based ink jet inks suitable for use, for example, in wide-format ink jet printers wherein both narrow or wide images can be made by ink jet printing process used in signing applications. The resultant printed sheet is easily handleable without easy smearing of the image and can be applied, when an adhesive layer is part of the ink jet printing sheet, to a wall, vehicle side or other surface for signing and other applications using techniques well known in the art without use of other devices such as spray adhesives.

Examples

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples, but the particular materials and amounts thereof recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this invention. All materials are commercially available or known to those skilled in the art unless otherwise stated or apparent.

In the examples described herein, density and optical densities were reflection densities measured using a Gretag SPM-50 densitometer, subtracting the density of the unprinted sheet as background. For reference the following example densities were obtained printing onto Hewlett-Packard HP51631E Special Ink Jet Paper using the Hewlett-Packard Designjet 650C fitted with the HP51650 series cartridges (including the HP51640A black) as recommended for the printer: 1.365 (cyan), 1.154 (magenta), 0.967 (yellow) and 1.247 (black). For reference the following densities were obtained printing onto Hewlett-Packard HP51631E Special Ink Jet Paper using the Hewlett-Packard Designjet 650C fitted with the HP51640 series cartridges (including the HP51640A black): 1.247 (cyan), 1.123 (magenta), 0.686 (yellow) and 1.242 (black).

Example 1

Ink jet printing sheets for dye and pigment-based ink-jet inks were prepared by coating the following formulation onto Scotchcal™ Marking Film Series 3650 available from 3M Company. A formulation was made up by thoroughly mixing until homogeneous; 810 grams of a 20% aqueous solution of copolymer as described in EP 0484016 A1, 469 grams of solid poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), K90 (available from ISP Technologies Inc.), 162 grams of Carbowax Polyethylene Glycol 600 (available from Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company Inc.), 108 grams of a 15% solution of mordant (mordant with chloride counterions as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,342,688, and PCT Publication WO 94/20304, PCT Publication WO 94/20305, and PCT Publication WO 94/20306, 3560 grams of deionized water and 1638 grams of ethanol. To the mixture was added 167 grams of LOK-SIZE® 30 Cationic Corn Starch (available from A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company). The solution was mixed using an overhead stirrer for four hours, and then homogenized for thirty minutes in a 19 ℓ (five gallon) pail using a Silverson high-speed Multi-Purpose Lab mixer, fitted with a Disintegrating Head.

Before coating, 3.3 grams of 30% aqueous ammonia (available from Aldrich Chemical Company) and then 24.3 grams of Xama 7, (an aziridine crosslinker available from Hoechst Celanese Corporation) were mixed in thoroughly.

The above formulation was coated on an automated pilot coater at a web speed of 0.10 meters per second onto 0.3048 meter wide Scotchcal™ Marking Film Series 3650: a weatherable white vinyl product composed of, in order; a white vinyl layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and release paper; available from 3M Co. A knife coater approximately set at a 127 micrometer gap was used and the dried coating weight measured at 14.90 grams per square meter. The material was passed at 0.10 meters per second through four drying zones; 3.66 meters at 65.6°C, 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 93.3°C, and 7.32 meters at 121°C.

In a second pass, a topcoat was overcoated onto the product of the above coating operation onto the previously described coated layer using the pilot coater with knife coater set at a 76 micrometer gap. The topcoat similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 4,935,307 was composed of 66% by weight (of the total mixture) deionized water; 1.64% by weight Airvol 540 poly(vinyl alcohol) (available from Air Products) 31.17% by weight of denatured alcohol; 0.61% by weight of LOK-SIZE® 30 Cationic corn starch (available from A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company), 0.28% by weight of Xanthan gum, a polysaccharide gum known as KELTROL TF 1000 (available from Kelco Division of Merck & Co. Inc.), and 0.3 % by weight of Triton X-100 surfactant (available from Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company Inc).

This coated article was passed at 0.10 meters per second through four drying zones; 3.66 meters at 65.6°C, 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 93.3°C, and 7.32 meters at 93.3°C. Images were printed directly onto the receptor coating side of the coated material using a Hewlett-Packard HP650C Design jet ink jet printer fitted with the standard 51650 series of ink cartridges giving excellent densities, quick drying time, smear-resistant colors including the black (printed from the HP51640A cartridge containing a black pigment-based ink.).

