JPWO2020092231A5 - - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to ink compositions, methods of use and methods of preparation thereof.

Current microscope glasses or specimen slides often include a "frosted" portion as a marking surface. The frosted portion may be sandblasted, acid etched, mechanically abraded, or otherwise roughened to the surface of the glass to create a continuous marking surface and accept marking by a pen, pencil, printer, or other marking device. can be made by These techniques create a matte surface by removing material from the glass surface, which inevitably results in the marking surface being recessed from the surface of the glass slide or certainly not higher than the surface of the glass slide. . Furthermore, such frosted glass typically results in a matte surface on the glass, while the marking surface has a pronounced background in contrast to the information written thereon. does not occur.
Microscope slides can be directly printed or screen printed such that the information on the microscope slides is identifiable. In some cases, screen printed inks are applied and inkjet printed inks are applied to the screen printed inks. Screen printed inks are thermally cured and inkjet printed inks are cured using ultraviolet light. The ink jet printed ink can contain a pattern with identifying information about the glass slide or the sample contained on the glass slide. However, this arrangement has drawbacks. Inkjet printed ink can spread, resulting in incomplete or illegible identification information. Ink jet printed ink also builds up, making it susceptible to abrasion, scratching or removal. Such slides also tend to retain dyes used during microscope slide processing.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0114573

Based on these shortcomings, there is an ongoing and unmet need for improved inks for microscope slides.

A catalyst; a first wax-treated silica powder; and a second wax-treated silica powder having a different porosity than the first wax-treated silica powder. be done. In one aspect, the ink composition further comprises one or more of an accelerator; a first silane; a second silane different from the first silane; and a thinner. Thus, in one aspect, an ink composition includes a base epoxy ink; a pigment; a catalyst; a first wax-treated silica powder; a second wax-treated silica powder; including. In one aspect, the first wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.4 ml/gm to 1.6 ml/gm and/or the second wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.15 ml/gm to It has a porosity of 1.35 ml/gm. In one aspect, the first wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.6 ml/gm and/or the second wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.25 ml/gm. In one aspect, the first silane provides adhesion of the thermal ink onto the substrate and/or the second silane provides a matte finish of the cured ink on the substrate.

In one aspect, the ink composition is used for coating and/or printing onto a substrate. In one aspect, the substrate is glass, such as microscope glass or tissue/specimen glass slides. Further, in one aspect, the ink composition itself is a substrate that can be printed by either inkjet or thermal printing, such as when applied (coated) and adhered as a layer on top of a glass slide. is. [It can also be said that the ink composition is a printing substrate that is applied (coated) onto a substrate as a glass slide. ]
Also provided herein is a method of preparing the ink composition. Also provided herein is a method of coating a substrate with the ink composition. Also provided herein is a method of printing onto a glass slide by inkjet or thermal printing using the ink composition as a printed coating. Also provided herein is a glass slide having a portion of the surface of the glass slide coated with a layer of the ink composition.

DEFINITIONS An entity prefixed with "a" or "an" means one or more of such entities. For example, "an ink" is understood to mean one or more inks. Similarly, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" may be used interchangeably in this application.

Further, the use of "and/or" in this application is treated as a specific statement of the one with or without the other for each of the two specified features or components. That is, when used in this application in phrases such as "A and/or B," the term "and/or" is used to refer to "A and B," "A or B", "A" (alone), "B" (alone) are intended to be included. Similarly, when used in phrases such as "A, B and/or C," the term "and/or" is intended to include: A, B A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C;

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Units, prefixes and symbols are written in their Systaeme International de Unites (SI) accepted form.

Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. Ranges, such as 1 to 10, include all subranges (subranges) within a range unless otherwise stated, even if not expressly stated as "or any value or range therebetween" or the like. , eg, 1 to 6, 3 to 8, 2.5 to 5.5, etc., and values, eg, 3, 7, 9.4, etc., are explicitly included.

Headings in this application are not limitations of the various aspects or embodiments of the disclosure, but should be interpreted by reference to the entire specification and claims.

Even if a point of view or embodiment is described in terms of "comprising," Similar aspects or embodiments are also provided.

Overview Glass microscope slides can be printed so that information applied directly to or on the glass microscope slides can be identified. This microscope slide identification information may be, for example, patient name or identifier, type of sample, test(s) performed, test(s) performed, or other data, including This information or data may be in the form of alphanumerics, bar codes (eg, linear, matrix, or other two-dimensional bar codes), logos, symbols, or other text or graphics. The identification information may be used, for example, to archive (record) the sample, track the sample (track), determine the tests or treatments performed on the sample (judgment), or check-in/check-out the sample. In one aspect, the identification information can be resistant to stains, xylene, alcohol, or other chemicals frequently used in processing microscope slides, such as histological applications. .

