JP2013227454A - Inkjet composition and recorded matter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inkjet composition usable suitably for forming a pattern (a printing portion) excellent in delivery stability and storage stability, and excellent in glossiness feeling, and to provide recorded matter having the pattern excellent in the glossiness feeling formed by using the inkjet composition.SOLUTION: An inkjet composition is one delivered by an inkjet system, and includes metal powder, an organic solvent, and a binding resin, and the metal powder includes one surface-treated with an alkyl phosphate.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet composition and a recorded matter.

Conventionally, metal plating, foil press printing using a metal foil, thermal transfer using a metal foil, and the like have been used as a method for producing a decorative product exhibiting a glossy appearance.
However, these methods have a problem that it is difficult to form a fine pattern or to apply to a curved surface portion. In addition, the foil stamping printing has a problem that it is difficult to cope with multi-product production because it has low on-demand property, and gradation-like metallic printing cannot be performed.

On the other hand, as a recording method on a recording medium using a composition containing a pigment or a dye, a recording method using an inkjet method is used. The ink jet method is excellent in that it can be suitably applied to formation of a fine pattern and recording on a curved surface portion. In particular, it is advantageous in that the thickness of the printed layer can be reduced and unnecessary unevenness can be suitably prevented, so that a colorant (pigment or dye) is dispersed or dissolved in an organic solvent. The composition (inkjet composition) is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
However, the ink jet composition has a problem in that when the metal powder is applied instead of the pigment or the dye, the characteristics such as glossiness inherent in the metal cannot be sufficiently exhibited. In addition, the composition is inferior in stability (storage stability), and causes problems such as a decrease in ejection stability due to an increase in viscosity.

JP 2007-161844 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet composition that can be suitably used for forming a pattern (printing portion) excellent in ejection stability and storage stability and excellent in glossiness. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recorded matter having a pattern with excellent gloss formed by using the product.

Such an object is achieved by the present invention described below.
The inkjet composition of the present invention is ejected by an inkjet method,
Including metal powder, organic solvent, and binder resin,
The metal powder includes a surface treated with an alkyl phosphate ester.
Thereby, the composition for inkjet which can be used suitably for manufacture of the recorded matter provided with the pattern (printing part) excellent in discharge stability and storage stability and excellent in the glossiness can be provided.

In the ink jet composition of the present invention, it is preferable that the metal powder is obtained by subjecting at least a surface mainly composed of Al to a surface treatment with an alkyl phosphate ester.
Al originally exhibits a particularly excellent gloss feeling among various metal materials, but the storage stability of the ink jet composition when the powder composed of Al is applied to the ink jet composition. The present inventor has found that problems such as a decrease in ejection stability due to an increase in viscosity due to gelation occur particularly remarkably. On the other hand, in this invention, even if it is a case where the surface uses the powder comprised by Al, generation | occurrence | production of the above problems can be prevented reliably. That is, the effect of the present invention is particularly prominent when the metal powder constituting the inkjet composition is a powder whose surface is mainly composed of Al and is surface-treated with an alkyl phosphate ester. .

In the ink jet composition of the present invention, it is preferable that the metal powder has a scaly shape.
Thereby, the glossiness, abrasion resistance, etc. of the recorded matter manufactured using the inkjet composition can be made particularly excellent.
In the ink jet composition of the present invention, it is preferable that the alkyl phosphate ester contains only C, H, P, and O as constituent elements.
Thereby, the dispersibility of the metal powder in the aliphatic organic solvent becomes particularly excellent, and the dispersed state of the metal powder can be maintained without using a dispersant.

It is preferable that the composition for inkjet of this invention contains what was surface-treated with the said phosphoric acid alkylester which has a chemical structure represented by following formula (1) as said metal powder.
POR _n (OH) _3-n (1)
(In the formula (1), R _{is, CH 3 (CH 2) m} -, CH 3 (CH 2) m (CH 2 O) l -, CH 3 (CH 2) m (CH 2 CH 2 O) l - Or CH ₃ (CH ₂ ) _m O—, n is an integer of 1 to 3, m is an integer of 2 to 18, and l is an integer of 1 to 18.
As a result, the ejection stability and storage stability of the inkjet composition are particularly excellent, and the glossiness and abrasion resistance of the printed part of the recorded matter produced using the inkjet composition are particularly excellent. can do.

In the ink jet composition of the present invention, the metal powder preferably has an average particle size of 500 nm to 3.0 μm.
Thereby, the glossiness and high-quality feeling of the recorded matter manufactured using the ink jet composition can be further improved. Moreover, the storage stability and ejection stability of the inkjet composition can be further improved.

The inkjet composition of the present invention preferably contains at least one compound selected from an alkylene glycol compound and a lactone compound as the organic solvent.
Thereby, the storage stability and ejection stability of the inkjet composition can be made particularly excellent. Further, since the solvent can be quickly removed from the ink jet composition after ejection by the ink jet method, the productivity of the recorded matter can be made particularly excellent.