One image was overlaminated using Scotchprint™ 8910 Exterior Protective Clear Film, lustre gloss available from 3M Co. using techniques known in the art, giving a gloss image protected against spills. The overlaminate also supplies additional resistance to dye bleed from humid environmental conditions.

Examples of optical densities obtained on samples without overlaminate by measurement with a Gretag SPM-50 hand-held densitometer were 1.294 (cyan), 0.969 (magenta), 0.654 (yellow), and 1.450 (black).

This printing sheet was also printed on an Encad Novajet wide format printer fitted with LaserMaster Corp. inks (all dye-based). Very high densities were obtained, although drying times were longer - on the order of ten minutes to touch dry. Examples of optical densities obtained were 1.857 (cyan), 1.802 (magenta), 1.044 (yellow), and 1.937 (black).

Example 2

The article produced as follows illustrates a different type of adhesive backed substrate allowing for short-term removability of images. Bottomcoat solution of the same composition as described in Example 1 was coated on a pilot coater at a web speed of 0.10 meters per second onto roll of 0.30 meter wide Scotchcal™ Series 9000 Short-Term Removable (STR) Film, available from 3M Co. and comprising in order, a white vinyl layer, an adhesive layer (which allows removal for up to two years with little or no adhesive residue from most surfaces), and a release backing.

The bottomcoat was coated onto the vinyl using a knife coater set at a gap of approximately 127 micrometers giving a dried coating weight measured at 15.51 grams per square meter. The material was passed at 0.1 meters per second through four drying zones; 3.66 meters at 65.6°C, 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 93.3°C, and 7.32 meters at 121°C.

The topcoat was as described in Example 1 except that it was further diluted to 1% solids with deionized water. In a second pass, the diluted topcoat was overcoated onto the product of the above coating operation onto the previously coated layer using the pilot coater with knife coater set at a 127 micrometers gap. For the topcoat the web speed was approximately 0.076 meters per second. The topcoat was applied using a crossflow knife. The material was passed at approximately 0.076 meters per second through four drying zones; 3.66 meters at 65.6°C, 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 93.3°C, and 7.32 meters at 121°C.

Color test patterns were printed onto 21.6 by 27.9 centimeter samples of these materials using the Hewlett-Packard Designjet 650C giving fast drying images with and smear-resistant images including pigment black. Test patterns and larger full color images were also printed using the Hewlett-Packard Designjet 650C fitted with Hewlett-Packard 51640 series cartridges, giving fast drying smear-resistant images.

Examples of optical densities measured for 100% color areas are: for HP51650 inks (including the HP51640A black) printed on the Hewlett-Packard Designjet HP650C printer: 0.970 (cyan), 1.013 (magenta), 0.581 (yellow), and 1.125 (black).

Examples of optical densities measured for 100% color areas are: for HP51640 inks printed on the Hewlett-Packard Designjet HP650C printer: 1.367 (cyan), 0.987 (magenta), 0.991 (yellow), and 1.185 (black).

Example 3

The following example illustrates printing sheet acting as receptors for pigment-based inks alone and thus not requiring any mordanting method to slow or prevent dye-bleed. A formulation was made up by thoroughly mixing until homogeneous, 59.8 grams of a 20% aqueous solution of copolymer as described in No. EP 0484016, 34.6 grams of solid poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) K90 available from ISP Technologies Inc., 12 grams of Carbowax Polyethylene Glycol 600 available from Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company Inc., and 263 grams of deionized water. To the mixture was added 121 grams of ethanol and 12.3 grams of LOK-SIZE® 30 Cationic Corn Starch (available from A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company). The corn starch was homogenized using a Silverson L4R Multi-Purpose Laboratory Mixer fitted with a Disintegrating Head for a period often minutes.

To 50 grams of the above solution was added one droplet of 30% ammonia (available from Aldrich Chemical Co.) and 0.18 grams of Xama 7 (available from Hoechst Celanese Corporation ) were added and thoroughly mixed in. The resulting mixture was hand coated using a knife or notch bar set at a gap setting of approximately 127 micrometers, and dried in an oven at 93.3°C for four minutes.

The above coatings were overcoated with the topcoat solution described in Example 1 on the knife using a gap setting of approximately 76 micrometers and dried at 93.3°C for three minutes. Image areas printed by the Hewlett-Packard Designjet HP640A black were smear-resistant and a sample without 8910 overlaminate (i.e. the least protected from the effects of humid air), was placed in an oven/environmental chamber for 90 hours at 40°C and 85% humidity, and showed no bleeding of the black or other obvious detrimental effects to the black image areas or sheet. Four images were made and three were overlaminated with Scotchprint™ 8910 Exterior Protective Clear Film, lustre gloss available from 3M Co. using techniques known in the art giving glossy images.