Ink Compositions According to the present application, ink compositions are provided that can be applied to a substrate. The substrate can be any of a number of substrate materials including glass, metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, carbon fiber, composites, stone, paper/cardboard and rubber. In one aspect, the substrate is glass, such as a glass microscope slide or a glass tissue/specimen slide. In one aspect, the substrate can be coated with the ink composition such that, for example, a portion of the substrate is substantially or completely covered by the layer of the ink composition. Coating can be accomplished by several methods known to those skilled in the art, including by printing or screen printing, as described herein. In one aspect, text or graphics (eg, barcodes or other identifying symbols) can be printed on the substrate using the ink composition. In one aspect, the ink composition is versatile with respect to the printing method so that printing can be done using at least inkjet or thermal printing techniques. Further, in one aspect, when applied to a substrate, the ink composition can further serve as a substrate for printing thereon. For example, in one aspect, a substrate is coated with the ink composition, and then areas of the substrate coated with the ink composition are further printed thereon. In one aspect, the ink composition is thermally curable, including, for example, epoxy-based thermally curable inks. In one aspect, the ink composition applied to the substrate is dried and/or cured (e.g., thermally cured) before being further printed thereon (e.g., US Pat. No. 6,766, 593 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference)). In one aspect, the ink composition is versatile with respect to how it is printed and the ink (type) so that further printing can be done using inkjet or thermal printing techniques. In one aspect, the ink composition allows printing at lower printhead heat settings compared to current methods. That is, at least about a 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% improvement in printhead life compared to methods that utilize higher temperatures. do.

In one aspect, the ink composition is a base epoxy ink;
pigment;
catalyst;
A first wax-treated silica powder having an average particle size of about 4-6 microns, wherein the wax has a melting point of about 65-85° C. and a pH of about 7; and a first wax-treated silica powder. a second wax-treated silica powder having a porosity different from the and having an average particle size of about 4-6 microns, wherein the wax has a melting point of about 65-85° C. and a pH of about 7 ;
including.
In one aspect, the ink composition is
accelerator;
a first silane;
a second silane different from the first silane; and a thinner;
further comprising one or more of

Base Epoxy Ink The basic composition of the ink composition is a base epoxy ink. Representative examples of base epoxy inks include 50-110RX. The amount of base epoxy ink will vary depending on the amount of various other compositions. The person skilled in the art understands that the sum of the weight percentages of all components (contents) in the composition [which may even be stated as ~% relative to the weight of the composition] makes up the total weight of the composition (100%). right. In one aspect, the amount of base epoxy ink can be as low as about 6.8% by weight of the composition. In one aspect, the amount of base epoxy ink can be as high as about 78% by weight of the composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of base epoxy ink is about 6.8% to 78% by weight of the composition. For example, in one aspect, the amount of base epoxy ink is about 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 9%, 10% by weight of the composition. %, 12%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 51.5%, 60%, 70%, or 75% by weight of the composition 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 9%, 10%, 12%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 51.5% %, 60%, 70%, 75%, or 78%. In one aspect, the amount of base epoxy ink is less than or equal to about 51.5% by weight of the composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of base epoxy ink is about 6.8% to 51.5% by weight of the composition.

Pigments Pigments can provide desired color and surface characteristics. Pigments can be of any color. For example, in one aspect the pigment is white, black, yellow, cyan or magenta. Examples of various suitable ink pigments are well known to those skilled in the art. In one aspect, the amount of pigment can be as low as about 1% by weight of the composition. In one aspect, the amount of pigment can be as high as about 5% by weight of the composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of pigment is about 1% to 5% by weight of the composition. For example, in one aspect, the amount of pigment ranges from either about 1%, 2%, 3%, or 4% by weight of the composition to about 2%, 3%, by weight of the composition, Up to either 4% or 5%. The higher the pigment concentration, the darker the shade. The lower the pigment concentration, the lighter the shade will be. However, having a concentration that is too high, e.g., a value greater than 5% by weight of the total composition, can change the surface smoothness of the ink to matt, which adversely affects thermal printing. obtain. For thermal printing, the surface (print substrate) of the material (media) should be smooth and uniform. Otherwise, print quality will be compromised, such as information printed on slides having variable print shading.

