WO2010113588A1

WO2010113588A1 - Inkjet ink and image forming method

Info

Publication number: WO2010113588A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/053532
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正樹中村; 宏毅川嶋; 悠介 ▲高▼久; 厚志仲島
Original assignee: コニカミノルタＩｊ株式会社
Priority date: 2009-04-02
Filing date: 2010-03-04
Publication date: 2010-10-07
Also published as: JPWO2010113588A1; JP5724871B2

Abstract

Disclosed is an inkjet ink which has excellent ejection stability and reduced moisture dependence during image formation, and is capable of providing images having excellent adhesion and flexibility. Also disclosed is an image forming method using the inkjet ink. The inkjet ink is composed of a photocurable inkjet ink that contains a coloring material, a photopolymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator. The photocurable inkjet ink is characterized in that the photopolymerizable compound contains a compound that has a molecular weight of 100 or more but less than 2,000 and contains a vinyl ether group, and a polymer compound that has a weight average molecular weight of not less than 2,000 but not more than 100,000 and contains a group represented by general formula (1) in a side chain.

Description

Ink jet ink and image forming method

The present invention relates to an inkjet ink used in an inkjet printer equipped with an actinic ray irradiation device and an image forming method using the inkjet ink.

The inkjet recording method is capable of recording high-definition images with a relatively simple device, and has been rapidly developed in various fields. Also, the fields used are diverse and various recording media or ink-jet inks are used according to their respective purposes. In particular, in recent years, the recording speed has been greatly improved, and an ink jet printer having performance capable of withstanding light printing applications has also been developed.

In this inkjet recording method, an inkjet ink is ejected from an inkjet head and landed on a recording medium to form an image. In order to eject the ink from the ink jet head, the ink needs to have a low viscosity. On the other hand, since a plurality of ink-jet inks having different hues land on the same area of the recording medium, high-viscosity ink is required to prevent color mixing called bleeding.

As one method for solving such a dilemma, an actinic ray curable inkjet recording system using an actinic ray curable inkjet ink has been put into practical use. This is because the ink jet ink contains a photocurable monomer and a photoinitiator, and after landing on the recording medium, the ink jet ink droplets are irradiated with actinic rays to cure the ink. Both ensuring and preventing bleeding. However, since a photopolymerizable compound is used as an actinic ray curable inkjet ink, it has an essential problem. Photopolymerizable compounds are mainly classified into radically polymerizable compounds and cationically polymerizable compounds.

It is well known that radically polymerizable compounds have polymerization inhibition due to oxygen in the atmosphere. Therefore, radically polymerizable curable inkjet inks using radically polymerizable compounds are usually not under special circumstances such as nitrogen substitution. When an image is formed under such an environment, it is necessary to form an image with a light source having a high illuminance and a large dot, and it is difficult to form a high-definition image under a general environment.

On the other hand, the cationic polymerizable curable inkjet ink is suitable for obtaining a high-definition image without being subjected to oxygen inhibition as described above. However, since it is easy to cause polymerization inhibition due to moisture, curing proceeds sufficiently even in a low humidity environment, but curing proceeds sufficiently, but as humidity increases, photocuring sensitivity decreases and adhesion of the cured film, flexibility, etc. The film physical properties also have the drawback of becoming fragile.

As a means for solving the problems of the above cationic polymerizable curable inkjet ink, a method of adding a polymer compound to the inkjet ink in advance has been studied. For example, an inkjet ink in which a polymer compound having an allyl group is contained in a cation polymerizable curable inkjet ink has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Certainly, in the method described in Patent Document 1, the film physical properties are partially improved, but the change in the photocuring sensitivity due to the humidity change is not improved. This is presumably because the polymerization reaction between the allyl group and the cationic polymerizable group is difficult to proceed during light irradiation.

Meanwhile, an inkjet ink containing a hyperbranched polymer having a cationic polymerizable group or a dendrimer polymer is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2). However, the effect of photocuring sensitivity due to humidity fluctuations cannot be reduced.

Patent Document 3 discloses a photocuring composition using a polymer compound in which β-methyl vinyl ether (also referred to as propenyl ether) is substituted at the terminal or side chain of the polymer compound, and has high sensitivity. It is said that a cured image that is cured by light irradiation and has excellent flow characteristics, cured resin properties, and adhesion to metal is obtained. However, the present invention is intended to prepare a photosensitive resin, and as an inkjet ink that needs to have a low viscosity for emission, it is too high in viscosity and can be used as it is. I could not do it.

Also disclosed is a photocurable ink-jet ink containing a vinyl ether compound having a weight average molecular weight of 300 to 5,000, having strong photocurability and cured film strength, and excellent adhesion and solvent resistance (for example, patents). Reference 4). However, in the method described in Patent Document 4, the influence of the curing sensitivity on the humidity is as large as in the past, and the problem that the photocuring sensitivity varies greatly depending on the humidity has not been solved.

JP 2008-280460 A JP 2006-282864 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-7754 JP 2005-8758 A

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to obtain an image having excellent ejection stability, low humidity dependency during image formation, and excellent adhesion and flexibility with a substrate. An inkjet ink and an image forming method using the same are provided.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration.

1. In a photocurable inkjet ink containing a colorant, a photopolymerizable compound, and a polymerization initiator, the photopolymerizable compound includes a compound having a vinyl ether group with a molecular weight of 100 or more and less than 2000, and the following general formula in the side chain: An inkjet ink comprising a polymer compound having a group represented by (1) and having a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 or more and 100,000 or less.

[Wherein R ¹ and R ² each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and X represents an organic linking group having one or more oxygen atoms. Represents. * Represents a bond with the polymer main chain. ]
2. The main chain of the polymer compound having a side chain represented by the general formula (1) is at least one selected from an acrylic resin, a vinyl acetate resin, a polyether resin, and a vinyl acetal resin. 2. The inkjet ink as described in 1 above.

3. The polymer compound having a group represented by the general formula (1) in the side chain is at least one selected from polymer compounds represented by the following general formulas (2) to (4): The inkjet ink according to 1 or 2 above.

[Wherein R ¹¹ , R ¹² , R ²¹ , R ²² , R ³¹ , R ³² each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, ¹ , X ² and X ³ each represents a divalent organic linking group. R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. ]
4). The polymer compound having a side chain represented by the general formula (1) has a main chain composed of a plurality of monomer components, and the concentration of the vinyl ether group relative to the total mass of the polymer compound is 0.25 mmol. The inkjet ink according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the inkjet ink is at least / g and at most 3.5 mmol / g.

5). X in the general formula (1) is represented by — (X ⁴ —O) _n — (wherein X ⁴ represents an ethylene group, a propylene group or a butylene group, and n is an integer of 1 to 5). 5. The inkjet ink according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein the inkjet ink has a connecting group.

