JP5839179B2 - Inkjet recording treatment liquid, inkjet recording aqueous ink set, inkjet recording method, and inkjet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a treatment liquid for inkjet recording, an aqueous ink set for inkjet recording, an inkjet recording method, and an inkjet recording apparatus.

  Conventionally, ink jet recording apparatuses using water-based inks are known. An ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink jet head in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged, and performs ink jet recording on a recording medium by discharging aqueous ink from the nozzles onto the recording medium in accordance with a predetermined resolution (see Patent Document 1). ). On the other hand, in order to improve the image quality of a recorded matter, it is known to apply a treatment liquid onto a recording medium during the ink jet recording (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2011-173328 A JP 2009-220436 A

  In the ink jet recording using the water-based ink, there is a case where a good image quality cannot be obtained when trying to record a uniform solid image with a small ink droplet amount. For example, when a solid image is recorded with black ink, white streaks (white streaks) that are the ground color of the recording paper are conspicuous, and in the case of color ink, color unevenness is conspicuous. is there. In contrast to this phenomenon, it is conceivable to increase the amount of ink droplets when recording a solid image, but there is a problem that a large amount of water-based ink must be consumed. This problem is particularly noticeable when recording a solid image at a low resolution.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a processing liquid for ink jet recording that enables recording of a uniform solid image with a small amount of ink droplets.

In order to achieve the above object, the treatment liquid for inkjet recording of the present invention is a treatment liquid used for inkjet recording,
Including water and water-soluble organic solvents,
The water-soluble organic solvent includes a water-soluble organic solvent having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton (hereinafter referred to as “polyoxyalkylene-type water-soluble organic solvent”),
The treatment liquid further includes a nonionic surfactant having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton (hereinafter referred to as “polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant”),
The total amount (X + Y) of the polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent (X) and the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant (Y) with respect to the total amount of the treatment liquid is 40% by weight or more. And

  The treatment liquid of the present invention contains the polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent and the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant in the predetermined total blending amount with respect to the total amount of the treatment liquid. Enables inkjet recording of uniform solid images in quantity.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an example of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a recording example by the ink jet recording method of the present invention.

In the present invention, the appropriate amount of ink liquid means, for example, that a suitable amount of ink liquid is 1 mL / inch ^{2 to} 5 mL in recording a solid image (100% duty) at a certain resolution (for example, 600 dpi × 300 dpi or 600 dpi × 600 dpi). / inch is ^{2 (0.155mL / cm 2 ~0.775mL /} cm 2), ^preferably, be a ^{1mL / inch 2 ~4mL / inch 2} (0.155mL / cm 2 ~0.620mL / cm 2) , more preferably ^is at ^{1mL / inch 2 ~3mL / inch 2} (0.155mL / cm 2 ~0.465mL / cm 2).

  As described above, the processing liquid of the present invention is a processing liquid used for ink jet recording, and includes water, the polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent, and the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant. The treatment liquid of the present invention may contain other components other than water, the polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent, and the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant.

  The water is preferably ion exchange water or pure water. The blending amount of the water with respect to the total amount of the treatment liquid may be, for example, the remainder of the other components.

  The total blending amount (X + Y) of the polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent (X) and the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant (Y) with respect to the total amount of the treatment liquid is 40% by weight or more. By setting the total blending amount to 40% by weight or more, it is possible to perform inkjet recording of a uniform solid image with a small ink droplet amount. The upper limit of the total blending amount is not particularly limited. The total blending amount is preferably 40% by weight to 90% by weight, more preferably 40% by weight to 80% by weight, and still more preferably 40% by weight to 60% by weight.

  The polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent may be any water-soluble organic solvent having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton, such as polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol derivatives, polypropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol derivatives, etc. can give. Examples of the polyerylene glycol derivative include polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (eg, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether). Examples of the polypropylene glycol derivative include polypropylene glycol dimethyl ether. The weight average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 150 to 6000, preferably 200 to 1000, and more preferably 200 to 600.

