JP2015124324A - Ink composition and recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink composition with which bleeding hardly occurs and agglomeration unevenness hardly occurs, in a recording method of a sublimation type inkjet print transfer method.SOLUTION: There is provided an ink composition which contains a sublimable dye, an organic solvent A (hereinafter A), an organic solvent B (hereinafter B), and water, where A satisfies a property (a) and B satisfies a property (b1) or (b2). The property (a) has such the property that a mixture of 20 pts.mass of A and 100 pts.mass of polyvinyl alcohol (hereinafter PVA) generates 84 pts.mass or more of an insoluble component and, when a load of 5.3 to 7.1 g/mmis applied to the insoluble component, the insoluble component generates a lump having a mass of 90% or more to the total mass. The property (b1) has such the property that a mixture of 20 pts.mass of B and 100 pts.mass of PVA generates an insoluble component and the insoluble component generates a lump having a mass of less than 10% of the total mass under the above condition. The property (b2) has such the property that a mixture of 20 pts.mass of B and 100 pts.mass of PVA does not generate any insoluble component. In the ink composition, a mass ratio of A to B is 6 to 170.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink composition and a recording method.

  The ink jet recording method is capable of recording high-definition images with a relatively simple device, and has been rapidly developed in various fields. Among them, various studies have been made on recording methods using sublimation printing inks. For example, Patent Document 1 provides a sublimation type ink jet printing transfer paper having characteristics in which it is difficult for waviness to occur when recording is performed using sublimation type printing ink, and the expansion and contraction fluctuation is suppressed during heat transfer. With a sublimation ink jet printing transfer paper having a substrate, a sublimation printing ink receiving layer provided on the surface of the substrate, and a backcoat layer provided on the back surface of the substrate. The sublimation type printing ink receiving layer contains a water-soluble resin and fine particles, the fine particles are synthetic amorphous silica, the backcoat layer contains a water-soluble resin, and the water-soluble resin As a sublimation ink jet printing transfer paper containing at least polyethylene glycol, the expansion ratio of the sublimation ink jet printing transfer paper is 0.7% or less in the vertical direction and 0.5% or less in the horizontal direction. It is.

JP 2010-89343 A

  However, when the thickness of the ink receiving layer of a so-called intermediate recording medium such as transfer paper increases, the ink composition enters deep into the ink receiving layer. Therefore, the ink composition tends to remain on the intermediate recording medium, and the transfer efficiency from the intermediate recording medium to the recording medium tends to decrease. When it takes a long time to transfer in order to improve the decrease in transfer efficiency, there is a problem that even in an image of a recorded matter obtained by transfer, the dye diffuses due to heat and blurring occurs.

  In addition, as the thickness of the ink receiving layer of the intermediate recording medium decreases, the intermediate recording medium cannot sufficiently absorb the ink composition, and as a result, the resulting recorded material is not absorbed. There is a problem that the image blurs or aggregation unevenness occurs. Further, there is a problem that the OD value of the obtained recorded matter is limited because the amount of the ink composition that can be absorbed is small.

  The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, and provides an ink composition that is less likely to cause blurring and less likely to cause aggregation unevenness, and a recording method using the ink composition. The purpose is to do.

  The present inventors diligently studied to solve the above problems. As a result, the inventors have found that the above problem can be solved by using a predetermined organic solvent in a predetermined ratio, and have completed the present invention.

That is, the present invention is as follows.
[1]
A sublimable dye, an organic solvent A, an organic solvent B, and water,
The organic solvent A satisfies the following property (a),
The organic solvent B satisfies the following property (b1) or (b2),
The property (a) is that, when a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of the organic solvent A and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol is prepared, an insoluble component of 84 parts by mass or more is generated with respect to 120 parts by mass of the mixture, and the insoluble When a load of 5.3 g / mm ² or more and 7.1 g / mm ² or less is applied to the component, a mass having a mass of 90% or more with respect to the total mass of the insoluble component is generated.
The property (b1) is that, when a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of the organic solvent B and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol is prepared, an insoluble component of 84 parts by mass or more is generated with respect to 120 parts by mass of the mixture, and the insoluble When a load of 5.3 g / mm ² or more and 7.1 g / mm ² or less is applied to the component, a mass having a mass of less than 10% of the total mass of the insoluble component is generated.
The property (b2) is a property in which an insoluble component does not occur when a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of the organic solvent B and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol is prepared.
The ink composition whose mass ratio of content of the said organic solvent A with respect to content of the said organic solvent B is 6-170.
[2]
The organic solvent A is glycerin, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,2-hexanediol, propylene glycol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, ethanol, ethylene glycol, triethanolamine, pentanediol, And at least one selected from the group consisting of 3-methoxy-N, N-dimethylpropionic acid amide.
[3]
The organic solvent B exhibiting the property (b1) contains at least one selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and tripropylene glycol,
The organic solvent B exhibiting the property (b2) is diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, diethylene glycol mono 2-ethylhexyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monohexyl ether, tetraethylene glycol mono 2-ethylhexyl ether, hexaethylene glycol mono 2-ethylhexyl ether, 2 -From the group consisting of methoxyethanol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and diethylene glycol diethyl ether At least chosen Comprises one ink composition according to item [1] or [2].
[4]
The ink composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein a content of the organic solvent A is 20 to 50% by mass with respect to a total amount of the ink composition.
[5]
Any of [1] to [4] above, wherein the organic solvent A contains at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,2-hexanediol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and pentanediol. 2. The ink composition according to item 1.
[6]
The ink composition according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the content of the organic solvent B is 0.10 to 8.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. .
[7]
Any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the organic solvent B contains at least one selected from the group consisting of triethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and triethylene glycol monomethyl ether. 2. The ink composition according to item 1.
[8]
The total content of the organic solvent A and the organic solvent B is 20 to 50% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition, according to any one of [1] to [7] above. Ink composition.
[9]
The ink composition according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein a mass ratio of the content of the organic solvent A to the content of the organic solvent B is 15 to 80.
[10]
An attaching step of attaching the ink composition according to any one of [1] to [9] to an intermediate transfer medium using an inkjet method;
The surface of the intermediate transfer medium to which the ink composition is attached and the dyed surface of the recording medium are heated so as to face each other, and the sublimation dye contained in the ink composition is transferred to the recording medium. A transfer process,
The intermediate transfer medium includes an ink receiving layer containing a water-soluble resin.
Recording method.
[11]
The recording method according to [10], wherein the ink receiving layer has a thickness of 5 μm to 20 μm.
[12]
In the preceding item [10] or [11], the water-soluble resin includes at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, a copolymer of polyacrylic acid and dicarboxylic acid, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The recording method described.
[13]
The recording method according to any one of [10] to [12], wherein the heating temperature in the transfer step is 150 to 250 ° C.