The inkjet composition of the present invention preferably further contains at least one selected from silicone surfactants, polyoxyethylene surfactants, acetylene glycol compounds and acetylene diols.
Thereby, the storage stability and ejection stability of the inkjet composition can be made particularly excellent. In addition, the arrangement (arrangement) of the metal powder on the recording medium can be made more suitable, and the gloss and the abrasion resistance of the recorded matter can be made particularly excellent.

The inkjet composition of the present invention preferably contains a compound having a cellulose skeleton as the binder resin.
Thereby, the glossiness and abrasion resistance of the recorded matter produced using the ink jet composition can be made particularly excellent.
The inkjet composition of the present invention preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, and ethylcellulose as the binder resin.
Thereby, the glossiness and abrasion resistance of the recorded matter produced using the ink jet composition can be further improved.
The recorded matter of the present invention is produced by applying the inkjet composition of the present invention onto a recording medium.
Thereby, the recorded matter which has a pattern (printing part) excellent in glossiness can be provided.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
<< Inkjet composition >>
First, the inkjet composition of the present invention will be described.
The ink jet composition of the present invention is ejected by an ink jet system, and contains a metal powder, an organic solvent, and a binder resin (binder).

By the way, conventionally, metal plating, foil press printing using a metal foil, thermal transfer using a metal foil, and the like have been used as a method for producing a decorative product exhibiting a glossy appearance.
However, these methods have a problem that it is difficult to form a fine pattern or to apply to a curved surface portion. In addition, foil stamp printing has a problem that gradation-like metallic printing cannot be performed.

  On the other hand, as a recording method on a recording medium using a composition containing a pigment or a dye, a recording method using an inkjet method is used. The ink jet method is excellent in that it can be suitably applied to formation of a fine pattern and recording on a curved surface portion. In particular, it is advantageous in that the thickness of the printed layer can be reduced and unnecessary unevenness can be suitably prevented, so that a colorant (pigment or dye) is dispersed or dissolved in an organic solvent. A composition (inkjet composition) is used.

However, the ink jet composition has a problem in that when the metal powder is applied instead of the pigment or the dye, the characteristics such as glossiness inherent in the metal cannot be sufficiently exhibited. In addition, the composition is inferior in stability (storage stability) and causes problems such as a decrease in ejection stability due to an increase in viscosity due to gelation.
Therefore, the inventor has intensively studied for the purpose of solving the above problems, and as a result, has reached the present invention. That is, the inkjet composition of the present invention includes a metal powder that has been surface-treated with an alkyl phosphate ester. As a result, the chemical stability and dispersion stability of the metal powder in the ink jet composition can be improved, and the storage stability of the ink jet composition and the discharge stability over a long period of time can be improved. In addition, in the recorded matter produced using the ink jet composition, the metal powder can be suitably arranged in the vicinity of the outer surface of the printing portion, and the glossiness inherent in the metal material constituting the metal powder, etc. The above characteristics can be fully exhibited. In addition, even when an organic solvent having a low surface tension is used as a constituent material of the ink jet composition, in the recorded matter produced using the ink jet composition, the metal powder is surely disposed near the outer surface of the printing part. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently exhibit the characteristics such as glossiness inherent in the metal material constituting the metal powder. Therefore, the range of selection of the organic solvent is widened, and the characteristics of the ink jet composition and the characteristics of the recorded matter manufactured using the ink jet composition are not sacrificed without sacrificing the glossiness of the metal material (main body). For example, the viscosity, storage stability, ejection stability, and the like of the inkjet composition can be easily adjusted.

<Metal powder>
As described above, the ink jet composition of the present invention includes a metal powder that has been surface-treated with an alkyl phosphate ester.
(Mother particles)
First, mother particles constituting the metal particles (particles subjected to surface treatment with an alkyl phosphate ester) will be described.
The mother particles constituting the metal powder need only have at least a region including the vicinity of the surface made of a metal material. For example, the whole may be made of a metal material or a non-metal material. And a base made of a metal material covering the base.

  Further, as the metal material constituting the mother particle, a single metal, various alloys, or the like can be used. However, the mother particle is preferably composed mainly of Al at least near the surface. Al originally exhibits a particularly excellent gloss feeling among various metal materials, but the storage stability of the ink jet composition when the powder composed of Al is applied to the ink jet composition. The present inventor has found that problems such as a decrease in ejection stability due to an increase in viscosity occur particularly remarkably. On the other hand, in this invention, even if it is a case where the surface uses the powder comprised by Al, generation | occurrence | production of the above problems can be prevented reliably. That is, the effect of the present invention is particularly prominent when the metal powder constituting the inkjet composition is a powder whose surface is mainly composed of Al and is surface-treated with an alkyl phosphate ester. .

  Further, the mother particles may be produced by any method, but when they are made of Al, a film made of Al is formed by a vapor deposition method, and then It is preferably obtained by pulverizing the membrane. Thereby, the glossiness etc. which Al originally has in the pattern (printing part) formed using the composition for inkjet of this invention can be expressed more effectively. Moreover, the dispersion | variation in the characteristic between each particle | grain can be suppressed. Moreover, even if it is a comparatively thin metal powder, it can manufacture suitably by using the said method.