6. The inkjet ink according to any one of 1 to 5, wherein 50% by mass or more of the compound having a vinyl ether group having a molecular weight of 100 or more and less than 2000 is the mass of the vinyl ether group.

7. 7. An image forming method comprising: ejecting the inkjet ink according to any one of 1 to 6 above onto a recording medium from an inkjet head; and irradiating the inkjet ink with an actinic ray and curing to form an image. Method.

The present invention provides an inkjet ink that is excellent in ejection stability, has little dependency on humidity at the time of image formation, and has excellent adhesion and flexibility with a substrate, and an image forming method using the same. I was able to.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail.

As a result of intensive studies in view of the above problems, the present inventor, as a result, in a photocurable inkjet ink containing a colorant, a photopolymerizable compound, and a polymerization initiator, the photopolymerizable compound has a molecular weight of 100 or more, It contains a compound having a vinyl ether group of less than 2000 and a polymer compound having a group represented by the general formula (1) in the side chain and having a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 or more and 100,000 or less. The present invention has found that an inkjet ink that is excellent in ejection stability, has little dependency on humidity at the time of image formation, and can provide an image having excellent adhesion and flexibility with a substrate can be realized. It depends on you.

That is, in the inkjet ink of the present invention, as a photopolymerizable compound, a compound having a relatively low molecular weight vinyl ether group having a molecular weight of 100 or more and less than 2000 (hereinafter also referred to as low molecular compound A), and a side chain having a general formula The viscosity of the ink is reduced by using in combination with a polymer compound having the group represented by (1) and having a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 or more and 100,000 or less (hereinafter also referred to as polymer compound B). In addition to being able to obtain the output stability from the inkjet head, it is possible to minimize the influence of curing inhibition due to water, and as a result, the influence of fluctuations in photocuring sensitivity to humidity changes can be suppressed. Thus, an image having excellent adhesion and flexibility can be obtained.

The reactivity of the low molecular weight compound A and the high molecular weight compound B in both systems is such that the low molecular weight compound A has a higher moving speed and diffusion speed than the high molecular weight compound B, so However, it is thought that it occurs with priority. For this reason, when the humidity is low, the polymerization reaction of the vinyl ether compound, which is the low molecular compound A, takes place preferentially, and the high molecular compound B cannot move as a result. Compound B plays a plasticizer role. On the other hand, in a high humidity environment, the polymerization of the vinyl ether compound, which is a low molecular compound A, acts as a chain transfer agent because water that has penetrated into the ink from the air acts as a polymer with a low polymerization degree. , It works as a plasticizer. In such a state, since the polymer compound B can move, a polymerization reaction between the polymer compounds B occurs, and the polymer compound B can be cured. As a result, as in a low-humidity environment, the polymer compound B can be cured. It is speculated that the same excellent cured film can be obtained even in a humidity environment. Moreover, in the normal humidity environment, a more excellent effect can be exhibited by acting in combination with the above-described effects in the low humidity environment and the high humidity environment. Therefore, by using an ink-jet ink in which a low molecular weight compound A and a high molecular weight compound B are used together in various humidity environments, the influence of humidity fluctuations in the curing environment of photocuring sensitivity can be suppressed, and adhesion and flexibility are always maintained. It is presumed that a good image was obtained stably.

Hereinafter, the details of the inkjet ink and the image forming method of the present invention will be described.

<Inkjet ink>
[Compound having a vinyl ether group with a molecular weight of 100 or more and less than 2000]
The ink-jet ink of the present invention is characterized in that a relatively low molecular weight vinyl ether compound (low molecular compound A) having a molecular weight of 100 or more and less than 2000 is used as the photopolymerizable compound.

Hereinafter, the low molecular compound A according to the present invention will be described.

In the present invention, there is no particular limitation as long as it is a compound having a vinyl ether group (low molecular weight compound A) that satisfies the requirements specified above. For example, a monovalent to hexavalent vinyl ether compound exemplified below, a vinyl group Examples thereof include a vinyl ether compound (propenyl ether) substituted with a methyl group at the β-position, a vinyl ether compound (butenyl ether) substituted with an ethyl group at the β-position of the vinyl group, and the like.

Examples of the compound having a monovalent vinyl ether group applicable to the present invention include butyl vinyl ether, butyl propenyl ether, butyl butenyl ether, hexyl vinyl ether, ethyl hexyl vinyl ether, phenyl vinyl ether, benzyl vinyl ether, ethyl ethoxy vinyl ether, acetyl ethoxy ethoxy. Examples thereof include vinyl ether, cyclohexyl vinyl ether, adamantyl vinyl ether and the like.

Examples of the compound having a divalent vinyl ether group applicable to the present invention include ethylene glycol divinyl ether, diethylene glycol divinyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutenyl ether, triethylene glycol divinyl ether, triethylene glycol dipropenyl ether, propylene glycol divinyl ether. , Dipropylene glycol vinyl ether, butylene divinyl ether, dibutylene glycol divinyl ether, neopentyl glycol divinyl ether, cyclohexane diol divinyl ether, cyclohexane dimethanol divinyl ether, cyclohexane dimethanol dipropenyl ether, norbornyl dimethanol divinyl ether, isobai Nil divinyl ether, divinyl vinyl Arsine, it may be mentioned divinyl hydroquinone.

Examples of the compound having a trivalent vinyl ether group applicable to the present invention include glycerin trivinyl ether, glycerin ethylene oxide adduct trivinyl ether (addition mole number of ethylene oxide 6), trimethylolpropane trivinyl ether, trimethylolpropane tripropenyl ether. And trivinyl ether ethylene oxide adduct trivinyl ether (addition mole number of ethylene oxide 3).

Examples of the compound having a tetravalent vinyl ether group applicable to the present invention include pentaerythritol trivinyl ether, pentaerythritol tripropenyl ether, pentaerythritol ethylene oxide adduct trivinyl ether (addition mole number of ethylene oxide 9), and the like. it can.

Examples of the compound having a hexavalent vinyl ether group applicable to the present invention include ditrimethylolpropane hexavinyl ether, ditrimethylolpropane hexapropenyl ether, ditrimethylolpropane ethylene oxide adduct hexavinyl ether (addition mole number of ethylene oxide 6) and the like. Can be mentioned.

In the ink-jet ink of the present invention, as the low molecular compound A, a compound having a bivalent or higher valent vinyl ether group is preferably used. By using a compound having a divalent or higher valent vinyl ether group, a polymerization reaction with an acid occurs more rapidly, which is more preferable in terms of photocuring sensitivity. More preferably, it is a compound having a divalent or trivalent vinyl ether group, and has a weight average molecular weight of 200 or more and less than 1000. The low molecular weight compound A having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 200 or more and less than 1000 has a faster diffusion rate in the ink and is relatively polymerized compared to the polymer compound B having a vinyl ether group in the side chain. By increasing the speed, the object effect of the present invention can be further exhibited.