The photograph which image | photographed the mode after performing the organic solvent classification test using the organic solvent A. FIG. The photograph which image | photographed the mode after performing the organic solvent classification test using the organic solvent B. FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present embodiment”) will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof. Is possible.

[Ink composition]
The ink composition of the present embodiment includes a sublimable dye, an organic solvent A, an organic solvent B, and water. The organic solvent A satisfies the following property (a), and the organic solvent B is: The following property (b1) or (b2) is satisfied, and the property (a) is 84 masses with respect to 120 mass parts of the mixture when a mixture containing 20 mass parts of the organic solvent A and 100 mass parts of polyvinyl alcohol is prepared. Part or more of insoluble components are produced, and when a load of 5.3 g / mm ² or more and 7.1 g / mm ² or less is applied to the insoluble components, the mass is 90% or more with respect to the total mass of the insoluble components. The property (b1) is obtained when a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of the organic solvent B and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol is prepared, and 84 parts by mass or more with respect to 120 parts by mass of the mixture. Insoluble components are formed, and the The soluble components upon the addition of 5.3 g / mm ² or more 7.1 g / mm ² or less of a load, a property of mass occurs with a mass of 10% less than the total weight of the insoluble component, the properties (b2 ) Is a property that insoluble components do not occur when a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of the organic solvent B and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol is produced, and the mass of the content of the organic solvent A relative to the content of the organic solvent B The ratio is 6-170.

  In the ink composition of the present embodiment, by including the organic solvent A that improves the compatibility of the ink composition with respect to the ink receiving layer, and the organic solvent B that decreases the compatibility of the ink composition with respect to the ink receiving layer, The degree of solidification due to swelling of the ink receiving layer can be controlled, thereby controlling the permeability of the ink composition to the ink receiving layer. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of bleeding and aggregation unevenness.

  That is, by controlling the permeability of the ink composition to the ink receiving layer, even when the thickness of the ink receiving layer of the intermediate recording medium is increased, the ink composition can penetrate deep into the ink receiving layer. Can be suppressed. For this reason, the ink composition hardly remains on the intermediate recording medium, and the transfer efficiency is improved. Further, since the time required for the transfer process is shortened, the diffusion of the dye into the image of the recorded matter due to heat is suppressed, and the bleeding is further suppressed.

  Further, since the drying property of the ink composition is improved, the surface of the intermediate transfer medium to which the ink composition is adhered and the dyed surface of the recording medium are heated so as to face each other, and are contained in the ink composition. When the sublimable dye is transferred to the recording medium, it is possible to avoid evaporation of water vapor too quickly due to the ink composition component not dried inside the ink receiving layer. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the problem that a hole is opened in the ink receiving layer and a pinhole or the like is generated in the image.

  Further, when the ink receiving layer is thick, unevenness of the thickness generally tends to occur, and cockling or cracking occurs in the intermediate recording medium. However, with the ink composition of the present embodiment, since the sublimation dye is easily transferred from the ink receiving layer to the recording medium, the recording medium can be used even if uneven thickness or cracks exist on the intermediate recording medium. The diffusion uniformity of the sublimation dye is less affected by thickness unevenness and cracks, and transfer unevenness due to thickness unevenness and cracks of the intermediate recording medium can be suppressed even in the recorded matter.

  In addition, by controlling the permeability of the ink composition to the ink receiving layer, even if the thickness of the ink receiving layer of the intermediate recording medium is reduced, the ink composition absorbability of the ink receiving layer can be improved sufficiently. The problem that the image of the obtained recorded matter bleeds or agglomeration unevenness due to the ink composition not absorbed in the ink can be avoided. Further, since the amount of ink composition that can be absorbed is relatively large, the OD value of the obtained recorded matter tends to be further improved.

  Further, when the amount of ink applied is not sufficient with respect to the printing range, or when the ink composition permeates / wets spread little and does not bleed, graininess tends to occur in the obtained recorded matter. However, the graininess can be improved by controlling the permeability of the ink composition to the ink receiving layer. “Granularity” as used herein means that voids are generated between ink droplets (dots) on the recording medium, and the dots are not filled with color (not compatible), so that the recorded matter is shaded or recorded. This means that the background color of the medium remains and causes unevenness.

  In general, an intermediate transfer medium having an ink receiving layer containing only a water-soluble resin is inferior in absorbency of the ink composition, but it can be absorbed sufficiently by controlling the permeability of the ink composition to the ink receiving layer. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of bleeding and uneven aggregation due to the ink composition that has not been performed. As a specific intermediate transfer medium having an ink receiving layer containing only a water-soluble resin, the intermediate transfer medium has a tack property in order to prevent displacement and shrinkage from a recording medium such as a stretchable cloth. An intermediate transfer medium called “glued transfer paper” is used. When such an intermediate transfer medium contains inorganic particles, the adhesiveness is lowered. Therefore, the glued transfer paper often includes an ink receiving layer made of a water-soluble resin.