When producing mother particles using such a method, for example, the mother particles can be suitably produced by forming a film made of Al (film formation) on a substrate. As the substrate, for example, a plastic film such as polyethylene terephthalate can be used. Further, the substrate may have a release agent layer on the film forming surface.
Moreover, it is preferable that the said grinding | pulverization is performed by providing an ultrasonic vibration to the said film | membrane in a liquid. This makes it possible to easily and surely obtain mother particles having the above-described particle diameter, and to suppress the variation in size, shape, and characteristics among the particles.

  When the pulverization is performed by the above method, the liquid includes alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol, n-heptane, n-octane, decane, dodecane, tetradecane, toluene, xylene, and cymene. , Durene, indene, dipentene, tetrahydronaphthalene, decahydronaphthalene, cyclohexylbenzene and other hydrocarbon compounds, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ethyl ether , Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, triplicate Ether compounds such as pyrene glycol dimethyl ether, triethylene glycol diethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, bis (2-methoxyethyl) ether, p-dioxane, propylene carbonate, γ-butyrolactone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone , N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), dimethyl sulfoxide, cyclohexanone, acetonitrile and the like can be preferably used. By using such a liquid, the productivity of the mother particles and metal powder is made particularly excellent while preventing unintentional oxidation of the mother particles, and the size, shape, and characteristics between each particle Can be made particularly small.

(Alkyl phosphate ester)
As described above, the metal powder according to the present invention is surface-treated with a phosphoric acid alkyl ester.
The phosphoric acid alkyl ester has a structure in which at least a part of OH groups of phosphoric acid is esterified with a functional group containing an alkyl group (C _n H _{2n + 1} — (where n is an integer of 1 or more)). It is.
It is preferable that the phosphoric acid alkyl ester contains only C, H, P, and O as constituent elements. As a result, the dispersibility of the metal powder in an aliphatic organic solvent (particularly, glycol ether / ester organic solvent) is particularly excellent, and the dispersion state of the metal powder can be maintained without using a dispersant. it can.

In particular, the phosphoric acid alkyl ester preferably has a chemical structure represented by the following formula (1).
POR _n (OH) _3-n (1)
(In the formula (1), R _{is, CH 3 (CH 2) m} -, CH 3 (CH 2) m (CH 2 O) l -, CH 3 (CH 2) m (CH 2 CH 2 O) l - Or CH ₃ (CH ₂ ) _m O—, n is an integer of 1 to 3, m is an integer of 2 to 18, and l is an integer of 1 to 18.
As a result, the ejection stability and storage stability of the inkjet composition are particularly excellent, and the glossiness and abrasion resistance of the printed part of the recorded matter produced using the inkjet composition are particularly excellent. can do.

In formula (1), m is preferably an integer of 3 or more and 14 or less, more preferably an integer of 4 or more and 12 or less. Thereby, the effects as described above are more remarkably exhibited.
In formula (1), l is preferably an integer of 1 or more and 14 or less, more preferably an integer of 1 or more and 10 or less. Thereby, the effects as described above are more remarkably exhibited.

Preferable specific examples of the alkyl phosphate ester include, for example, C ₁₄ H ₂₉ (O) P (OCH ₂ CH ₃ ) ₂ , C ₁₆ H ₃₃ (O) P (OCH ₂ CH ₃ ) ₂ , C ₁₈ H ₃₇ ( _{O) P (OH) 2,} C 18 H 37 (O) P (OH) (OCH 2 CH 3), C 12 H 25 (O) P (OCH 2 CH 3) 2, C 12 H 25 (O) P _{(OH) (OCH 2 CH 3} ), C 12 H 25 (O) P (OCH 2 CH 3) 2 and the like.

  The alkyl phosphate ester as described above may be processed directly on the mother particles, but after the mother particles are treated with an acid or base, the mother particles are treated with an alkyl phosphate ester. It is preferable to carry out the treatment. Thereby, the modification | change by the chemical coupling | bonding by phosphoric acid alkylester can be more reliably performed on the mother particle surface, and the effect by this invention as mentioned above can be exhibited more effectively. In addition, even when an oxide film is formed on the surface of the particles to be the mother particles before the surface treatment with the phosphoric acid alkyl ester, the oxide film can be reliably removed. Since the surface treatment with the phosphoric acid alkyl ester can be performed in the removed state, the glossiness of the produced metal powder can be made particularly excellent. Examples of the acid include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, carbonic acid, formic acid, benzoic acid, chlorous acid, hypochlorous acid, sulfurous acid, hyposulfite, nitrous acid, hyponitrous acid, phosphorous acid, and the following. Protic acids such as phosphorous acid can be used. Of these, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and acetic acid are preferable. On the other hand, as the base, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide or the like can be used. Of these, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are preferred.

