NZ770701B2 - Ink, transfers, methods of making transfers, and methods of using transfers to decorate plastic articles - Google Patents
Ink, transfers, methods of making transfers, and methods of using transfers to decorate plastic articles Download PDFInfo
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- NZ770701B2 NZ770701B2 NZ770701A NZ77070119A NZ770701B2 NZ 770701 B2 NZ770701 B2 NZ 770701B2 NZ 770701 A NZ770701 A NZ 770701A NZ 77070119 A NZ77070119 A NZ 77070119A NZ 770701 B2 NZ770701 B2 NZ 770701B2
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- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- ink
- fixing layer
- layer
- plastic
- film
- Prior art date
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- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 title claims abstract description 100
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 100
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 230000000996 additive Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000002270 dispersing agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 54
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 48
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 31
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- 239000004698 Polyethylene (PE) Substances 0.000 claims description 28
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 claims description 28
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims description 24
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000001070 adhesive Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims description 14
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920003051 synthetic elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920001684 low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004702 low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- FACXGONDLDSNOE-UHFFFAOYSA-N buta-1,3-diene;styrene Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 FACXGONDLDSNOE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- UHKPXKGJFOKCGG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methylprop-1-ene;styrene Chemical compound CC(C)=C.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 UHKPXKGJFOKCGG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920005996 polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- KZNICNPSHKQLFF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Succinimide Chemical compound O=C1CCC(=O)N1 KZNICNPSHKQLFF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011528 polyamide (building material) Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229960002317 succinimide Drugs 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001400 block copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- BXOUVIIITJXIKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethene;styrene Chemical group C=C.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 BXOUVIIITJXIKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000002978 peroxides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002050 silicone resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003849 aromatic solvent Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 149
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 48
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 22
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 17
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 10
- 229920002799 BoPET Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 238000007650 screen-printing Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 7
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 7
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229910021485 fumed silica Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 230000004927 fusion Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- LCJRHAPPMIUHLH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-$l^{1}-azanylhexan-1-one Chemical compound [CH]CCCCC([N])=O LCJRHAPPMIUHLH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- JHWNWJKBPDFINM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Laurolactam Chemical compound O=C1CCCCCCCCCCCN1 JHWNWJKBPDFINM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 229920000299 Nylon 12 Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 229920002292 Nylon 6 Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000001175 rotational moulding Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 5
- SZVJSHCCFOBDDC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron(II,III) oxide Chemical compound O=[Fe]O[Fe]O[Fe]=O SZVJSHCCFOBDDC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminum Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 4
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000010445 mica Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052618 mica group Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 235000012239 silicon dioxide Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N toluene Chemical compound CC1=CC=CC=C1 YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000001993 wax Substances 0.000 description 4
- GUOSQNAUYHMCRU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 11-Aminoundecanoic acid Chemical compound NCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O GUOSQNAUYHMCRU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N AI2O3 Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000571 Nylon 11 Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 150000004945 aromatic hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003020 cross-linked polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004703 cross-linked polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 3
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 3
- OUPZKGBUJRBPGC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,3,5-tris(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione Chemical compound O=C1N(CC2OC2)C(=O)N(CC2OC2)C(=O)N1CC1CO1 OUPZKGBUJRBPGC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-HUOMCSJISA-N O(C/C=C/c1ccccc1)[C@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 Chemical class O(C/C=C/c1ccccc1)[C@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-HUOMCSJISA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229940035295 Ting Drugs 0.000 description 2
- HWKQNAWCHQMZHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Trolnitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OCCN(CCO[N+]([O-])=O)CCO[N+]([O-])=O HWKQNAWCHQMZHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000010599 Verbascum thapsus Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N ZrO2 Chemical compound O=[Zr]=O MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 125000001931 aliphatic group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 239000000440 bentonite Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000278 bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052570 clay Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910002026 crystalline silica Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000032798 delamination Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010433 feldspar Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007499 fusion processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002655 kraft paper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002923 metal particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004200 microcrystalline wax Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000019808 microcrystalline wax Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 2
- FYNROBRQIVCIQF-UHFFFAOYSA-N pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole-5,6-dione Chemical compound C1=CN=C2C(=O)C(=O)N=C21 FYNROBRQIVCIQF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052904 quartz Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003068 static Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000035882 stress Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000454 talc Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052623 talc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000007651 thermal printing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007669 thermal treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010023 transfer printing Methods 0.000 description 2
- XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N vinyl acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OC=C XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 2
- XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc monoxide Chemical compound [Zn]=O XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- JTXMVXSTHSMVQF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-acetyloxyethyl acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OCCOC(C)=O JTXMVXSTHSMVQF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VHOQXEIFYTTXJU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methylbuta-1,3-diene;2-methylprop-1-ene Chemical compound CC(C)=C.CC(=C)C=C VHOQXEIFYTTXJU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KUDUQBURMYMBIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-prop-2-enoyloxyethyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound C=CC(=O)OCCOC(=O)C=C KUDUQBURMYMBIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004925 Acrylic resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000178 Acrylic resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- LYBIRFVKHSDXSC-UHFFFAOYSA-N B([O-])([O-])[O-].[Cu+2].[Zn+2].[Al+3] Chemical compound B([O-])([O-])[O-].[Cu+2].[Zn+2].[Al+3] LYBIRFVKHSDXSC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004342 Benzoyl peroxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960003563 Calcium Carbonate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- WUKWITHWXAAZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium fluoride Chemical compound [F-].[F-].[Ca+2] WUKWITHWXAAZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- RCJVRSBWZCNNQT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dichlorine monoxide Chemical compound ClOCl RCJVRSBWZCNNQT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004831 Hot glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- OMPJBNCRMGITSC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Incidol Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1C(=O)OOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 OMPJBNCRMGITSC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QCVUVSZFJKWNJP-UHFFFAOYSA-N N'-(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine;ethane-1,2-diamine Chemical compound NCCN.NCCNCCN QCVUVSZFJKWNJP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- IEQIEDJGQAUEQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phthalocyanine Chemical compound N1C(N=C2C3=CC=CC=C3C(N=C3C4=CC=CC=C4C(=N4)N3)=N2)=C(C=CC=C2)C2=C1N=C1C2=CC=CC=C2C4=N1 IEQIEDJGQAUEQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002367 Polyisobutene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001451 Polypropylene glycol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon carbide Chemical compound [Si+]#[C-] HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VILCJCGEZXAXTO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Triethylenetetramine Chemical compound NCCNCCNCCN VILCJCGEZXAXTO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004699 Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) Substances 0.000 description 1
- NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K [O-]P([O-])([O-])=O Chemical compound [O-]P([O-])([O-])=O NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001338 aliphatic hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910001491 alkali aluminosilicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 125000002947 alkylene group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- DLHONNLASJQAHX-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminum;potassium;oxygen(2-);silicon(4+) Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Si+4].[Si+4].[Si+4].[K+] DLHONNLASJQAHX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052586 apatite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002585 base Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019400 benzoyl peroxide Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- CQEYYJKEWSMYFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N butyl acrylate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)C=C CQEYYJKEWSMYFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920005549 butyl rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000006229 carbon black Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004649 carbonic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000007859 condensation product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052593 corundum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010431 corundum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000014113 dietary fatty acids Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000003700 epoxy group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl urethane Chemical compound CCOC(N)=O JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000194 fatty acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004665 fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000010436 fluorite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002828 fuel tank Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005350 fused silica glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007756 gravure coating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000005337 ground glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052595 hematite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011019 hematite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011256 inorganic filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910003475 inorganic filler Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000460 iron oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000013980 iron oxide Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- VBMVTYDPPZVILR-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(2+);oxygen(2-) Chemical class [O-2].[Fe+2] VBMVTYDPPZVILR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PWHULOQIROXLJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N manganese Chemical compound [Mn] PWHULOQIROXLJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052748 manganese Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011572 manganese Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004005 microsphere Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010813 municipal solid waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- BUYMVQAILCEWRR-UHFFFAOYSA-N naled Chemical compound COP(=O)(OC)OC(Br)C(Cl)(Cl)Br BUYMVQAILCEWRR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920001194 natural rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- CTQNGGLPUBDAKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N o-xylene Chemical compound CC1=CC=CC=C1C CTQNGGLPUBDAKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- HMMGMWAXVFQUOA-UHFFFAOYSA-N octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane Chemical compound C[Si]1(C)O[Si](C)(C)O[Si](C)(C)O[Si](C)(C)O1 HMMGMWAXVFQUOA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003960 organic solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052652 orthoclase Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012188 paraffin wax Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011088 parchment paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010452 phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000768 polyamine Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910010271 silicon carbide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000005373 siloxane group Chemical group [SiH2](O*)* 0.000 description 1
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052596 spinel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011029 spinel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003048 styrene butadiene rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003746 surface roughness Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003784 tall oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- FAGUFWYHJQFNRV-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetraethylenepentamine Chemical compound NCCNCCNCCNCCN FAGUFWYHJQFNRV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000785 ultra high molecular weight polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000013799 ultramarine blue Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002966 varnish Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003981 vehicle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008096 xylene Substances 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
thermal indicia transfer comprises a fixing layer between a carrier sheet and a printed ink layer. The ink comprises plastic particles, a solvent, an indicia additive, a dispersing agent, and optionally a binder. The fixing layer is coated onto the carrier sheet and cured. The ink layer is printed onto the fixing layer where the plastic particles are held in place by the tackiness and structure of the fixing layer. The printed ink layer is dried at a temperature high enough to remove the solvent from the ink layer, but low enough to prevent melting of the plastic particles. onto the fixing layer where the plastic particles are held in place by the tackiness and structure of the fixing layer. The printed ink layer is dried at a temperature high enough to remove the solvent from the ink layer, but low enough to prevent melting of the plastic particles.
Description
TITLE: INK, TRANSFERS, METHODS OF MAKING TRANSFERS, AND
METHODS OF USING ERS TO DECORATE PLASTIC
ARTICLES
INVENTORS: Robert A. Reeves, Michael J. Stevenson, Corey R. Dibrom
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to and the benefit of US. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 62/686,314 filed June 18, 2018 and entitled “Ink, Transfers, Method
of Making Transfers, and Method of Using Transfers to Decorate Polyolefin Articles,” the
disclosure of which is orated herein in its ty for all es.
FIELD
This disclosure relates to a printed ink transfer system, printed ink transfers and
methods of using the transfers to te plastic articles.
BACKGROUND
A large variety of articles are manufactured from polyolefin and other plastics
through a variety of methods. The methods may include one or more of, for example,
injection molding, rotational molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and extrusion.
Although manufacturing various plastic articles may be relatively straightforward,
permanently ting them is challenging. For example, polyethylene and polypropylene
plastics are non-polar and resist adhesive coatings that could be used to mark them with
decorative a.
[0004] A common approach to decorating plastic es has been to oxidize a surface of
the plastic prior to performing a coating process. While oxidation has led to some success, the
results are variable and the added sing step adds manufacturing cost.
Attempts to e adhesion of labels to untreated plastic surfaces have included
the use of heat activated labels, such as disclosed in US. Patent No. 7,622,171. These labels
are applied to the plastic articles in the form of transfers having an adhesive layer comprising
a vinyl acetate resin, a ying resin, and a microcrystalline wax. However, this ch
adhesively bonds the label only to the outer surface of the article. In other words, the label
applied in this way is not part of the plastic, not integral to the article, but instead is attached
like a decal on the surface of the plastic article where the label becomes subject to wear and
eventual delamination.
A d problem with polyolefin es produced in rotational g
processes was eliminated by using transfers printed with pigments or dyes mixed in oil or
wax. The transfers are applied to the inside surface of the rotational mold where they are
subsequently molded into the surface of the molded part during the rotational molding
process. Also, similar transfers can be molded onto the surface of polyolefin parts, such as
disclosed in US. Patent Nos. 4,252,762, 4,519,972, 5,840,142, 830, 7,128,970, and
7,641,842. However, these methods are not compatible with high speed printing and
decorating ent and processes.
US. Patent Nos. 8,349,917 and 9,296,243 teach a l er made by fusing
a polyethylene based ink at temperatures greater than 250° F onto a r sheet or film.
Although the thermal transfer and l transferring process disclosed therein is an
improvement over earlier teaching, the high temperature involved in the fusion process leads
to stresses in the r film and an unacceptable shrinkage in the ink and film. These
teristics tend to make the transfer unstable and difficult to manufacture. Further, the
tendency of the ink to split raggedly at the edge of a die during the process of hot stamping an
image makes tipping embossed or raised sections of a part difficult. Also, transferred
decoration may include “flash” from adjoining sections of ink. In view of these deficiencies,
new inks, transfers and methods of making transfers, and methods of transferring indicia into
the surfaces of plastic articles reliably and cost effectively are still needed.
SUMMARY
New inks, thermal transfers, methods of making thermal transfers, and methods of
using l transfers for decorating plastic articles and for in-mold indicia transfer have
now been discovered. These inks, transfers and methods substantially overcome these and
other ms associated with the prior art. In particular, a new method has now been
discovered to print thermal transfer ribbons, foils, and carrier sheets and papers, which are
compatible with, and that can be fused into the walls of, molded plastic articles such as those
sing polyethylene, polypropylene, or other plastics. The improvements made over
prior art thermal transfers and methods include, inter alia, addition of a fixing layer on a
carrier film or paper which fixes the printed ink layer thereon, and use of lower temperature
curing of the ink layer to prevent a co-mingling of the printed ink layer polyolefin or other
plastic particles and the fixing layer, and to allow the use of ensitive carrier films. In
various embodiments, embossed stamping dies rather than flat stamping plates are used with
foil not having design ts. In various embodiments, flat stamping platens are used to tip
raised ns in preformed parts. These changes over the prior art mitigate the splitting of
ink, the difficulty in tipping, and the flash from adjoining sections of ink.
In various embodiments, a thermal transfer is provided having an indicia layer
which can be fused into the surface of a molded plastic article using various heat er
processes.
In various embodiments, a thermal transfer is provided that can be used in heat
and re applicators, such as hot stamp equipment or heat transfer ent,
conventionally used to apply labels to previously molded plastic articles such as preformed
efin articles. In various embodiments, a thermal transfer is ed that is applied to a
c article with only an infrared heater or torch, without the need for (or reduced) pressure
applied against the indicia transfer and the article to be decorated.
In s embodiments, a thermal transfer system is ed that can be used in
an in-mold transfer process to fuse the transfer into the wall of a plastic article as the article is
formed in a molding cycle, such as in injection molding and/or rotational molding.