[Sublimation dye]
The ink composition of this embodiment contains a sublimable dye. The “sublimable dye” is a dye having a property of sublimating by heating. Conventionally, dyeing | staining with respect to the fabric etc. using a sublimation transfer is performed widely. As a dyeing method using such sublimation transfer, for example, after recording by an ink jet method using an ink containing a sublimation dye on a sheet-like intermediate transfer medium such as paper, the recording medium such as a cloth is used. Method of sublimation transfer by heating with overlapping intermediate transfer media or recording by ink jet method using sublimation transfer ink on ink receiving layer of recording medium (film product etc.) provided with peelable ink receiving layer Followed by heating and performing sublimation diffusion dyeing on the recording medium on the lower layer side, and then peeling the ink receiving layer.

The sublimation dye is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the dyes listed below. These are used singly or in combination of two or more.
C. I. Disperse Yellow: 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, 23, 24, 30, 33, 34, 42, 44, 49, 50, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63, 64, 66, 68 71, 74, 76, 79, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 90, 91, 93, 98, 99, 100, 104, 108, 114, 116, 118, 119, 122, 124, 126, 135 140, 141, 149, 160, 162, 163, 164, 165, 179, 180, 182, 183, 184, 186, 192, 198, 199, 202, 204, 210, 211, 215, 216, 218, 224 227, 231, 232
C. I. Disperse Orange: 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 20, 21, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 66, 71, 73, 76, 78, 80, 89, 90, 91, 93, 96, 97, 119, 127, 130 139, 142
C. I. Disperse Red: 1, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 27, 43, 44, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 65, 72, 73 74, 75, 76, 78, 81, 82, 86, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 96, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 113, 117, 118, 121, 122 126, 127, 128, 131, 132, 134, 135, 137, 143, 145, 146, 151, 152, 153, 154, 157, 159, 164, 167, 169, 177, 179, 181, 183, 184 , 185, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 200, 201, 202, 203, 205, 206, 207, 210, 221, 224, 22 5, 227, 229, 239, 240, 257, 258, 277, 278, 279, 281, 288, 298, 302, 303, 310, 311, 312, 320, 324, 328
C. I. Disperse Violet: 1, 4, 8, 23, 26, 27, 28, 31, 33, 35, 36, 38, 40, 43, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 56, 57, 59, 61, 63 , 69, 77
C. I. Disperse Green9
C. I. Disperse Brown: 1, 2, 4, 9, 13, 19
C. I. Disperse Blue: 3, 7, 9, 14, 16, 19, 20, 26, 27, 35, 43, 44, 54, 55, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 71, 72, 73, 75, 79 81, 82, 83, 87, 91, 93, 94, 95, 96, 102, 106, 108, 112, 113, 115, 118, 120, 122, 125, 128, 130, 139, 141, 142, 143 146, 148, 149, 153, 154, 158, 165, 167, 171, 173, 174, 176, 181, 183, 185, 186, 187, 189, 197, 198, 200, 201, 205, 207, 211 214, 224, 225, 257, 259, 260, 267, 268, 270, 284, 285, 287, 288, 291, 293, 295, 297, 301, 315, 330, 333
C. I. Disperse Black 1, 3, 10, 24

  The content (solid content) of the sublimable dye is preferably 1.0 to 10% by mass, more preferably 2.0 to 8.0% by mass, and still more preferably based on the total amount of the ink composition. Is 3.0-6.0 mass%. When the content (solid content) of the sublimable dye is within the above range, the color development of the obtained recorded product tends to be more excellent.

[Organic solvent A]
The ink composition of the present embodiment includes an organic solvent A that satisfies the following property (a). By including such an organic solvent A, the compatibility of the ink composition with the ink receiving layer is improved, and the resin component constituting the ink receiving layer swells to solidify the ink receiving layer, whereby the ink composition becomes the ink composition. It becomes difficult to penetrate by the receiving layer.
Property (a): When a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of the organic solvent A and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol was prepared, 84 parts by mass or more of insoluble components were produced with respect to 120 parts by mass of the mixture, and the insoluble components were The property that when a load of 5.3 g / mm ² or more and 7.1 g / mm ² or less is applied, a lump having a mass of 90% or more with respect to the total mass of the insoluble component is generated.

  Examples of the organic solvent A include, but are not limited to, glycerin, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,2-hexanediol, propylene glycol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, ethanol, ethylene glycol, And at least one selected from the group consisting of triethanolamine, pentanediol, and 3-methoxy-N, N-dimethylpropionic acid amide. Among these, the organic solvent A preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2-pyrrolidone, ethylene glycol, and pentanediol. The organic solvent A may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The content of the organic solvent A is preferably 20 to 50% by mass and more preferably 30 to 40% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. When the content of the organic solvent A is 20% by mass or more, the transfer efficiency in the transfer process is further improved, and bleeding of the obtained recorded matter is less likely to occur. Further, when the content of the organic solvent A is 50% by mass or less, aggregation of the obtained recorded matter tends to be less likely to occur.

[Organic solvent B]
The ink composition of the present embodiment includes an organic solvent B that satisfies the following property (b1) or (b2). By including such an organic solvent B, the compatibility of the ink composition with the ink receiving layer is lowered, and solidification of the ink receiving layer due to swelling of the resin component constituting the ink receiving layer tends to be suppressed. Thereby, the ink composition is more easily penetrated by the ink receiving layer.
Property (b1): When a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of the organic solvent B and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol was produced, an insoluble component of 84 parts by mass or more was generated with respect to 120 parts by mass of the mixture, and the insoluble component was The property that a lump having a mass of less than 10% of the total mass of the insoluble component is generated when a load of 5.3 g / mm ² or more and 7.1 g / mm ² or less is applied.
Property (b2): Property that insoluble components do not occur when a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of organic solvent B and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol is prepared.

The hardness of the polyvinyl alcohol lump produced by the solvent changes, and soft or brittle ones will not collapse due to the load, and only hard ones will remain lump. Therefore, “when a load of 5.3 g / mm ² or more and 7.1 g / mm ² or less is applied to the insoluble component, a lump having a mass of less than 10% of the total mass of the insoluble component is generated”. It is an index indicating whether or not a lump having a certain hardness is generated. In addition, although it is thought that the hardness of a lump is dependent on the difference in the strength of the hydrogen bond produced between polyvinyl alcohol and a solvent, it is not limited to this.