  The metal powder may have any shape such as a spherical shape, a spindle shape, or a needle shape, but preferably has a scaly shape. Thereby, the metal powder can be arranged on the recording medium to which the ink jet composition is applied so that the main surface of the metal powder follows the surface shape of the recording medium. The inherent glossiness can be exhibited more effectively in the obtained recorded matter, and the glossiness and luxury of the pattern (printed part) to be formed can be made particularly excellent. In addition, the rub resistance of the recorded material can be made particularly excellent. Moreover, in the structure which has not performed the surface treatment by the phosphoric acid alkyl ester as mentioned above, when the metal powder has a scaly shape, the storage stability and ejection stability of the inkjet composition are low. However, in the present invention, even if the metal powder has a scaly shape, the occurrence of such a problem can be reliably prevented. That is, when the shape of the metal powder is scaly, the effect of the present invention is more remarkably exhibited.

In the present invention, the scale shape is an area when the area when observed from a predetermined angle (when viewed in plan) is observed from an angle orthogonal to the observation direction, such as a flat plate shape or a curved plate shape. In particular, the area S ₁ [μm ² ] when observed from the direction in which the projected area is maximum (when viewed in plan) and the direction orthogonal to the observation direction are observed. The ratio (S ₁ / S ₀ ) with respect to the area S ₀ [μm ² ] when observed from the direction in which the area of the area becomes maximum is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 5 or more, and still more preferably 8 or more. It is. As this value, for example, it is possible to observe an arbitrary 10 particles and employ an average value of values calculated for these particles.

The average particle size of the metal powder is preferably 500 nm or more and 3.0 μm or less, and more preferably 800 nm or more and 1.8 μm or less. Thereby, the glossiness and high-quality feeling of the recorded matter manufactured using the ink jet composition can be further improved. Moreover, the storage stability and ejection stability of the inkjet composition can be further improved.
The content of the metal powder in the ink jet composition is preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 10.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less.

<Organic solvent>
The organic solvent functions as a dispersion medium for dispersing the metal powder in the inkjet composition. The organic solvent is removed (evaporates) in the manufacturing process of the recorded matter.
The boiling point of the organic solvent under 1 atm is preferably 100 ° C. or higher and 300 ° C. or lower, and more preferably 150 ° C. or higher and 250 ° C. or lower. As a result, the productivity of the recorded product using the inkjet composition can be made sufficiently excellent, and the composition stability and ejection stability during storage of the inkjet composition can be made particularly excellent. .

  As the organic solvent, any organic compound can be used as long as it is a liquid in the environment where the ink jet composition is used (for example, normal temperature (20 ° C.) and normal pressure (1 atm)). (Monohydric alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol and glycerin, and fluorides thereof), ketone compounds (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, etc.) Carboxylic acid ester compounds (methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, etc.), ether compounds (diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, etc.), lactone compounds, etc. It can be used.

  In particular, the inkjet composition preferably contains at least one compound selected from an alkylene glycol compound and a lactone compound as the organic solvent. Thereby, the storage stability and ejection stability of the inkjet composition can be made particularly excellent. Further, since the solvent can be quickly removed from the ink jet composition after ejection by the ink jet method, the productivity of the recorded matter can be made particularly excellent.

Examples of the alkylene glycol compound that can be used as the organic solvent include alkylene glycols such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, and compounds in which at least one hydroxyl group of the alkylene glycol is etherified or esterified.
Examples of the alkylene glycol moiety of the alkylene glycol compound include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and tetrapropylene glycol.

  Specific examples of the alkylene glycol monoether include ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono Ethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, pro Glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether and the like.

  Specific examples of the alkylene glycol diether include ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, triethylene glycol diethyl ether, and triethylene glycol diether. Butyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol diethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dibutyl ether, propylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol diethyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol diethyl ether Le, and the like.

Examples of the lactone compound that can be used as the organic solvent include γ-butyrolactone, δ-valerolactone, ε-caprolactone, and the like.
Among these, the organic solvent preferably contains one or more selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dibutyl ether, and γ-butyrolactone. Thereby, the storage stability and ejection stability of the inkjet composition can be further improved. The gloss and luxury of the recorded matter can be further improved.

  The organic solvent content in the inkjet composition is preferably 70% by mass or more and 99% by mass or less, and more preferably 80% by mass or more and 98% by mass or less. As a result, the storage stability and ejection stability of the ink jet composition can be further improved, and the gloss and the like of the recorded matter produced using the ink jet composition can be further improved. be able to. In addition, the composition for inkjet may contain 2 or more types of compounds as an organic solvent. In this case, it is preferable that the total content of these compounds is a value within the above range.

<Binder resin (binder)>
The binder resin has a function of improving the adhesion of the metal powder to the recording medium in a recorded matter produced using the ink jet composition. Thereby, the durability (rubbing resistance, water resistance, etc.) of the recorded matter can be made excellent.
Examples of the binder resin constituting the inkjet composition include acrylic resin, styrene-acrylic resin, rosin-modified resin, terpene resin, polyester resin, polyamide resin, epoxy resin, vinyl chloride resin, and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate. Examples thereof include polymers, fiber-based resins (for example, cellulose acetate butyrate, hydroxypropyl cellulose), polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyurethane.