  The blending amount of the polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent with respect to the total amount of the treatment liquid is not particularly limited as long as the total blending amount is satisfied, but is, for example, 40% by weight to 90% by weight, preferably 40 % By weight to 80% by weight, more preferably 40% by weight to 60% by weight. The polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant may be any nonionic surfactant having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton, such as an acetylene glycol EO (ethylene oxide) adduct, poly Examples thereof include oxyalkylene alkyl ether, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene phenyl ether, polyoxyalkylene aryl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylamine ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block polymer and the like. As said polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant, you may use a commercial item, for example. Examples of the commercially available products include “Surfinol (registered trademark) 440” and “Surfinol (registered trademark) 485” (both are acetylenic diol EO adducts) manufactured by Air Products and Chemicals; "Orphine (registered trademark) E1010" (acetylene diol adduct) manufactured by NOF Corporation; "Naymine (registered trademark) S-210" (polyoxyethylene stearylamine) manufactured by NOF Corporation; manufactured by Kao Corporation "Emulgen (registered trademark) MS110" (polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether), "Emulgen (registered trademark) 123P" (polyoxyethylene lauryl ether), "Reodol (registered trademark) TW-P120" (polyoxyethylene) Sorbitan Monovalmitate), “Leodol (registered trademark) 60V "(polyoxyethylene sorbit tetraoleate), and" Rheodol (registered trademark) TW-IS399C "(polyoxyethylene sorbitan triisostearate), and the like. The polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant has a polyoxyalkylene addition mole number of, for example, 3 to 160, preferably 14 to 25.

  The blending amount of the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant with respect to the total amount of the treatment liquid is not particularly limited as long as the total blending amount is satisfied, for example, 0.1 wt% to 50 wt%, Preferably, it is 0.1 weight%-20 weight%, More preferably, it is 1 weight%-10 weight%. The polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The treatment liquid may further contain a flocculant. Examples of the flocculant include polyvalent metal salts, cationic polymers, and cationic surfactants.

  Examples of the polyvalent metal salt include aluminum chloride, aluminum bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum acetate, barium chloride, barium bromide, barium iodide, barium oxide, barium nitrate, barium thiocyanate, calcium chloride, Calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium nitrite, calcium nitrate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium thiocyanate, calcium lactate, calcium fumarate, calcium citrate, copper chloride, copper bromide, copper sulfate, copper nitrate, acetic acid Copper, iron chloride, iron bromide, iron iodide, iron sulfate, iron nitrate, iron oxalate, iron lactate, iron fumarate, iron citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium sulfate, manganese sulfate , Manganese nitrate, manganese dihydrogen phosphate, manganese acetate Manganese salicylate, manganese benzoate, manganese lactate, nickel chloride, nickel bromide, nickel sulfate, nickel nitrate, nickel acetate, tin sulfate, titanium chloride, zinc chloride, zinc bromide, zinc sulfate, zinc nitrate, zinc thiocyanate, acetic acid Examples include zinc. Of these, polyvalent metal salts of calcium and magnesium are preferable. In addition, a divalent metal salt is preferable from the viewpoint of the degree of aggregation of the colorant contained in the aqueous ink used together with the treatment liquid of the present invention.

Examples of the cationic polymer include polyamine, polyallylamine, polyethyleneimine, polyvinylamine, polyvinylpyridine, polyethyleneimine-epichlorohydrin reaction product, polyamide-polyamine resin, polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin, cationic starch, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyamidine. , Cationic epoxy resin, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid ester, polymethacrylic acid ester, polyvinylformamide, aminoacetalized polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylbenzylonium, dicyandiamide / formalin polycondensate, dicyandiamide / diethylenetriamine polycondensate, epichlorohydrin / dimethylamine addition Polymer, dimethyldiallylammonium chloride · SO ₂ copolymer, dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride polymer, and derivatives thereof. Examples of the cationic polymer include dimethylaminoethyl-methacrylate (DM), methacryloyloxyethyl-trimethylammonium chloride (DMC), methacryloyloxyethyl-benzyldimethyl-ammonium chloride (DMBC), and dimethylaminoethyl. -Acrylate (DA), acryloyloxyethyl-trimethylammonium chloride (DMQ), acryloyloxyethyl-benzyldimethyl-ammonium chloride (DABC), dimethylaminopropyl-acrylamide (DMAPAA), acrylamidopropyl-trimethylammonium chloride ( A single monomer polymer consisting of at least one water-soluble monomer such as DMAPAAQ) or a copolymer of a plurality of types of monomers It is. Among these, polyamine, polyallylamine, and polyethyleneimine are preferable.

  Examples of the cationic surfactant include primary, secondary and tertiary amine salt type compounds, alkylamine salts, dialkylamine salts, aliphatic amine salts, benzalkonium salts, and quaternary ammonium salts. Quaternary alkyl ammonium salts, alkyl pyridinium salts, imidazolinium salts, sulfonium salts, phosphonium salts, onium salts and the like. Specifically, for example, hydrochlorides such as laurylamine, coconutamine, rosinamine, acetates, lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, benzyltributylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, dimethylethyllaurylammonium ethyl sulfate, Dimethyl ethyl octyl ammonium ethyl sulfate, trimethyl lauryl ammonium hydrochloride, cetyl pyridinium chloride, cetyl pyridinium bromide, dihydroxy ethyl lauryl amine, decyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, tetradecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, hexadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride , Octadecyldimethylammoni Mukuroraido and the like, among these, dimethyl ethyl lauryl ammonium ethyl sulfate, dimethyl ethyl octyl ammonium ethyl sulfate, trimethylammonium lauryl ammonium hydrochloride, dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, tetradecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride are preferred.

