JP2007181985A - Method for manufacturing recording sheet for inkjet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method, for manufacturing a recording sheet for inkjet with a desired surface shape through a process to accurately transfer the surface shape of a transfer sheet by a surface glossy layer. <P>SOLUTION: The transfer sheet is laminated on the surface of the surface glossy layer containing an inorganic fine particle, formed on a base material, while the surface glossy layer is not yet cured. Further, this laminate is heated while being pressed in the thickness direction, and then the surface shape of the transfer sheet is transferred to the surface of the surface glossy layer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for producing an ink jet recording sheet used for an ink jet recording type recording medium.

  The ink jet recording method is a printing method in which characters, images, and the like are printed by flying ink. Various recording sheets have been commercialized as inkjet recording sheets used in the printing method. For example, a recording sheet with a smooth surface that improves glossiness of a printed image and a recording sheet on which unevenness having a calm texture such as a silky tone is formed are commercialized.

  Conventionally, a manufacturing method described below is known as a method for manufacturing an inkjet recording sheet having a smooth or uneven surface. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, first, the base material A is pulled out from the base material feeder 1A arranged on the most upstream side of the production line, and a solution containing inorganic fine particles on the surface of the base material A by the coater 2A. Is applied to form a glossy surface layer. As the base material A, for example, a material having moisture permeability such as paper is used. While the surface gloss layer is in an uncured state, the transfer sheet B is laminated on the surface of the surface gloss layer by the joining roll 3A, and then this laminate is dried with hot air by the dryer 4A. As described above, when the transfer sheet B is laminated on the surface of the surface gloss layer and then dried with hot air, the surface shape of the transfer sheet B is cast on the surface of the surface gloss layer, and the surface gloss layer is cured in this state. Thereby, the surface shape of the transfer sheet B is transferred to the surface of the surface gloss layer. After drying, the transfer sheet B is peeled and collected from the base material A by the peeling roll 5A, and the base material A is wound into a roll. This base material A is used as an inkjet recording sheet. In addition, when a sheet with a smooth surface is used as the transfer sheet B, an inkjet recording sheet with a smooth surface can be produced. When a sheet with an uneven surface is used as the transfer sheet B, an inkjet with an uneven surface is used. Recording sheets can be manufactured. Such a production method is disclosed in JP-A-63-151476.

However, in the above manufacturing method, the transfer sheet B may be separated from the surface gloss layer during hot air drying (the transfer sheet B is separated from the surface of the surface gloss layer with a slight gap). When the transfer sheet B is separated, the surface gloss layer is cured while the surface shape of the transfer sheet B is not sufficiently formed on the surface gloss layer. Therefore, in the above manufacturing method, the surface shape of the transfer sheet B may not be sufficiently transferred to the surface of the surface gloss layer.
Further, when the transfer sheet B separates before the surface gloss layer is cured, a part of the uncured inorganic fine particles adhere to the transfer sheet B. When the inorganic fine particles adhere to the transfer sheet B in this way, the surface shape of the transfer sheet B changes due to the inorganic fine particles, and therefore, it becomes difficult to reuse the transfer sheet B after the transfer sheet B is peeled and collected.

Further, in the hot air drying, drying unevenness is likely to occur, and even when the hot air drying is performed for a sufficient time, when the transfer sheet B is peeled and collected, there may be an insufficiently cured portion in the surface gloss layer. is there. The uncured portion is cured after the transfer sheet B is peeled off, and the volume shrinks due to the curing. Therefore, after the transfer sheet B is peeled off, the shape of the surface gloss layer is changed after the volume shrinkage due to the curing of the uncured portion. Therefore, in the above manufacturing method, even if the surface shape of the transfer sheet is molded on the surface of the surface gloss layer, the surface shape of the transfer sheet B cannot be reliably transferred to the surface of the surface gloss layer due to drying unevenness. There is.
JP 63-151476 A

  The present invention provides a method for producing an ink jet recording sheet that can reliably transfer the surface shape of a transfer sheet to a surface glossy layer and that can produce an ink jet recording sheet having a desired surface shape. In addition, the present invention provides a manufacturing method capable of increasing the reuse rate of the transfer sheet.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides, as a first means, a transfer sheet is laminated on the surface glossy layer containing inorganic fine particles provided on a substrate while the surface glossy layer is in an uncured state. A method for producing an ink jet recording sheet is provided, wherein the surface shape of the transfer sheet is transferred to the surface of the surface gloss layer by heating while pressing in the thickness direction.

In the first means, the laminate of the base material on which the surface gloss layer is formed and the transfer sheet is heated while being pressed in the thickness direction. Therefore, when the surface gloss layer is cured, the transfer sheet is removed from the surface gloss layer. Don't leave. Therefore, according to the first means, since the surface gloss layer can be cured in a state where the surface shape of the transfer sheet is molded, the surface shape of the transfer sheet can be reliably transferred. Furthermore, since the laminate is heated while being pressed in the thickness direction, it is possible to transfer fine irregularities.
Further, since the transfer sheet does not separate from the surface gloss layer at the time of curing, the amount of inorganic fine particles or the like attached to the transfer sheet can be suppressed. Therefore, the number of reuses of the transfer sheet can be increased.