In particular, the inkjet composition preferably contains a compound having a cellulose skeleton as a binder resin. Thereby, the glossiness and abrasion resistance of the recorded matter produced using the ink jet composition can be made particularly excellent.
Among these, the binder resin (compound having a cellulose skeleton) preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, and ethylcellulose. Thereby, the glossiness and abrasion resistance of the recorded matter produced using the ink jet composition can be further improved.

The binder resin may be dispersed in an organic solvent or dissolved in the ink jet composition.
The content of the binder resin (binder) in the inkjet composition is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less. Is more preferable. As a result, the storage stability and ejection stability of the ink jet composition are sufficiently improved, and the glossiness, abrasion resistance, etc. of the recorded matter produced using the ink jet composition are further improved. can do. In addition, the composition for inkjet may contain 2 or more types of compounds as binder resin. In this case, it is preferable that the total content of these compounds is a value within the above range.

<Surfactant>
The inkjet composition preferably further contains at least one selected from silicone surfactants, polyoxyethylene surfactants, acetylene glycol compounds, and acetylene diols. Thereby, the storage stability and ejection stability of the inkjet composition can be made particularly excellent. In addition, the arrangement (arrangement) of the metal powder on the recording medium can be made more suitable, and the gloss and the abrasion resistance of the recorded matter can be made particularly excellent.

  Examples of the silicone-based surfactant include polyether-modified silicone (BYK-300, 306, 307; Big Chemie Japan Co., Ltd., KF-6011, 6012, 6017, 6015, 6043; Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd.), polyester-modified silicone. (BYK-313, 315; Big Chemie Japan Co., Ltd.), acrylic-terminated polyether-modified silicone (BYK-3500, 3510, 3530; Big Chemie Japan Co., Ltd.), acrylic-terminated polyester-modified silicone (BYK-3570; Big Chemie Japan Co., Ltd.) Company), polyglycerin-modified silicone (KF-6100, 6104; Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd.), aminopropyl-modified silicone (KF-8015, 8020; Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd.) Amino-modified silicone (KF-8004,867S; Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd.), or the like can be used.

  Examples of the polyoxyethylene-based surfactant include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (for example, Nissan Nonion P-208; Nippon Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.), polyoxyethylene oleyl ether (for example, Nissan Nonion). E-202S, E-205S; Nippon Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.), or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (eg, Emulgen 106, 108; Kao Corporation), polyoxyethylene alkylphenol ether, eg, polyoxyethylene octylphenol ether (eg, Nissan) Nonion HS-204, HS-206, HS-208; Nippon Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.), sorbitan monoesters such as sorbitan monocaprylate (eg, Nissan Nonion CP-08R; Japan) Yushi Co., Ltd.), or sorbitan monolaurate (for example, Nissan Nonion LP-20R; Nippon Yushi Co., Ltd.), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoester, for example, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (for example, Nissan Nonion OT-221; Nippon Oil & Fats Co., Ltd.), polycarboxylic acid polymer activator (Floren G-700; Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd.), polyoxyethylene higher alcohol ether (for example, Emulgen 707, 709; Kao Corporation), tetraglycenline oleate ( For example, Poem J-4581; Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd.), nonylphenol ethoxylate (for example, Adekatol NP-620, NP-650, NP-660, NP-675, NP-683, NP-686; Asahi Denka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) , Fat Group phosphate esters (for example, Adekacol CS-141E, TS-230E; Asahi Denka Kogyo Co., Ltd.), sorbitan sesquioleate (for example, Sorgen 30; Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.), sorbitan monooleate (for example, Sorgen 40; No. 1) Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.), polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate (for example, Sorgen TW-20; Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.), polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate (for example, Sorgen TW-80; Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.) Can be mentioned.

Examples of acetylenic diols include Surfynol 104, 82, 465, 485, or TG (all available from Air Products and Chemicals. Inc.), Orphin STG, Orphine E1010 (all trade names manufactured by Nisshin Chemical Co., Ltd.), and the like. Can be used.
The content of the surfactant as described above in the ink jet composition is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less. Is more preferable. As a result, the storage stability and ejection stability of the ink jet composition can be further improved, and the gloss and the like of the recorded matter produced using the ink jet composition can be further improved. be able to. The ink jet composition may contain two or more compounds as the surfactant as described above. In this case, it is preferable that the total content of these compounds is a value within the above range.

<Other ingredients>
The inkjet composition of the present invention may contain components other than those described above (other components). Examples of such components include slip agents (leveling agents), dispersants, penetration enhancers, wetting agents (humectants), pH adjusters, colorants (pigments, dyes), matting agents, waxes, and antifungal agents. Agents, preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, thickeners, sensitizers (sensitizing dyes) and the like.