In various embodiments, an ink is provided that can be used to form a thermal
transfer foil or ribbon that can be used with thermal printing equipment to fuse indicia into
the surface of plastic articles.
[0013] In various embodiments, a l transfer is provided that lends itself to
decorating a raised image on a preformed plastic part.
In various embodiments, a thermal transfer is provided that lends itself to cleanly
decorating a previously formed plastic part with a hot stamp die, whilst still being
ently fused to the part.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The detailed description of exemplary embodiments makes nce to the
accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of ration and best
mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those
skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments
may be realized and that logical, chemical, and mechanical changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, the detailed description is
presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, unless
otherwise noted, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be
executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore,
any nce to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one
component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to
attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial,
full and/or any other possible attachment . Additionally, any reference to without
contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.
Printing inks, ers and methods of decorating polyolefin articles have been
disclosed previously in US. Patent Nos. 8,349,917 and 9,296,243, the disclosures of which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The present disclosure s a
ntial improvement over these patents, and solves the various problems mentioned
above that were not previously appreciated. Further, the improvements disclosed herein allow
for the decorating of preformed articles comprising plastics, wherein in s embodiments,
the plastics may be other than polyethylene and polypropylene.
In various embodiments, new printing inks, thermal transfers, s of
decorating preformed plastic articles, and methods for in-mold indicia transfer are bed.
As ed herein, the presence of a fixing layer (onto which an ink is printed) allows for use
of a lower temperature fusion of inks onto carrier sheets in the curing step of a process of
making thermal indicia transfers.
[001 8] Definitions
[0019] As used herein, the term “ink” refers to a liquid to semi-liquid/paste composition
comprising a dispersed additive, such as a pigment or dye or mineral, to impart opacity, color
or physical properties to a coating formed by the ink. By definition the term includes the
conventional pigmented or colored liquids or pastes used for printing. The term herein also
asses a liquid or paste further comprising property ing additives, such as
abrasion and flame resistant ingredients, t .
As used herein, the term “indicia additive” refers broadly to constituents in an ink
composition, including colorants, such as pigments and dyes, and any material capable of
affecting at least one physical property of an ink or a coating ed from an ink, such as,
for example, silica, mica, metal flakes, and the like.
[0021] As used herein, the terms “plastic article” or “plastic part” refer generally to pre-
molded (i.e., previously molded or preformed) polyethylene, opylene or other plastic
items. For example, certain plastic parts molded from copolymers of polyethylene or
polypropylene, such as, ethylene/vinyl acetate and ethylene/butyl acrylate, may be decorated
by the l transfers and methods disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a plastic part
for decoration with indicia comprises crosslinked polyethylene (“PEX”). Non-limiting
examples of polyolefin articles that may be decorated include municipal trash s and
recycle bins, plastic signage, trays and crosslinked polyethylene tubing and pipe. Other
plastic parts that may be decorated in accordance with the present disclosure comprise
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), various polyamides (e.g., Nylon-
6, Nylon-ll or Nylon-12), polyester, and the like. As will be sed in more detail, the
inks printed on the thermal transfers herein have compositions that are compatible with the
type of plastic found in the preformed part to be ted.
As used herein, the term “polyolefin powder” refers to fine particulate
polyethylene and/or polypropylene material used in the inks, having particle sizes from
nanoscale up to micron scale. In s embodiments, finely powdered polyethylene having
s particle size and bulk y ranges is used to make the inks herein, and may be
obtained by mixing various grades of polyethylene powder, such as ent density material.
In various embodiments, polypropylene powder may be used, or blends of hylene and
polypropylene powders may be used.
As used herein, the term “other plastic powder” refers to fine particulate plastic
other than particulate polyethylene and polypropylene. Other fine particulate plastic
constituents for the inks herein include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyamides such as Nylon-6, ll and Nylon-12, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and
polyester. As mentioned, one of the improvements over the prior art is the use of lower
temperatures for curing of the ink on the transfer, and it is not necessary to melt the
particulate plastic in the curing stage to produce the indicia transfer. Hence, these other types
of plastics, some having melting points over 5000 F, also find use in the inks disclosed herein.
As per the polyethylene and opylene s, the other plastic powders may have
particle sizes from nanoscale up to micron scale and may be mixtures of different density
materials in use. Choice of plastic powder for the inks herein is ed, at least in part, by
the type of plastic found in the med article to be ted, and some advantages exist
in using colored plastic particles, such as polyester powder.
As used herein, the term “fixing layer” refers to a ition of adhesive
constituents mixed in a liquid vehicle, which can be coated onto a carrier film or paper. The
fixing layer is coated onto the carrier sheet prior to coating the ink on to the carrier sheet, and
thus the ink is printed onto the fixing layer that intervenes between the ink and the carrier
film or paper. In this way, the fixing layer “fixes,” or holds, the ink layer.
General embodiments
2019/036548
Thermal Indicia Transfer Components
l. The ink:
In various embodiments, an ink herein comprises (a) polyolefin powder or other
plastic powder; (b) an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, or water; (c) an indicia
ve; (d) a dispersing agent; and (e) optionally; a binder. The ink can be used to prepare a
transfer having a decorative layer printed onto a fixing layer; previously coated on a carrier
sheet; in a single printing step for monochromatic ers; or in multiple printing steps for
romatic transfers. The transfer may or may not include a final top coat of adhesive. In
various embodiments; this ve can facilitate the transfer of the graphic from the r
sheet onto the inside of a mold. Examples of such molds include onal molds; injection
molds; form molds and blow molds.
(a) The polyolefin powder or other plastic powder ent
(i). Polyolefin powder:
In various embodiments; a polyolefin powder comprises polyethylene powder.
The polyethylene powder in the ink ses high density or ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene; having a density of from about 0.92 to about 0.97 gm/cc. The polyethylene
powder may be used alone or in mixtures with lower density polyethylene having a density of
from about 0.91 to about 0.92 gm/cc.
In various embodiments; the polyethylene powder has a mean le size of from
about 1 nanometer to about 150 microns. In more specific examples; the polyethylene powder
has a particle size of from about 1 micron to about 150 microns.
In various embodiments; the ink is comprised of a mixture of polyethylene
powder having different densities; such as a mixture of low and high y polyethylene
powders; having an overall particle size range of from about 1 micron to 150 microns and
having an overall density from about 0.90 gm/cc to about 0.95 gm/cc.
In various embodiments; the polyethylene powder is present in the ink in amounts
ranging from about 15 to about 70 wt.%; from about 15 to about 45 wt.%; or from about 25 to
about 45 wt.%; based on the total weight of the ink. In various embodiments; the
polyethylene powder comprises a mixture of HDPE and LDPE at from about 40 wt.% to
about 55 wt.%; based on the total weight of the ink.
(ii). Other plastic powder:
In various embodiments; the plastic particulate component of the ink may
comprise some other plastic powder; either in addition to polyethylene and/or polypropylene;
or in place of either or both. Selection of the plastic powder for the ink may be based;
WO 45802 2019/036548
amongst other , on the type of plastic in the preformed article to be decorated. In some
instances, the plastic powder may be directly d up with the plastic of the article to be
ted. In various embodiments, plastic powders for the inks herein include, but are not
limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamides such as Nylon-6, Nylon-11 and Nylon-12,
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyester. In various embodiments, any of these plastic
powders may have an average particle size of from about 1 micron to about 150 microns.
