A method for preparing a large-area structural chromogenic pattern by ink-jet printing, a structural chromogenic pattern obtained by the method, and an anti-counterfeiting method based on a structural color change. A dispersion liquid containing mono-disperse colloidal microspheres with high index of refraction is printed onto a piece of paper by using an ink-jet printer, and nano-microspheres are arranged and assembled on the paper to obtain a micro-structure having the features of being ordered from a short distance and disordered from a long distance. A pretty structural color can be observed by means of the interaction of the structure with light, thus displaying a pattern, changing the angle of observation, changing the brightness of the structural color, and hiding and displaying the pattern. The method is simple and convenient, is widely applicable, and can achieve the preparation and anti-counterfeiting of a large-area structural color without external stimulation.

A method for preparing a large-area structural chromogenic pattern by ink-jet printing, a structural chromogenic pattern obtained by the method, and an anti-counterfeiting method based on a structural color change. A dispersion liquid containing mono-disperse colloidal microspheres with high index of refraction is printed onto a piece of paper by using an ink-jet printer, and nano-microspheres are arranged and assembled on the paper to obtain a micro-structure having the features of being ordered from a short distance and disordered from a long distance. A pretty structural color can be observed by means of the interaction of the structure with light, thus displaying a pattern, changing the angle of observation, changing the brightness of the structural color, and hiding and displaying the pattern. The method is simple and convenient, is widely applicable, and can achieve the preparation and anti-counterfeiting of a large-area structural color without external stimulation.

A low migration energy curable ink composition may include, based upon total composition weight: a) from about 10% to about 80% of a solvent system comprising the following: i) from about 35% to about 80% of one or more mono-functional acrylate monomers, ii) from about 10% to about 35% of one or more di-functional acrylate monomers, and iii) from about 10% to about 30% of one or more tri-functional or greater acrylate monomers; b) from about 3% to about 30% of an acrylate oligomer, and c) from about 1% to about 15% of a colorant. The low migration energy curable ink may be incorporated into an absorbent article.

A low migration energy curable ink composition may include, based upon total composition weight: a) from about 10% to about 80% of a solvent system comprising the following: i) from about 35% to about 80% of one or more mono-functional acrylate monomers, ii) from about 10% to about 35% of one or more di-functional acrylate monomers, and iii) from about 10% to about 30% of one or more tri-functional or greater acrylate monomers; b) from about 3% to about 30% of an acrylate oligomer, and c) from about 1% to about 15% of a colorant. The low migration energy curable ink may be incorporated into an absorbent article.

The present disclosure is drawn to methods of embossing print media, printing systems, and printers. In one example, a method of embossing a print medium can include printing an enhancing fluid on a coated print medium to form a printed area. The enhancing fluid can include a colorless radiation absorbing agent capable of converting radiation having a wavelength from 200 nm to 400 nm to heat. A colored ink can also be printed on the print medium to form a visible image. The print medium can include a print substrate and an expanding coating layer on the print substrate. The expanding coating layer can include a thermal expansion agent having a minimum expansion temperature. The coated print medium can be irradiated with radiation having a wavelength from 200 nm to 400 nm to selectively heat the printed area and expand the thermal expansion agent in the printed area.

The present disclosure is drawn to methods of embossing print media, printing systems, and printers. In one example, a method of embossing a print medium can include printing an enhancing fluid on a coated print medium to form a printed area. The enhancing fluid can include a colorless radiation absorbing agent capable of converting radiation having a wavelength from 200 nm to 400 nm to heat. A colored ink can also be printed on the print medium to form a visible image. The print medium can include a print substrate and an expanding coating layer on the print substrate. The expanding coating layer can include a thermal expansion agent having a minimum expansion temperature. The coated print medium can be irradiated with radiation having a wavelength from 200 nm to 400 nm to selectively heat the printed area and expand the thermal expansion agent in the printed area.

The present invention relates to a water-based metal fine particle dispersion containing metal fine particles (a) dispersed with a dispersant B, in which the dispersant B contains a vinyl-based polymer (b) containing a constitutional unit derived from a hydrophobic monomer, a constitutional unit derived from a carboxy group-containing monomer and a constitutional unit derived from a polyalkylene glycol segment-containing monomer in an amount of not less than 85% by mass, the fine particles (a) have a cumulant average particle size of 2 to 50 nm, and a concentration of metal in the dispersion is 30 to 80% by mass, and a process for producing the dispersion; a metallic printing ink containing the dispersion; and a metallic printing method using the ink.

A 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.

A 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.

A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink capable of producing a printed matter having excellent abrasion resistance even in the case of a very short drying time after printing and having high color development in the case of printing on plain paper. The inventors solved the problem by an ink containing a wax, a pigment, a pigment dispersing resin, an aqueous medium, and if required, a binder resin, wherein the content of the wax is within a range of 0.5% by mass to 2% by mass relative to the total amount of the ink and the content of the binder resin is 0% by mass to 2% by mass relative to the total amount of the ink.