  Although it does not specifically limit as the organic solvent B which shows a property (b1), For example, it is preferable that at least 1 sort (s) chosen from the group which consists of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and tripropylene glycol is included. In addition, the organic solvent B exhibiting the property (b2) is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, diethylene glycol mono 2-ethylhexyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monohexyl ether, tetraethylene glycol mono 2-ethylhexyl ether, hexa Ethylene glycol mono 2-ethylhexyl ether, 2-methoxyethanol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether And diethylene glycol diethyl ether At least one type selected from the group consisting of ether. Among these, the organic solvent B preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of triethylene glycol, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and diethylene glycol monohexyl ether. The organic solvent B may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Among the organic solvents B, a glycol ether having an alkyl group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms is preferable because it has a high effect as a penetrant and quickly penetrates the recording medium after landing. . Among glycol ethers having an alkyl group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms, diethylene glycol monohexyl ether is more preferable.

  The content of the organic solvent B is preferably 0.10 to 8.0% by mass, more preferably 0.20 to 4.0% by mass, and still more preferably 0% with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. .20 to 2.0% by mass. When the content of the organic solvent B is 0.10% by mass or more, the granularity of the obtained recorded matter is further improved and aggregation unevenness tends to be less likely to occur. Further, when the content of the organic solvent B is 8.0% by mass or less, bleeding of the obtained recorded matter tends to be less likely to occur.

  The solubility of the organic solvent A and the organic solvent B in 100 g of water at 20 ° C. is preferably 10 g or more, and more preferably 60 g or more. The solubility of the organic solvent A and the organic solvent B in 100 g of water at 20 ° C. is within the above range, so that the organic solvent A and the organic solvent B can be dissolved well in the water in the ink composition while the organic solvent A and the organic solvent B are organic. Since the compatibility with the solvent B is also improved, there is a tendency that an ink composition having a good storage stability with little separation of each component is obtained.

[Mass ratio of content of organic solvent A to content of organic solvent B]
The mass ratio (A / B) of the content of the organic solvent A to the content of the organic solvent B is 6 to 170, preferably 15 to 100, and more preferably 15 to 80. When the mass ratio of the content of the organic solvent A to the content of the organic solvent B is 6 or more, bleeding of the obtained recorded matter is less likely to occur. Further, when the mass ratio of the content of the organic solvent A to the content of the organic solvent B is 170 or less, the granularity of the obtained recorded matter is further improved, and aggregation unevenness is less likely to occur.

[Total content of organic solvent A and organic solvent B]
The total content of the organic solvent A and the organic solvent B is preferably 15 to 50% by mass, more preferably 20 to 45% by mass, and further preferably 25 to 40% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. %. When the total content of the organic solvent A and the organic solvent B is 15% by mass or more, bleeding of the obtained recorded matter tends to be less likely to occur. Further, when the total content of the organic solvent A and the organic solvent B is 50% by mass or less, the granularity of the obtained recorded matter is further improved, and aggregation unevenness tends to be less likely to occur.

〔water〕
The ink composition of this embodiment contains water. Although it does not specifically limit as water, For example, it is preferable to use pure water, such as ion-exchange water, ultrafiltration water, reverse osmosis water, distilled water, or ultrapure water. In particular, water obtained by sterilizing these waters by ultraviolet irradiation or addition of hydrogen peroxide tends to prevent generation of mold and bacteria over a long period of time.

  When the ink composition contains water, the viscosity and surface tension of the ink composition can be suitably adjusted so as to be included in a preferable range, and the ink composition can be excellently ejected by an inkjet method. be able to. In addition, water is a component that can be easily removed after ejection by the ink jet method, and thus is important for enhancing the productivity of recorded matter. Further, since water is an extremely safe substance for the human body and the like, it is important for ensuring the safety of workers in the recording method.

  The water content is preferably 50 to 90% by mass, more preferably 60 to 80% by mass, based on the total amount of the ink composition.

[PH adjuster]
The ink composition preferably contains a pH adjuster. When the ink composition contains a pH adjuster, the storage stability of the ink composition can be improved. Further, the reliability of the recorded matter produced using the ink composition can be made particularly excellent.

  As the pH adjuster, for example, an agent capable of controlling the pH of the ink composition in the range of 6.0 to 11.0 can be suitably used. Examples of such pH adjusters include alkanolamines such as diethanolamine, triethanolamine, dimethylethanolamine, and diethylethanolamine; alkaline metal water such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and lithium hydroxide. Examples thereof include oxides; ammonium hydroxide; carbonates of alkali metals such as lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and potassium carbonate; aminosulfonic acids such as taurine;

[Surfactant]
The ink composition preferably contains a surfactant. The surfactant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include at least one of an acetylene glycol surfactant, a fluorine surfactant, and a silicone surfactant.

  Among these, a silicone-based surfactant is more preferable because the solubility in the ink composition is increased and foreign matters are less likely to be generated in the ink composition.

  The acetylene glycol-based surfactant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5- Selected from alkylene oxide adducts of decyne-4,7-diol and alkylene oxide adducts of 2,4-dimethyl-5-decyn-4-ol and 2,4-dimethyl-5-decyn-4-ol One or more are preferred. Although it does not specifically limit as a commercial item of a fluorochemical surfactant, For example, E series (A product made by Air Products Japan (Inc)) (Surfinol 465, Surfi, etc.), such as Olfine 104 series and Olfine E1010. Nord 61 (trade name, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry CO., Ltd.). One acetylene glycol surfactant may be used alone, or two or more acetylene glycol surfactants may be used in combination.