Example 4

The following procedure illustrates functionality at different bottomcoat thicknesses.A bottomcoat formulation was made up as described in Example 1 (but twice the quantities of each material). The material was coated on an automated pilot coater at a web speed of 0.10 meters per second onto a roll of 0.30 meter wide Scotchcal™ Marking Film Series 3650 (available from 3M Company). For 15 minutes, a knife coater approximately set at a 51 micrometer gap was used and the dried coating weight measured at 5.60 grams per square meter. Then for a further 15 minutes, the knife coater was set approximately at a 76 micrometer gap, and the dried coating weight measured at 9.16 grams per square meter. Then for another 15 minutes, the knife coater was set approximately at a 102 micrometer gap, and the dried coating weight measured at 13.3 and again at 13.5 grams per square meter. All material was passed at 0.10 meters per second through four drying zones; 0.37 meters at 65.6°C, 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 93.3°C, and 7.32 meters at 121°C.

In a second pass, the topcoat (formulation as described in Example 1) was overcoated onto the product of the above coating operation onto the previously described coated layer using the pilot coater with knife coater set at a 76 micrometer gap at a web speed of 0.10 meters per second through four drying zones; 3.66 meters at 65.6°C, 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 93.3°C, and 7.32 meters at 121°C.

Test pattern images were printed using the Hewlett-Packard Designjet 650C fitted with Hewlett-Packard 51640 series cartridges, giving fast drying smear-resistant images at all coating weights. The following table illustrates the optical densities:

Weight/g/sq.m	5.6	9.2	13.4
Gap/micron	51	76	102
Dc	0.744	0.604	0.694
Dm	0.65	0.619	0.671
Dy	0.738	0.731	0.671
Dk	1.143	1.124	1.237

Example 5

A bottomcoat formulation containing silica was prepared by thoroughly mixing until homogeneous, 11.95 grams of a 20% aqueous solution of copolymer as described in 3M patent application no EP 0484016 A1, 6.92 grams of solid poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) K90 (available from ISP Technologies Inc.), 2.39 grams of Carbowax Polyethylene Glycol 600 (available from Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company Inc.), 1.59 grams of 15% aqueous polymeric mordant solution (mordant with chloride counterions as described in Example 1, 52.6 grams of deionized water and 24.2 grams of ethanol. The mixture was stirred with an overhead air-driven stirrer and 2.46 grams of Aerosil 380 silica (available from Degussa Corporation Silica Division). 0.05 grams of 30% ammonia (available from Aldrich Chemical Co.) and 0.36 grams of Xama 7, (available from Hoechst Celanese Corporation ) were added to the above solution, and thoroughly mixed in.

The resulting mixture was hand coated using a knife or notch bar set at a gap setting of approximately 127 micrometers, and dried in an oven at 93.3°C for four minutes.

The above coatings were overcoated with the topcoat solution described in Example 1 on the knife using a gap setting of approximately 51 micrometers and dried at 93.3°C for three minutes.

Test patterns were printed on a Hewlett-Packard HP650C fitted with the HP51650 series ink cartridges and the HP51640A black ink cartridge. Good smear-resistant images and quick ink drying were obtained. Examples of densities are 0.718 (cyan), 0.663 (magenta), 0.509 (yellow), and 1.007 (black).

Comparison Example A

The following example illustrates a different mordant, and bottomcoat without a dispersed particulate. This formulation gives excellent images with dye-based ink jet inks, but images or parts of images printed using pigment-based ink jet inks remain smearable for an unreasonable time, e.g. in excess of 48 hours. A bottomcoat formulation was made up as described in Example 1 with twice the quantities of each material. However, a different mordant was used than in EXAMPLE 1. The mordant used was a 15% solution of mordant with one equivalent of chloride ion and one equivalent of trifluoroacetate ion as described in Example 1. The material was coated on an automated pilot coater at a web speed of 0.043 meters per second onto a roll of 0.30 meter wide Scotchcal™ Marking Film Series 3650 (available from 3M Company). A knife coater approximately set at a 127 micrometer gap was used and the dried coating weight measured at 10.84 grams per square meter.

All coated articles were passed at 0.043 meters per second through three heated drying zones; 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 121°C, and 3.66 meters at 121°C.