  The blending amount of the flocculant with respect to the total amount of the treatment liquid is not particularly limited. For example, if it is a polyvalent metal salt, it is, for example, 1% by weight to 30% by weight, preferably 5% by weight to 25% by weight. For example, if it is a cationic polymer, it is, for example, 0.1 wt% to 15 wt%, preferably 1 wt% to 10 wt%. For example, if it is a cationic surfactant, For example, it is 1 to 30% by weight, preferably 4 to 25% by weight. The flocculant may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The treatment liquid may or may not contain a colorant. When the processing liquid contains a colorant, the amount is preferably such that it does not affect the recorded image.

  The treatment liquid may further contain a conventionally known additive as necessary. Examples of the additive include a pH adjusting agent, a viscosity adjusting agent, a surface tension adjusting agent, an antioxidant, and an antifungal agent. Examples of the viscosity modifier include polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, water-soluble resin and the like.

  The treatment liquid is, for example, water, the polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent, the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant, and, if necessary, other additive components uniformly by a conventionally known method. It can be prepared by mixing.

  The water-based ink for ink-jet recording (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “water-based ink” or “ink”) used together with the treatment liquid of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, the following water-based ink set for ink-jet recording will be described. Water-based ink can be used.

  Next, the water-based ink set for ink-jet recording of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “water-based ink set” or “ink set”) will be described. The water-based ink set of the present invention is a water-based ink set for ink-jet recording comprising a water-based ink for ink-jet recording and a treatment liquid, wherein the water-based ink is a water-based ink containing a colorant, water and a water-soluble organic solvent, The treatment liquid is the treatment liquid of the present invention. The aqueous ink set of the present invention combining the aqueous ink and the treatment liquid of the present invention enables inkjet recording of a uniform solid image with a small amount of ink droplets.

  The colorant may be a pigment or a dye. In addition, a pigment and a dye may be mixed and used as the colorant.

  Examples of the pigment include carbon black, inorganic pigments, and organic pigments. Examples of the carbon black include furnace black, lamp black, acetylene black, and channel black. Examples of the inorganic pigment include titanium oxide, iron oxide inorganic pigment, and carbon black inorganic pigment. Examples of the organic pigment include azo pigments such as azo lakes, insoluble azo pigments, condensed azo pigments and chelate azo pigments; phthalocyanine pigments, perylene and perinone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, quinacridone pigments, dioxazine pigments, thioindigo pigments, isoindolinone pigments, Examples thereof include polycyclic pigments such as quinophthalone pigments; dye lake pigments such as basic dye type lake pigments and acid dye type lake pigments; nitro pigments; nitroso pigments; aniline black daylight fluorescent pigments; Also, other pigments can be used as long as they can be dispersed in the aqueous phase. Specific examples of these pigments include C.I. I. Pigment Black 1, 6, and 7; C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 55, 78, 150, 151, 154, 180, 185 and 194; I. Pigment oranges 31 and 43; C.I. I. Pigment Red 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 15, 16, 48, 48: 1, 53: 1, 57, 57: 1, 112, 122, 123, 139, 144, 146, 149, 166, 168, 175, 176, 177, 178, 184, 185, 190, 202, 221, 222, 224 and 238; I. Pigment violet 196; C.I. I. Pigment blue 1, 2, 3, 15, 15: 1, 15: 2, 15: 3, 15: 4, 16, 22 and 60; C.I. I. Pigment green 7 and 36, and the like.

  The pigment may be a self-dispersing pigment. In the self-dispersing pigment, for example, at least one of a hydrophilic functional group such as a carbonyl group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a sulfonic acid group, and a phosphoric acid group and a salt thereof may be directly or other than the pigment particle. By being introduced through a chemical bond, it can be dispersed in water without using a dispersant. The self-dispersing pigment is treated with a pigment by a method described in, for example, JP-A-8-3498, JP-T 2000-513396, JP-T 2008-524400, JP-T 2009-515007, and the like. Can be used. As the raw material for the self-dispersing pigment, both inorganic pigments and organic pigments can be used. Examples of pigments suitable for performing the treatment include carbon blacks such as “MA8” and “MA100” manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. As the self-dispersing pigment, for example, a commercially available product may be used. Examples of the commercially available products include “CAB-O-JET (registered trademark) 200”, “CAB-O-JET (registered trademark) 250C”, “CAB-O-JET (registered trademark)” manufactured by Cabot Specialty Chemicals. Trademark) 260M "," CAB-O-JET (registered trademark) 270Y "," CAB-O-JET (registered trademark) 300 "," CAB-O-JET (registered trademark) 400 "," CAB-O-JET " (Registered trademark) 450C "," CAB-O-JET (registered trademark) 465M "and" CAB-O-JET (registered trademark) 470Y ";" BONJET (registered trademark) BLACK CW- "manufactured by Orient Chemical Co., Ltd. 2 "and" BONJET (registered trademark) BLACK CW-3 ";" LIOJET (registered trademark) WD BLACK 002 "manufactured by Toyo Ink Manufacturing Co., Ltd. "; And the like.