  The fluorosurfactant is not particularly limited. For example, perfluoroalkyl sulfonate, perfluoroalkyl carboxylate, perfluoroalkyl phosphate, perfluoroalkyl ethylene oxide adduct, perfluoroalkyl betaine, perfluoroalkyl betaine, A fluoroalkylamine oxide compound is mentioned. Although it does not specifically limit as a commercial item of a fluorochemical surfactant, For example, S-144, S-145 (made by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.); FC-170C, FC-430, Fluorard-FC4430 (made by Sumitomo 3M Co., Ltd.) FSO, FSO-100, FSN, FSN-100, FS-300 (manufactured by Dupont); FT-250, 251 (manufactured by Neos Co., Ltd.) and the like. A fluorine-type surfactant may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together.

  Examples of silicone surfactants include polysiloxane compounds and polyether-modified organosiloxanes. Although it does not specifically limit as a commercial item of a silicone type surfactant, Specifically, BYK-306, BYK-307, BYK-333, BYK-341, BYK-345, BYK-346, BYK-347, BYK-348, BYK-349 (above trade name, manufactured by Big Chemie Japan Co., Ltd.), KF-351A, KF-352A, KF-353, KF-354L, KF-355A, KF-615A, KF- 945, KF-640, KF-642, KF-643, KF-6020, X-22-4515, KF-6011, KF-6012, KF-6015, KF-6017 (all trade names, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Etc.

  The content of the surfactant is preferably 0.1 to 5% by mass and more preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass with respect to the total mass (100% by mass) of the ink composition. When the content of the surfactant is within the above range, the wettability of the ink composition attached to the recording medium tends to be further improved.

(Other additives)
The ink composition may be further used in a normal ink as necessary, such as a dispersant, an antifungal agent, an antiseptic, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a chelating agent, an oxygen absorber, or a dissolution aid. Various additives that can be used may be included. In addition, various additives may be used individually by 1 type, or may use 2 or more types together.

  Further, the ink composition of the present embodiment can be suitably used as an ink composition used in a recording method described later. The recorded matter thus obtained is less likely to bleed, is less likely to cause uneven aggregation, and has good cohesiveness.

〔Recording method〕
The recording method of the present embodiment uses an inkjet method to attach the ink composition to an intermediate transfer medium, a surface of the intermediate transfer medium to which the ink composition is attached, and a dyed surface of a recording medium. And a transfer step of transferring the sublimable dye contained in the ink composition to the recording medium, wherein the intermediate transfer medium contains an ink receiving material containing a water-soluble resin. With layers.

[Adhesion process]
The attaching step is a step of attaching the ink composition to the intermediate transfer medium using an inkjet method. The ink composition can be ejected by an ink jet method using a known ink jet recording apparatus. As a discharging method, a piezo method, a method of discharging ink by bubbles generated by heating the ink, or the like can be used. Among these, the piezo method is preferable from the viewpoint of difficulty in altering the ink composition.

(Intermediate transfer medium)
The intermediate transfer medium includes an ink receiving layer containing a water-soluble resin. More specifically, the intermediate transfer medium preferably includes a substrate and an ink receiving layer on the substrate, and may further include another layer. By providing the intermediate transfer medium with an ink receiving layer containing a water-soluble resin, ink absorbability is further improved.

  Although it does not specifically limit as water-soluble resin, For example, at least 1 sort (s) chosen from the group which consists of polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, the copolymer of polyacrylic acid and dicarboxylic acid, and polyvinylpyrrolidone is mentioned. Of these, polyvinyl alcohol is preferable as the water-soluble resin. By using such a water-soluble resin, the ink absorbability tends to be further improved.

  The thickness of the ink receiving layer is preferably 5 to 40 μm, more preferably 5 to 20 μm. When the thickness of the ink receiving layer is 5 μm or more, the intermediate transfer medium is likely to generate unevenness and cracks, so that the present invention is more advantageous. Moreover, when the thickness of the ink receiving layer is 20 μm or less, bleeding and aggregation unevenness tend to be further suppressed.

  The base material is not particularly limited as long as it is a base material on which an ink receiving layer is provided. For example, a porous resin film made of paper containing wood pulp as a main component or a thermoplastic resin containing inorganic fine particles. Furthermore, non-woven fabrics, fabrics, resin-coated papers, synthetic papers and the like can be mentioned. Among these, paper having wood pulp as a main component is preferable.

  The commercial product of the intermediate transfer medium is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include TRANSJET Spotsline manufactured by Qualage, Sticky manufactured by System Graphy Co., Ltd., and the like.

[Transfer process]
In the transfer step, the surface of the intermediate transfer medium to which the ink composition is attached and the dyed surface of the recording medium are heated so as to face each other, and the sublimation dye contained in the ink composition is transferred to the recording medium. It is a process.

  The heating temperature in the transfer step is preferably 150 to 250 ° C, more preferably 160 to 230 ° C. When the heating temperature is within the above range, the energy required for transfer can be reduced, and the productivity of recorded matter tends to be superior. Further, the color development of the obtained recorded matter tends to be more excellent.

  Although the heating time in this step depends on the heating temperature, it is preferably 30 seconds or longer and 90 seconds or shorter, and more preferably 45 seconds or longer and 75 seconds or shorter. When the heating time is within the above range, energy required for transfer can be reduced, and the productivity of recorded matter tends to be excellent. Further, the color development of the obtained recorded matter tends to be more excellent.

  In addition, this step can also be performed by heating the surface of the intermediate transfer medium to which the ink composition is attached while facing the recording medium at a predetermined interval. It can also be performed by heating in a state where these are in close contact with each other. Among these, it is preferable to perform the transfer step by heating the intermediate transfer medium and the recording medium in close contact with each other. Thereby, the energy required for the transfer can be reduced, and the productivity of recorded matter tends to be superior. In addition, since the positional deviation between the recording medium and the intermediate transfer medium is less likely to occur in this step, a recorded material in which the dye is accurately transferred at a desired position can be obtained, and the color developability of the obtained recorded material can be further improved. There is a tendency.

(Recording medium)
Although it does not specifically limit as a recording medium, For example, a cloth (hydrophobic fiber cloth etc.), a resin (plastic) film, paper, glass, a metal, ceramics etc. are mentioned. Further, as the recording medium, a material having a three-dimensional shape such as a sheet shape, a spherical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape may be used.