Catalysts Catalysts provide adequate adhesion to substrates and resistance to dye penetration during treatment with tissue staining chemicals by end users. A representative example of a useful catalyst is 1,4,5,6,7,6-hexachloro-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride (1 ,4,5,6,7,6-Hexachloro-5-norborbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride). In one aspect, the amount of catalyst can be as low as about 15% by weight of the composition. In one aspect, the amount of catalyst can be as high as about 25% by weight of the composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of catalyst is about 15% to 25% by weight of the composition. For example, in one aspect the amount of catalyst is about any of 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, or 24% by weight of the composition. from 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, or 25% by weight of the composition. Lower concentrations of catalyst can have a detrimental effect on ink deposition on the substrate. In some cases, adhesion damage is not observable until the prints are exposed to prolonged exposure to harsh chemical solvents such as xylene or chromic acid. If the catalyst concentration is too high, the surface tension of the cured ink will increase and the thermal print can lose its adhesion upon exposure to xylene. This can also compromise the adhesion of inkjet prints onto substrates such as glass slides.

Accelerators Accelerators contribute to the desired cure schedule temperature and surface characteristics. Representative examples of useful accelerators include the tertiary amine class, such as 2-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]ethanol. In one aspect, the amount of accelerator can be as low as about 0.01% by weight of the composition. In one aspect, the amount of accelerator can be as high as about 0.2% by weight of the composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of accelerator is about 0.01% to 0.2% by weight of the composition. For example, in one aspect, the amount of accelerator is from about either 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, or 0.15% by weight of the composition to to about either 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, or 0.2%. Those with compositions with lower concentrations of accelerator will require relatively higher temperatures and longer time schedules to cure the ink on the substrate. On the other hand, if the concentration is greater than 0.2% relative to the total weight of the composition, the cured ink can vary in color shade at standard schedules and temperatures. For example, a white cured ink may turn pale yellow if it burns ("over cured") in the curing oven. This may be due to the fact that high concentrations of accelerator greatly reduce the curing time and temperature required. Higher concentrations of accelerators can also reduce the surface tension of the cured ink, which can impair inkjet printing by the end user. For example, prints with barcode dots and text characters can spread or "run" and almost/will touch each other. This in turn can affect the readability and scanability of inkjet printed glass slides.

Wax Treated Silica Powders
Using at least two separate wax-treated silica powders with different porosities can provide the versatile functionality of thermal and inkjet printing of the same ink formulation onto a substrate. Such wax-treated silica powders are known to be commercially available to those skilled in the art. In one aspect, wax-treated silica powders, while varying in porosity, generally exhibit other properties including an average particle size of about 4-6 microns; a melting point of the wax of about 65-85°C; share to.

A first wax-treated silica powder having a higher porosity (eg, the first commercially available wax-treated silica powder) provides thermal print adhesion on the cured ink. A core function is to provide suitable surface characteristics to ensure (guarantee) an effective thermal printing process. In one aspect, the first wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.4 ml/gm to 1.6 ml/gm. In one aspect, the first wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.6 ml/gm. A representative example of a first wax-treated silica powder includes SY-356 (amorphous silicon dioxide, surface treated with a hydrocarbon-type wax). In one aspect, the amount of this first silica powder can be as low as about 3% by weight of the composition. In one aspect, the amount of this first silica powder can be as high as about 8% by weight of the composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of this first silica powder is about 3% to 8% by weight of the composition. For example, in one aspect, the amount of the first silica powder is from about any of 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, or 7% by weight of the composition to Up to about either 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, or 8%. A low concentration of this first silica powder can reduce the bonding effect (cohesive strength) of the thermal print on the glass slide and the print can peel off in strong chemical solvents such as xylene. High concentrations of powder create higher porosity to the surface and can result in dye picks during the dyeing process.

A second wax-treated silica powder (e.g., a second commercially available wax-treated silica powder) with lower porosity provides the desired absorption of the inkjet ink on the cured surface and the substrate. results in clear and vivid inkjet prints. Due to the higher porosity of the first wax-treated silica powder, ink jet prints on the substrate will spread, and readability and scannability may be compromised. By incorporating a second wax-treated silica powder with lower porosity, the flow of inkjet ink to the substrate is controlled, resulting in clear inkjet quality. In one aspect, the second wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.15 ml/gm to 1.35 ml/gm. In one aspect, the second wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.25 ml/gm. A representative example of a second wax-treated silica powder includes SY-436 (amorphous silicon dioxide, surface treated with a hydrocarbon-type wax). In one aspect, the amount of this second silica powder can be as low as about 1% by weight of the composition. In one aspect, the amount of this second silica powder can be as high as about 5% by weight of the composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of this second silica powder is about 1% to 5% by weight of the composition. For example, in one aspect, the amount of the second silica powder is from either about 1%, 2%, 3%, or 4% by weight of the composition to about 2% by weight of the composition. , 3%, 4%, or 5%. Low densities can affect the readability and scannability of inkjet prints. High concentrations can create excess material that can flake off during exposure to aggressive chemicals such as xylene. In addition, high concentrations of powder can result in die-picking during the dyeing process due to higher concentrations creating higher porosity to the surface.