[High molecular compound having a group represented by formula (1) in the side chain]
In the inkjet ink of the present invention, as a photopolymerizable compound, a polymer compound (polymer compound B) having a group represented by the general formula (1) in the side chain and having a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 to 100,000. ) Is one feature.

In the group represented by the general formula (1), R ¹ and R ² each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms in R ¹ and R ² include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an n-butyl group, an i-butyl group, and a hexyl group. . Examples of the alkenyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms include a 1-propenyl group, a 2-propenyl group, and a 5-hexenyl group. Preferably, it is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

X represents an organic linking group having one or more oxygen atoms. The organic linking group having one or more oxygen atoms in the present invention means an organic linking group having an ether group, an ester group, a carbonic acid group or an amide group in the linking group, and preferably an ether group not containing a nitrogen atom. Having an ester group and a carbonate group in the linking group. The organic linking group having one or more oxygen atoms is preferably a divalent group containing an oxyalkylene group represented by, for example, ethylene glycol or triethylene glycol, in order to serve as a chain transfer group. A divalent alcohol such as a linking group, cyclohexanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol, etc., dehydrated to form an ether structure, or a divalent group having an ester structure by reacting with an organic acid, or a divalent group having a carbonic acid bond. Preferably there is. Also, alcohols containing oxygen atoms in the ring, such as 4-oxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl, dehydrated to form ether structures, and ester structures reacting with organic acids Those having the above can also be suitably used.

Specific examples of the structure of the side chain group represented by the general formula (1) are shown below, but the present invention is not limited to the groups exemplified here.

In each of the exemplified groups, * represents a bond portion with the polymer main chain, and a wavy line written at the end of the vinyl group represents that the substitution position of the methyl group is either Cis or Trans.

In the group represented by the general formula (1), * represents a bonding portion with a polymer main chain, and examples of the polymer main chain include polystyrene resin, acrylic resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinyl acetate resin, and vinyl alcohol. Examples thereof include resins, vinyl acetal resins, polyether resins, and copolymers thereof, and resins selected from acrylic resins, vinyl acetate resins, vinyl acetal resins, and polyether resins are preferable.

The polymer compound having a group represented by the general formula (1) in the side chain according to the present invention is at least one selected from the polymer compounds represented by the general formulas (2) to (4). Is preferred.

In the general formulas (2) to (4), R ¹¹ , R ¹² , R ²¹ , R ²² , R ³¹ and R ³² are each a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or 3 to 3 carbon atoms. 6 represents an alkenyl group, and X ¹ , X ² and X ³ each represents a divalent organic linking group. R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. n represents the degree of polymerization.

In R ¹¹ , R ¹² , R ²¹ , R ²² , R ³¹ , R ³² , examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms include, for example, methyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, n-butyl group, i -A butyl group, a hexyl group, etc. can be mentioned. Examples of the alkenyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms include 1-propenyl group, 2-propenyl group, 2-butenyl, 5-hexenyl group and the like. Preferably, it is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Examples of the divalent organic linking group represented by X ¹ , X ² , and X ³ include an organic linking group in which an alkylene group, a phenylene group, an ester group, an ether group, and an amide group are combined. In addition, both chain and alicyclic can be used. Specific examples include an alkylene group, an alkyleneoxy group, a polyalkyleneoxy group, a phenylene group, a phenylenealkylene group, a phenoxyalkylene group, and a cyclic alkylene group (such as cyclohexylene). n represents the degree of polymerization, and is an integer in which the polymer compound has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 2,000 to 100,000.

The content of the vinyl ether group of the polymer compound B according to the present invention is preferably 0.25 mmol / g to 3.5 mmol / g with respect to the total mass of the polymer compound B. By setting it to 0.25 mmol / g or more, the amount of the vinyl ether group becomes appropriate, polymerization between polymers or crosslinking is sufficiently performed, and it becomes possible to further suppress fluctuations in curing sensitivity due to humidity. Moreover, by setting it as 3.5 mmol / g or less, it becomes easy to obtain favorable softness | flexibility, without a crosslinking density becoming high too much. That is, when the content of the vinyl ether group is in the range of 0.25 mmol / g to 3.5 mmol / g, an image with good humidity and less flexibility can be obtained. The molecular weight of the polymer compound B is preferably 2,000 or more as a weight average molecular weight, more preferably 4,000 or more and 100,000 or less, and particularly preferably 6,000 or more and 50,000 or less.

The preferable range of the weight average molecular weight of the polymer compound B is derived from the following viewpoints. If the weight average molecular weight of the polymer compound B is reduced, the moving speed in the ink is increased, so that the curing behavior at high humidity or low humidity may be less different from that of the low molecular compound A. There is. On the other hand, if the molecular weight is too large, the ink containing the polymer compound B has a high viscosity, which increases the possibility that the ejection properties and ejection stability of the ink-jet ink are impaired. Therefore, it is difficult to add an appropriate amount. There is a possibility.

In addition, the measurement of a weight average molecular weight can be easily measured by using gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

In the ink of the present invention, the polymer compound B is preferably added in the range of 2 to 50% by mass in the ink. When the addition amount is 2% by mass or more, the vinyl ether group concentration of the polymer compound B in the ink becomes appropriate, and the polymer is sufficiently polymerized or cross-linked. It is possible to maintain the stable emission characteristics. Furthermore, when the content is in the range of 3 to 50% by mass, the polymer compound B is more polymerized or cross-linked without adversely affecting the light emission property, so that the effect of the present invention can be further exhibited.

In the ink of the present invention, the content of the low molecular compound A is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more and 98% by mass or less.

The compound having a vinyl ether group of the low-molecular compound A can complement each other with the polymer compound B and more reliably enjoy the effects of the present invention if the vinyl ether having a molecular weight of 100 or more and less than 2000 is 20% by mass or more of the whole ink. be able to. In addition, when the ink contains another photopolymerizable compound such as an epoxy compound or an oxetane compound, the compound having a vinyl ether group of the low molecular compound A is copolymerized with the other photopolymerizable compound. Since it has a difficult property, the vinyl ether groups of the low molecular weight compound A can be preferentially polymerized by setting the low molecular weight compound A to a certain content, and the effects of the present invention can be more reliably enjoyed. . Furthermore, if the content of the low molecular compound A is 50% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, adhesion, flexibility, and the like are further improved.

As a method for synthesizing the polymer compound B according to the present invention, it can be easily synthesized, for example, by using the methods described in JP-A-4-068009 and JP-A-10-007754.

In the present invention, the ratio (mass ratio) between the low molecular compound A and the high molecular compound B according to the present invention is not particularly limited, but is generally 60:40 or more as the low molecular compound A: the high molecular compound B. 97: 3 or less, more preferably 80:20 or more and 95: 5 or less.