  The solid content blending amount (pigment solid content) of the pigment with respect to the total amount of the water-based ink is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined according to, for example, a desired optical density or color. The pigment solid content is, for example, 0.1% by weight to 20% by weight, preferably 1% by weight to 10% by weight, and more preferably 2% by weight to 8% by weight.

  The dye is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include direct dyes, acid dyes, basic dyes, and reactive dyes. Specific examples of the dye include C.I. I. Direct black, C.I. I. Direct Blue, C.I. I. Direct Red, C.I. I. Direct yellow, C.I. I. Direct orange, C.I. I. Direct violet, C.I. I. Direct Brown, C.I. I. Direct Green, C.I. I. Acid Black, C.I. I. Acid Blue, C.I. I. Acid Red, C.I. I. Acid Yellow, C.I. I. Acid Orange, C.I. I. Acid Violet, C.I. I. Basic Black, C.I. I. Basic blue, C.I. I. Basic Red, C.I. I. Basic violet and C.I. I. For example, food black. C. above. I. Examples of direct black include C.I. I. Direct black 17, 19, 32, 51, 71, 108, 146, 154, 168 and the like can be mentioned. C. above. I. Examples of direct blue include C.I. I. Direct blue 6, 22, 25, 71, 86, 90, 106, and 199. C. above. I. Examples of direct red include C.I. I. Direct Red 1, 4, 17, 28, 83, and 227 are listed. C. above. I. Examples of direct yellow include C.I. I. Direct yellow 12, 24, 26, 86, 98, 132, 142 and 173. C. above. I. Examples of direct orange include C.I. I. Direct orange 34, 39, 44, 46, 60, etc. are mentioned. C. above. I. Examples of direct violet include C.I. I. And direct violet 47 and 48. C. above. I. Examples of direct brown include C.I. I. Direct brown 109 etc. are mention | raise | lifted. C. above. I. Examples of direct green include C.I. I. Direct green 59 etc. are raised. C. above. I. Examples of acid black include C.I. I. Acid Black 2, 7, 24, 26, 31, 52, 63, 112, 118 and the like. C. above. I. Examples of acid blue include C.I. I. Acid Blue 9, 22, 40, 59, 93, 102, 104, 117, 120, 167, 229 and 234. C. above. I. As acid red, for example, C.I. I. Acid Red 1, 6, 32, 37, 51, 52, 80, 85, 87, 92, 94, 115, 180, 256, 289, 315 and 317. C. above. I. Examples of acid yellow include C.I. I. Acid yellow 11, 17, 23, 25, 29, 42, 61, 71 and the like. C. above. I. Examples of acid orange include C.I. I. Acid oranges 7 and 19 and the like. C. above. I. Examples of acid violet include C.I. I. Acid Violet 49 and the like. C. above. I. Examples of basic black include C.I. I. Basic black 2 etc. are raised. C. above. I. Examples of basic blue include C.I. I. Basic blue 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 29 are listed. C. above. I. Examples of basic red include C.I. I. Basic Red 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 14, and 37 are listed. C. above. I. Examples of basic violet include C.I. I. And basic violet 7, 14, and 27. C. above. I. Examples of food black include C.I. I. Food black 1 and 2 etc. are mentioned.

  The blending amount of the dye with respect to the total amount of the water-based ink is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 0.1% by weight to 20% by weight, and preferably 0.3% by weight to 10% by weight.

  The colorant may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The water used in the water-based ink is preferably ion exchange water or pure water. The blending amount (water ratio) of the water with respect to the total amount of the water-based ink is, for example, 10% by weight to 90% by weight, and preferably 40% by weight to 80% by weight. The said water ratio is good also as the remainder of another component, for example.

  Examples of the water-soluble organic solvent used in the water-based ink include a wetting agent that prevents drying of the water-based ink at the nozzle tip of the inkjet head and a penetrating agent that adjusts the drying speed on the recording medium.

  The wetting agent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include lower alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol; dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide Amides such as acetone; Ketones such as acetone; Keto alcohols such as diacetone alcohol; Ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; Polyhydric alcohols such as polyalkylene glycol, alkylene glycol and glycerin; 2-pyrrolidone; N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone and the like. Examples of the polyalkylene glycol include polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. Examples of the alkylene glycol include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, thiodiglycol, and hexylene glycol. These wetting agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, polyhydric alcohols such as alkylene glycol and glycerin are preferable.