PVC powder is available, for example, from Vinnolit GmbH & Co., KG,
ng, Germany. PVC powder typically has a bulk density greater than 1, such as for
example, 1.4 gm/cc.
[003 8] Polyamide powder is typically available as Nylon 6, 11 or 12 powders. In various
embodiments, finely divided, small micron sized Nylon microspheres are used to create
graphic transfers that can be used to Nylon plastics such as Nylon 6, Nylon 11 or Nylon
12. In specific examples, the polyamide powders for use herein have an average particle size
of about 10 microns and a melting point of about 140-2200 C. These materials are available,
for example, from Toray Plastics, Tokyo, Japan.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is available as a fine powder from The Chemours
Company, Wilmington, Delaware.
Polyester powder is typically designated either triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) or
“TGIC-free” polyester. These materials have a low cure temperature and are prevalent in the
powder-coating industries. The availability of vividly colored polyester powder provides
virtually unlimited possibilities for designing polychromatic indicia layers in the thermal
transfers herein. Polyester powders that find use herein are available, for example, from IFS
Coatings, Gainesville, Texas.
In various embodiments, particles sizes of these other plastics may be from about
1 to about 150 microns, from about 1 to about 100 s, or from about 1 to about 10
s. The c powder may be present in the ink in s ranging from about 15 to
about 70 wt.%, from about 15 to about 45 wt.%, or from about 25 to about 45 wt.%, based on
the total weight of the ink.
(b) The aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, or water
[0043] In various ments, the mixture of polyolefin powder, colorants and/or other
indicia additives are dispersed in an organic solvent or water which is sufficiently non-
volatile at the coating or ng temperature of the ink. The solvent or water mixture should
be sufficiently volatile, however, to be substantially totally removed from the ink g
with thermal treatment. In various embodiments, thermal treatment is conducted between the
temperatures of about 90° F and 240° F, and in other aspects, may be from about 130° F to
about 200° F. The temperature must remain below the fusion temperature of the polyolefin
particles, which for hylene les is about 250° F. ting the particles from
fusing together when drying the ink helps t age of the coating.
In various embodiments, the solvent is t at from about 15 to about 45 wt.%,
from about 25 to about 45 wt.%, or at about 30 wt.%, based on the total weight of the ink. In
various embodiments, the arbon solvent is used at ient concentration to form a
stable dispersion of the powdered polyolefin, which can be approximately equal parts
powdered polyolefin and solvent.
[0045] (c) The indicia additive
In s embodiments, an indicia ve for use in an ink herein is stable at
high temperatures, such as up to 500° F, such as necessary in applications where the ink will
be fused into the wall of a plastic part at such temperatures. In various embodiments, the
indicia additive may comprise any ation of ts, fillers and/or colorants.
[0047] In various embodiments, the indicia additive comprises a colorant. In various
embodiments, this colorant is a pigment, incorporated in the ink at sufficient wt.% to lend a
color to a printed layer of the ink, which is perceptible to the unaided eye. Examples of such
ts for use herein include, but are not limited to, rutile titanium dioxide, zinc oxide,
mixed iron oxides in hues such as yellow, brown, blue and black, lead chromates, cadmiums,
carbon black, phthalocyanine pigments, ultramarine blues, and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)
organic pigments. Any other dye or pigment that is compatible with the plastic polymer
particles in the ink and/or the plastic article to be decorated can also be used. As mentioned,
some color effects may be achieved by using colored polyester powder in the ink, for
example in concert with pigments or alone. In various embodiments, the ink does not
comprise any colorant at all, or any colored plastic powder, and such an ink can be used to
print a colorless coating.
The concentration of the nt may vary by selection of the colorant and the
color and opacity desired. In various embodiments, the concentration of colorant in the ink is
from about 1 to about 45 wt.%, or from about 25 to about 35 wt.%, based on the total weight
of the ink.
In various embodiments, the indicia additive comprises metal particles in the form
of flakes or spheres, comprising aluminum, gold, or silver for example, to provide decorative
metallic effects. The indicia additive may also comprise any one of aluminum zinc copper
borate powders, metallic silver pigments, pearlescent and iridescent flakes of various metal
carbonates, metal oxychloride, and um coated mica, and the like. In various
embodiments, nickel and/or copper particles can be used to create ically conductive
layers fused to the surface of the plastic part.
In various ments, the indicia additive may comprise mineral les such
as feldspar, quartz, mica, hematite, magnetite, chromite spinel, rutile, talc, calcite, fluorite,
apatite, orthoclase, corundum, silicon carbide, alumina, zirconium dioxide, ground glass,
glass beads, fused silica particles, crystalline silica, calcium carbonate, bentonite clay, silica-
alumina ceramics, or alkali alumino-silicate ceramics, or mixtures thereof. These particulate
additives may be used to affect one or more physical properties of the ink, including visual
properties, viscosity of the ink, and shrinkage of a printed layer of ink, and may be added to
the ink in sufficient amounts as necessary to the change the property to the desired level. In
various embodiments, the mineral additives may be present at from about 1 to about 10 wt.%,
based on the total weight of the ink, in order to adjust the ink to a ity of from about
,000 to about 20,000 cps le for screen printing.
[0051] In various embodiments, the total amount of indicia ve may be from about 1
to about 70 wt.% or from about 5 to about 45 wt.%, based on the total weight of the ink. In
s embodiments, an ink may comprise from about 70-99% by weight filler particles to
about 30-l% by weight plastic particles, such as polyolefin powder. In various applications,
an ink coating may be more inorganic than c polymer powder. Such ink coatings in the
thermal er may be used to create low permeation gs on fuel tanks. In some cases,
the high degree of inorganic filler and small amount of polymer powder es the binding
of the indicia layer to the surface of the plastic part.
(d) The dispersing agent
A dispersing agent is used in the ink to facilitate dispersing the polyethylene
powders and pigments in the hydrocarbon solvent or water. In various embodiments, a
dispersant may be present in the ink at from about 0.05 to about 5 wt.%, from about 0.5 to
about 5 wt.%, or from about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the ink. In
various embodiments, the dispersant is used at a concentration sufficient to disperse the
polyolefin les, colorants, additives and binders in the ink as a stable dispersion.
[0054] Numerous agents find use as sants herein, including rosin derivatives,
fluorinated polyesters, acrylic resins, phosphate polyesters, ethyleneamines such as
diethylenetriamine ethylenediamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine,
manganese soaps of distilled tall oil fatty acids, siloxanes and alkyl modified siloxanes. In
certain examples, a succinimide dispersant is used in the ink composition, such as for
example, the condensation product of a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic ide or
reactive equivalent thereof with an alkylene polyamine, as disclosed in US. Patent No.
,792,730.
(e) Optional binders
A small amount of , such as, for example, about 1 to about 20 wt.%, or from
about 2 to about 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the ink, can be added to the ink to
increase adhesion between the ink layer and the fixing layer. The binder is d with the
mixture of polyolefin particles and pigment. Examples of suitable binders include
hydrocarbon waxes such as microcrystalline or paraffin wax, hydrocarbon tackifying resins,
and l oils. The binders must be compatible with the polyolefin particles and fuse
together with them in the final heated fusion step with the plastic part. In all cases, the binder
must be soluble or dispersible in the hydrocarbon solvent or water chosen for the coating.