In a second pass, the topcoat (formulation as described in Example 1) was overcoated onto the product of the above coating operation onto the previously described coated layer using the pilot coater with knife coater set at a 51 micrometer gap at a web speed of 0.043 meters per second through three heated drying zones; 3.66 meters at 65.6°C, 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, and 3.66 meters at 93.3°C.

Test plots were directly printed onto the resulting material (aqueous coating side) on a Hewlett-Packard HP650C Designjet printer fitted with the 51650 series color cartridges (cyan, magenta and yellow) and the 51640A cartridge (for black ink). Good images were obtained, but not as good as those obtained with materials of the type exemplified in examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in the respect that black areas of the images (i.e. those areas printed with the pigment-based ink from the HP51640A cartridge) could be easily smeared using the described method for an unreasonable time after printing herein deemed as in excess of 48 hours. Examples of densities obtained are 0.820 (cyan), 0.667 (magenta), 0.591 (yellow) and 1.310 (black).

Example 6

The following example illustrates a different plastic material, adhesive and release paper construction. On the same occasion as outlined in Example 4, the same formulations were coated using the same pilot-scale coating apparatus onto a web approximately 0.41 meters wide comprising a layer of white Surlyn™ plastic, a layer of removable adhesive and a release paper as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,198,301; 5,196,246 and 4,994,322. The material was coated on an automated pilot coater at a web speed of 0.10 meters per second. Various coating weights were used, but in this example the knife coater gap was set at a 102 micrometers gap approximately. This coated material was passed at 0.10 meters per second through four drying zones; 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 93.3°C, and 7.32 meters at 93.3°C.

In a second pass, the topcoat (formulation as described in Example 1 and Example 4) was overcoated onto the product of the above coating operation onto the previously described coated layer using the pilot coater with knife coater set at a 76 micrometers gap at a web speed of 0.10 meters per second through four drying zones; 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 79.4°C, 3.66 meters at 93.3°C, and 7.32 meters at 93.3°C.

Test pattern images were printed using the Hewlett-Packard Designjet 650C fitted with Hewlett-Packard 51650 series cartridges, giving fast drying smear-resistant images. Examples of densities obtained are: 0.978 (cyan), 0.834 (magenta), 0.624 (yellow) and 1.117 (black).

Comparison Example B

The following exemplifies that plastic materials with adhesive and release support without the receptor layers of the invention do not behave satisfactorily as ink jet receptor materials with aqueous ink jet inks. Letter size sheets (21.6 X 27.9 centimeter) of the following materials were fed into a Hewlett-Packard HP650C Designjet ink jet printer. Printing was attempted with the printer fitted with the HP51640 set of ink cartridges (with the HP51640A black cartridge), and then attempted with the HP51650 set of cartridges (including the HP51640A black cartridge).

Materials tested were Scotchcal™ Marking Film Series 3650, Scotchprint™ 8620 Marking Film, Scotchprint™ 8640 Marking Film all available from 3M Co. and a material comprising a layer of white Surlyn™ plastic, a layer of adhesive allowing for removability, and a release paper as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,198,301; 5,196,246 and 4,994,322. The coating of this latter material to allow ink jet ink reception is described in Example 6.

Inks beaded on the surface of the plastic i.e. did not penetrate to any great extent or at all, and did not wet the plastic surface giving an discontinuous image and low densities. The slightest touch of the finger caused the image to smear. This was still true after 18 hours after printing. The above observations were true of both the dye-based inks and the HP51640A pigment-based black.

For an appreciation of the scope of the invention, the claims follow.

Claims

An ink jet printing sheet comprising a substrate and an image receiving layer contacting the substrate, wherein the image receiving layer is comprised of at least one protective penetrant layer of one composition and at least one ink jet receptor layer of a second composition, and wherein both the protective penetrant layer and the ink jet receptor layer contain dispersed particles or particulates of a size large enough to roughen both a surface of the protective penetrant layer and a surface of the ink jet receptor layer.
The ink jet printing sheet according to claim 1 wherein the dispersed particulate is a cornstarch or modified cornstarch.
The ink jet printing sheet according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the protective penetrant layer is thinner than the largest size of dispersed particulate in the ink jet receptor layer.
The ink jet printing sheet according to claims 1-3 wherein the substrate is an opaque or translucent poly(vinyl chloride)-based plastic sheeting.
The ink jet printing sheet according to claims 1-4, further including an adhesive layer adjacent to the substrate and on the surface of the substrate opposite the image receiving layer.