  The blending amount of the wetting agent with respect to the total amount of the water-based ink is, for example, 0% by weight to 95% by weight, preferably 5% by weight to 80% by weight, and more preferably 5% by weight to 50% by weight. is there.

  Examples of the penetrant include glycol ether. Examples of the glycol ether include ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol-n-propyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol-n-propyl ether, diethylene glycol-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol-n-. Hexyl ether, triethylene glycol methyl ether, triethylene glycol ethyl ether, triethylene glycol-n-propyl ether, triethylene glycol-n-butyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol-n-propyl ether, Propylene glycol-n-butyl ether , Dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, dipropylene glycol-n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol-n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol ethyl ether, tripropylene glycol-n-propyl ether And tripropylene glycol-n-butyl ether. The said penetrant may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together.

  The blending amount of the penetrant with respect to the total amount of the water-based ink is, for example, 0% by weight to 20% by weight, preferably 0.1% by weight to 15% by weight, and more preferably 0.5% by weight to 10% by weight.

  The water-based ink may further contain a conventionally known additive as required. Examples of the additive include a surfactant, a pH adjuster, a viscosity adjuster, a surface tension adjuster, and an antifungal agent. Examples of the viscosity modifier include polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, water-soluble resin and the like.

  The water-based ink is obtained by, for example, uniformly mixing a colorant, water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and, if necessary, other additive components by a conventionally known method, and removing insoluble matters with a filter or the like. Can be prepared.

  Next, in the present invention, the water-based ink set for ink-jet recording can also be provided as an ink cartridge. For example, the ink cartridge of the present invention has an ink storage portion and a processing liquid storage portion, the aqueous ink of the present invention is stored in the ink storage portion, and the processing liquid of the present invention is stored in the processing liquid storage portion. The ink cartridge of the present invention may have a storage portion for aqueous ink other than the aqueous ink of the present invention.

  The ink cartridge of the present invention may be an ink cartridge assembly in which a water-based ink cartridge and a processing liquid cartridge that are separately formed are assembled, and the ink cartridge and the processing liquid storage section may be formed inside the ink cartridge. May be an integrated ink cartridge partitioned. As the main body of the ink cartridge of the present invention, for example, a conventionally known one can be used.

  Next, the ink jet recording method and the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention will be described.

  The ink jet recording method of the present invention is an ink jet recording method for recording using a water base ink set for ink jet recording including a water base ink for ink jet recording and a processing liquid, and a processing liquid applying step for applying the processing liquid to a recording medium; A discharge step of discharging the aqueous ink onto the recording medium to which the treatment liquid has been applied in the treatment liquid application step by an inkjet method, and the aqueous ink set for inkjet recording of the present invention is used as the aqueous ink set. It is characterized by using.

  The ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is an ink jet recording apparatus including an ink set storage unit, a treatment liquid applying unit, and an ink discharge unit, and the water base ink set for ink jet recording of the present invention is included in the ink set storage unit. The treatment liquid contained and constituting the aqueous ink set is applied to the recording medium by the treatment liquid application means, and the aqueous ink constituting the aqueous ink set is ejected to the recording medium by the ink ejection means. It is characterized by that.

  The ink jet recording method of the present invention can be performed using, for example, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention. The recording includes printing, printing, printing, and the like.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an example of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes an ink cartridge assembly 2, an ink discharge means (ink jet head) 3, a head unit 4, a carriage 5, a drive unit 6, a platen roller 7, a purge device 8, and a control unit. (Not shown) as main components. Note that the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present example can set either a low resolution mode in which inkjet recording is performed at a low resolution or a high resolution mode in which inkjet recording is performed at a high resolution, depending on the purpose. The control unit drives the inkjet head 3 so as to execute an inkjet recording operation with a predetermined resolution based on the set recording mode. The low resolution is, for example, a resolution of 600 dpi × 600 dpi or less, and the high resolution is a resolution higher than that. In the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the control unit is an arbitrary component. The ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention preferably includes the control unit, but may not include the control unit.

  The ink cartridge assembly 2 includes a treatment liquid cartridge 2a and four water-based ink cartridges 2b. The processing liquid cartridge 2a contains the processing liquid of the present invention. The four water-based ink cartridges 2b each contain one color each of four colors of water-based inks of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

  The ink jet head 3 installed in the head unit 4 performs recording on a recording medium (for example, recording paper) P. An ink cartridge assembly 2 and a head unit 4 are mounted on the carriage 5. The drive unit 6 reciprocates the carriage 5 in the linear direction. As the drive unit 6, for example, a conventionally known one can be used (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-246821). The platen roller 7 extends in the reciprocating direction of the carriage 5 and is disposed to face the inkjet head 3.