  As a second means, the present invention applies a solution in which at least inorganic fine particles are dispersed in an aqueous solvent to a substrate having moisture permeability to form a surface gloss layer, and the surface gloss layer is in a wet state. The transfer sheet is laminated on the surface, and a pressure roll with a heating function is applied from the back side of the transfer sheet, and this laminate is heated while pressing in the thickness direction to form the surface shape of the transfer sheet on the surface of the glossy layer. A method for producing an inkjet recording sheet is provided.

The second means, like the first means, heats the laminate while pressing it in the thickness direction, so that the surface shape of the transfer sheet can be transferred reliably, and inorganic fine particles or the like can be transferred to the transfer sheet. It can prevent that the material which forms the surface glossy layer adheres.
Furthermore, in the second means, the pressure roll with a heating function is applied to the transfer sheet and the laminate is heated, so that the surface gloss layer can be heated substantially uniformly and the entire surface gloss layer is cured. Can do. Therefore, when the transfer sheet is peeled and collected, the occurrence of an uncured portion of the surface gloss layer can be suppressed, and the surface shape of the surface gloss layer can be prevented from changing afterwards. Moreover, by eliminating heating unevenness, the amount of inorganic fine particles or the like attached to the transfer sheet peeled and collected can be reduced.
In addition, since the substrate has moisture permeability and the surface gloss layer is formed of a solution using an aqueous solvent, applying a pressure roll from the back side of the transfer sheet and heating the wet surface gloss layer, The aqueous solvent permeates the substrate and evaporates to the outside. Therefore, the surface gloss layer can be cured in a short time with a relatively small amount of heat.

  As a third means, while the glossy surface layer containing inorganic fine particles provided on the transfer sheet is in an uncured state, a substrate is laminated on the surface, and the laminate is heated while pressing in the thickness direction. An ink jet recording sheet manufacturing method is provided, wherein the surface shape of a transfer sheet is transferred to the surface of the surface gloss layer and the transfer sheet is peeled after the surface gloss layer is adhered to a substrate.

  In the third means, the transfer sheet on which the glossy surface layer is formed is laminated on the base material, and the laminate is heated while pressing in the thickness direction and transferred to the glossy surface layer as in the first means. While transferring the surface shape of the sheet, this glossy surface layer is adhered to the substrate. Therefore, according to the third means, for example, even when it is difficult to directly apply the solution for forming the surface gloss layer to the base material, an ink jet recording sheet can be easily produced.

  Specific examples of the transfer sheet in the first to third means include a hologram sheet having a hologram pattern. When a hologram sheet is used as the transfer sheet, a hologram pattern is formed on the surface of the surface gloss layer, and an ink jet recording sheet capable of imparting hologram properties to a printed image can be produced.

  According to the present invention, the surface shape of the transfer sheet can be reliably transferred to the surface gloss layer, and an inkjet recording sheet having a desired surface shape can be produced. Moreover, since the adhesion amount of the inorganic fine particles constituting the surface gloss layer can be suppressed on the surface of the transfer sheet peeled and collected, the reuse rate of the transfer sheet can be increased.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an ink jet recording sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an inkjet recording sheet production line 100 according to this embodiment.

  In the production line 100, the base material feeder 1, the first coater 2, the dryer 3, the second coater 4, the press roll 5, the press roll 7, the peeling roll 8, and the winder 10 are arranged from the upstream side. . Further, a transfer sheet supply device 6 is disposed on the upstream side of the pressure-bonding roll 5, and a transfer sheet collection device 9 is disposed on the downstream side of the peeling roll 8.