  When the recording medium is a fabric, the fiber constituting the fabric is not particularly limited. For example, polyester fiber, nylon fiber, triacetate fiber, diacetate fiber, polyamide fiber, and two or more of these fibers are used. Examples include blended products. Moreover, you may use the blended products of these with regenerated fibers, such as rayon, or natural fibers, such as cotton, silk, and wool.

  In addition, when the recording medium is a resin (plastic) film, the resin (plastic) film that can be used is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a polyester film, a polyurethane film, a polycarbonate film, a polyphenylene sulfide film, a polyimide film, and a polyamideimide. A film etc. are mentioned. The resin (plastic) film may be a laminate in which a plurality of layers are laminated, or may be composed of a gradient material in which the composition of the material changes in a gradient manner.

(Other processes)
The recording method of the present embodiment may have other steps (a pretreatment step, an intermediate treatment step, and a post treatment step) in addition to the steps as described above.
Although it does not specifically limit as a pre-processing process, For example, the process of apply | coating a coat layer to a recording medium is mentioned. The material constituting the coating layer and the coating conditions may be those conventionally known.
The intermediate processing step is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a step of preheating the recording medium before the transfer step. The preheating conditions may be those conventionally known.
The post-processing step is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a step of cleaning the recording medium. Conventionally known cleaning conditions may be used.

  In addition, the ink composition of the present embodiment can be suitably used in sublimation transfer without using an intermediate transfer medium. A sublimation transfer method that does not use an intermediate transfer medium is not particularly limited. For example, the ink-receiving layer of a recording medium (film product or the like) provided with a peelable ink-receiving layer is coated with an ink-jet method according to the present embodiment. A step of attaching the ink composition, and a step of heating the recording medium provided with the ink receiving layer to which the ink composition is attached as it is, and sublimation diffusion dyeing from the ink receiving layer to the recording medium on the lower layer side And a step of peeling the ink receiving layer from the recording medium to obtain a recorded material.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples. The present invention is not limited in any way by the following examples.

[Material of ink composition]
The main materials of the ink compositions used in the following examples and comparative examples are as follows.
[Sublimation dye]
I. C. Direct Blue 359 (DB359 (15% solids dispersion))
[Organic solvent A]
Glycerin Propylene glycol (property (a))
1,2-hexanediol (property (a))
2-pyrrolidone (property (a))
Ethylene glycol (property (a))
Pentanediol (property (a))
[Organic solvent B]
Triethylene glycol (property (b1))
Triethylene glycol monomethyl ether (property (b2))
Triethylene glycol monobutyl ether (property (b2))
Diethylene glycol monohexyl ether (property (b2))
[PH adjuster]
Triethanolamine (surfactant)
BYK-348 (Bic Chemie Japan Co., Ltd., silicone surfactant)

[Method for judging properties of organic solvents]
In order to classify the organic solvent into the above properties (a) to (b2), specifically, the following operation was performed. First, 20 parts by mass of an organic solvent was dropped and infiltrated into 100 parts by mass of a powder of polyvinyl alcohol (hereinafter, also referred to as “PVA”) separated into petri dishes. Subsequently, after fully mixing this, it collected in the petri dish so that the thickness (slurry) of the mixture (slurry) which consists of PVA and an organic solvent might be set to 0.5 mm. Then, what was preserve | saved for 3 hours in the environment of 25 degreeC and 50% RH was set as the sample for classification | category evaluation.

  Of the samples for classification evaluation obtained in this way, those having no mass having a mass of 70% or more of the total mass of the sample are classified into the organic solvent having the property (b2), that is, the organic solvent B. did.

On the other hand, when a lump having a mass of 70% or more of the total mass of the sample is generated, a glass rod having a circular cross section with a flat tip shape is used, and the center of the lump is 5.3 g / mm ² or more and 7.1 g. A load of / mm ² or less was applied. At this time, those in which a lump having a mass of less than 10% of the total mass of the lump was classified as an organic solvent having the property (b1), that is, the organic solvent B. On the other hand, those in which a lump having a mass of 90% or more of the total mass of the lump (including a lump that does not collapse at all) is classified as an organic solvent having the property (a), that is, organic solvent A did. Here, the term “lumps” refers to a state in which PVA powder is partially dissolved by a solvent and the melted PVAs are bonded together to form a mass. Fig. 1 shows a photograph of the mass after the organic solvent A (1,2-hexanediol) was subjected to the above organic solvent classification test, and Fig. 2 shows organic solvent B (triethylene glycol monobutyl ether). The photograph which image | photographed the mode of the lump after performing the said organic solvent classification | category test is shown.

[Preparation of ink composition]
Each material was mixed with the composition (mass%) shown in Table 1 below and sufficiently stirred to obtain each ink composition.

[Preparation of intermediate recording medium]
50 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 80,000 (manufactured by Nippon Vinegar Poval Co., Ltd.), 50 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 300,000 (manufactured by Nippon Agricultural Polycarbonate & Poval Co., Ltd.), and ions 50 parts by mass of exchange water was mixed to obtain an aqueous PVA solution.

One side of the PET film was subjected to corona discharge treatment (12 W · min / m ² ). On the corona discharge treated surface, a mixed solution in which 50 parts by mass of SBR emulsion copolymer (trade name “Crosslen SK-72”) manufactured by Gantz Kasei Co., Ltd. and 50 parts by mass of water was applied using a bar coater. And dried at 60 ° C. for 1 minute to form a 10 μm subbing layer. The PVA aqueous solution was applied to the undercoat layer forming surface of the PET film using a slide hopper type beater coater. Thereafter, the coated surface was dried with hot air at 120 ° C. for 5 minutes, and the humidity was adjusted under conditions of a temperature of 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 55% RH to form an ink receiving layer having a thickness of 5 μm. In this manner, a PET film having an undercoat layer and an ink receiving layer formed on one side was used as an intermediate recording medium.

  Further, an intermediate recording medium having an ink receiving layer thickness of 20 μm, 30 μm, or 40 μm was produced by the same method.