  The purge device 8 sucks out defective ink containing bubbles and the like accumulated in the ink jet head 3. As the purge device 8, for example, a conventionally known device can be used (see, for example, JP-A-2008-246821).

  A wiper member 20 is disposed adjacent to the purge device 8 on the platen roller 7 side of the purge device 8. The wiper member 20 is formed in a spatula shape, and wipes the nozzle formation surface of the inkjet head 3 as the carriage 5 moves. In FIG. 1, a cap 18 covers a plurality of nozzles of the inkjet head 3 that is returned to the reset position when recording is completed in order to prevent the treatment liquid and water-based ink from drying.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus 1 of this example, the ink cartridge assembly 2 is mounted on one carriage 5 together with the head unit 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the ink jet recording apparatus, each cartridge of the ink cartridge assembly 2 may be mounted on a carriage different from the head unit 4. Further, each cartridge of the ink cartridge assembly 2 may not be mounted on the carriage 5 but may be arranged and fixed in the ink jet recording apparatus. In these embodiments, for example, each cartridge of the ink cartridge assembly 2 and the head unit 4 mounted on the carriage 5 are connected by a tube or the like, and each cartridge of the ink cartridge assembly 2 is connected to the head unit 4 from the cartridge. A treatment liquid and the water-based ink are supplied.

  Ink jet recording using this ink jet recording apparatus 1 is performed as follows, for example. Here, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1, it is assumed that the recording mode is set to the low resolution mode. First, upon receiving a command from the control unit, the inkjet head 3 applies (discharges) the processing liquid of the present invention to the recording paper P. The treatment liquid may be applied to the entire recording surface or a part of the recording surface of the recording paper P. In the case of applying to a part, at least a recording portion of the recording surface of the recording paper P by the water-based ink becomes the applying portion. When giving to a part, it is better that the size of the giving part is larger than the recording part. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, when a character (X) is recorded on the recording paper P, the treatment liquid is applied so as to form the applying portion 30 with a line width larger than the line width of the character. It is preferable to give. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, when recording a design on the recording paper P, it is preferable to apply the treatment liquid so as to form an application portion 40 larger than the design.

  Next, the water-based ink is ejected from the inkjet head 3 to the treatment liquid application portion of the recording paper P. The time from the discharge of the treatment liquid to the discharge of the water-based ink is not particularly limited. For example, the water-based ink may be discharged within the same scan as the processing liquid. By contacting the treatment liquid and the water-based ink on the recording paper P, a uniform solid image can be recorded with a small amount of ink droplets. In addition, since a uniform solid image can be recorded with a small amount of ink liquid, curling of the recording paper P is suppressed, and quick drying is improved.

  In the inkjet recording apparatus 1, when the recording mode is set to the high resolution mode, it is considered that the influence on the image quality is small even with a small droplet amount. In this case, the control unit controls the application amount of the treatment liquid to be smaller than the application amount of the treatment liquid when the low resolution mode is set. Alternatively, the control unit may be operated so that the inkjet head 3 dispenses (discharges) the treatment liquid and ejects the water-based ink. As a result, the amount of treatment liquid applied when the high resolution mode is set can be reduced, or the treatment liquid application itself can be omitted, which is more economical.

  As in this example, the treatment liquid is preferably used as a pretreatment liquid that is applied to the recording paper P prior to the ejection of the water-based ink. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the treatment liquid may be applied after the water-based ink is first ejected onto the recording paper P, or the application of the treatment liquid onto the recording paper P and the ejection of the water-based ink are performed simultaneously. May be.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus 1 of this example, the ink discharge means also serves as the treatment liquid application means. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the treatment liquid may be applied by, for example, stamp coating, brush coating, roller coating, or the like.

  The recording sheet P recorded in this way is discharged from the inkjet recording apparatus 1. In FIG. 1, the paper feed mechanism and paper discharge mechanism for the recording paper P are not shown.

  The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 employs a serial type ink jet head, but the present invention is not limited to this. The ink jet recording apparatus may be an apparatus employing a line type ink jet head.

  Next, examples of the present invention will be described together with comparative examples. In addition, this invention is not limited and restrict | limited by the following Example and comparative example.

[Examples 1 to 17 and Comparative Examples 1 to 14]
The components of the treatment liquid composition (Tables 2 and 3) were uniformly mixed to obtain treatment liquids of Examples 1 to 17 and Comparative Examples 1 to 14.

  For the treatment liquids of Examples and Comparative Examples, (a) white stripe evaluation when using aqueous black ink, (b) optical density (OD value) evaluation when using aqueous black ink, (c) color when using aqueous cyan ink The unevenness evaluation and (d) comprehensive evaluation were performed by the following methods. In addition, the sample used for each evaluation was prepared as follows.