2. The fixing layer:
In various embodiments, the fixing layer may comprise either (i) a combination of
hydrocarbon resin and a synthetic rubber, or (ii) a silicone. Either type of fixing layer can be
formed from a fixing layer composition comprising these base materials plus solvents and
other materials, as explained below.
In various embodiments, the fixing layer is formed from a fixing layer
composition comprising a solution of hydrocarbon er resin mixed with a solution of
synthetic rubber in a dissolving solvent. The hydrocarbon resin/synthetic rubber fixing layer
composition may also include an ate as a way to obtain porosity in the fixing layer
when coated, along with other optional additives, such as thixotropic agents.
In various ments, the hydrocarbon resin comprises an aliphatic resin
having a molecular weight of about 360 g/mole, and a ring and ball softening point of about
85° C. In s s, the hydrocarbon resin is used at a weight percentage of from about
40 wt.% to about 55 wt.%, based on the total weight of the fixing layer composition. In
various embodiments, the hydrocarbon resin is used at a weight percentage of from about 45
wt.% to about 50 wt.%, based on the total weight of the fixing layer composition. In more
specific examples, the hydrocarbon resin is used at about 47.5 wt.%, based on the total
weight of the fixing layer composition. Other tackifying resins, such as for example, rosin
esters, e based resins, and C5 resins, can be used together or in any combination.
In various embodiments, the tic rubber used in the fixing layer comprises a
block mer consisting of either a styrene-butadiene—styrene (SBS) or a styrene-
isobutylene-styrene (SIS) unsaturated rubber midblock, or comprising a styrene-
ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) or styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene (SEPS) ted
midblock. These may be used in a weight percentage of from about 1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%.
These materials lend lity to the fixing layer. Other polymers, such as polyisobutylene
and butyl rubber, may be used in place of the block copolymers to increase lity.
In s ments, the dissolving solvent for the fixing layer composition
comprises an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent having an initial boiling point of about 160° C.
Other arbon solvents, both aromatic and non-aromatic, such as for example, Stoddard
solvent, toluene, xylene, Varnish Makers & Painters Naptha (referred to “VM&P Naptha”)
can be used alone, or in any combination, to cast the fixing layer. Other solvents such as
polydimethylcyclosiloxane (mostly comprising octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, CAS# 556—67—
2), which are purportedly more environmentally friendly, can be used alone or in various
combinations as well.
onally, a thixotropic additive such as fumed silica can be added to control
viscosity and facilitate coating of the fixing layer on different equipment types. Fumed silica
may be added in concentrations of from about 1 to about 5 wt.% to control viscosity of the
fixing layer during application onto the carrier sheet.
Other ves can be added instead of the fumed silica, or in combination with
the silica, to control certain physical properties such as viscosity or shrinkage of the fixing
layer. Examples of additives include crystalline silica, glass spheres, ceramic spheres,
bentonite clay, talc, mica, quartz, feldspar, magnetite, and silica-alumina particles. The one or
more additives can be added in a total concentrations of from about 1 to about 70 wt.%.
Resistivity of the coating can be influenced by the on of metal particles such
as copper or nickel or silver to se the conductivity of the coating.
Fillers such as glass spheres or ceramic spheres of from about 1 to about 200
microns can be added to increase the surface roughness of the fixing layer, and consequently,
the receptivity of the fixing layer to the ink. nts such as pigments and dyes may also be
added to tint or color the fixing layer regardless that the ink printed thereon may be colored.
The other type of fixing layer that finds use herein comprises a silicone instead of
a hydrocarbon resin/synthetic rubber ation. In various embodiments, peroxide cured
or addition cured silicone pressure sensitive adhesives may used solely as the fixing layer. In
various embodiments, the silicone adhesive comprises a silicone resin dispersed in an
aromatic t such as toluene. The al is then catalyzed by an addition cure chemical
such as a platinum catalyst, or a benzoyl peroxide catalyst. The viscosity of the silicone
WO 45802
adhesive can be modified with addition of fumed silica in an amount of about from about 1 to
about 5 wt.%.
Each of the two types of fixing layer has its own advantages and characteristics.
For example, the hydrocarbon resin/synthetic rubber fixing layer is less expensive than the
silicone fixing layer, although the latter is better for higher temperature gs. Further,
each type interacts differently with the ink layer when the ink layer is transferred off the
carrier sheet, as explained below.
3. The carrier sheet:
Typical r sheets that can be used to receive the fixing layer coating as well
as ally t the completed transfer include, but are not limited to, PET parchment
paper, HDPE, LDPE, PP, vinyl, yrene, Kraft paper, poly-coated Kraft paper, and
synthetic polyolefin , such as Teslin® (from PPG Industries). The fixing layer is
printed and then cured or dried onto this substrate. The coating should remain adhered to the
substrate during the rest of the cturing and printing steps. The lower temperature
curing as described herein make it possible to use heat sensitive carrier films such as LDPE,
HDPE, PP and vinyl, which tend to be more flexible and lower cost than PET .
Methods of manufacturing a transfer
Coating the fixing layer onto the carrier sheet or paper
The fixing layer is coated onto the carrier sheet. Typical coating methods include
screen printing, roll coating and gravure coating. Screen printing is an exemplary
embodiment to coat the fixing layer. Typical viscosities of the fixing layer composition for
screen printing are from about 2500 to about 10000 cps. Typical screen meshes are in the
range of from about 60 to about 400 threads per inch. Typical screen fabrics include
polyester, nylon and stainless steel.
[0074] In various embodiments, the fixing layer coating can be screen printed onto the
carrier sheet using normal screen printing techniques. The resulting fixing layer g is
then cured at a temperature of from about 150° F to about 300° F for about 1-3 minutes. The
fixing layer should have a dried film ess of from about 0.25 mils to about 4 mils, or in
various embodiments, from about 0.5 mils to about 2.5 mils.
[0075] After drying, the fixing layer remains sufficiently tacky to trap the ink particles
and fix them to the sheet. The fixing layer, being adhesive in this way, is also microscopically
porous so as to trap the particles within the body of the fixing layer rather than only fixing
them on the surface. The three-dimensionally porous structure of the cured fixing layer can
be achieved through various means including using an aggregate in the fixing layer coating to
create roughness and coarse thread diameters as in the case of printing the fixing layer with a
screen ng method.
Porosity can also be created by quickly drying the coating and causing incomplete
g of the carrier sheet by the coating on the ate. This porosity allows penetration
of the ink into the fixing layer and allows it to adhere to the fixing layer coating even with
minimal heating after printing of the ink layer. If the ink were to be printed on the carrier
sheet without the benefit of the fixing layer, it would be removed easily like dust from a dry
surface unless it were heated beyond the fusion temperature necessary to melt and co-mingle
the plastic particles of the ink.
[0077] Applying the ink to the fixing layer
In the second step of the transfer manufacturing, the ink is printed or coated in a
desired decorative pattern onto the fixing layer. Appropriate coating techniques include
screen printing, e printing, inkj et printing, and thermal transfer printing. After the ink
is coated onto the fixing layer it is dried. The printed ink layer is dried at a temperature high
enough to remove the hydrocarbon solvent from the ink layer, but low enough to prevent
melting and fusion of the polyolefin or other c particles in the ink and to prevent any comingling
of the ric particles with the fixing layer. In various embodiments, the ink
coating is dried between the temperatures of about 90° F and 240° F, and in other aspects,
may be dried from about 130° F to about 200° F. In various embodiments, drying is at less
than 240° F. Cooler temperatures of drying are possible if conducted for longer drying times.