If the ink jet composition contains a slip agent, the surface of the recorded matter becomes smooth due to the leveling action, and the abrasion resistance is improved.
Although it does not specifically limit as a slip agent, For example, silicone type surfactants, such as polyester modified silicone and polyether modified silicone, can be used, It is preferable to use polyether modified polydimethylsiloxane or polyester modified polydimethylsiloxane. .
The viscosity of the ink jet composition of the present invention at room temperature (20 ° C.) is preferably 20 mPa · s or less, more preferably 3 mPa · s or more and 15 mPa · s or less. Thereby, the droplet discharge by an inkjet method can be performed suitably.

《Recordings》
Next, the recorded matter of the present invention will be described.
The recorded matter of the present invention is produced by applying the ink jet composition as described above onto a recording medium. Such a recorded matter has a pattern (printing portion) excellent in glossiness.

The recording medium may be any material, but for example, paper (plain paper, ink jet dedicated paper, art coat paper, etc.) or a material composed of a plastic material such as vinyl chloride or propylene carbonate is preferably used. be able to.
The recorded matter of the present invention may be used for any purpose, and may be applied to, for example, a decorative article or other items. Specific examples of the recorded material of the present invention include console lids, switch bases, center clusters, interior panels, emblems, center consoles, meter nameplates and other vehicle interior parts, operation parts (key switches) of various electronic devices, indoors Examples include advertisements, gift boxes for confectionery, cosmetic boxes, tarpaulins and other outdoor advertisements, decorative parts that exhibit decorative properties, indicators, logos and other display objects.

As a droplet discharge method (inkjet method), a piezo method, a method in which ink is discharged by bubbles generated by heating ink, or the like can be used. From the viewpoint of difficulty, the piezo method is preferable.
The inkjet composition can be ejected by an inkjet method using a known droplet ejection apparatus.

The ink jet composition ejected toward the recording medium by the ink jet method loses the fluidity of the formed printing part and stabilizes the shape by removing the organic solvent. In removing the organic solvent, a vacuum treatment or a heat treatment may be performed. Thereby, the efficiency of the organic solvent can be increased, and the productivity of recorded matter can be further improved. Further, the durability of the recorded matter can be further improved.
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on suitable embodiment, this invention is not limited to these.

Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described.
[1] Production of inkjet composition (Example 1)
First, a film made of polyethylene terephthalate having a smooth surface (surface roughness Ra of 0.02 μm or less) was prepared.

Next, silicone oil was applied to the entire one surface of the film.
Next, a film made of Al was formed on the side coated with silicone oil by vapor deposition.
Next, a polyethylene terephthalate film (base material) on which an Al film was formed was placed in a liquid composed of diethylene glycol diethyl ether, and ultrasonic vibration was applied. As a result, a dispersion (dispersion) of scaly Al particles (particles to be mother particles) was obtained. The content of Al particles in the dispersion was 3.7% by mass.

Next, C ₁₂ H ₂₅ (O) P (OH) (OCH ₂ CH ₃ ) as an alkyl phosphate is added to the dispersion containing Al particles obtained as described above, and the liquid temperature : Surface treatment reaction was carried out at 55 ° C. while applying ultrasonic vibration for 3 hours. After completion of the reaction, the surface-treated Al particles (metal powder) are spun down in a centrifuge (6000 rpm × 30 minutes), the supernatant is discarded, and then diethylene glycol diethyl ether is added. Furthermore, by applying ultrasonic vibration, the metal powder was redispersed to obtain a dispersion liquid (redispersion liquid) having a metal powder content of 3.7% by mass. This re-dispersed liquid was concentrated with an evaporator to obtain a paste-like dispersion liquid (dispersion medium: diethylene glycol diethyl ether) having a metal powder content of 10% by mass. The average particle diameter of the metal powder thus obtained was 0.8 μm, and the average thickness was 60 nm.

  Next, the paste-like dispersion containing the metal powder is mixed with diethylene glycol diethyl ether, γ-butyrolactone, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether and tetraethylene glycol dibutyl ether as the organic solvent, cellulose acetate butyrate as the binder resin (binder), And the composition for inkjets was obtained by mixing with BYK-3500 (made by Big Chemie) as a silicone type surfactant.

(Examples 2 to 15)
The composition of the metal particles (the composition of the mother particles and the type of compound (phosphoric acid alkyl ester) used for the surface treatment) is shown in Table 1, and the type and ratio of the raw materials used for the preparation of the ink jet composition are changed. Thus, an ink jet composition was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the composition shown in Table 1 was obtained.

(Comparative Example 1)
An inkjet composition was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that Al particles that had not been surface-treated were used as the metal powder.
(Comparative Example 2)
An inkjet composition was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1 except that a spherical Al powder produced by the gas atomization method (not subjected to surface treatment) was used as the metal powder.

(Comparative Example 3)
An inkjet composition was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that metal powder was obtained by performing surface treatment using H ₃ PO ₄ that was not a phosphoric acid alkyl ester instead of the phosphoric acid alkyl ester.
(Comparative Example 4)
An inkjet composition was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a metal powder was obtained by performing a surface treatment using stearic acid that is not an alkyl phosphate ester instead of an alkyl phosphate ester.
(Comparative Example 5)
An ink jet composition was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that metal powder was obtained by performing surface treatment using oleic acid that is not an alkyl phosphate ester instead of an alkyl phosphate ester.