[Production of evaluation samples]
The processing liquids of Examples 1 to 17 and Comparative Examples 1 to 14 were spread evenly on plain paper using a roller coating machine. The coating amount of the treatment liquid was about 0.17 mg / cm ² (about 1.1 mg / inch ² ). Next, using a digital multifunction machine MFC-J6710DW equipped with an inkjet printer manufactured by Brother Industries, Ltd., a monochrome solid image with a resolution of 600 dpi × 300 dpi on the plain paper using an aqueous black ink for inkjet recording or an aqueous cyan ink for inkjet recording. Images were recorded. The appropriate amount of ink liquid was about 16 pL (corresponding to about 2.9 mL / inch ² (about 0.45 mL / cm ² )). As the plain paper, Business 4200 made by Xerox was used. The method for preparing the water-based black ink for ink-jet recording and the water-based cyan ink for ink-jet recording is as follows. That is, first, components other than the self-dispersing pigment in the aqueous ink composition (Table 1) were uniformly mixed to obtain an ink solvent. Next, the ink solvent was added to the self-dispersing pigment dispersed in water and mixed uniformly. Thereafter, the obtained mixture was filtered with a cellulose acetate type membrane filter (pore size: 3.00 μm) manufactured by Toyo Roshi Kaisha, Ltd., to obtain the water-based black ink for ink-jet recording and the water-based cyan ink for ink-jet recording. .

(A) White streak evaluation when aqueous black ink is used The evaluation sample prepared using the aqueous black ink is visually and magnified (magnification:
20 times) and evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.

Evaluation of white streaks when using water-based black ink Evaluation standard AA: No white spots and solids filled A: No streaks but slightly white spots B: No streaks, but some white spots C: White streaks were clearly observed

(B) Evaluation of optical density (OD value) when aqueous black ink is used Five optical densities (OD values) in the evaluation sample prepared using the aqueous black ink were measured by X-Rite spectral colorimetry. It was measured by a total SpectroEye (light source: D ₅₀ , density standard: ANSI T, white base Abs, built-in filter NO (none)), and evaluated according to the following evaluation standard.

Evaluation of optical density (OD value) when water-based black ink is used Evaluation standard A: Average value of optical density (OD value) is 1.17 or more B: Average value of optical density (OD value) is 1.14 or more 1 Less than .17 C: The average optical density (OD value) is less than 1.14.

(C) Color unevenness evaluation when aqueous cyan ink is used The evaluation sample prepared using the aqueous cyan ink is visually and magnified (magnification:
20 times) and evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.

Evaluation of color unevenness when using water-based cyan ink Evaluation standard A: Excellent image quality with little color unevenness B: Slightly lacking uniformity, but in a range where there is no practical problem C: Insufficient uniformity, color unevenness Was remarkable

(D) Comprehensive evaluation Comprehensive evaluation was performed from the results of (a) to (c) in accordance with the following evaluation criteria.

Comprehensive evaluation Evaluation standard A: B or C was not found in the results of (a) to (c) B: C was found to be B in any of the results of (a) to (c): (a) to ( There was C in any of the results of c)

  Table 2 shows the treatment liquid compositions and evaluation results of Examples 1 to 17. Table 3 shows the treatment liquid compositions and evaluation results of Comparative Examples 1 to 14. Table 3 also shows evaluation results of blanks in which the evaluation samples were prepared using the water-based black ink for ink-jet recording or the water-based cyan ink for ink-jet recording without applying a treatment liquid. In Table 2, the numbers in parentheses in footnotes * 6 to 14 are polyoxyalkylene addition moles.

  As shown in Table 2, in Examples 1 to 17, all results of white streak evaluation when using aqueous black ink, optical density (OD value) evaluation when using aqueous black ink, and color unevenness evaluation when using aqueous cyan ink are used. And a uniform solid image could be recorded with a small amount of ink droplets. In Examples 1 to 8, in which the polyoxyalkylene type surfactant has a polyoxyalkylene addition mole number of 15 to 25, the white stripe evaluation result when using the aqueous black ink is particularly excellent. The results of optical density (OD value) evaluation and color unevenness evaluation when using aqueous cyan ink were also good.

  On the other hand, as shown in Table 3, with the blank, the results of white streak evaluation when using aqueous black ink were poor.

  In Comparative Example 1 in which the polyoxyalkylene type water-soluble organic solvent was not used, the results of the white stripe evaluation when using the aqueous black ink and the color unevenness evaluation when using the aqueous cyan ink were poor. Further, even in Comparative Example 2 in which the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant was not used, the results of the white stripe evaluation when using the aqueous black ink and the color unevenness evaluation when using the aqueous cyan ink were poor. Even in Comparative Examples 3 and 4 in which the total blending amount is less than 40% by weight, the results of the white stripe evaluation when using the aqueous black ink and the color unevenness evaluation when using the aqueous cyan ink were poor.