[Other components of inkjet ink]
(Polymerization initiator)
The ink of the present invention contains a polymerization initiator together with a photopolymerizable compound.

As the polymerization initiator that can be used in the inkjet ink of the present invention, a known polymerization initiator can be used. Specifically, arylsulfonium salt derivatives (Syracure UVI-6990, Syracure UVI-6974 manufactured by Union Carbide, Inc .; Adekaoptomer SP-150, Adekaoptomer SP-152, Adekaoptomer SP-170 manufactured by Asahi Denka Kogyo Co., Ltd. Adekaoptomer SP-172, CPI-100, CPI-110P, CPI-110A manufactured by Sun Apro, TS-91 manufactured by Sanwa Chemical Co., Esacure 1187, Esacure 1188 manufactured by Lamberti, etc.), allyl iodonium salt derivatives (RP-2074 manufactured by Rhodia, Irgacure 250 manufactured by Ciba Japan), allene-ion complex derivatives (Irgacure 261 manufactured by Ciba Japan), diazonium salt derivatives, triazine initiators and other halogens Polymerization initiators such products can be mentioned.

The polymerization initiator is preferably contained in a ratio of 0.2 to 10 parts by mass and further 0.5 to 5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the photopolymerizable compound. If the content of the polymerization initiator is 0.2 parts by mass or more, a desired cured product can be obtained. If the content of the polymerization initiator is 10 parts by mass or less, the polymerization initiator itself becomes an ultraviolet absorber and the shielding effect in the ink. Can be suppressed, a further improvement in curability can be obtained, and the storage stability of the ink at low and high temperatures can be maintained. These polymerization initiators can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

A sensitizer can be used together with the polymerization initiator. Examples of the sensitizer for the polymerization initiator include anthracene and anthracene derivatives (Adekaoptomer SP-100 manufactured by Asahi Denka Kogyo Co., Ltd., diethoxyanthracene, dibutoxyanthracene, etc.) when a sulfonium salt is used as the polymerization initiator. It is done. When an iodonium salt is used as a polymerization initiator, thioxanthones can be used. These sensitizers can be used alone or in combination. The addition amount is preferably 0.2 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 4 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the photopolymerizable compound. If it is 0.2 parts by mass or more, a sensitizing effect can be obtained, and if it is 5 parts by mass or less, coloring of the sensitizer itself and coloring by a sensitizer decomposition product can be suppressed.

(Other photopolymerizable compounds)
In the inkjet ink of the present invention, in addition to the low molecular compound A and the high molecular compound B, other photopolymerizable compounds. For example, an epoxy compound, an oxetane ring-containing compound, and a radical polymerizable compound can be used as long as the object effects of the present invention are not impaired.

<Epoxy compound>
As the epoxy compound, any of monomers, oligomers, and polymers that are usually used as epoxy resins can be used. Specific examples include conventionally known aromatic epoxides, alicyclic epoxides and aliphatic epoxides. Hereinafter, the epoxide means a monomer or an oligomer thereof. You may use these compounds 1 type or 2 types or more as needed.

A preferable aromatic epoxide is a di- or polyglycidyl ether produced by the reaction of a polyhydric phenol having at least one aromatic nucleus or an alkylene oxide adduct thereof and epichlorohydrin, such as bisphenol A or an alkylene thereof. Examples thereof include di- or polyglycidyl ethers of oxide adducts, di- or polyglycidyl ethers of hydrogenated bisphenol A or alkylene oxide adducts thereof, and novolak-type epoxy resins. Here, examples of the alkylene oxide include ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

As the alicyclic epoxide, cyclohexene oxide or cyclopentene obtained by epoxidizing a compound having at least one cycloalkane ring such as cyclohexene or cyclopentene ring with an appropriate oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or peracid. Oxide-containing compounds are preferred, and specific examples include, for example, Celoxide 2021, Celoxide 2021A, Celoxide 2021P, Celoxide 2080, Celoxide 2000, Epoxide GT301, Epoxide GT302, Epoxide GT401, Epoxide GT403, EHPE-3150, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd. EHPEL3150CE; Union Carbide UVR-6105, UVR-6110, UVR-6128, UVR-6100, UVR-6216, VR-6000, and the like can be given.

Preferable aliphatic epoxides include di- or polyglycidyl ethers of aliphatic polyhydric alcohols or alkylene oxide adducts thereof, and typical examples thereof include ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, propylene glycol diglycidyl ether or 1, Diglycidyl ethers of alkylene glycols such as 6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, polyglycidyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as di- or triglycidyl ethers of glycerin or its alkylene oxide adducts, diglycidyl of polyethylene glycol or its alkylene oxide adducts Diglycidies of polyalkylene glycols such as ether, polypropylene glycol or diglycidyl ether of alkylene oxide adducts thereof Ether and the like. Here, examples of the alkylene oxide include ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

Further, in addition to these compounds, monoglycidyl ethers of higher aliphatic alcohols and monoglycidyl ethers of phenol and cresol can also be used. Of these epoxides, aromatic epoxides and alicyclic epoxides are preferable, and alicyclic epoxides are particularly preferable in consideration of fast curability.

<Oxetane compound>
An oxetane compound is a compound having one or more oxetane (trimethylene oxide) rings in the molecule. Specifically, 3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyloxetane (manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd .: OXT101, etc.), 1,4-bis [(3-ethyl-3-oxetanyl) methoxymethyl] benzene (OXT121, etc.), 3- Ethyl-3- (phenoxymethyl) oxetane (same as OXT211), di (1-ethyl-3-oxetanyl) methyl ether (same as XT221), 3-ethyl-3- (2-ethylhexyloxymethyl) oxetane (same as above) OXT212, etc.), di (1-methyl-3-oxetanyl) methyl ether, etc. can be preferably used, especially 3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyloxetane, 3-ethyl-3- (phenoxymethyl) oxetane, di (1 -Ethyl-3-oxetanyl) methyl ether is preferred. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

In addition to the above-described vinyl ether, epoxy compound, and oxetane compound, the photopolymerizable compound may contain a known photopolymerizable cyclic compound.

<Radically polymerizable compound>
A radically polymerizable compound may be added as a photopolymerizable compound to the photocurable ink-jet ink of the present invention. As the radically polymerizable compound, a compound that can be copolymerized with an unsaturated double bond, such as a conventionally known (meth) acrylic acid ester, maleic anhydride, a thiol compound, or an allyl compound, can be used.

(Color material)
The color material means a pigment or dye that absorbs or reflects light within the wavelength of visible light. However, in consideration of fastness, it is preferable to use a pigment having higher fastness as a coloring material.