In one aspect, the porosity difference between the first and second wax-treated silica powders is about or at least about 0.05 ml/gm, 0.1 ml/gm, 0.15 ml/gm, 0.2 ml/gm , 0.25 ml/gm, 0.3 ml/gm, 0.35 ml/gm, 0.4 ml/gm, or 0.45 ml/gm. In one aspect, the porosity difference between the first and second wax-treated silica powders is about 0.5 ml/gm, 0.45 ml/gm, 0.4 ml/gm, 0.35 ml/gm, 0.3 ml/gm. gm, or 0.25 ml/gm or less. In one aspect, the difference in porosity between the first and second wax-treated silica powders is about 0.05 ml/gm, 0.1 ml/gm, 0.15 ml/gm, 0.2 ml/gm, 0.2 ml/gm. from either 25 ml/gm, 0.3 ml/gm, 0.35 ml/gm, 0.4 ml/gm, or 0.45 ml/gm to about 0.1 ml/gm, 0.15 ml/gm, 0.2 ml/gm gm, either 0.25 ml/gm, 0.3 ml/gm, 0.35 ml/gm, or 0.4 ml/gm, 0.45 ml/gm, or 0.5 ml/gm.

Silanes Silanes are a class of compounds known as "coupling agents". Examples of silanes are commercially available and selection of different silanes can be useful in forming double bonds in organic and inorganic materials. In one aspect, at least two silanes are used. Silanes in ink compositions are used to improve adhesion and surface characteristics of cured inks. In one aspect, the one or more silanes improve adhesion of the ink onto the substrate. At the same time, one type of silane provides a surface characteristic where thermal ink binding effectiveness is achieved, and the other type provides a light matte finish to the surface where the inkjet ink is absorbed by the silica powder. provided by silane.

In one aspect, the first silane can provide adhesion of thermally printed information onto the surface of the cured substrate. A representative example of the first silane includes bis(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)amine. In one aspect, the amount of the first silane can be as low as about 3% by weight of the composition. In one aspect, the amount of the first silane can be as high as about 6% by weight of the composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of the first silane is about 3% to 6% by weight of the composition. For example, in one aspect, the amount of the first silane ranges from either about 3%, 4%, or 5% by weight of the composition to about 4%, 5%, or Up to 6% either. A low concentration of this first silane can reduce the bonding effectiveness (bond strength) of the thermal print to the substrate. This first silane is used to provide thermal ink adhesion when mixed with silica powder. The silane helps bond together with the silica powder as it cures, and then transfers thermally onto the substrate (or substrate), even when exposed to aggressive chemical solvents like xylene. Provides ink adhesion. The high concentration is, as in some respects, on the substrate so that the inkjet ink cannot migrate through the pores of the silica powder before being flashed with the UV lamp of an IPS printer, for example. It can increase the surface tension of the cured ink which can negatively affect the adhesion of inkjet prints to ink. This can result in curing of the inkjet ink to the underlying surface such that the print can smear.

In one aspect, the second silane provides boldness of the printed information when using inkjet technology. A representative example of the second silane includes (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane. In one aspect, the amount of the second silane can be as low as about 0.5% by weight of the composition. In one aspect, the amount of the second silane can be as high as about 4% by weight of the composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of the second silane is about 0.5% to 4% by weight of the composition. For example, in one aspect, the amount of the second silane is from either about 0.5%, 1%, 2%, or 3% by weight of the composition to about 1% by weight of the composition. , 2%, 3%, or 4%. Low concentrations of this second silane can reduce the contrast of inkjet prints on the substrate. This can result in reduced readability and scannability due to the minimal contrast requirements to operate bar code scanners and other such devices. Higher concentrations can increase contrast, but too high can tend to cause spreading of printed information in inkjet applications. This can also affect readability and scannability as characters or bar code dots touch each other. A high concentration is, as in some respects, adherence for inkjet printing onto substrates, such as that the inkjet ink cannot migrate through the pores of the silica powder before being flashed with the UV lamp of an IPS printer. It can increase the surface tension of the cured ink which can cause compatibility problems. This can result in curing of the inkjet ink to the underlying surface which can result in print smear.