The fixing layer holds or traps the ink layer onto its surface and keeps it in place
even though the plastic particles have not been melted.
The trapped particles of ink remain scuff resistant as they are adhered tenaciously
to the fixing layer and within the porous structure of the fixing layer. The particles of plastic
and pigment in the ink remain in the decorative design they were printed, and do not bleed
into the fixing layer.
Depending on the composition of the fixing layer, the ink layer may transfer from
the carrier sheet either with the fixing layer or without it after the fusion s. Thus, the
choice of fixing layer may profoundly affect the type of finish one obtains for the tion
after it becomes integral with the molded part. Commercially available films are typically
available in only a few s, e.g., matte, semi-gloss and gloss, and these few options may
not match the finish of the previously molded part to be ted if the finish of the film
translates to the part. ore, it is desirable to be able to vary the finish of the decoration
such that the finish of the decoration can be more closely matched to the finish of the
usly molded part. In certain examples, it is desirable for the finish of the film not to
transfer over to the part so as not to create mismatches in finish n the part and the
decorative marking.
In particular, a fixing layer comprising hydrocarbon resin and tic rubber
tends to er with the ink layer printed thereon, adhering and comingling after the fusion
process used to er the decoration to the part. In this case, the decoration tends to keep
the prior finish of the film, which as mentioned above may be commercially limited. Further,
this system is somewhat less crisp on tipping. The phenomenon appears to result from a
compatibility between the layers. Examples of compatible layers include, but are not limited
to, arbon ying resins, hydrocarbon waxes, and low density polyethylene waxes.
The silicone-type fixing layer, on the other hand, tends to remain with the carrier
sheet. That is, the ink layer and the silicone layer have a certain incompatibility that seems to
promote tion between the ink layer and the fixing layer. In this case, the prior finish of
the film does not translate to the part, giving the opportunity to adjust the finish of the
decoration. Examples of incompatible layers include, but are not limited to, silicone, PVC,
acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, natural and synthetic rubber such as SBS and SBR based
adhesives, and hot melt adhesives.
Use of the transfer to decorate articles or for in-mold transfer of a
A. Rotational molding
[0086] In various embodiments, a method of transferring a onto a rotationally
molded part ses (a) adding a pressure sensitive adhesive layer to the transfer, (b)
applying the transfer to an inside surface of the mold, with the pressure sensitive adhesive
side against the inside surface of the rotational mold, (c) removing the carrier sheet, and (d)
rotationally molding a part within the mold, wherein the graphic on the inside surface of the
mold transfers to the part during the molding.
A transfer is first coated by a pressure sensitive ve which allows the transfer
to be adhered to the inside surface of a rotational mold. The transfers with the adhesive layer
are applied onto the inside surface of the onal mold by pressing the transfer against the
mold surface and then manually removing the graphic design from the carrier film by a
squeegee or bumishing tool ensuring the graphic is adhered by the pressure sensitive
adhesive to the mold. During the rotational molding cycle, the decorative indicia are
subsequently transferred from the mold onto the e of the part.
In a variation of the method, a pressure sensitive adhesive in applied over the top
of the ink layer and dried. As mentioned, the adhesive allows for the adherence of the transfer
to the mold surface during the molding process. After molding, the adhesive is then separated
from ink, which is adhered to the part. The adhesive is d off with an appropriate
solvent that leaves the ink layer intact on the surface of the part.
B. Hot stamping
1. ers are applied to the surface of preformed polyethylene or polypropylene
parts with te heat, time and pressure to fuse them into the surface of the part. For this
application, the transfers would often be printed on a continuous roll having uniformly spaced
transfers. The ers can be applied by a commercial, reciprocal press that receives a
supply of molded parts across a stationary platen and that has a reciprocating and heated
platen e of being heated from about 250° F to about 600° F. Attached to the platen is a
die, such as made of aluminum and coated with a layer of silicone rubber.
The preformed plastic part is placed under the platen and the transfer is placed
between the part and the die on the . The die is then compressed on the transfer and the
part, for a time sufficient to fuse the transfer into the surface of the part and separate it from
the carrier sheet.
In various ments, the dies are heated at from about 400° F to about 550° F.
Each compression of the platen lasts from about 0.1 seconds to about 1 . In various
embodiments, compression duration is from about 0.5 seconds to about 10 seconds. The
pressure needed at the die varies from about 75 psi to about 2000 psi, depending on the size
of the part and the size of the transfer. In various embodiments, dies are shaped in an outline
around the perimeter of the image transfer, typically 1 mm or larger than the image transfer.
2. In s embodiments of the method, preformed plastic parts with raised
images or embossing may be colored by the application of a flat die onto a graphic er
on only the raised portions of the part, (i.e., tipping of the raised portions). The ink in this
case is overprinted as a single colored block or rectangle that covers the dimensions of the
raised space on the part. The silicone die is also rectangular or square shaped and
encompasses the raised portion of the part. The die is heated to a temperature of about 400° F
to about 550° F. The ink square is placed over the raised portion of the part and the die is then
compressed over top of it for about 1 to about 5 seconds. The ink only ers in the areas
that are raised on the part. Since the particles of the ink are not fused together in the drying
step in the process of making the transfer, no adjacent ink is transferred or carried onto the
part, thus creating a clean image transfer the first time.
3. In a variation to the embodiment immediately previous, a square block,
rectangle or continuous band of color supported on the carrier sheet may be used in
WO 45802
accordance with a shaped die to stamp out a positive image on to the part. In this case, the die
is also heated to about 400° F to about 550° F and is compressed on to the back of the carrier
film and on to the plastic part for about 1 to about 5 seconds and at about 75 to about 2000
psi. The image of the die is positively stamped out of the carrier film and fused on to the
c part. The die is removed from the surface and the carrier film is stripped off, leaving a
clean image of the ink fused into the surface of the plastic. As before, since the particles of
ink are not fused together on the carrier sheet, no nt material is transferred around the
die image, allowing for clean separation.
C. Heat application without pressure
[0096] Transfers may be applied to the surface of preformed plastic articles with heat but
without pressure. This application s is useful for decorating very large/bulky articles
that wouldn’t likely fit within the s of a hot stamping machine. Examples of such
articles include plastic storage tanks and other large s. For these bulky objects, a single
transfer sheet may be adhered to the surface of the object, aided by an adhesive layer on the
transfer or an adhesive later applied to the transfer or to the surface of the object. The
er, temporarily held in this way with the adhesive, is then peeled apart to remove the
carrier sheet but to leave behind the ink and fixing layers. This can be accomplished with a
squeegee or a bumishing pad. After removal of the carrier sheet, the ink is fused into the
surface of the plastic article by heating with an ed lamp, a heat gun, or with the flame
from a torch. The temperature of the plastic is raised quickly to the melting point of the
surface of the article, typically about 250-400° F, and then is cooled y below the
melting point. Enough thermal energy is applied in this process to fuse the graphic and the
plastic part together.
