Latex-based overcoat for ink-jet printing applications

Abstract

Compositions, systems, and methods for protecting an ink-jet produced image printed on a substrate are provided. The composition can comprise a liquid vehicle and latex particulates dispersed in the liquid vehicle, wherein the latex particulates have a surface dielectric constant from 2.0 to 3.0 at room temperature, and a bulk density from 0.90 g/cm 3 to 1.10 g/cm 3 . An alternative composition can comprise a liquid vehicle and latex particulates dispersed in the liquid vehicle, wherein the latex particulates have a reactive surfactant covalently attached thereto.

1 . An overcoating composition for protecting a printed image on a substrate, said composition comprising: 
 (a) a liquid vehicle void of colorant; and    (b) latex particulates dispersed in the liquid vehicle, said latex particulates having a surface dielectric constant from 2.3 to 2.8 at room temperature, and a bulk density 0.1 g/cm 3  less to 0.1 g/cm 3  greater than the vehicle density.    
   
   
       2 . A composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the latex particulates are present in the liquid vehicle at from 0.1 wt % to 20 wt % solids.  
   
   
       3 . A composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the latex particulates have a bulk density of from 0.90 g/cm 3  to 1.10 g/cm 3  in liquid vehicle that is predominantly water.  
   
   
       4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 . A composition as in  claim 1 , further comprising surfactant adsorbed on the surface of the latex particulates.  
   
   
       6 . A composition as in  claim 1 , further comprising surfactant covalently attached to the surface of the latex particulates.  
   
   
       7 . A composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the latex particulates contains a crosslinking agent polymerized therein at from 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % of the latex particulates.  
   
   
       8 . A composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the latex particulates have a glass transition temperature from 0° C. to 50° C.  
   
   
       9 . A composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the latex particulates are synthesized from monomers including at least one ring-containing monomer.  
   
   
       10 . A composition as in  claim 1 , said composition being substantially colorless.  
   
   
       11 . A composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the liquid vehicle includes a predominant amount of water, from 0 wt % to 45 wt % cosolvent, and from 0 wt % to 5 wt % vehicle surfactant.  
   
   
       12 . A composition as in  claim 1 , further comprising an ultraviolet absorber.  
   
   
       13 . A composition as in  claim 12 , wherein the ultraviolet absorber is bound to the latex particle.  
   
   
       14 . A composition as in  claim 1 , said composition being jettable from an ink-jet pen.  
   
   
       15 . A composition for protecting a printed image on a substrate, said composition comprising: 
 (a) a liquid vehicle void of colorant; and    (b) latex particulates dispersed in the liquid vehicle, said latex particulates having a reactive surfactant covalently attached thereto, wherein the latex particulates have a bulk density from 0.1 g/cm 3  less to 0.1 g/cm 3  greater than the vehicle density, and a surface dielectric constant from 2.3 to 2.8.    
   
   
       16 . A composition as in  claim 15 , wherein the latex particulates are present in the liquid vehicle at from 0.1 wt % to 20 wt % solids.  
   
   
       17 . A composition as in  claim 15 , wherein the latex particulates have a bulk density from 0.1 g/cm 3  less to 0.1 g/cm 3  greater than the vehicle density.  
   
   
       18 . A composition as in  claim 17 , wherein the bulk density is from 0.90 g/cm 3  to 1.10 g/cm 3 , and the surface dielectric constant is from 2.3 to 2.8.  
   
   
       19 . A composition as in  claim 15 , wherein a crosslinking agent is polymerized into the latex particulates at from 0.1 wt % to 5 wt %.  
   
   
       20 . A composition as in  claim 15 , wherein the latex particulates have a glass transition temperature from 0° C. to 50° C.  
   
   
       21 . A composition as in  claim 15 , wherein the latex particulates include at least one ring-containing monomer.  
   
   
       22 . A composition as in  claim 15 , said composition being substantially colorless.  
   
   
       23 . A composition as in  claim 15 , wherein the liquid vehicle includes a predominant amount of water, from 0 wt % to 45 wt % cosolvent, and from 0 wt % to 5 wt % vehicle surfactant.  
   
   
       24 . A composition as in  claim 15 , further comprising an ultraviolet absorber.  
   
   
       25 . A composition as in  claim 24 , wherein the ultraviolet absorber is bound to the latex particle.  
   
   
       26 . A composition as in  claim 15 , said composition being jettable from an ink-jet pen.  
   
   
       27 - 49 . (canceled)