  The base material supplier 1 is an apparatus that supplies the base material A downstream of the production line 100. The base material feeder 1 supports the base material A formed in a long sheet shape in a roll shape. The material of the base material A is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include various papers, synthetic papers, nonwoven fabrics, foamed resin sheets, polypropylene sheets, synthetic resin sheets such as polyethylene sheets, and laminates thereof. The well-known sheet | seat used for this recording medium can be used. Among them, as the base material A, it is preferable to use a sheet having moisture permeability such as various papers, nonwoven fabrics, and foamed resin sheets. Moreover, the thickness of the base material A is not specifically limited, For example, thickness 0.1-0.5 mm and a width | variety and length are suitably set according to a manufacturing apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first coater 2 is an apparatus that coats the ink receiving layer a <b> 1 substantially uniformly on the surface of the substrate A supplied from the substrate supply machine 1. The coating thickness of the ink receiving layer a1 is not particularly limited, but is usually about 3 to 20 μm after drying. In FIG. 1, a blade coater is illustrated as the first coater 2 and the second coater 4 to be described later, but is not limited to the blade coater, and the first coater 2 and the second coater 4 include a roll coater, a die coater, An air knife coater, a comma coater, a gravure coater, or the like can be used.
The ink receiving layer a1 is formed for the purpose of improving the ink absorbability of the inkjet recording sheet. For the formation of the ink receiving layer a1, a solution in which inorganic fine particles and a binder are mainly dispersed in an aqueous solvent can be used. If necessary, in order to improve the water resistance of the printing image quality, Cationizing agents and the like can be included. As the inorganic fine particles, for example, silica, clay, talc, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, titanium oxide and the like can be used, and those suitable for the purpose of forming the ink receiving layer a1 can be selected. The particle size of the inorganic fine particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 25 μm in order to ensure ink absorptivity, transparency of the coating film and sharpness of the printed image.
As the binder, water-soluble emulsions such as polyvinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, polyurethane, and polyester can be used, and a suitable one can be selected according to the purpose of forming the ink receiving layer a1.
As the solvent, water, a mixed solution of water and a lower alcohol, or the like can be used.
The mass blending ratio of inorganic fine particles / binder is preferably 90/10 to 50/50. The solution for forming the ink receiving layer a1 is adjusted to a solid content concentration of about 10 to 40% by mass.

  The dryer 3 is a device that dries and cures the ink receiving layer a <b> 1 formed by the first coater 2. This drying method is not particularly limited, and for example, exposure to a high temperature environment with a heater or the like, or hot air drying can be used. Examples of drying conditions include 60 to 150 ° C. and about 5 to 30 m / min (line speed). In the dryer 3, the ink receiving layer a1 may be dried until the solvent is completely removed, or may be dried to a moisture content of about 0 to 10% by mass.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second coater 4 is a device that coats the surface gloss layer a <b> 2 substantially uniformly on the surface of the ink receiving layer a <b> 1 cured by the dryer 3. The coating thickness of the surface gloss layer a2 is not particularly limited, but is usually about 3 to 20 μm when dried.
The surface gloss layer a2 is formed for the purpose of improving the gloss of a printed image printed on an inkjet recording sheet and imparting a hologram property to the printed image. For the surface gloss layer a2, a solution in which inorganic fine particles and a binder are dispersed in an aqueous solvent can be used as in the ink receiving layer a1, and a cationizing agent or the like is included as necessary. be able to. The particle size of the inorganic fine particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably 200 nm or less, particularly 3 nm, in order to be able to utilize the contraction force due to the capillary action between the particles and to ensure the transparency of the coating film and the sharpness of the printed image. ˜200 nm is preferred. Among these, silica and aluminum hydroxide are preferably used as the inorganic fine particles of the surface gloss layer a2. As the binder and the solvent, those suitable for the purpose of forming the surface gloss layer a2 can be selected from among those exemplified for the ink receiving layer a1.
In the solution for forming the surface gloss layer a2, the mass blending ratio of inorganic fine particles / binder is preferably 100/0 to 50/50. The solution is adjusted to a solid content concentration of about 5 to 50% by mass.
If the amount of the binder is too large, the relative amount of the inorganic fine particles that play the role of ink absorption decreases, and the ink absorption and drying properties of the surface gloss layer a2 decrease, or the binder dissolves in the ink solvent during printing. This is because the surface shape of the surface gloss layer a2 is deformed and the glossiness of the surface gloss layer a2 is lowered.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure roll 5 sandwiches the substrate A on which the ink receiving layer a <b> 1 and the surface gloss layer a <b> 2 are formed and the transfer sheet B supplied from the transfer sheet feeder 6 between the pressure rolls 7. Thus, the roll C is a roll for laminating the surface b1 of the transfer sheet B on the surface gloss layer a2 of the substrate A to form the laminate C.

As the transfer sheet B, in addition to the surface b1 having a shape (surface shape) that is uneven, a surface having a smooth surface (mirror surface) can be used. For example, when an inkjet recording sheet having a smooth surface (mirror surface) is manufactured, a smooth sheet having a smooth surface b1 is used as the transfer sheet B, as shown in FIG. Further, when an inkjet recording sheet having a concavo-convex pattern such as a hologram pattern on the surface is produced, the transfer sheet B has a concavo-convex pattern corresponding to the hologram pattern formed on the surface b1 as shown in FIG. A hologram sheet is used.
The material of the transfer sheet B is not particularly limited as long as it has heat resistance. For example, a heat-resistant resin sheet such as polyamide or polyethylene terephthalate can be used. In addition, it is preferable that the surface b1 of the transfer sheet B is subjected to a peeling treatment. Examples of the peeling treatment include applying a polymer having low wettability (for example, silicone). Furthermore, a process paper (release paper) or a metal sheet whose surface is coated with a polymer film can also be used as the transfer sheet B.

  The transfer sheet supply unit 6 supports the transfer sheet B formed in a long sheet shape wound up in a roll shape, and supplies the transfer sheet B to the press roll 5.