[Examples A1-A6, B1-B6, C1-C6, D1-D6, Comparative Examples A1-A5, B1-B5, C1-C5, D1-D5]
[Production of evaluation cloth]
Each of the obtained ink compositions was filled in a printer “PX-G930” manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation, and it was confirmed that it could be ejected from an inkjet nozzle. Using this printer “PX-G930” manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation, each ink composition was adhered to each intermediate recording medium, and a patch (solid image of a predetermined driving amount) was recorded. At this time, assuming that the maximum driving amount is 100% on each intermediate recording medium, a patch with a driving amount of 10%, a patch with a driving amount of 20%, a patch with a driving amount of 30%, a patch with a driving amount of 40%, and a driving amount of 50% A patch, a patch with a drive amount of 60%, a patch with a drive amount of 70%, a patch with a drive amount of 80%, a patch with a drive amount of 90%, and a patch with a drive amount of 100% were recorded. In addition, the size and shape of the patch were 3 cm × 3 cm square. “Maximum shot amount” means a patch (2 cm × 2 cm / patch) with a shot amount of 5 to 200% (in 5% increments) using black, yellow, cyan, and magenta single color ink compositions. This refers to the maximum amount (in%) of the patch that can achieve unevenness and graininess. Note that the “maximum driving amount” when obtaining a color mixture by combining a plurality of ink compositions is a patch of blue, green, red, etc., using the ink composition with a driving amount of 5 to 200% (in 5% increments). (2 cm × 2 cm / patch) is produced, and refers to the maximum patch driving amount (%) where blurring, cohesive unevenness, and graininess are achieved. In order to obtain a darker printed product, it is preferable that the maximum driving amount is large.

  The sublimation contained in the ink composition is heated at 200 ° C. for 60 seconds in a state where the surface of the intermediate recording medium on which the patch is recorded and the fabric (Amina / Polyester manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) face each other. Each recorded matter was obtained by transferring a functional dye onto a fabric. Each recorded matter has a recording surface corresponding to each patch (each driving amount) of the intermediate recording medium.

[Smear]
The bleeding of the recording surface corresponding to each patch of each recorded matter was visually observed. Specifically, when the recording surface is observed in order from the recording surface corresponding to the patch with a small amount of shot to the recording surface corresponding to the patch with a large amount of shot, the recording surface on which the occurrence of bleeding was first confirmed. And a driving amount one step smaller than the driving amount (maximum driving amount in a range where no bleeding occurs) were confirmed. Bleeding was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria on the basis of the maximum driving amount within the range in which the confirmed bleeding did not occur.
(Evaluation criteria)
5: The maximum driving amount was 90% or 100% within a range where no bleeding occurred.
4: The maximum driving amount was 70% or 80% within a range where no bleeding occurred.
3: The maximum driving amount was 50% or 60% within a range where no bleeding occurred.
2: The maximum driving amount was 30% or 40% within a range where bleeding did not occur.
1: The maximum driving amount was 10% or 20% within a range where no bleeding occurred.

[Coagulation unevenness]
Aggregation unevenness on the recording surface corresponding to each patch of each recorded matter was visually observed. Specifically, when the recording surface is observed in order from the recording surface corresponding to the patch with a small amount of implantation toward the recording surface corresponding to the patch with a large amount of implantation, the recording in which the occurrence of aggregation unevenness was first confirmed. The driving amount of the surface and the driving amount one step smaller than the driving amount (the maximum driving amount in the range where no cohesive unevenness occurs) were confirmed. Based on the maximum driving amount within the range where the confirmed aggregation unevenness does not occur, the aggregation unevenness was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
(Evaluation criteria)
5: The maximum driving amount was 90% or 100% within a range where no unevenness of aggregation occurred.
4: The maximum driving amount was 70% or 80% within a range where no aggregation unevenness occurred.
3: The maximum driving amount was 50% or 60% within a range in which aggregation unevenness did not occur.
2: The maximum driving amount was 30% or 40% within a range where no aggregation unevenness occurred.
1: The maximum driving amount was 10% or 20% within a range in which the aggregation unevenness did not occur.

[Granularity]
The graininess of the recording surface corresponding to each patch of each recorded matter was visually observed. Specifically, when the recording surface was observed in order from the recording surface corresponding to the patch with a large amount of shot to the recording surface corresponding to the patch with a small amount of shot, the recording in which the generation of a rough feeling was first confirmed. The driving amount of the surface and the driving amount that is one step higher than the driving amount (the minimum driving amount in the range in which the feeling of roughness does not occur) were confirmed. The graininess was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria based on the minimum driving amount within a range in which the confirmed roughness was not generated.
(Evaluation criteria)
5: The minimum driving amount was 10% within a range where the feeling of roughness did not occur.
4: The minimum driving amount was 20% within a range where the feeling of roughness did not occur.
3: The minimum driving amount was 30% within a range where the feeling of roughness did not occur.
2: The minimum driving amount was 40% within a range in which the feeling of roughness did not occur.
1: The minimum driving amount was 50% within a range where no rough feeling was generated.

[Color development]
The recording surface corresponding to each patch of each recorded matter was visually observed, and the recording surface corresponding to the patch having the maximum driving amount that can be used as an image without blurring or aggregation unevenness was confirmed. The OD value of this recording surface was measured with a colorimeter SpectroScan (manufactured by Gretag Macbeth). Based on the obtained OD value, the color developability was evaluated according to the evaluation criteria shown in Table 2.

[Transfer efficiency]
The OD value of the ink composition adhering to the intermediate recording medium before the transfer and the OD value of the ink composition remaining on the intermediate recording medium after the transfer were measured with a colorimeter SpectroScan (manufactured by Gretag Macbeth). Using the obtained OD values before and after transfer, transfer efficiency was calculated based on the following formula.
Transfer efficiency = {1- (OD value of ink composition attached to intermediate recording medium after transfer / OD value of ink composition attached to recorded matter after transfer (target product, evaluation fabric in this case))} × 100

  In addition, the OD value of a patch with an impact amount of 30% is measured for an intermediate recording medium with an ink receiving layer of 5 μm, and the OD value of a patch with an impact amount of 40% is measured for an intermediate recording medium with an ink receiving layer of 20 μm. The OD value of a patch with an impact amount of 50% was measured for an intermediate recording medium with a layer of 30 μm, and the OD value of a patch with an impact amount of 50% was measured for an intermediate recording medium with an ink receiving layer of 40 μm.