D. In-mold decorating
[0098] 1. In various embodiments, the ink and fixing layer are coated onto a polyolefin
film, or synthetic paper such as LDPE, HDPE or polypropylene as the carrier. The drying
techniques used should subject the films to no more than about 150° F so they don’t melt or
distort during the cture of the transfer. The transfer film is cut, or die cut, to size and
then placed into a mold. The film can be held in place with an adhesive, by a , or by
static electricity. The transfer is over-molded into the part during the molding cycle. Since the
ink and fixing layers are so compatible with the polyolefin film, they fuse into the films and
resist delamination extremely well.
Other in-mold systems feature inks ed of acrylic, urethane or polyester
type binders which are not compatible with polyolefin film. These inks tend to delaminate
under the temperature and UV stresses of outdoor applications.
E. Printing and Coating as a Thermal Transfer Ribbon
In other embodiments, the ink and fixing layers are coated onto a PET film roll
and used as an ink ribbon in traditional thermal transfer printing. Thermal transfer comprises
a ribbon that ts a print media and a corresponding image is heat erred on to the
print media. More specific ments in accordance with the present sure follow:
1. The ribbon and printer can be used to print onto print media sed of a
screen printed ink that is detailed above, with a fixing layer. The ink is subsequently fused at
a temperature of 290° F for a time sufficient to fuse the particles together, (e.g., about 10
seconds to about 2 minutes). This media is then passed through a thermal printer. The
thermal printing ribbon comprises the fixing layer above, with the ink described above in an
unfused state. The PET film should be about 0.5 to about 2 mils in thickness. The heated
print head fuses the PE particles coated on the transfer ribbon onto the print media. His
method is useful to print digital data such as barcodes, serial numbers, QR codes, and the
like. It is also possible to use multiple ribbons coated in the CMYK format to print four color
process artwork on the above described print media.
EXAMPLES
] Example 1: Foil for use with a hot stamp die
This example illustrates the construction of a foil for use with a hot stamp die to
decorate a usly molded polyolefin product. The construction was printed onto a roll of
2 mil thick PET film. The composition of the arbon resin-synthetic rubber type fixing
layer used in this example is set forth in TABLE 1.
[00106] TABLE 1: Hydrocarbon Resin/Synthetic Rubber Fixing Layer Composition
Approx. Weight
Gram ty Ingredient
95 Hydrocarbon tackifying resin
Synthetic rubber
100 Aromatic 100 solvent
Fumed silica
100% 225 grams
WO 45802
] The fixing layer composition of TABLE 1 was coated onto the PET film at a
viscosity of about 3500 cps with a screen printing machine. The coating was then dried at a
temperature of about 150° F for about 45 seconds.
The printing ink used in this example is set forth in TABLE 2.
[00109] TABLE 2: Black Printing Ink ition
Approx. Weight
Gram quantity Ingredient
4 HDPE micronized powder
100% 815 grams
The ink of TABLE 2 was then screen printed at a viscosity of about 4000 cps onto
the fixing layer previously applied to the PET film. The ink thus printed was dried at a
temperature of about 150° F for about 45 seconds.
[00111] The resulting construction was fed into a hot stamp press via a roll-to-roll
unwinder and rewinder apparatus. The hot stamp machine was fitted with a shaped
aluminum die that was in the pattern of the image to be stamped. The die was heated to a
temperature of about 350° F and a polyethylene plastic part to be decorated was placed under
the die and roll of film. The machine was engaged with the die contacting the film, which in
turn contacted the plastic part for about 2 s. The die was retracted and the film was
pulled off the part by the rewinder apparatus. The ink and fixing layer from the construction
were removed from the PET film and transferred to the c part in the image of the die.
This transferred image was permanent and was observed to be integral to the plastic part.
] Example 2: A multicolor transfer
[00113] In this example, a multicolor transfer was manufactured using the fixing layer
composition of TABLE 1 and the black ink of TABLE 2, in addition to a white ink. In the
first step of the process, the fixing layer composition of TABLE 1 was coated and dried on a
3 mil thick PET film as per Example 1. In the next step, a patterned stencil was used on a
screen printing machine to apply a first layer of the above-described black ink of TABLE 2
onto the fixing layer. Following black ink printing, a second screen with an ing pattern
was aligned over the printed construction. This pattern was screened with a white ink having
the composition of TABLE 3.
TABLE 3: White Printing Ink Composition
Approx. Weight
Gram quantity Ingredient
.24 Odorless mineral s
1.21 Succinimide dispersant
The white ink composition of TABLE 3 was coated next to the black ink layer and
also onto the fixing layer at a viscosity of about 4000 cps. It was dried at a temperature of
about 1500 F for about 45 seconds. The resulting construction was fed into a hot stamp
machine and under a rectangular aluminum die. The die was coated with a 1A inch layer of
ne rubber and was about 1A inch larger than the printed image on the PET film. A
hylene part was placed under the die and the roll of film. The machine was engaged
whereby the die contacted the back of the film for about 3 seconds. The die was then
retracted and the film stripped from the surface of the plastic part. The fixing layer and both
the white coating and the black coating were fused into the plastic part and were deemed to
be permanent and integral to the part.
[00116] Example 3: Transfer to the inside of a mold
In this example, the fixing layer composition of TABLE 1 was used again, coated
and dried onto a 3 mil PET film as per Example 2. The black and white ink layers described
in TABLES 2 and 3, respectively, were coated and dried in succession on the fixing layer as
per above. At this point, the fixing layer and the overlaying white and black ink layers were
coated with a silicone PSA. This layer was dried and cured at a temperature of about 275° F
for 1 minute. The ing construction was then placed face down on the inside surface of a
onal mold, a blow mold, an injection mold, or a -forming mold. Using a
squeegee, and by pressing against the back of the film, the image was adhered to the inside
surface of the mold by the PSA. The carrier film was then stripped off from the mold and
d altogether. The part was then molded using the normal molding techniques
riate for the type of mold chosen, and then the molded part was cooled. The image
construction was transferred into the wall of the polyethylene part during the molding process
to become part of the e. The part having the image fused into the surface was then
removed from the mold, and there was no evidence of any portion of the transfer remaining
in the mold.
Example 4: Tipping
In this example, the fixing layer composition of TABLE 4 was used.
TABLE 4: Silicone Fixing Layer Composition
Approx. Weight
Gram quantity Ingredient
Silicone PSA
Fumed silica
230 grams
[00121] The fixing composition of TABLE 4 was printed on conventional screen printing
equipment at a viscosity of about 4000 cps onto a roll of 2 mil film. The coating was dried
and cured at a temperature of about 275° F for about 1 minute. Following curing of the
fixing layer, the black ink composition of TABLE 2 was screen d onto the fixing layer
as per Example 1. The black ink layer thus printed was dried at a temperature of about 150° F
for about 45 seconds. The resulting construction was then fed into a hot stamp machine. A
plastic part with raised lettering was positioned in the hot stamp machine under a heated die
as described in Example 2. The machine was engaged and the die was brought into contact
with the back of the film for about 4 seconds. The die and the film at that point were only in
contact with the raised lettering on the part and not with the main surface of the part. The die
was then retracted and the film together with the fixing layer were ed away from the
c part. The result was black ink transferred to the raised portions of the plastic part.
The ink was fused permanently into the part and was integral to the part.
