Amphipathic polymer particles and methods of manufacturing the same
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorSivapackia Ganapathiappan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention is directed to amphipathic polymeric particles that serve as both the dispersant and the binder in water based inks, ink compositions containing these particles, and methods for making the particles. The polymeric particles contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties with a pre-determined structure, and have an average diameter of 50 to 500 nm. The amphipathic polymeric particles may be prepared by a side-chain conversion method or a polymerization process involving an ATRP step, with or without a cross-linking agent. This invention improves the stability of polymer and inks by both ionic and steric stabilization of the suspended polymer particles.
Claims23
Amphipathic polymer particles prepared by polymerizing a plurality of components comprising:
- an unsaturated monomer containing a hydrophobic moiety, and
- an unsaturated monomer containing a convertible moiety that is hydrophobic in an acidic environment and hydrophilic in a basic environment.
A method of preparing amphipathic polymer particles comprising the steps of:
- admixing an aqueous carrier, an unsaturated monomer containing a hydrophobic moiety, an unsaturated monomer containing a convertible moiety, and a surfactant to form an emulsion;
- initiating a polymerization by adding a catalyst to the emulsion, continuing polymerization at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to form amphipathic polymer particles,
- wherein the amphipathic polymer particles have a size range of 50-500 nm.
Amphipathic polymer particles prepared by polymerizing a plurality of components comprising:
- an unsaturated monomer containing a hydrophilic moiety, polymerized through an ATRP process, and
- an unsaturated monomer containing a hydrophobic moiety, polymerized in an emulsion,
- wherein the amphipathic polymer particles have a size range of 50-500 nm, and a polydispersity index in the range of 1-1.2.
A method of preparing amphipathic polymer particles comprising the steps of:
- admixing an initiator having one or more radically transferable atoms or groups, a hydrophilic monomer, a ligand and a catalyst to form an ATRP mix;
- admixing one or more hydrophobic monomers, a surfactant, and water to form an emulsion;
- adding the emulsion to the ATRP mix to form the amphipathic polymer particles,
- wherein the amphipathic polymer particles having sizes of about 50 to about 400 nm, and a polydispersity index of 1-1.2.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.