The pressing roll 7 has a heating function and, as shown in FIG. 6, heats the laminate C from the back surface b2 side of the transfer sheet B of the laminate C in the thickness direction to cure the surface gloss layer a2. Is. The specific direction for pressing the laminate C is the direction from the back surface b2 side of the transfer sheet B of the laminate C to the base material A side of the laminate C (the direction of arrow S in FIG. 6).
When the pressing roll 7 presses the laminated body C in the thickness direction, a predetermined tension is applied in the longitudinal direction of the laminated body C (the direction of arrow T in FIG. 6).
The transfer sheet B in the tensioned state presses the surface gloss layer a2, while the surface gloss layer a2 presses the transfer sheet B by the tension applied in the longitudinal direction of the laminate C. Thus, when the transfer sheet B and the surface gloss layer a2 are pressed against each other, a predetermined pressure is applied to the interface between the surface gloss layer a2 and the transfer sheet B, and the surface shape of the transfer sheet B is applied to the surface of the surface gloss layer a2. Is cast. Further, since the pressing roll 7 heats while pressing the laminate C, that is, the pressing and heating are performed simultaneously, the surface gloss layer a2 is cured in a state of being molded into the surface shape of the transfer sheet B. .
The pressure when the pressing roll 7 presses the laminate C may be such that the surface shape of the transfer sheet B is molded on the surface of the surface gloss layer a2, for example, about 200 to 500 kPa. Moreover, as for the surface temperature of the press roll 7, about 60-150 degreeC is preferable, for example. The heating time of the laminated body C, that is, the time during which the laminated body C is in contact with the pressing roll 7 may be at least sufficient to dry and cure the surface gloss layer a2, for example, a line speed of 5 to 30 m / A minute is exemplified. Adjustment of this heating time can be performed by the magnitude | size of the diameter of the press roll 7, and a rotational speed, for example.
Examples of the heating method of the pressure roll 7 include a method in which a hollow region is provided inside the pressure roll and a heater is embedded in the hollow region or a heat medium is circulated. A material with excellent conductivity is used.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the peeling roll 8 is a roll for peeling the transfer sheet B from the laminate C.

  The transfer sheet collecting machine 9 is a device that winds up the transfer sheet B peeled off by the peeling roll 8. The transfer sheet B taken up by the transfer sheet collecting machine 9 can be reused.

  The winder 10 is a device that peels the transfer sheet B from the laminate C by the peeling roll 8 and winds up the inkjet recording sheet D.

Using the production line 100 configured as described above, for example, a method for producing an inkjet recording sheet having a hologram pattern formed on the surface will be described.
Here, the substrate A uses a sheet having moisture permeability, the surface gloss layer a2 is formed of a solution in which at least inorganic fine particles are dispersed in an aqueous solvent, and the transfer sheet B is shown in FIG. Such a hologram sheet shall be used. Other conditions are selected from the appropriate conditions described above.

  First, the base material A is supplied to the downstream of the production line 100 from the base material supply machine 1, and the ink receiving layer is applied to the surface of the base material A by applying a solution for forming the ink receiving layer with the first coater 2. a1 is formed. The substrate A is conveyed to the dryer 3, and the ink receiving layer a 1 is cured by the dryer 3. The substrate A is coated with a solution for forming a surface gloss layer by the second coater 4, whereby the surface gloss layer a2 is formed on the surface of the ink receiving layer a1. While the surface gloss layer a2 is in a wet state (ie, uncured state), the substrate A is guided between the pressure roll 5 and the pressure roll 7, and the surface b1 of the transfer sheet B is placed on the surface of the surface gloss layer a2. Overlapping.

The laminate C in which the substrate A and the transfer sheet B are laminated is heated while being pressed by the pressing roll 7 in the thickness direction from the back surface b2 side of the transfer sheet B. When the laminate C is pressed in the thickness direction in this way, the surface gloss layer a2 and the transfer sheet B are pressed against each other, and while the laminate C is being pressed by the pressing roll 7, the transfer sheet B is the surface gloss layer a2. Do not leave. Therefore, since it is heated while being sent in this pressed state, the surface gloss layer a2 is cured while the surface shape (hologram pattern) of the transfer sheet B is formed on the surface of the surface gloss layer a2. Therefore, the hologram pattern can be reliably transferred to the surface of the surface gloss layer a2.
Thereafter, the transfer sheet B is peeled off by the peeling roll 8, and the inkjet recording sheet D having the hologram pattern transferred to the surface can be continuously obtained. The inkjet recording sheet D is taken up by the winder 10, and the transfer sheet B peeled off from the laminate C is taken up by the transfer sheet collecting machine 9.