As the pigment, colorless inorganic pigments or colored organic pigments such as carbon black, titanium oxide, and calcium carbonate can be used. Examples of organic pigments include insoluble azo pigments such as toluidine red, toluidine maroon, Hansa yellow, benzidine yellow and pyrazolone red, soluble azo pigments such as ritole red, heliobordeaux, pigment scarlet, and permanent red 2B; alizarin, indanthrone, thio Derivatives from vat dyes such as indigo maroon; phthalocyanine organic pigments such as phthalocyanine blue and phthalocyanine green; quinacridone organic pigments such as quinacridone red and quinacridone magenta; perylene organic pigments such as perylene red and perylene scarlet; isoindolinone Isoindolinone organic pigments such as yellow and isoindolinone orange; Pyranthrone organic pigments such as pyranthrone red and pyranthrone orange; Thioindigo Machine pigments, condensed azo organic pigments, benzimidazolone organic pigments, quinophthalone organic pigments such as quinophthalone yellow; isoindoline organic pigments such as isoindoline yellow; other pigments such as flavanthron yellow, acylamide yellow, nickel Azo yellow, copper azomethine yellow, perinone orange, anthrone orange, dianthraquinonyl red, dioxazine violet and the like can be mentioned.

Organic pigment is color index (CI) No. This is illustrated below.

C. I. Pigment Yellow 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 24, 74, 83, 86, 93, 109, 110, 117, 120, 125, 128, 129, 137, 138, 139, 147, 148, 150, 151, 153, 154, 155, 166, 168, 180, 185,
C. I. Pigment Orange 16, 36, 43, 51, 55, 59, 61,
C. I. Pigment Red 9, 48, 49, 52, 53, 57, 97, 122, 123, 149, 168, 177, 180, 192, 202, 206, 215, 216, 217, 220, 223, 224, 226, 227, 228, 238, 240,
C. I. Pigment violet 19, 23, 29, 30, 37, 40, 50,
C. I. Pigment Blue 15, 15: 1, 15: 3, 15: 4, 15: 6, 22, 60, 64,
C. I. Pigment Green 7, 36,
C. I. Pigment brown 23, 25, 26,
Among the above pigments, quinacridone-based, phthalocyanine-based, benzimidazolone-based, isoindolinone-based, condensed azo-based, quinophthalone-based, and isoindoline-based organic pigments are preferable because of their excellent light resistance.

The organic pigment is preferably dispersed in the ink and is a fine particle having an average particle diameter in the ink of 10 to 150 nm as measured by laser scattering. When the average particle size of the pigment is less than 10 nm, the light resistance is lowered due to the small particle size, and when it exceeds 150 nm, it is difficult to maintain stable dispersion, and the precipitation of the pigment is likely to occur. The stability is lowered, and it becomes easy to cause a problem that a minute mist called a satellite is generated. However, in the case of titanium oxide, the average particle diameter is set to 150 to 300 nm, preferably 180 to 250 nm, in order to provide whiteness and concealment.

In addition, it is preferable that coarse particles are removed by sufficient dispersion or filtration so that the maximum particle size of the pigment in the ink does not exceed 1.0 μm. When coarse particles are present, ejection stability is lowered.

In addition, in order to promote the adsorption of the pigment with the pigment dispersant on the surface thereof, the surface treatment by a known technique such as an acid treatment or a basic treatment, a synergist, or various coupling agents ensures the dispersion stability. Therefore, it is preferable.

In order to obtain a sufficient concentration and sufficient light resistance, the pigment is 1.5 to 8% by mass in the case of colors other than white in the inkjet ink, and 10 to 30% by mass in the case of a white ink using titanium oxide. % Is preferably included.

(Pigment dispersant)
In order to stably disperse the pigment in the ink, it is preferable to use a pigment dispersant. Examples of the pigment dispersant include a hydroxyl group-containing carboxylic acid ester, a salt of a long chain polyaminoamide and a high molecular weight acid ester, a salt of a high molecular weight polycarboxylic acid, a salt of a long chain polyaminoamide and a polar acid ester, a high molecular weight unsaturated acid ester, Polymer copolymer, modified polyurethane, modified polyacrylate, polyether ester type anionic activator, naphthalene sulfonic acid formalin condensate salt, aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate salt, polyoxyethylene alkyl phosphate ester, polyoxyethylene nonyl Examples thereof include phenyl ether, stearylamine acetate, and pigment derivatives.

Specific examples include “Anti-Terra-U (polyaminoamide phosphate)”, “Anti-Terra-203 / 204 (high molecular weight polycarboxylate)”, “Disperbyk-101 (polyaminoamide phosphate) manufactured by BYK Chemie. Salt (acid ester), 107 (hydroxyl group-containing carboxylic acid ester), 110 (copolymer containing acid group), 130 (polyamide), 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 170 (polymer copolymer) ) "," 400 "," Bykumen "(high molecular weight unsaturated acid ester)," BYK-P104, P105 (high molecular weight unsaturated acid polycarboxylic acid) "," P104S, 240S (high molecular weight unsaturated acid polycarboxylic acid) And silicon) ”,“ Lactimon (long chain amine and unsaturated acid polycarboxylic acid and Reconfiguration) "and the like.

In addition, “Efka 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 54, 63, 64, 65, 66, 71, 701, 764, 766”, “Efka Polymer 100 (modified polyacrylate), 150” (fat) manufactured by Efka CHEMICALS Group modified polymer), 400, 401, 402, 403, 450, 451, 452, 453 (modified polyacrylate), 745 (copper phthalocyanine)); “Floren TG-710 (urethane oligomer)” manufactured by Kyoei Chemical Co., Ltd. "Flownon SH-290, SP-1000", "Polyflow No. 50E, No. 300 (acrylic copolymer)"; "Disparon KS-860, 873SN, 874 (polymer dispersing agent) manufactured by Enomoto Kasei Co., Ltd." , # 2150 (aliphatic polyvalent carboxylic acid), # 7004 (polyether ester type) ”, etc. And the like.

Furthermore, “Demol RN, N (Naphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate sodium salt), MS, C, SN-B (aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate sodium salt), EP”, “Homogenol L-18” manufactured by Kao Corporation. (Polycarboxylic acid type polymer) "," Emulgen 920, 930, 931, 935, 950, 985 (polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ether) "," Acetamine 24 (coconut amine acetate), 86 (stearyl amine acetate) "; “Solspers 5000 (phthalocyanine ammonium salt type), 13240, 13940 (polyesteramine type), 17000 (fatty acid amine type), 24000, 32000, 7000” manufactured by Zeneca Corporation; Mo Oleate), MYS-IEX (polyoxyethylene monostearate), Hexagline4-0 (hexaglyceryl ruthenate Huwei Rate) ", manufactured by Ajinomoto Fine-Techno Co., of AJISPER 821,822,824, and the like.