Thinner A thinner is required to provide the necessary characteristics of a viscous fluid that can be applied in a process-dictated manner. This thinner choice proved to be optional in composition. It provides the desired viscosity and in some respects helps spread and disperse the powder components prior to mixing with the base ink. This maintains ink consistency and screen printing process quality across batches. Representative examples of thinners include ENTHONE® AD-2003, a proprietary blend of 2-(2-ehtoxyethoxy) ethyl acetate. In one aspect, the amount of thinner can be as low as about 25% by weight of the composition. In one aspect, the amount of thinner can be as high as about 40% by weight of the composition. Thus, in one aspect, the amount of thinner is about 25% to 40% by weight of the composition. For example, in one aspect, the amount of thinner is from either about 25%, 30%, or 35% by weight of the composition to about 30%, 35%, or 40% by weight of the composition. up to either Low concentrations of thinner can create manufacturing difficulties that some powders may not be able to spread. At the same time, the viscosity of the final ink will be high and screen printing will not be easy to perform. This can result in a lower pot like of the ink, and the ink will not flow smoothly over the screen, resulting in breakage of the screen during screen printing. can be brought about Higher thinner concentrations will alleviate problems with powder spreading and dispersion, but can result in lower viscosities that can result in higher production defects such as pinholes, dots, etc. on prints. . This can result in higher scrap and print defects when using thermal printing because the surface of the cured ink will not be smooth.

Table 1. Representative ink composition

Ink Blending In one aspect, the silane is blended into the thinner (see, eg, Examples below). Mixing the silane with the thinner first ensures that the silane is completely dissolved in the thinner. Otherwise, it will have an uneven effect of the silane on the cured surface and the end user may find variations in print quality.

In one aspect, the silane mixture is added to and dispersed in the silica powder mixture prior to blending into the base ink (see, eg, Examples below). Addition and diffusion of the silane mixture to the powder prior to addition to the base epoxy ink ensures that the powder is wetted with the silane solution. Otherwise, it may not be completely mixed in the ink formulation and may result in screen printing problems in manufacturing. At the same time, this can have an impact on non-uniform inks in the final product, and the end user will have print quality variations and subsequent performance problems.

Labeling According to the present application, there is provided a method of printing wherein a substrate is coated with an ink composition of the present disclosure and the coated portion of the substrate is further printed thereon (WO2016/123602A1 (incorporated herein by reference)). incorporated)). For example, characters, logos and barcodes can be printed onto substrates such as tissue cassettes or glass slides to label them, such as for specimen tracking. Thus, in one aspect, the ink composition provides proper adhesion of the coating to a substrate, such as a glass slide, and is printed thereon by inkjet or thermal printing such that the printed ink spreads as desired. (ie the print yields legible alphabets and numbers). In one aspect, printing on surfaces coated with the ink composition provides at least 300 dpi resolution (eg, text and direct barcode printing). In one aspect, the labeling remains readily identifiable over many years of storage and/or after treatments such as tissue staining where the prints may be exposed to different (various) chemicals. , the print is resistant to smudging or fading over time. Printing directly onto the area coated with the ink composition greatly reduces the chances of human error and specimen identification errors such as the number of misplacements, misread handwriting, and peeled or misaligned labels. can be reduced. The ability to print machine-readable barcodes adds to the potential for automated tracking capabilities. For example, in one aspect, substrates (e.g., glass slides or cassettes) can be held in multiple magazines (i.e., containing a wide variety of different substrates) within a printing apparatus (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,715). , 870 (incorporated herein by reference)). Further, the substrates can be grouped while maintaining their correct sequence and organization when unloaded after printing.

Coating In one aspect, the present disclosure provides methods for use in coating the ink compositions disclosed herein. For example, the ink composition is used to form a layer on a substrate such as a glass slide (eg, a microscope glass or a tissue/specimen slide). In one aspect, a method of forming a layer on a substrate includes a) depositing a layer of an ink composition over at least a portion of at least one surface of the substrate. In one aspect, the method further comprises b) thermally coating the substrate such that a thermally cured layer of the ink coating composition is formed on at least one surface of the substrate. In one aspect, the method further comprises fixing information (e.g., printing with UV or using a thermally curable ink) onto the thermally cured layer of the coating composition. include. Further, in one aspect, the substrate is contacted with a surfactant after the layer of coating composition is fixed.