The composition of the ink jet composition for each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples is summarized in Table 1. In the table, C ₁₂ H ₂₅ (O) P (OH) (OCH ₂ CH ₃ ) is “A1”, C ₁₈ H ₃₇ (O) P (OH) (OCH ₂ CH ₃ ) is “A2”, ( the _{C 14 H 29) 3 (O} ) P _{"A3", (C} 18 _H 37) 2 a _{(O) P (C 16 H} 33) _"A4", the H 3 PO ₄ "A'1", stearate "A'2", oleic acid "A'3", diethylene glycol diethyl ether "DEGDEE", diethylene glycol dimethyl ether "DEGDME", tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether "TEGDME", tetraethylene glycol dibutyl ether "TEGDBE", γ-butyrolactone is “γ-BL”, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is “NMP”, cellulose acetate butyrate is “CAB”, “NC” for cellulose, “EC” for ethyl cellulose, “HEC” for hydroxyethyl cellulose, “B1” for BYK-3500 (BIC Chemie, silicone surfactant), BYK-3570 (Silicon surfactant, BYK Chemie) "B2", Orphin E1010 (manufactured by Nissin Chemical Co., acetylenic diol) is represented by "B3", and Emulgen 106 (manufactured by Kao Corporation, polyoxyethylene surfactant) is represented by "B4". Moreover, about Example 11, the composition of the constituent material of mother particle showed the content rate of each element with the weight ratio about Example 11. In addition, each of the arbitrary 10 metal particles contained in each inkjet composition is observed, and the area S ₁ [μm ² ] when observed from the direction in which the projected area is maximized (when viewed in plan) and The ratio (S ₁ / S ₀ ) to the area S ₀ [μm ² ] when observed from the direction in which the area when observed is the maximum among the directions orthogonal to the observation direction is determined, and the average value thereof is The results are shown in Table 1. Moreover, the viscosity at 20 ° C. of the inkjet composition of each of the above examples measured according to JIS Z8809 using a vibration viscometer is in the range of 3 mPa · s to 15 mPa · s. Value.

[2] Droplet discharge stability evaluation (discharge stability evaluation)
Using the ink-jet compositions of the above Examples and Comparative Examples, evaluation by tests as shown below was performed.
First, a droplet discharge device installed in a chamber (thermal chamber) and the ink jet compositions of the above examples and comparative examples were prepared, and the driving waveform of the piezo element was optimized at 25 ° C. and 55% RH. Under these circumstances, 2 million droplets (2000000 droplets) were continuously discharged from each nozzle of the droplet discharge head for each inkjet composition. Thereafter, the operation of the droplet discharge device was stopped, and the droplet discharge device was allowed to stand in an environment of 25 ° C. and 55% RH for 240 hours in a state where the flow path of the droplet discharge device was filled.

  Thereafter, 4 million droplets (4000000 droplets) were continuously discharged from each nozzle of the droplet discharge head in an environment of 25 ° C. and 55% RH. The average deviation amount d from the center target position of the center position of each landed droplet for the 4000000 droplets discharged from the designated nozzle near the center of the droplet discharge head after being left for 150 hours. Values were obtained and evaluated according to the following five-step criteria. It can be said that the smaller the value is, the more effectively the occurrence of flight bending is prevented.

A: The average value of the shift amount d is less than 0.07 μm.
B: The average value of the shift amount d is 0.07 μm or more and less than 0.14 μm.
C: The average value of the shift amount d is 0.14 μm or more and less than 0.17 μm.
D: The average value of the shift amount d is 0.17 μm or more and less than 0.21 μm.
E: The average value of the shift amounts d is 0.21 μm or more.

[3] Frequency characteristics of ink-jet composition Prepared are a droplet discharge device installed in a chamber (thermal chamber) and the ink-jet compositions of the examples and comparative examples, and the drive waveform of the piezo element is optimized Thus, in an environment of 25 ° C. and 55% RH, each ink jet composition was subjected to droplet discharge while changing the frequency (frequency) of the piezoelectric element from all nozzles of the droplet discharge head. The droplet discharge time at each frequency was 10 minutes. The frequency range that can be actually used was evaluated according to the following four-stage criteria, with the number of undischarged nozzles being less than 1% of the total number of nozzles at the time point after 10 minutes of discharge as the highest frequency that can be actually used. It can be said that the larger this value, the better the frequency characteristics.
A: 15 kHz or more.
B: 10 kHz or more and less than 15 kHz.
C: 5 kHz or more and less than 10 kHz.
D: Less than 5 kHz.

[4] Storage stability evaluation of ink jet composition (long-term stability evaluation)
The ink jet compositions of the respective examples and comparative examples were left to stand in a 40 ° C. environment for 40 days and then measured according to JIS Z8809 using a vibration viscometer. The viscosity at 20 ° C. of the composition for use was measured, the rate of increase in viscosity immediately after production was determined, and evaluated according to the following criteria.