Based on the obtained transfer efficiency, the following evaluation criteria were used. Specific transfer efficiencies are shown in Tables 5 and 6.
(Evaluation criteria)
5: Transfer efficiency was 50% or more.
4: The transfer efficiency was 40% or more and less than 50%.
3: The transfer efficiency was 30% or more and less than 40%.
2: The transfer efficiency was 20% or more and less than 30%.
1: The transfer efficiency was less than 20%.

[Gradation expression range]
The recorded surface corresponding to each patch of each recorded matter was visually observed to confirm the maximum amount of implantation that can be used as an image without blurring or aggregation unevenness and the minimum amount of implantation that does not cause a feeling of roughness. If it is between the maximum shot amount and the minimum shot amount, a recording surface that can be used as an image without blurring or cohesive unevenness is obtained, and it is recognized that gradation can be expressed in such a recording surface. . The difference between the maximum driving amount and the minimum driving amount was calculated, and the gradation expression range was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria based on the obtained difference value.
(Evaluation criteria)
5: The difference was 80%, 90%, or 100%.
4: The difference was 60% or 70%.
3: The difference was 40% or 50%.
2: The difference was 20% or 30%.
1: The difference was 0% or 10%.

〔Pinhole〕
The recorded surface corresponding to each patch of each recorded matter was visually observed to confirm whether a pinhole was generated and an image defect occurred. Based on the observation results, pinholes were evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
(Evaluation criteria)
4: Not present 3: Can be confirmed but has no effect on the transferred image 2: Present. Slightly affected transfer image 1: Yes. Affects transferred images

[Unevenness / cracking]
The recording surface corresponding to each patch of each recorded matter was visually observed, and it was confirmed whether or not there was an image defect when the unevenness and cracks of the ink generated on the intermediate recording medium were transferred to the recording medium. Based on the observation results, unevenness and cracks were evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
(Evaluation criteria)
5: Cracking of the recording surface was not noticeable due to swelling of the ink receiving layer.
4: Cracks on the recording surface were hardly noticeable.
3: The crack on the recording surface was slightly conspicuous.
2: Cracks on the recording surface were conspicuous.
1: The recording surface crack was further deteriorated and transferred.

The above evaluation results are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

In addition, although the example which used DB359 as a sublimation dye was shown in the said Example, the same result was able to be obtained also when other sublimation dyes, such as DY54 and DR60, were used.

Claims (13)

A sublimable dye, an organic solvent A, an organic solvent B, and water,
The organic solvent A satisfies the following property (a),
The organic solvent B satisfies the following property (b1) or (b2),
The property (a) is that, when a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of the organic solvent A and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol is prepared, an insoluble component of 84 parts by mass or more is generated with respect to 120 parts by mass of the mixture, and the insoluble When a load of 5.3 g / mm ² or more and 7.1 g / mm ² or less is applied to the component, a mass having a mass of 90% or more with respect to the total mass of the insoluble component is generated.
The property (b1) is that, when a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of the organic solvent B and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol is prepared, an insoluble component of 84 parts by mass or more is generated with respect to 120 parts by mass of the mixture, and the insoluble When a load of 5.3 g / mm ² or more and 7.1 g / mm ² or less is applied to the component, a mass having a mass of less than 10% of the total mass of the insoluble component is generated.
The property (b2) is a property in which an insoluble component does not occur when a mixture containing 20 parts by mass of the organic solvent B and 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl alcohol is prepared.
The ink composition whose mass ratio of content of the said organic solvent A with respect to content of the said organic solvent B is 6-170.   The organic solvent A is glycerin, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,2-hexanediol, propylene glycol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, ethanol, ethylene glycol, triethanolamine, pentanediol, And at least one selected from the group consisting of 3-methoxy-N, N-dimethylpropionic acid amide. The organic solvent B exhibiting the property (b1) contains at least one selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and tripropylene glycol,
The organic solvent B exhibiting the property (b2) is diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, diethylene glycol mono 2-ethylhexyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monohexyl ether, tetraethylene glycol mono 2-ethylhexyl ether, hexaethylene glycol mono 2-ethylhexyl ether, 2 -From the group consisting of methoxyethanol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and diethylene glycol diethyl ether At least chosen It comprises one ink composition according to claim 1 or 2.   The ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content of the organic solvent A is 20 to 50 mass% with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.   The organic solvent A includes at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,2-hexanediol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and pentanediol. The ink composition described in 1.   6. The ink composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of the organic solvent B is 0.10 to 8.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.   The organic solvent B includes at least one selected from the group consisting of triethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and triethylene glycol monomethyl ether. The ink composition as described.   The ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a total content of the organic solvent A and the organic solvent B is 20 to 50 mass% with respect to a total amount of the ink composition. .   The ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a mass ratio of the content of the organic solvent A to the content of the organic solvent B is 15 to 80. An attaching step of attaching the ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to an intermediate transfer medium using an inkjet method;
The surface of the intermediate transfer medium to which the ink composition is attached and the dyed surface of the recording medium are heated so as to face each other, and the sublimation dye contained in the ink composition is transferred to the recording medium. A transfer process,
The intermediate transfer medium includes an ink receiving layer containing a water-soluble resin.
Recording method.   The recording method according to claim 10, wherein the ink receiving layer has a thickness of 5 μm to 20 μm.   The recording according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the water-soluble resin includes at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, a copolymer of polyacrylic acid and dicarboxylic acid, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Method. The recording method according to claim 10, wherein a heating temperature in the transfer step is 150 to 250 ° C.