  In Comparative Examples 5 to 7 using a water-soluble organic solvent having no polyoxyalkylene skeleton instead of the polyoxyalkylene-type water-soluble organic solvent, white streak evaluation when using a water-based black ink, All the results of optical density (OD value) evaluation and color unevenness evaluation when using aqueous cyan ink were bad.

  In Comparative Example 8 using a nonionic surfactant having no polyoxyalkylene skeleton in place of the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant, white streak evaluation when using a water-based black ink and using a water-based cyan ink The result of color unevenness evaluation at the time was bad. In Comparative Examples 9 and 11 to 14 using an ionic surfactant instead of the polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant, white streak evaluation when using the aqueous black ink and optical when using the aqueous black ink were used. All the results of density (OD value) evaluation and color unevenness evaluation when using aqueous cyan ink are bad. In Comparative Example 10, the results of white streak evaluation when using aqueous black ink and color unevenness evaluation when using aqueous cyan ink are obtained. It was bad.

  As described above, the treatment liquid of the present invention enables uniform solid image inkjet recording with a small amount of ink droplets. The use of the treatment liquid of the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be widely applied to various ink jet recordings.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording device 2 Ink cartridge aggregate 3 Inkjet head 4 Head unit 5 Carriage 6 Drive unit 7 Platen roller 8 Purge device

Claims (9)

An inkjet recording method for recording using a water-based ink set for ink-jet recording comprising a water-based ink for ink-jet recording and a treatment liquid used for ink-jet recording,
The water-based ink contains a colorant, water and a water-soluble organic solvent,
The treatment liquid is
Including water and water-soluble organic solvents,
The water-soluble organic solvent contained in the treatment liquid includes a water-soluble organic solvent having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton,
The treatment liquid further includes a nonionic surfactant having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton,
The total amount (X + Y) of the water-soluble organic solvent (X) having the polyoxyalkylene skeleton and the nonionic surfactant (Y) having the polyoxyalkylene skeleton with respect to the total amount of the treatment liquid is 40% by weight or more. Oh it is,
The inkjet recording method includes:
A selection process;
A treatment liquid application step of applying the treatment liquid to the recording medium;
A discharge step of discharging the water-based ink onto the recording medium to which the treatment liquid has been applied in the treatment liquid application step by an inkjet method,
The selection step includes
When the resolution of recording performed in the ejection step is equal to or lower than a predetermined resolution, it is selected to apply a predetermined amount of processing liquid in the processing liquid application step,
The inkjet recording method according to claim 1, wherein when the resolution of recording performed in the ejection step is higher than the predetermined resolution, the processing liquid application amount is selected to be smaller than the predetermined amount . 2. The ink jet recording method according to claim 1, wherein the polyoxyalkylene addition mole number of the nonionic surfactant having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton is 3 to 160. The inkjet recording method according to claim 2, wherein the polyoxyalkylene addition mole number of the nonionic surfactant having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton is 14 to 25. The ink jet recording method according to claim 1 , wherein the treatment liquid further contains a flocculant. An ink jet recording apparatus including an ink set storage unit, a treatment liquid application unit, and an ink discharge unit,
In the ink set storage portion, an aqueous ink set for ink jet recording containing a water base ink for ink jet recording and a treatment liquid used for ink jet recording is stored,
The water-based ink contains a colorant, water and a water-soluble organic solvent,
The treatment liquid is
Including water and water-soluble organic solvents,
The water-soluble organic solvent contained in the treatment liquid includes a water-soluble organic solvent having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton,
The treatment liquid further includes a nonionic surfactant having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton,
The total amount (X + Y) of the water-soluble organic solvent (X) having the polyoxyalkylene skeleton and the nonionic surfactant (Y) having the polyoxyalkylene skeleton with respect to the total amount of the treatment liquid is 40% by weight or more. Yes,
The treatment liquid constituting the water-based ink set is applied to a recording medium by the treatment liquid application unit,
The water-based ink constituting the water-based ink set is ejected onto the recording medium by the ink ejection means,
The ink jet recording apparatus comprises:
In addition, a control means for controlling the treatment liquid application means,
The control means includes
If the recording resolution is less than or equal to the predetermined resolution, the processing liquid applying means applies a predetermined amount of processing liquid,
When the recording resolution is higher than the predetermined resolution, the treatment liquid application amount is decreased from the predetermined amount.
As described above, an ink jet recording apparatus that controls the treatment liquid applying means. The control means includes
When the recording resolution is higher than the predetermined resolution, the processing liquid application unit is controlled so as not to apply the processing liquid to the recording medium before ink ejection.
The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the nonionic surfactant having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton has a polyoxyalkylene addition mole number of 3 to 160. 8. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the nonionic surfactant having a polyoxyalkylene skeleton has a polyoxyalkylene addition mole number of 14 to 25. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the treatment liquid further contains a flocculant.

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