As noted above, a layer of the ink coating composition may be applied/fixed onto at least a portion of at least one surface of the substrate. Suitable methods are known in the technical field of the invention. For example, a layer of ink coating composition can be applied by screen printing methods, spray coating methods, dip coating methods, brushing or similar methods. In one aspect, the thickness of the screen printing composition as a fixed layer is, for example, from about 0.0001 inch to 0.001 inch (all values up to about 0.0001 inch and all ranges therebetween). including). In one aspect, the thickness of the screen printing composition as a fixed layer is about 0.0005 inch ± 0.0002 inch. In one aspect, the layers are applied by methods such as, for example, screen printing. [In addition, 1 inch = 25.4 mm]

In one aspect, the layer of ink coating composition fixed on the substrate can be dried and/or cured by heat. For example, curing may be performed in an oven at a temperature of 120° C. to 215° C. (including all integer °C values and ranges thereof) for 5 minutes to 120 minutes (all integer minutes values and ranges therebetween). range). In one aspect, the dimensions of the thermally cured layer of the coating composition are substantially similar to the dimensions of the coating composition as a fused layer.

As described herein, in one aspect information (a pattern) can be fixed onto the thermally cured layer of the coating composition. This information can be in the form of alphanumeric characters, barcodes (eg, linear matrices, or other two-dimensional barcodes), graphics (eg, logos or symbols), or other text. In one aspect, some or all of the information may include patient and/or sample information. Some or all of the information may uniquely identify a particular slide and/or sample. The identification information may be used, for example, to archive (record) the sample, track the sample (track), determine the tests or treatments performed on the sample (judgment), or check-in/check-out the sample. For example, information can be fixed onto the thermally cured layer of the ink coating composition by inkjet or thermal printing (eg, using water-based or solvent-based inks). In another example, information can be fixed onto the thermally cured layer of the coating composition using a solvent resistant pen (eg, Histopen) used in histology laboratories.

In one aspect, a wide variety of glass slides can be used. The glass slide can be a glass slide used in histology laboratories (eg, a microscope slide). Examples of glass slides include Snowcoat® glass slides available from Leica, Xtra® glass slides available from Leica, and Superfrost™ glass slides available from Fisherbrand. The glass slides can have a wide variety of sizes, eg, length 75 mm±0.5 mm, width 25 mm±0.5 mm, and thickness 0.04 inch+0.0037-0.005 inch. In one aspect, the total combined thickness of the glass and the thickness of the thermally cured layer of screen printing composition is 1.2 mm or less. The glass slides may be suitable for cellular (eg, cytological) or molecular samples. Glass slides can be used for histological samples (e.g., whole organisms or parts thereof, tissue samples (including blood and organ tissue), samples from human or non-human animals, and cell(s) (isolated). cell(s) and cultured cell(s))). In one aspect, the glass slide is a microscope slide that conforms to ISO 8037-1 and/or -2. In one aspect, the glass slide is a microscope slide made from green or white glass. The glass slide itself can be hydrophobic, hydrophilic or wettable. The glass slides may have coatings to provide desired wettability and/or charging properties. Suitable glass slides are known in the art of the invention and commercially available.

The present application also provides articles comprising one or more ink compositions. For example, the article is a histology cassette or glass slide coated with an ink composition. In one aspect, the article includes a thermally cured layer of the ink coating composition fixed over at least a portion of at least one surface of the article. In one aspect, the article has information fixed on the outer surface on the layer of the thermoset layer of the ink coating composition. In one aspect, the article further comprises a cell sample (eg, a cytological sample) or a molecular sample. In one aspect, the article further includes a histological sample. For example, the glass slide may exhibit desirable characteristics such as adhesion, surface characteristics (eg, ink spreading), and/or minimal dye retention of the thermally cured layer of the coating composition. The glass slides also provide the desired permanence (e.g., printed image/visual appearance, wipe resistance, and/or the printed image/visual appearance) of the information fixed on the outer surface over the thermoset layer layer of the coating composition. or barcode readability).

Examples of Multi-Purpose Ink Manufacturing Processes 1. Add the pigment to the container containing the base epoxy ink.

2. Accelerator is added to the container containing the base epoxy ink and pigment. Mix for 2-3 minutes (eg, using a hand drill tool or particle disperser).

3. Add the catalyst to the same vessel. Mix for 2-3 minutes (eg, using a hand drill tool or particle disperser). Set aside the mixed ink.

4. Add the first and second wax-treated silica powders to the same container.

5. Add thinner to another separate container.

6. Add the first silane to the container containing the thinner and mix.

7. Add the other silane to the container containing the thinner and the first silane and mix.

8. Add the silane(s) and thinner mixture to the container containing the wax-treated silica powder. Mix for 2 minutes (eg, vortex at full speed). This dispersing process is repeated two more times with a gap of at least 2 minutes.