  According to the present invention, since the transfer sheet B does not separate from the surface gloss layer a2 during heating, the surface shape of the transfer sheet B can be reliably transferred to the surface gloss layer a2. Furthermore, since the transfer sheet B does not separate while the surface gloss layer a2 is wet, the amount of uncured inorganic fine particles or the like attached to the transfer sheet B can be reduced. Therefore, the hologram pattern can be clearly transferred to the surface gloss layer a2, and the transfer sheet B can be reused many times. In addition, according to the present invention, not only a concavo-convex shape having a relatively high difference but also a fine concavo-convex shape such as a hologram pattern can be transferred to the surface gloss layer a2.

  Furthermore, since the substrate A has moisture permeability and the surface gloss layer a2 uses a solution using an aqueous solvent, the surface gloss layer a2 is heated by heating from the back side of the transfer sheet B as described above. The aqueous solvent permeates the substrate A and evaporates to the outside. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the surface gloss layer a2 can be efficiently cured.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the surface is heated by pressing the pressing roll 7 instead of hot air drying as in the conventional manufacturing method, the surface gloss layer a2 can be heated substantially uniformly without unevenness. Therefore, when the transfer sheet B is peeled off, a part of the surface gloss layer a2 can be prevented from being in an uncured state. Therefore, after peeling off the transfer sheet B, it is possible to prevent the surface glossy layer a2 from being cured and volume shrinking, and changing the shape of the hologram pattern transferred to the surface glossy layer a2. Furthermore, since the transfer sheet B is peeled and collected after the surface gloss layer a2 is almost completely cured, the amount of inorganic fine particles attached to the transfer sheet B can be extremely reduced.

  In the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the pressing and heating of the laminate C are performed simultaneously by applying the pressing roll 7 to one side of the laminate C (the back surface 3b side of the transfer sheet 3). Is not limited to the one that is pressed and heated from one side of the laminate C, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, one or more pressing rolls 7 with a heating function are arranged on each side of the laminate C, The laminate C may be pressed and heated at the same time from both the back surface 3b side and the substrate A side of the transfer sheet B.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the method for producing the inkjet recording sheet D from the base material A on which the ink receiving layer a1 and the surface gloss layer a2 are not formed has been described. However, in the present invention, the ink receiving layer a1 is formed in advance. The present invention can also be applied to the case where an ink jet recording sheet D is manufactured from the base material A thus prepared. An example of the production line 100 for producing the inkjet recording sheet D from the base material A on which the ink receiving layer a1 is formed in advance is shown in FIG. Since this production line 100 has a configuration in which the first coater 2 and the dryer 3 are omitted from the production line 100 shown in FIG. 1A, a specific description thereof will be omitted.

(Embodiment 2)
In Embodiment 1, although the manufacturing method of the recording sheet for inkjets using the elongate base material A was demonstrated, the base material A is a sheet | seat of A4 and A5 size, and the postcard size of the base material A. It can also be applied to sheet-like sheets such as sheets.
In the second embodiment, a manufacturing method when a sheet-like sheet is used as the substrate A will be described. In the following description, parts different from those in the first embodiment will be mainly described, and members similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a production line 110 for producing an inkjet recording sheet using a sheet-like sheet as the substrate A. As shown in FIG. 9, the production line 110 includes, in order from the upstream side, a coating roll 11, a first back roll 12, a doctor roll 13, a transfer sheet feeder 6, a temporary roll 14, a pressing roll 7, and a second back roll. 15, a transfer sheet collecting machine 9 and a collecting container 17 are arranged.

  The application roll 11 is arranged so that the doctor roll 13 is in close proximity, and the doctor roll 13 applies the solution for forming the surface gloss layer a2 substantially uniformly. The coating roll 11 is also disposed in close proximity to the first back roll 12 and is temporarily applied to the coating roll 11 by the doctor roll 13 on the surface of the base material A that passes between the coating roll 11 and the first back roll 12. The solution is transferred to form a surface gloss layer a2.

  The temporary roll 14 is a roll for producing a laminate C by superimposing the surface b1 of the transfer sheet B supplied from the transfer sheet feeder 6 on the surface gloss layer a2 of the substrate A formed by the coating roll 11. is there.

The pressing roll 7 is a roll with a heating function, and is disposed in the vicinity of the second back roll 15. When the laminate C passes between the press roll 7 and the second back roll 15, the press roll 7 presses the laminate C from the back surface b <b> 2 side of the transfer sheet B and presses against the second back roll 15. Heat. Thereby, the laminated body C is pressed from both sides of the base material A and the transfer sheet B simultaneously with heating.
As for the pressure at the time of the press roll 7 pressing the laminated body C, about 200-500 kPa is illustrated, for example. The surface temperature of the pressing roll 7 is preferably about 60 to 150 ° C. As for the time when the laminated body C is in contact with the pressing roll 7, for example, a line speed of about 5 to 30 m / min is exemplified. Adjustment of this heating time can be performed by the magnitude | size of the diameter of the press roll 7, and a rotational speed, for example.

  The transfer sheet recovery machine 9 is an apparatus that separates and recovers the transfer sheet B from the laminate C heated while being pressed by the pressing roll 7.