These pigment dispersants are preferably contained in an amount of 5 to 70% by mass, preferably 10 to 50% by mass, based on the pigment 100. If it is 5% or more, the dispersion stability is improved, and if it is 70% or less, good ejection stability can be maintained.

Furthermore, it is preferable that these pigment dispersants have a solubility of 5% by mass or more with respect to the total mass of the photopolymerizable compound at 0 ° C. When the solubility is 5% by mass or more, when the ink is stored at a low temperature, the generation of a soft aggregate of polymer gel or pigment can be prevented, and the storage stability and ejection stability of the ink can be maintained.

(Polymerization inhibitor)
In the ink of the present invention, it is preferable to add a polymerization inhibitor.

Examples of the polymerization inhibitor applicable to the present invention include alkali metal compounds and / or alkaline earth metal compounds or amines. Since it is preferable not to add alkali metal ions as much as possible as described later, amines are suitable.

Preferred amines are alkanolamines, N, N-dimethylalkylamines, N, N-dimethylalkenylamines, N, N-dimethylalkynylamines, and more specifically, triethanolamine, triethanolamine, Isopropanolamine, tributanolamine, N-ethyldiethanolamine, propanolamine, n-butylamine, sec-butylamine, 2-aminoethanol, 2-methylaminoethanol, 3-methylamino-1-propanol, 3-methylamino-1, 2-propanediol, 2-ethylaminoethanol, 4-ethylamino-1-butanol, 4- (n-butylamino) -1-butanol, 2- (t-butylamino) ethanol, N, N-dimethylundeca Nord, N, N-dimethyldodecanol N, N-dimethyltridecanolamine, N, N-dimethyltetradecanolamine, N, N-dimethylpentadecanolamine, N, N-dimethylnonadecylamine, N, N-dimethylicosylamine, N, N-dimethyleicosylamine, N, N-dimethylhenecosylamine, N, N-dimethyldocosylamine, N, N-dimethyltricosylamine, N, N-dimethyltetracosylamine, N, N-dimethyl Pentacosylamine, N, N-dimethylpentanolamine, N, N-dimethylhexanolamine, N, N-dimethylheptanolamine, N, N-dimethyloctanolamine, N, N-dimethylnonanolamine, N, N -Dimethyldecanolamine, N, N-dimethylnonylamine, N, N-dimethyldecylamine N, N-dimethylundecylamine, N, N-dimethyldodecylamine, N, N-dimethyltridecylamine, N, N-dimethyltetradecylamine, N, N-dimethylpentadecylamine, N, N- Examples include dimethylhexadecylamine, N, N-dimethylheptadecylamine, and N, N-dimethyloctadecylamine. In addition to these, quaternary ammonium salts and the like can also be used.

Other polymerization inhibitors applicable to the present invention include, for example, methoquinone (hydroquinone monomethyl ether), hydroquinone, 4-methoxy-1-naphthol, hindered amine antioxidants, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic mercapto compounds, thioether oxidations Antioxidants, hindered phenolic antioxidants, ascorbic acids, zinc sulfate, thiocyanates, thiourea derivatives, various sugars, phosphate antioxidants, nitrites, sulfites, thiosulfates, hydroxylamine derivatives, dicyandiamide And polyalkylene polyamine polycondensates.

The addition amount of these polymerization inhibitors is preferably 10 to 5000 ppm. If it is less than 10 ppm, the storage stability cannot be obtained, and the ejection stability is impaired, for example, the viscosity of the ink cannot be increased or the liquid repellency with respect to the inkjet nozzle cannot be obtained. If it exceeds 5000 ppm, the acid generation efficiency of the polymerization initiator is lowered, and the curing sensitivity is lowered.

The ink of the present invention may contain 0.2 to 2% by mass of water. Thereby, storage stability can be improved without lowering the curing sensitivity. When the content is 0.2% or more, the storage stability is improved by the addition of water, and the effect of improving the ejection stability is obtained, such as increasing the viscosity of the ink and maintaining the liquid repellency with respect to the inkjet nozzle. If it exceeds 2%, the pigment dispersibility is lowered, and the storage stability such as precipitation of the dispersant and various additives occurs.

(Metal ions)
In the ink of the present invention, the total amount of Na ions, Ca ions and Mg ions in the ink is preferably 100 ppm or less.

These alkali metal ions do not cause any problems during normal ink storage, but form slightly soluble salts when the ink receives active energy rays and various decomposition products and active species are generated from the polymerization initiator. There are things to do. Therefore, when ink is ejected for a long period of time, a hardly soluble precipitate is generated in the vicinity of the opening of the ink jet nozzle, and the ejection accuracy is lowered.

The method of reducing the amount of alkali metal ions in the ink is achieved by purifying various materials used. In particular, commonly used pigments, polymerization initiators such as sulfonium salts, dispersants, and polymerization initiators such as vinyl ether, oxetane, and epoxy may contain alkali metal ions as impurities in the production process. It is preferable to use after suitably purifying. By refining these alkali metals, the content of the counter anion is also reduced, and there is an effect that a decrease in photopolymerization due to impurities can be suppressed.

It is also preferable to reduce halogen ion species such as chlorine as much as possible. Halogen ion species significantly reduce the reactivity of the vinyl ether compound under high humidity conditions. The total amount of halogen ions is less than 50 ppm, preferably less than 10 ppm. The reduction of the halogen ion species can be achieved by refining the raw material in the same manner as the reduction of the alkali metal ion species described above.

These ions are easily quantified by mixing the ink and pure water, separating the aqueous phase, and then extracting the ions extracted into the aqueous phase by various analytical methods such as ion chromatography, atomic absorption, and ion plasma. be able to.

(Other additives)
The ink of the present invention may contain various additives such as surfactants, lubricants, fillers, rust inhibitors, antifoaming agents, thickeners, gelling agents, and polymers as necessary.

If necessary, a small amount of a solvent such as an ester solvent, an ether solvent, an ether ester solvent, a ketone solvent, an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, or a nitrogen-containing organic solvent can be added.

(Ink properties)
The physical properties of the ink of the present invention preferably have the same physical properties as those of a normal curable inkjet ink. That is, the viscosity is 5 to 50 mPa · s at 25 ° C., the share rate dependence is as small as possible, the surface tension is in the range of 22 to 35 mN / m at 25 ° C., and a gel-like substance exceeding 1 μm other than the pigment Preferably, the conductivity is 10 μS / cm or less and the ink is free from electrical corrosion inside the head. In the continuous type, it is necessary to adjust the electric conductivity with an electrolyte. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the electric conductivity to 0.5 mS / cm or more.