9. Add the mixture of step 8 to the ink set aside in step 3. Mix for 2-3 minutes (eg, using a drill tool).

10. The ink is blended for 10 minutes using a particle disperser.

The ink is now ready to print. In one aspect, the ink is used or prepared within 24 hours.

Examples of Curing Schedules and TemperaturesA. Parameters:
1. Glass travel time in oven: 6 minutes

2. Average temperature of glass in oven: 160-177°C

3. Time in oven at average temperature: minimum 2 minutes (range could be 2-3 minutes)

4. Time in oven at >148°C: minimum 3.5 minutes (range could be 3.5-4.5 minutes)

B. effect:
1. At the lower end of the profile, ink curing problems can arise that can lead to adhesion problems on glass substrates when exposed to aggressive chemical solvents such as xylene. This can also result in dye picking between H&E (hematoxylin and eosin) and/or special staining treatments.

2. There is a potential color change of the cured ink on the glass substrate when the profile is at the upper end. This may make the cured ink appear burnt. This can also result in spreading of the ink jet print on the surface, which in turn becomes a problem with readability of the print and scannability of the bar code.

The breadth and scope of this application should not be limited by any of the above views or embodiments, but should be defined solely in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.

It should be noted that the present application can also be described in the following preferred forms.
(Form 1)
base epoxy ink;
pigment;
catalyst;
a first wax-treated silica powder having an average particle size of about 4-6 microns, wherein the wax has a melting point of about 65-85° C. and a pH of about 7; and
a second wax-treated silica powder having a different porosity than the first wax-treated silica powder and having an average particle size of about 4-6 microns, wherein the melting point of the wax is about 65-85°C; , a pH of about 7;
An ink composition comprising:
(Form 2)
the amount of base epoxy ink is about 6.8% to 78% by weight of the composition;
the amount of pigment is from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition;
the amount of catalyst is about 15% to 25% by weight of the composition;
the amount of the first wax-treated silica powder is about 3% to 8% by weight of the composition; and/or
the amount of the second wax-treated silica powder is about 1% to 5% by weight of the composition;
The ink composition according to Mode 1.
(Mode 3)
accelerator;
a first silane;
a second silane different from the first silane; and
thinner;
3. The ink composition of aspect 1 or 2, further comprising one or more of:
(Mode 4)
the amount of accelerator is about 0.01% to 0.2% by weight of the composition;
the amount of the first silane is about 3% to 6% by weight of the composition;
the amount of the second silane is from about 0.5% to about 4% by weight of the composition; and/or
the amount of thinner is about 25% to 40% by weight of the composition;
The ink composition according to mode 3.
(Mode 5)
base epoxy ink;
pigment;
catalyst;
a first wax-treated silica powder;
a second wax-treated silica powder;
accelerator;
a first silane;
a second silane; and
thinner;
The ink composition according to mode 3 or 4, comprising:
(Form 6)
the amount of base epoxy ink is about 6.8% to 78% by weight of the composition;
the amount of pigment is from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition;
the amount of catalyst is about 15% to 25% by weight of the composition;
the amount of the first wax-treated silica powder is about 3% to 8% by weight of the composition;
the amount of the second wax-treated silica powder is about 1% to 5% by weight of the composition;
the amount of accelerator is about 0.01% to 0.2% by weight of the composition;
the amount of the first silane is about 3% to 6% by weight of the composition;
the amount of the second silane is from about 0.5% to about 4% by weight of the composition; and
the amount of thinner is about 25% to 40% by weight of the composition;
The ink composition according to Mode 5
(Mode 7)
the amount of base epoxy ink is less than or equal to about 51.5% by weight of the composition;
The ink composition according to any one of aspects 1-6.
(Form 8)
The first wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.4 ml/gm to 1.6 ml/gm, optionally the first wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.6 ml/gm ,
The ink composition according to any one of aspects 1-7.
(Mode 9)
The second wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.15 ml/gm to 1.35 ml/gm, optionally the second wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.25 ml/gm ,
The ink composition according to any one of aspects 1-8.
(Form 10)
The first wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.4 ml/gm to 1.6 ml/gm, and the second wax-treated silica powder has a porosity of about 1.15 ml/gm to 1.35 ml/gm. having a porosity, optionally the first wax-treated silica powder having a porosity of about 1.6 ml/gm and the second wax-treated silica powder having a porosity of about 1.25 ml/gm;