  The collection container 17 is a container for collecting the inkjet recording sheet D formed by peeling the transfer sheet B from the laminate C.

An ink jet recording sheet manufacturing method performed using the manufacturing line 110 configured as described above will be described.
The substrate A is conveyed between the application roll 11 and the first back roll 12. A surface gloss layer a <b> 2 is formed on the surface of the substrate A when passing between the coating roll 11 and the first back roll 12. While the surface glossy layer a2 is in an uncured state, the surface b1 of the transfer sheet B is laminated on the surface of the surface glossy layer a2 by the provisional roll 14 to form the laminate C. By passing the laminate C between the pressing roll 7 and the second back roll 15, heating and pressing are performed simultaneously. Thus, by being heated and pressed from both sides, the surface gloss layer a2 is cured in a state where the surface gloss layer a2 and the transfer sheet B are pressed against each other, and the transfer sheet B is applied to the surface of the surface gloss layer a2. The surface shape is transferred. Thereafter, the transfer sheet B is peeled and collected by the transfer sheet collecting machine 9, and a sheet-like ink jet recording sheet D on which the surface corresponding to the surface shape of the transfer sheet B is transferred can be obtained individually. The inkjet recording sheet D is collected in the collection container 17, while the peeled transfer sheet B is taken up by the transfer sheet collection machine 9.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, a method of forming a surface gloss layer a2 on the substrate A by applying a solution for forming the surface gloss layer a2 on the transfer sheet B, transferring the solution from the transfer sheet B to the substrate A, and A method for producing the inkjet recording sheet of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a production line 120 for producing an inkjet recording sheet using the production method according to the present embodiment includes a transfer sheet feeder 6, a coating roll 11, a doctor roll 13, a pressing roll 7, and a third back. A roll 18, a transfer sheet collecting machine 9, and a collecting container 17 are arranged.

  The transfer sheet feeder 6 is formed in a long sheet shape, winds and supports the transfer sheet B in a roll shape, and supplies the transfer sheet B to the coating roll 11. The application roll 11 is arranged so that the doctor roll 13 is in close proximity, and the solution for forming the surface gloss layer a2 on the surface is uniformly applied by the doctor roll 13 as in the second embodiment. The application roll 11 applies the solution applied by the doctor roll 13 to the surface b1 of the transfer sheet B supplied from the transfer sheet supply device 6. The amount of the solution applied to the transfer sheet B at this time is, for example, about 3 to 20 μm in terms of the thickness when dried.

  The pressing roll 7 is disposed in the vicinity of the third back roll 18. Between the pressure roll 7 and the third back roll 18, the transfer sheet B on which the solution is applied by the application roll 11 is conveyed to the pressure roll 7 side, and the substrate A is conveyed to the third back roll 18 side. . When the transfer sheet B is conveyed between the pressing roll 7 and the third back roll 18, the surface b1 coated with the solution is directed to the third back roll 18 side, and the back surface b2 is directed to the pressing roll 7 side. It has been. The pressure roll 7 presses the back surface b2 side of the transfer sheet B conveyed between the pressure roll 7 and the third back roll 18 against the third back roll 18 side, and laminates the transfer sheet B and the substrate A. The solution applied to the surface b1 of the transfer sheet B is transferred to the substrate A to form the surface gloss layer a2 on the substrate A, and the laminate C is heated to cure the surface gloss layer a2. .

  The transfer sheet collecting machine 9 is a device that separates and collects the transfer sheet B pressed against the base material A by the pressing roll 7 from the laminate C. The collection container 17 is a container for collecting the inkjet recording sheet D formed by peeling the transfer sheet B from the laminate C.

  A method for manufacturing the inkjet recording sheet of the present embodiment performed using the manufacturing line 120 configured as described above will be described. Here, a sheet-like sheet is used as the substrate A, and other conditions are selected from the ranges described in the first to third embodiments.

  The transfer sheet B is supplied to the coating roll 11 by the transfer sheet supply machine 6. In the transfer sheet B, a solution for forming the surface gloss layer a2 is applied to the surface b1 by the application roll 11, and the solution is conveyed between the pressing roll 7 and the third back roll 18 in an uncured state. The

  When the transfer sheet B is conveyed between the pressing roll 7 and the third back roll 18, it is pressed from the back surface b 2 side to the back roll 18 side by the pressing roll 7 and is laminated on the substrate A. By this lamination, the solution applied to the surface b1 of the transfer sheet B is transferred to the substrate A, and the surface gloss layer a2 is formed on the substrate A. Since the transfer sheet B is heated by the pressing roll 7, the surface gloss layer a <b> 2 is laminated and bonded onto the base material A and cured at the same time. And since the surface glossy layer a2 hardens | cures in the state in which the transfer sheet B was pressed, the surface glossy layer a2 hardens | cures in the state by which the surface of the surface glossy layer a2 was modeled on the surface shape of the transfer sheet B Thus, the surface shape of the transfer sheet B is transferred to the surface of the surface gloss layer a2 laminated and adhered on the substrate A.

