# US 10,870,742 B2 · Transfer member for printing systems

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- Number: US 10,870,742 B2
- Document ID: US10870742B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/795,221
- Filed: 2020-02-19
- Published: 2020-06-11
- Granted: 2020-12-22
- Earliest claimed: 2016-11-30
- Assignees: Landa Labs (2012) Ltd.
- Applicants: Landa Labs (2012) Ltd.
- Inventors: Benzion Landa; Sagi Abramovich; Amit Haviv
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10870742B2

## CPC

- B41M 5/025: by transferring ink from the master sheet
- B05B 14/30: comprising enclosures close to, or in contact with, the object to be sprayed and surrounding or confining the discharged spray or jet but not the object to be sprayed
- B41J 2/0057: {where an intermediate transfer member receives the ink before transferring it on the printing material}
- B41J 2/447: using arrays of radiation sources (B41J2/475 takes precedence)
- B41J 11/0024: {using conduction means, e.g. by using a heated platen}
- B41M 5/0256: {the transferable ink pattern being obtained by means of a computer driven printer, e.g. an ink jet or laser printer, or by electrographic means}
- B41M 5/03: by pressure
- B41M 5/38221: {Apparatus features}
- B41M 5/52: Macromolecular coatings
- C08G 77/04: Polysiloxanes
- C08K 3/04: Carbon
- C08K 3/36: Silica
- C08K 5/5419: containing at least one Si—C bond
- C08K 5/544: containing nitrogen
- C09C 1/56: Treatment of carbon black {; Purification}
- C09C 3/10: Treatment with macromolecular organic compounds {(C09C3/006 takes precedence)}
- G03G 15/162: {details of the the intermediate support, e.g. chemical composition}
- G03G 15/326: {by application of light, e.g. using a LED array}
- G03G 15/342: {by forming a uniform powder layer and then removing the non-image areas}
- B05B 1/20: Perforated pipes or troughs, e.g. spray booms; Outlet elements therefor
- B05B 13/0207: {the work being an elongated body, e.g. wire or pipe (B05B13/0436, B05B13/0463 take precedence)}
- B05B 13/0228: {the movement of the objects being rotative (B05B13/0242 takes precedence)}
- B41J 2/45: using light-emitting diode {[LED] or laser} arrays
- B41M 2205/06: relating to melt (thermal) mass transfer
- B41M 2205/10: Post-imaging transfer of imaged layer; transfer of the whole imaged layer
- C01P 2004/04: obtained by TEM, STEM, STM or AFM
- C01P 2004/50: Agglomerated particles
- C01P 2004/61: Micrometer sized, i.e. from 1-100 micrometer
- C01P 2004/62: Submicrometer sized, i.e. from 0.1-1 micrometer
- C01P 2006/12: Surface area
- C01P 2006/19: Oil-absorption capacity, e.g. DBP values
- C08K 2201/005: Additives being defined by their particle size in general
- C08L 83/04: Polysiloxanes
- C09D 7/66: {characterised by particle size}
- Y02P 70/10: Greenhouse gas [GHG] capture, material saving, heat recovery or other energy efficient measures, e.g. motor control, characterised by manufacturing processes, e.g. for rolling metal or metal working
- B41M: PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING, (correction of typographical errors B41J; processes for applying transfer pictures or the like B44C1/16; fluid media for correction of typographical errors by coating C09D10/00; printing textiles D06P)
- B05B: SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES (spray-mixers with nozzles B01F25/72; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces by spraying B05D)
- B41J: TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- C08G: MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
- C08K: Use of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients (paints, inks, varnishes, dyes, polishes, adhesives C09)
- C09C: TREATMENT OF INORGANIC MATERIALS, OTHER THAN FIBROUS FILLERS, TO ENHANCE THEIR PIGMENTING OR FILLING PROPERTIES (treatment of materials specially adapted to enhance their filling properties in mortars, concrete or artificial stone C04B14/00, C04B18/00, C04B20/00); PREPARATION OF CARBON BLACK {; PREPARATION OF INORGANIC MATERIALS WHICH ARE NO SINGLE CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS AND WHICH ARE MAINLY USED AS PIGMENTS OR FILLERS}
- G03G: ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- C01P: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
- C08L: COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS (compositions based on polymerisable monomers C08F, C08G; artificial filaments or fibres D01F; textile treating compositions D06)
- C09D: COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR (cosmetics A61K; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces, in general, B05D; staining wood B27K5/02; glazes or vitreous enamels C03C; natural resins, French polish, drying-oils, driers, turpentine, per se, C09F; polishing compositions other than French polish, ski waxes C09G; adhesives or use of materials as adhesives C09J; materials for sealing or packing joints or covers C09K3/10; materials for stopping leaks C09K3/12; processes for the electrolytic or electrophoretic production of coatings C25D)
- Y02P: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS

## Abstract

There is disclosed a layered article that can be used in indirect printing, in analog or digital processes. The layered article, when configured as a transfer member, may serve to receive an ink in any form, allow the ink to be treated so as to form an ink image, and permit the application of the ink image on a substrate. The transfer member comprises a support layer and an imaging layer, which may be formed of a silicon matrix including dispersed carbon black particles. Methods for preparing the same are also disclosed.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A transfer member for receiving ink and transferring an ink image to a substrate, the transfer member comprising:
a) a support layer; and
b) an imaging layer, disposed on the support layer, the imaging layer comprising:
i) a cured hydrophobic silicone matrix comprising hydrophilic carbon black particles non-covalently dispersed therein and one of platinum and tin; and
ii) a release surface distal to the support layer.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the release surface is integral to the imaging layer.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic silicone matrix is addition-cured and contains platinum, the platinum being derived from a platinum catalyst.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The transfer member according to claim 3, wherein the hydrophobic silicone matrix of the imaging layer is a layer formed from silicone pre-polymers selected from liquid silicone resins (LSR), addition-curable room temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicones, addition-curable polydialkyl siloxanes (PDAS) silicones, addition-curable polydimethyl siloxanes (PDMS) silicones and functionalised versions thereof, provided that the silicone pre-polymer is not a fluorosilicone.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic silicone matrix is condensation-cured and contains tin, the tin being derived from a tin catalyst.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The transfer member according to claim 5, wherein the hydrophobic silicone matrix of the imaging layer is a layer formed from silicone pre-polymers selected from condensation-curable RTV, PDAS, PDMS silicones and functionalised versions thereof, provided that the silicone pre-polymer is not a fluorosilicone.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the silicone matrix further comprises a dispersant having at least one carbon-black-affinic moiety, wherein the dispersant satisfies at least one of:
a) having a branched molecule structure, having a backbone and at least one branching unit, and the at least one carbon-black-affinic moiety is disposed within any one of the following:
i. the at least one branching unit, the backbone of the dispersant being a siloxane-based backbone; and
ii. the backbone, at least a portion of said branching units of said dispersant being siloxane-containing branching units; and
b) being selected from the group consisting of: an amino-silicone dispersant, an epoxy-silicone dispersant and a silicone-acrylate dispersant.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the transfer member or the support layer is substantially transparent.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the support layer is substantially transparent.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the release surface is hydrophobic.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the release surface is hydrophilic.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the imaging layer has a thickness of 25 μm or less, 20 μm or less, 15 μm or less, 10 μm or less, 5 μm or less, 2 μm or less, or 1 μm or less.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the imaging layer has a hardness between 1 Shore A and 80 Shore A.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the support layer is flexible.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The transfer member according to claim 14, further comprising, along lateral edges of the transfer member, protruding formations which are capable of engaging with lateral tracks in a printing system so as to (a) constrain the transfer member to follow a printing path in at least a segment of the path and/or to (b) place the transfer member under lateral tension, in at least a segment of the path;
wherein the formations on at least one of the lateral edges are (i) a plurality of formations that are spaced from one another along the length of the transfer member, or (ii) a continuous formation along the entire length of the lateral edge, the formations optionally having a thickness greater than the transfer member.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The transfer member according to claim 15, wherein the formations are (I) made of a material having a low friction coefficient to ensure smooth running of the formations and/or (II) made of a material, or comprise an agent, or are coated with a coating having lubricating properties.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the support layer is rigid.

### Claim 18 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, further comprising one or more layers selected from the list comprising: a conformable layer, a compressible layer, an adhesive layer and a friction layer.

### Claim 19 (depends on 1)

The transfer member according to claim 1, wherein the transfer member is a seamless transfer member.

### Claim 20

A method for preparing a transfer member, the transfer member comprising on a first side a release surface for receiving ink and transferring an ink image to a substrate, the method comprising:
a) providing a support layer adapted to form a rear side of the transfer member, the rear side being opposite the first side;
b) providing an imaging layer, the imaging layer including a hydrophobic silicone matrix comprising hydrophilic carbon black particles non-covalently dispersed therein;
c) optionally providing a release layer able to form the release surface;
d) contacting the support layer, the imaging layer and the optional release layer, when at least one of any two adjacent said layers is at least partially cured; and
e) fully curing the transfer member including said layers so that the surface distal to the support layer forms the release surface, said surface being part of the imaging layer or of the release layer;
wherein the hydrophilic carbon black particles have one or more properties selected from the list consisting of:
i. an oxygen content on the surface of the carbon atoms between 1.0 wt. % and 40 wt. %, 2 wt. % and 35 wt. %, 3 wt. % and 35 wt. %, 4 wt. % and 30 wt. %, 4 wt. % and 25 wt. %, 5 wt. % and 25 wt. %, 5 wt. % and 20 wt. %, 6 wt. % and 20 wt. %, 6 wt. % and 18 wt. %, 7 wt. % and 15 wt. %, 8 wt. % and 13 wt. %, or 10 wt. % and 13 wt. %, by weight of the carbon black particles;
ii. a volatile components content between 1.5 wt. % and 50 wt. %, 2.5 wt. % and 50 wt. %, 3.5 wt. % and 40 wt. %, 5 wt. % and 40 wt. %, 5 wt. % and 30 wt. %, 5 wt. % and 25 wt. %, 7 wt. % and 30 wt. %, 10 wt. % and 30 wt. %, 10 wt. % and 25 wt. %, or 15 wt. % and 22 wt. %, by weight of the carbon black particles;
iii. a surface zeta potential between −70 mV and −15 mV, −70 mV and −20 mV, −70 mV and −25 mV, −70 mV and −30 mV, −70 mV and −35 mV, −70 mV and −40 mV, −70 MV and −45 mV, −60 mV and −20 mV, −60 mV and −30 mV, −60 mV and −35 mV, −55 mV and −30 mV, −50 mV and −25 mV, −50 mV and −30 mV, or between −50 mV and −35 mV, as measured at a pH of at least 8.0;
iv. a pH between 2.0 and pH 8.5, 2.5 and 7.5, 2.0 and 5.5, 2.0 and 4.5, 2.5 and 4.0, or between 2.0 and 3.5, when measured for an aqueous dispersion of said hydrophilic carbon black particles;
v. a dibutyl phthalate (DBP) absorption value between 50 mL/100 g and 200 mL/100 g, 100 mL/100 g and 200 mL/100 g, or between 150 mL/100 g and 200 mL/100 g; and
vi. a specific surface area between 50 m2/g and 650 m2/g, or between 100 m2/g and 550 m2/g, as determined by BET nitrogen absorption.