In addition, as a physical property of the ink of the present invention, a more preferable form is a calorific value of 10 mJ / unit mass when the DSC measurement of the ink is performed in the range of 25 ° C. to −25 ° C. at a rate of 5 ° C. per minute. It does not show an exothermic peak of more than mg. By selecting a material according to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to suppress heat generation of a certain amount or more in DSC measurement. By adopting such a configuration, even when the ink is stored at a low temperature, the generation of gel and the generation of precipitates can be suppressed.

<Inkjet recording method>
The inkjet ink of the present invention can be used in any of a multi-pass serial recording method in which inks are stacked and cured and a line recording method in which the ink is cured in a single pass.

The amount of ink droplets is not particularly limited, but the humidity dependence, which is one of the objective effects of the present invention, is more susceptible to humidity as the droplets become smaller, so 0.1 pl to 50 pl. Furthermore, it can be preferably used in the range of 0.1 pl to 20 pl.

After the ink of the present invention is landed on the substrate, the ink is cured by irradiating with actinic rays, for example, ultraviolet rays. As the irradiation light source, for example, ultraviolet LED, ultraviolet laser, mercury arc lamp, xenon arc lamp, low pressure mercury lamp, fluorescent lamp, carbon arc lamp, tungsten-halogen copying lamp, and sunlight can be used. In the case of curing with an electron beam, it is usually cured with an electron beam having an energy of 300 eV or less, but it can also be cured instantaneously with an irradiation dose of 1 to 5 Mrad.

"Base material"
As a base material used for inkjet recording, all of a wide range of conventional synthetic resins used in various applications have been targeted. Specifically, for example, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, acrylic resin, polycarbonate , Polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutadiene terephthalate, etc., and the thickness and shape of these synthetic resin substrates are not limited at all. In addition, metals, glass, printing paper, etc. can be used.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, although the display of "part" or "%" is used in an Example, unless otherwise indicated, "part by mass" or "mass%" is represented.

<Preparation of ink>
[Preparation of Ink 1]
The following additives were mixed, dispersed by a sand mill, and ink 1 was finally filtered through a 0.85 μm membrane filter to prepare ink 1.

Color material: C.I. I. Pigment Blue 15: 3 3.0g
Molecular dispersant: Azisper PB-802 (manufactured by Ajinomoto Fine Techno Co., Ltd.)
1.0g
Molecular compound A: DEGDVE (diethylene glycol divinyl ether, molecular weight: 186) 90.0 g
Polymer compound B: Polymer compound 1 (see below) 10.0 g
Polymerization initiator: CPI-100P (manufactured by Midori Chemical) 3.0 g
<Preparation of polymer compound 1>
50 ml of xylene was added to a 1 L four-necked flask equipped with a nitrogen introduction tube and a cooling condenser, and after introducing nitrogen, the mixture was heated to 100 ° C. and stirred. Then, 75 g (0.75 mol) of methyl methacrylate, 32 g (0.25 mol) of butyl acrylate, and 2.1 g of azoisobutyronitrile were added dropwise over 1 hour. Stirring was further continued for 2 hours to obtain a viscous liquid. Next, 26.4 g (0.2 mol) of 2- (2-vinyloxy) ethoxyethanol and 19.3 g (0.1 mol) of 28% sodium methoxide methanol solution were added to the solution, The reaction was carried out by heating and stirring for a period of time. After the reaction, an excess base was removed with an ion exchange resin, and a vacuum treatment with evaporation was performed to obtain a polymer compound 1.

The weight average molecular weight of the obtained polymer compound 1 was measured by gel permeation chromatography, and the weight average molecular weight determined from a polystyrene calibration curve was 9800. In addition, the vinyl ether quantification was calculated from the peak area of δ6.5 of NMR, and as a result, it was confirmed that it was not different from 1.61 mmol / g obtained by calculation from the charged amount.

[Preparation of inks 2-54]
In the preparation of the ink 1, inks 2 to 54 were prepared in the same manner except that the types and addition amounts of the low molecular compound A and the types and addition amounts of the high molecular compound B were changed as shown in Tables 1 and 2. Was prepared.

The polymer compounds used in the preparation of inks 2 to 54 are the same as those in Preparation of polymer compound 1, but the monomer composition and the monomer ratio (molar ratio), the vinyl ether group concentration and the weight average molecular weight are shown in Table 1. It was prepared in the same manner except that the synthesis conditions were appropriately adjusted so as to satisfy the conditions described in Table 2. Tables 1 and 2 show only the details of the low molecular compound A and the high molecular compound B constituting the inks 1 to 54. Other constituent elements are the same as the additives described in the ink 1.

(Low molecular compound A: vinyl ether compound)
The following vinyl ether compounds were prepared.

DEGDVE: Diethylene glycol divinyl ether (molecular weight: 186)
TEGDVE: Triethylene glycol divinyl ether (molecular weight: 230)
TEGDPE: Triethylene glycol dipropenyl ether (molecular weight: 258)
CHDVE: 1,4-cyclohexadimethanol divinyl ether (molecular weight: 196)
BGDVE: butanediol divinyl ether (molecular weight: 170)

* 1: DEGDVE / Ex-211 = 8/2 (mass ratio)
* 2: TEGDVE / CHDVE = 1/1 (mass ratio)
* 3: DEGDVE / CHDVE = 3/1 (mass ratio)
* 4: BGDVE / CHDVE = 1/1 (mass ratio)
* 5: TEGDVE / VE-B (trifunctional vinyl ether compound) = 4/1 (mass ratio)
* 6: TEGDVE / VE-C (hexafunctional vinyl ether compound) = 5/1 (mass ratio)
* 7: Acrylic oligomer having vinyl ether group (example compound: side chain 1) in the side chain Monomer configuration; BMA / side chain 1 = 4/1 (molar ratio)
Weight average molecular weight; 1000
* 8: Acrylic oligomer having vinyl ether group (example compound: side chain 1) in the side chain Monomer configuration; BMA / side chain 1 = 4/1 (molar ratio)
Weight average molecular weight; 1500
* 9: Acrylic oligomer having vinyl ether group (example compound: side chain 1) in the side chain Monomer configuration; MMA / BA / side chain 1 = 6/2/2 (molar ratio)
Weight average molecular weight; 1800
* 10: Acrylic oligomer having vinyl ether group (example compound: side chain 1) in the side chain Monomer configuration; MMA / BA / side chain 1 = 6/2/2 (molar ratio)
Weight average molecular weight; 2500
* 11: OXT221 / VE-E (polymer compound having side chain 9) = 1/1 (mass ratio)
* 12: TEGDVE / Isodap = 1/1 (mass ratio)
* 13: Ex-211 / DEGDVE = 6/3 (mass ratio)
* 14: Ex-211 / DEGDVE = 5/5 (mass ratio)
(Other photopolymerizable compounds)
Ex-211: Epoxy compound (manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries)
Isopup: Polyester oligomer having an allyl group (Daiso)
C3000: Alicyclic epoxy compound (manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries)
OXT221: octane compound (manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd.)
(Monomer used for preparation of polymer compound B)
MMA: methyl methacrylate MA: methyl acrylate St: styrene VB: vinyl butyral VCl: vinyl chloride BA: butyl acrylate BMA: butyl methacrylate 2EHA: 2-ethylhexyl acrylate VAc: vinyl acetate VA: vinyl alcohol

<Evaluation of ink>
Each ink prepared above was evaluated according to the following method.