The ink composition according to any one of aspects 1-9.
(Form 11)
the pigment is a white pigment,
The ink composition according to any one of aspects 1-10.
(Form 12)
the first silane provides adhesion of the thermal ink to the substrate;
The ink composition according to any one of aspects 1-11.
(Form 13)
the second silane provides a matte finish of the cured ink on the substrate;
13. The ink composition according to mode 11 or 12.
(Form 14)
the adhesion of the ink to the substrate is resistant to xylene;
The ink composition according to any one of aspects 11-13.
(Form 15)
the substrate is glass,
The ink composition according to any one of aspects 12-14.
(Form 16)
When coated onto a substrate and cured, the ink composition itself forms a print substrate that can be printed by either inkjet or thermal printing.
The ink composition according to any one of aspects 1-15.
(Form 17)
base epoxy ink;
pigment;
catalyst;
a first wax-treated silica powder having an average particle size of about 4-6 microns, wherein the wax has a melting point of about 65-85° C. and a pH of about 7;
a second wax-treated silica powder having a different porosity than the first wax-treated silica powder and having an average particle size of about 4-6 microns, wherein the melting point of the wax is about 65-85°C; , a pH of about 7;
including combining
A method of preparing an ink composition.
(Form 18)
(a) mixing the base epoxy ink, pigment and catalyst together to prepare an ink mixture;
(b) separately mixing together the first wax-treated silica powder and the second wax-treated silica powder to prepare a powder mixture; and
(c) blending the powder mixture of (b) into the ink mixture of (a);
18. The method of form 17, comprising the step of
(Form 19)
19. Aspect 17 or 18, respectively, comprising combining with an accelerator; or wherein step (a) comprises mixing together the base epoxy ink, the pigment, the accelerator and the catalyst to form an ink mixture. Method.
(Form 20)
combining the thinner, the first silane and the second silane to prepare a silane mixture; blending into the mixture,
20. The method of aspect 18 or 19, further comprising:
(Form 21)
(i) mixing the thinner and the first silane together;
(ii) combining the second silane with the thinner and the first silane mixture to form a silane mixture; and
then blending the silane mixture of (ii) into the powder mixture of (b) prior to blending the powder mixture into the ink mixture in step (c);
20. The method of aspect 18 or 19, comprising the steps of:
(Form 22)
base epoxy ink;
pigment;
accelerator;
catalyst;
a first wax-treated silica powder;
a second wax-treated silica powder;
thinner;
a first silane; and
Second silane
including mixing together
A method according to any one of aspects 15-21.
(Form 23)
(a) mixing the base epoxy ink, pigment, accelerator, and catalyst together to form an ink mixture;
(b) separately mixing together the first wax-treated silica powder and the second wax-treated silica powder to prepare a powder mixture; and
(c) blending the powder mixture of (b) with the ink mixture of (a) to prepare an ink suitable for printing; and
Separately,
(i) mixing the thinner and the first silane together;
(ii) combining the second silane with the mixture of the thinner and the first silane to form a silane mixture; and
then blending the silane mixture of (ii) into (b) the powder mixture prior to blending the powder mixture into the ink mixture in step (c);
21. The method of aspect 20, comprising the steps of:
(Form 24)
An ink composition prepared by the method of any one of aspects 17-23.
(Form 25)
The ink composition of any one of aspects 1-16 or 24, for use in coating a substrate, optionally wherein the substrate is glass.
(Form 26)
for use in coating substrates wherein a coating of the ink composition is printed by inkjet or thermal printing when cured on the substrate;
26. The ink composition according to aspect 25.
(Form 27)
for use in thermal printing and/or for use in inkjet printing,
The ink composition of any one of aspects 1-16 or 24-26.
(Form 28)
applying a layer of the ink composition of any one of aspects 1-16 or 24-27 to a portion of the surface of a substrate, optionally wherein the substrate is glass;
A method of coating a substrate.
(Form 29)
When cured, the coating of the ink composition on the substrate can be used as a print substrate to be printed by inkjet or thermal printing.
29. The method of aspect 28.
(Form 30)
Coating a layer of the ink composition of any one of aspects 1-16 or 24-27 onto a portion of the surface of a glass slide, curing the ink composition, and coating the coated portion of the glass slide including printing to
How to print on slide glass.
(Form 31)
A glass slide having a portion of its surface coated with a layer of the ink composition of any one of aspects 1-16 or 24-27.
(Form 32)
32. The glass slide of aspect 31, wherein the coated portion of the glass slide comprises inkjet printing or thermal printing onto said ink composition.