A: Increase rate of viscosity is less than 5%.
B: Increase rate of viscosity is 5% or more and less than 10%.
C: Increase rate of viscosity is 10% or more and less than 18%.
D: Increase rate of viscosity is 18% or more and less than 23%.
E: The rate of increase in viscosity is 23% or more, or generation of foreign matter is observed.

[5] Manufacture of recorded matter Using the ink jet compositions of the examples and comparative examples, interior panels as recorded matter were produced as follows.
First, the inkjet composition was put into an inkjet apparatus.
Thereafter, the ink jet composition was discharged in a predetermined pattern onto a base material (recording medium) having a curved surface portion formed using a solvent ink jet media (IJS-RC-YF170; manufactured by Mitsubishi Paper Industries Co., Ltd.).
Thereafter, the organic solvent was removed by heat treatment under conditions of 60 ° C. × 30 seconds to obtain an interior panel as a recorded matter.
Using the method as described above, 10 interior panels (recorded matter) were produced using the ink jet compositions of the examples and comparative examples.

[6] Evaluation of recorded matter The following evaluation was performed on each recorded matter obtained as described above.
[6.1] Appearance evaluation of recorded matter Each recorded matter produced in each of the above examples and comparative examples was visually observed and evaluated according to the following seven criteria.

A: It has a glossy feeling rich in luxury and has an extremely excellent appearance.
B: It has a glossy feeling full of luxury and has a very excellent appearance.
C: It has a glossiness with a high-class feeling and has an excellent appearance.
D: Glossy with a high-class feeling and a good appearance.
E: Inferior gloss and appearance is slightly poor.
F: Inferior glossiness and poor appearance.
G: Inferior glossiness and extremely poor appearance.

[6.2] Glossiness About the pattern formation part of each recorded matter manufactured in each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples, the glossiness at a turning angle of 60 ° was measured using a glossmeter (MINOLTA MULTI GLOSS 268), Evaluation was made according to the following criteria.
A: Glossiness is 400 or more.
B: Glossiness is 300 or more and less than 400.
C: Glossiness is 200 or more and less than 300.
D: Glossiness is less than 200.

[6.3] Abrasion resistance With respect to the recorded matter according to each of the above examples and comparative examples, when 48 hours have elapsed since the production of the recorded matter, a Southerland Love Tester was used and polyethylene terephthalate was used as a phase paper according to JIS K5701. A rub resistance test using a film made by Mitsubishi Plastics (Diafoil G440E) was performed, and the recorded material after the rub resistance test was also glossy by the same method as described in [6.2] above. The degree of reduction in gloss before and after the abrasion resistance test was determined and evaluated according to the following criteria.

A: The reduction rate of glossiness is less than 8%.
B: The reduction rate of glossiness is 8% or more and less than 16%.
C: The reduction rate of glossiness is 16% or more and less than 26%.
D: The reduction rate of glossiness is 26% or more and less than 33%.
E: Gloss reduction rate is 33% or more, or the surface of the recording medium is exposed due to metal particles falling off.
These results are shown in Table 2.

  As is apparent from Table 2, the ink jet composition of the present invention was excellent in droplet ejection stability and storage stability. Further, the recorded matter of the present invention had excellent gloss and appearance, and was excellent in the abrasion resistance of the pattern forming portion. On the other hand, in the comparative example, a satisfactory result was not obtained.

Claims (11)

An inkjet composition discharged by an inkjet method,
Including metal powder, organic solvent, and binder resin,
An ink jet composition comprising the metal powder that has been surface-treated with an alkyl phosphate ester.   2. The ink jet composition according to claim 1, wherein the metal powder is a powder whose surface is mainly composed of Al and is surface-treated with an alkyl phosphate ester.   The ink-jet composition according to claim 1, wherein the metal powder has a scaly shape.   The inkjet composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkyl phosphate ester contains only C, H, P, and O as constituent elements. The inkjet composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal powder includes a surface treated with the phosphoric acid alkyl ester having a chemical structure represented by the following formula (1).
POR _n (OH) _3-n (1)
(In the formula (1), R _{is, CH 3 (CH 2) m} -, CH 3 (CH 2) m (CH 2 O) l -, CH 3 (CH 2) m (CH 2 CH 2 O) l - Or CH ₃ (CH ₂ ) _m O— (wherein n is an integer from 1 to 3, m is an integer from 2 to 18, and l is an integer from 1 to 18)   The inkjet composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the metal powder has an average particle size of 500 nm or more and 3.0 µm or less.   The inkjet composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the organic solvent contains at least one compound selected from an alkylene glycol compound and a lactone compound.   The ink jet composition further comprises at least one selected from silicone surfactants, polyoxyethylene surfactants, acetylene glycol compounds and acetylenic diols. Inkjet composition.   The ink jet composition according to claim 1, wherein the binder resin contains a compound having a cellulose skeleton.   The inkjet composition according to claim 9, wherein the binder resin includes at least one selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, and ethylcellulose.   A recorded matter produced by applying the ink jet composition according to claim 1 onto a recording medium.