(Evaluation of continuous discharge stability)
Each ink is loaded into a piezo head 512SH manufactured by Konica Minolta IJ, the head temperature is set so that the viscosity is 10 mPa · s, and each ink corresponding to 1 L is continuously ejected with a 4 pl droplet size at a frequency of 20 kHz. After that, the continuous discharge stability was evaluated in accordance with the following criteria in comparison with the emission property immediately after discharge.

◎: No change in emission accuracy before and after continuous discharge ○: The accuracy of the emission angle slightly deteriorated after continuous discharge, but recovered after one cleaning △: The accuracy of the emission angle slightly after continuous discharge Deteriorated, but recovered 3 times from cleaning 2 ×: After continuous ejection, the accuracy of the emission angle deteriorated and did not recover even after cleaning (Evaluation of humidity curing dependency: Dependence on curing sensitivity to changes in humidity environment) sex)
A serial type UV curable printer equipped with a piezo head 512SH loaded with each ink on a polyethylene terephthalate film was installed in an environment of room temperature 23 ° C. and 48% RH (referred to as environment L). After creating a solid image at 720 × 720 dpi, the output of the high pressure mercury lamp was irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the high pressure mercury lamp at each light intensity of illuminance of 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 520 mJ / cm ² . The curing sensitivity was confirmed by palpation from the cured solid image. In the present invention, dpi represents the number of dots per 2.54 cm. Subsequently, the same printing was performed under an environment of room temperature 30 ° C. and 82% RH (referred to as environment H), and the solid image curing sensitivity was confirmed.

Relative sensitivity in environment H is obtained based on the curing sensitivity in environment L with the illuminance of 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 520 mJ / cm ² of the cured high-pressure mercury lamp as a measure of curing sensitivity. The humidity dependency (photocuring sensitivity dependency on the humidity environment) was evaluated according to the above criteria. In addition, it represents that a cure sensitivity is so high that it hardens | cures with low illumination intensity.

A: There was no difference between the curing sensitivity in environment L and the curing sensitivity in environment H. ○: The curing sensitivity in environment H was 0.50 or more and less than 0.99 compared to the curing sensitivity in environment L. Δ: The sensitivity in environment H was 0.20 or more and less than 0.50 with respect to the curing sensitivity of environment L ×: The sensitivity in environment H was less than 0.20 with respect to the curing sensitivity of environment L (Adhesion evaluation)
About each image created by the evaluation of the photocuring sensitivity dependence with respect to humidity environment, the surface part of each color solid image was rubbed with the nail | claw in the environment of 25 degreeC and 55% RH, and adhesiveness was evaluated according to the following reference | standard. In addition, the following evaluation was calculated | required as an average value of the image created in the environment L, and the image created in the environment H.

○: When the surface is rubbed with a nail, no peeling of the film is observed. Δ: When the surface is rubbed with a nail, a part of the film is peeled. ×: When the surface is rubbed with a nail, the film is peeled off. Note that (−) described in the table indicates that the curing was insufficient and the evaluation could not be performed.

(Evaluation of flexibility)
Instead of polyethylene terephthalate film as the base material, vinyl chloride was used, and after printing was performed in the same manner as in the evaluation of the photocuring sensitivity dependency on the humidity environment, the printed surface was printed in an environment of 25 ° C. and 55% RH. The bending test was performed 20 times on the outside, and the flexibility of the cured film was evaluated according to the following criteria. In addition, the following evaluation was calculated | required as an average value of the image created in the environment L, and the image created in the environment H.

○: No cracks are observed on the image forming surface even when bent 20 times. Δ: Micro cracks are observed on the image forming surface after bending 15 times or more and 19 times or less. ×: 14 times or less. In the folding, the occurrence of clear cracks on the image forming surface was recognized, and the bent portion was whitened. Note that (−) described in the table indicates that curing was insufficient and evaluation could not be performed.

Tables 3 and 4 show the results obtained as described above.

As described in Tables 3 and 4 above, the photocurable ink-jet ink of the present invention is superior to the comparative example in continuous emission and less affected by humidity on the photocuring sensitivity, and is in close contact with the substrate. An image excellent in property and flexibility could be obtained.

Note that the pigment is C.I. I. Instead of CI Pigment Blue 15: 3, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 180, C.I. I. As a result of changing to Pigment Red 122, carbon black, and titanium oxide, it was confirmed that the same effect as described in Table 3 was obtained.

Claims

In a photocurable inkjet ink containing a colorant, a photopolymerizable compound, and a polymerization initiator, the photopolymerizable compound includes a compound having a vinyl ether group with a molecular weight of 100 or more and less than 2000, and the following general formula in the side chain: An inkjet ink comprising a polymer compound having a group represented by (1) and having a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 or more and 100,000 or less.

[Wherein R 1 and R 2 each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and X represents an organic linking group having one or more oxygen atoms. Represents. * Represents a bond with the polymer main chain. ]
The main chain of the polymer compound having a side chain represented by the general formula (1) is at least one selected from an acrylic resin, a vinyl acetate resin, a polyether resin, and a vinyl acetal resin. The inkjet ink according to claim 1.
The polymer compound having a group represented by the general formula (1) in the side chain is at least one selected from polymer compounds represented by the following general formulas (2) to (4): The inkjet ink according to claim 1 or 2.

[Wherein R 11 , R 12 , R 21 , R 22 , R 31 , R 32 each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, 1 , X 2 and X 3 each represents a divalent organic linking group. R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. ]
The polymer compound having a side chain represented by the general formula (1) has a main chain composed of a plurality of monomer components, and the concentration of the vinyl ether group relative to the total mass of the polymer compound is 0.25 mmol. The inkjet ink according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inkjet ink is / g or more and 3.5 mmol / g or less.
X in the general formula (1) is represented by — (X 4 —O) n — (wherein X 4 represents an ethylene group, a propylene group or a butylene group, and n is an integer of 1 to 5). The inkjet ink according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet ink has a connecting group.
The inkjet ink according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein 50% by mass or more of the compound having a vinyl ether group having a molecular weight of 100 or more and less than 2000 is the mass of the vinyl ether group.
An image formed by ejecting the inkjet ink according to any one of claims 1 to 6 onto a recording medium from an inkjet head, and then irradiating and curing the inkjet ink with an actinic ray. Forming method.