  The transfer sheet B that has passed between the pressing roll 7 and the third back roll 18 is separated from the substrate A and collected by the transfer sheet collecting machine 9. In this way, the transfer sheet B is peeled off to complete the ink jet recording sheet D, and the ink jet recording sheet is recovered in the recovery container 17.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In addition, "part" shows a mass part.

Example 1
A commercially available coated paper OK coat (basis weight 127.9 g / m ² , manufactured by Oji Paper Co., Ltd.) was used as a base material, and a solution for forming an ink receiving layer was substantially uniformly applied to this surface at 5 g / m ² (dry). Coated. The solution for forming the ink receiving layer is 60 parts of silica (manufactured by Tokuyama, trade name: Fine Seal X-60, average particle size 6 μm), cationic ink fixing agent (manufactured by Showa Polymer Co., Ltd., trade name: Polyfix 700). 10 parts of a solid content concentration (60% by mass), 30 parts of EVA binder (manufactured by Showa Polymer Co., Ltd., trade name: Polysol AM-3000, solid content concentration of 56% by mass) are dissolved in water, and the total solid content concentration is A solution adjusted to 15% by weight was used.
After coating this solution, it was passed through an oven at 120 ° C. at 20 m / min to cure the ink receiving layer almost completely.
Next, the surface gloss layer forming solution was applied substantially uniformly at 5 g / m ² (dry) on the surface of the ink receiving layer. The solution for forming the surface gloss layer is colloidal silica (manufactured by Nissan Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: Snowtex S. Silica average particle size 8-11 nm, silica solid content concentration 30% by mass), 95 parts of PVA binder (Kuraray). Product name: Kuraray Poval PVA-117, 5 parts completely saponified PVA) was dissolved in water and a solution in which the total solid content concentration was adjusted to 20% by mass was used.
Immediately after coating the surface gloss layer forming solution, a smooth transfer sheet (trade name: Lumirror T, PET film having a thickness of 75 μm, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) was overlaid. Using a metal pressing roll whose surface temperature was controlled to about 80 ° C. from the back side of the transfer sheet of this laminate, the transfer sheet was pressed while applying a pressure of 500 kPa, and the laminate was sent. In addition, conveyance of the laminated body on the press roll was performed at the line speed of 15 m / min.
Finally, an ink jet recording sheet was manufactured by peeling off the transfer sheet from the laminate.

(Example 2)
A hologram sheet (transparent hologram film, manufactured by Nippon Koban Co., Ltd.) was used as the transfer sheet, and an ink jet recording sheet having a hologram pattern transferred onto the surface was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

(Example 3)
The same procedure as in Example 2 was conducted except that the colloidal silica used as the solution for forming the surface gloss layer was replaced with colloidal alumina (manufactured by Nissan Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: alumina sol 520, solid content concentration of aluminum hydroxide 20% by mass). Thus, an inkjet recording sheet having a hologram pattern transferred on the surface was manufactured.

Example 4
Implemented except that the colloidal silica contained in the solution forming the surface gloss layer was replaced with other colloidal silica (manufactured by Nissan Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: MP-2040, particle size 200 nm, silica solid content concentration 40 mass%). In the same manner as in Example 1, an inkjet recording sheet having a smooth surface was produced.

(Comparative Example 1)
Instead of pressing rolls, the surface gloss layer is cured by blowing hot air (atmosphere temperature 100 ° C., line speed 15 m / min) from both sides of the laminate on which the base material and the transfer sheet are laminated and drying with hot air Produced an inkjet recording sheet having a smooth surface in the same manner as in Example 1. However, the laminate is not pressurized in the thickness direction during hot air drying.

(Comparative Example 2)
An inkjet recording sheet having a hologram pattern transferred onto its surface was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1 except that the hot air drying was performed at an atmospheric temperature of 80 ° C. and a line speed of 15 m / min.

(State of sheet transfer surface)
When the state of the transfer surface of the inkjet recording sheet obtained in each of the above examples and comparative examples was confirmed by visual observation, the transfer surfaces of the sheets of Examples 1 and 4 were mirror-like, and Example 2 and On the transfer surface of sheet 3, a good hologram pattern was transferred. Furthermore, the sheet obtained in each example was allowed to stand at room temperature for 7 days, but there was no change in the state of the transfer surface.
On the other hand, the transfer surface of the sheet of Comparative Example 1 was not mirror-like, and was uneven as a whole, and gloss unevenness was confirmed. The transfer surface of the sheet of Comparative Example 2 had a hologram pattern transferred thereon, but disappeared when left at room temperature for 1 day.
Further, in Comparative Example 1, since the delamination between the base material and the transfer sheet occurred at the edge of the laminate of the base material and the transfer sheet during hot air drying, gloss unevenness was more noticeable at the edge of the transfer surface. Met.
In Comparative Example 2, inorganic fine particles or the like adhered to the transfer sheet peeled off from the laminate, and the transfer sheet was difficult to reuse.