Example 5: In-mold ng after printing on a film
In this e, a plastic film having similar characteristics to a molded plastic
part to be molded was used as the carrier film. Films such as HDPE, LDPE, and PP can be
used. A 4 mil thick film of LDPE was printed with the hydrocarbon resin/rubber fixing layer
composition of TABLE 1, coated and then cured as per Example 2. The resulting fixing layer
was then overprinted with the same coatings and techniques as per Example 2. The entire
construction was then die cut out and placed into a mold. The film and ink construction was
held in the mold by various techniques includes vacuum, static or by ves. The mold
was closed and the part molded therein. After the part was molded and , the part was
ded and the film and ink construction were found adhered to the part. The ink was
deemed to be permanently bonded to the film such that it could not readily separate from it.
] Inks, transfers and methods of decorating plastic articles are provided. In the
detailed description herein, nces to “various embodiments77 ll one embodimen ", an
embodimen ", "an e embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may
include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not
necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases
are not arily referring to the same embodiment. r, when a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is ted that
it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or
characteristic in tion with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to
implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein
with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to
ms, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or
become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or
elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by
nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the ar is
not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more."
er, where a phrase similar to 'at least one of A, B, and C' or 'at least one of A, B, or C'
is used in the claims or specification, it is intended that the phrase be reted to mean that
A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C
alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C
may be present in a single ment, for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B
and C.
All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-
described various embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are
sly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present
claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a composition or method to address each and every
problem sought to be solved by the present disclosure, for it to be encompassed by the
present claims. rmore, no t, component, or method step in the present
disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element,
component, or method step is itly recited in the claims. No claim element is intended
to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means
for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,77 (Ccomprising,” or any other variation thereof, are
intended to cover a clusive inclusion, such that a chemical, chemical composition,
process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only
those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
chemical, chemical ition, process, method, article, or apparatus.
Claims (20)
1. An ink comprising: (a) powdered plastic sing particles of at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene and polyester; (b) a solvent having sufficient volatility for substantially total removal at a ature from about 32.22° C 5 (90° F) to about 115.56° C (240° F), the temperature being insufficient to fuse the powdered c particles; (c) an indicia additive; and (d) a dispersing agent.
2. The ink of claim 1, wherein the powdered plastic comprises powdered polyolefin further comprising a mixture of high y polyethylene particles having a density of from about 0.92 10 to about 0.97 gm/cc, and low density polyethylene particles having a y of from about 0.91 to about 0.92 gm/cc.
3. The ink of claim 1 or 2, wherein the powdered plastic is t in an amount of from about 25 to about 45 wt.%, based on the total weight of the ink.
4. The ink of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the powdered plastic has a particle size of from about 1 to about 150 microns.
5. The ink of claim 2, wherein the solvent comprises a hydrocarbon solvent, present in an amount 20 of from about 15 to about 45 wt.%, based on the total weight of the ink.
6. The ink of claim 5, wherein the dispersant comprises a succinimide dispersant, t in an amount sufficient to stabilize a dispersion of the powdered polyolefin in the hydrocarbon solvent. 25
7. The ink of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the indicia additive comprises a colorant, a pigment, a dye, metal flakes, metal spheres, mineral particles, metal les, or mixtures thereof.
8. The ink of claim 7, wherein the indicia additive is present at from about 1 to about 70 wt.%, based on the total weight of the ink.
9. A er comprising: (a) a carrier sheet or film; (b) a fixing layer disposed on the carrier sheet or film, the fixing layer comprising: about 47.5 wt.% of a hydrocarbon tackifier resin, based on the total weight of the fixing layer, having a molecular weight of about 360 g/mole and a ring and ball softening point of about 85° C; a synthetic ; and a solvent; and (c) an ink layer disposed on the fixing layer such that the fixing layer is n the ink layer and the carrier sheet or film, the ink layer formed from an ink composition comprising: 5 (i) powdered plastic; (ii) a t having sufficient volatility for substantially total removal at a temperature of less than about the melting temperature of the plastic; (iii) an indicia additive; and (iv) a sing agent.
10. A method of manufacturing a transfer, the method comprising: coating onto a r sheet or film a fixing layer composition; thermally curing the fixing layer; printing an ink on the fixing layer, the ink comprising: (a) at least one powdered plastic; 15 (b) a solvent having ient volatility for substantially total removal at a temperature of less than about the melting temperature of the powdered plastic; (c) an indicia additive; and (d) a dispersing agent; and drying the ink on the fixing layer at a temperature less than about the melting temperature of the powdered plastic to produce the transfer.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the fixing layer composition comprises at least one of a hydrocarbon tackifier resin, a synthetic rubber, a solvent, an aggregate, and additives.
12. The method of any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the fixing layer ition comprises a 25 silicone.
13. The method of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the fixing layer is thermally cured at from about 65.56° C (150° F) to about 148.89° C (300° F) for about 1-3 minutes. 30
14. The method of any one of claims 10-13, wherein the fixing layer thus coated on the carrier sheet or film has a dried film thickness of from about 0.25 mils to about 4 mils.
15. The method of any one of claims 10-14, wherein the ink is dried on the fixing layer at a temperature of about 54.44° C (130° F) to about 93.33° C (200° F).
16. A transfer comprising: (a) a r sheet or film; (b) a fixing layer ed on the carrier sheet or film, the fixing layer comprising: a 5 hydrocarbon tackifier resin; a synthetic rubber comprising a block copolymer consisting of either a styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) or a styrene-isobutylene-styrene (SIS) unsaturated rubber midblock, or comprising a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) or styreneethylene /propylene-styrene (SEPS) saturated midblock; and a solvent; and (c) an ink layer disposed on the fixing layer such that the fixing layer is between the ink 10 layer and the carrier sheet or film, the ink layer formed from an ink composition comprising: (i) powdered plastic; (ii) a solvent having sufficient volatility for substantially total removal at a temperature of less than about the melting temperature of the plastic; (iii) an indicia ve; and (iv) a dispersing agent. 15
17. A er comprising: (a) a carrier sheet or film; (b) a fixing layer disposed on the carrier sheet or film, the fixing layer formed from a ition comprising a peroxide cured or addition cured silicone re sensitive adhesive or a silicone resin dispersed in an aromatic solvent; and 20 (c) an ink layer disposed on the fixing layer such that the fixing layer is between the ink layer and the carrier sheet or film, the ink layer formed from an ink composition comprising: (i) powdered plastic; (ii) a solvent having sufficient volatility for ntially total removal at a temperature of less than about the melting temperature of the plastic; (iii) an indicia additive; and (iv) a dispersing agent.
18. The ink of any one of claims 1-8 or the method of any one of claims 10-15, wherein the ink comprises (e) a binder.
19. The transfer of claim 9 or claim 16, wherein the fixing layer comprises an aggregate and/or 30 additives, and/or the ink composition comprises (v) a binder.
20. The transfer of claim 17, wherein the ink composition comprises (v) a binder.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862686314P | 2018-06-18 | 2018-06-18 | |
US62/686,314 | 2018-06-18 | ||
PCT/US2019/036548 WO2019245802A1 (en) | 2018-06-18 | 2019-06-11 | Ink, transfers, methods of making transfers, and methods of using transfers to decorate plastic articles |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ770701A NZ770701A (en) | 2021-09-24 |
NZ770701B2 true NZ770701B2 (en) | 2022-01-06 |
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