(Printability test)
The recording sheet for ink jet obtained in each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples was fed and printed with an ink jet printer (manufactured by Epson, trade name: PM890C), and the sheets obtained in each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples were printed. The ink absorptivity, paper feedability, gloss of printed images printed on the sheets obtained in the above examples and comparative examples, image sharpness, and the presence or absence of hologram patterns were evaluated. The ink absorptivity was evaluated based on a visual judgment of the degree of ink soaking on the transfer surface and the degree of ink adhesion to the finger by touching the transfer surface after printing with the finger. Paper feedability was evaluated by the presence or absence of paper jams and double paper feed. The glossiness was evaluated by the glossiness of the printed image and the degree of gloss uniformity when the transfer surface after printing was viewed from an oblique direction. The image sharpness was evaluated by the sharpness of the printed image and the contrast strength when the transfer surface after printing was viewed from a predetermined direction. The presence or absence of the hologram pattern was evaluated based on whether or not the glossiness peculiar to the hologram was recognized with the naked eye by exposing the transfer surface after printing to direct sunlight.
As a result, the sheet of Example 1 had good ink absorption and good ink absorbability with a small amount of ink adhering to the finger. Further, the printed image had a strong gloss as a whole, high gloss, and good image sharpness. The sheets of Examples 2 and 3 have good ink absorbability like the sheet of Example 1, and the printed images have good image clarity and a brilliant hologram pattern. The sheet of Example 4 had good ink absorptivity like the sheet of Example 1, and the printed image had high glossiness, but the image clarity of the printed image was as in Example 1. It was a little inferior to the printed image of the sheet. On the other hand, the sheet of Comparative Example 1 was excellent in ink absorbability and image sharpness, but the glossiness of the printed image was uneven, and the glossiness was inferior to that of the sheet of Example 1. The sheet of Comparative Example 2 had good ink absorptivity, but had no glossiness and no hologram-specific glitter.
As for sheet feeding, the sheets of each of the examples and the comparative example can be performed without paper jams or occurrence of double sheet feeding, and the sheet feeding property is good.

Further, the water resistance of the printed images printed on the sheets obtained in each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples was evaluated.
The water resistance was evaluated by immersing the sheets obtained in each of the examples and comparative examples printed in the printability test in water for 1 hour, and visually observing the amount of ink flowing out.
As a result, no outflow of ink was observed in any of the sheets obtained in each Example and Comparative Example, and the water resistance was good.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a production line for producing an ink jet recording sheet using the method for producing an ink jet recording sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the formation of the ink receiving layer on the surface of the substrate. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the formation of a surface gloss layer on the surface of the ink receiving layer. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining that the base material and the transfer sheet are laminated. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of the surface shape of the transfer sheet. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining that the laminated body is pressed by a pressing roll. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that the transfer sheet is peeled from the laminated body to form an inkjet recording sheet. Drawing 8 is a figure for explaining pressing a layered product with a pressure roll from both sides. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a production line for producing an ink jet recording sheet using the method for producing an ink jet recording sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a production line for producing an inkjet recording sheet using the inkjet recording sheet producing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a production line for a conventional inkjet recording sheet.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Substrate feeder 2 First coater 3 Dryer 4 Second coater 5 Press roll 6 Transfer sheet feeder 7 Press roll 8 Peel roll 9 Transfer sheet recovery machine 10 Winder A Substrate B Transfer sheet C Laminate D Ink jet Recording sheet

Claims (4)

  While the surface glossy layer containing inorganic fine particles provided on the substrate is in an uncured state, a transfer sheet is laminated on this surface, and this laminate is heated while pressing in the thickness direction to transfer it to the surface of the surface glossy layer. A method for producing an ink jet recording sheet, wherein the surface shape of the sheet is transferred.   A surface gloss layer is formed on a substrate having moisture permeability by applying a solution in which at least inorganic fine particles are dispersed in an aqueous solvent, and a transfer sheet is laminated on the surface while the surface gloss layer is in a wet state. An ink jet recording sheet, wherein a pressure roll with a heating function is applied from the back side of the sheet, and the laminate is heated while pressing in the thickness direction to transfer the surface shape of the transfer sheet to the surface of the surface glossy layer. Manufacturing method.   While the glossy surface layer containing inorganic fine particles provided on the transfer sheet is in an uncured state, a substrate is laminated on this surface, and this laminate is heated while pressing in the thickness direction to transfer it to the surface of the glossy layer. A method for producing an ink jet recording sheet, comprising transferring a surface shape of a sheet and adhering a surface gloss layer to a substrate, and then peeling the transfer sheet. The method for producing an inkjet recording sheet according to claim 1, wherein the transfer sheet is a hologram sheet on which a hologram pattern is formed.

Images