Radiation-Curable Ink Jet Ink Composition

Abstract

A radiation-curable ink jet ink composition includes a photoinitiator, a nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, and a cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, in which the photoinitiator includes ethyl phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate, and the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound includes N-vinyl methyl oxazolidinone.

Claims

1. A radiation-curable ink jet ink composition comprising: a photoinitiator; a nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound; and a cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, wherein the photoinitiator includes ethyl phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate, and the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound includes N-vinyl methyl oxazolidinone.

2. The radiation-curable ink jet ink composition according to claim 1, wherein the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound includes any one or more of cyclic trimethylolpropane formal acrylate and (2-methyl-2-ethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-yl)methyl acrylate.

3. The radiation-curable ink jet ink composition according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet ink composition contains or does not contain an aromatic group-containing polymerizable compound, and a content of the aromatic group-containing polymerizable compound is 20% by mass or less with respect to a total amount of the ink jet ink composition.

4. The radiation-curable ink jet ink composition according to claim 1, further comprising: a hydroxyl group-containing polymerizable compound.

5. The radiation-curable ink jet ink composition according to claim 1, further comprising: a polyfunctional polymerizable compound.

6. The radiation-curable ink jet ink composition according to claim 5, wherein the polyfunctional polymerizable compound includes any one or more of 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, and dipropylene glycol diacrylate.

7. The radiation-curable ink jet ink composition according to claim 1, wherein a content of the ethyl phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate is in a range of 15% to 80% by mass with respect to a total amount of the photoinitiator.

8. The radiation-curable ink jet ink composition according to claim 1, further comprising: a hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound.

9. The radiation-curable ink jet ink composition according to claim 1, wherein a weighted average of glass transition temperatures of polymerizable compounds contained in the ink jet ink composition is in a range of 20 C. to 70 C.

10. The radiation-curable ink jet ink composition according to claim 1, wherein a total amount of monofunctional polymerizable compounds contained in the ink jet ink composition is in a range of 50% to 90% by mass with respect to a total amount of polymerizable compounds contained in the ink jet ink composition.

11. An ink jet recording method comprising: jetting the ink jet ink composition according to claim 1 onto a recording medium; and curing the ink jet ink composition jetted onto the recording medium.

12. The ink jet recording method according to claim 11, wherein an ink cured film formed on the recording medium in the curing of the ink jet ink composition has a thickness of 5 m or less.

13. The ink jet recording method according to claim 11, further comprising: winding up the recording medium.

14. The ink jet recording method according to claim 11, wherein the recording medium is any one of a polypropylene film, a polyethylene terephthalate film, or a polyethylene film.

15. The ink jet recording method according to claim 11, wherein the recording medium is a shrink film that is contracted when heated.

16. The ink jet recording method according to claim 11, further comprising: heating and contracting the recording medium, wherein a weighted average of glass transition temperatures of polymerizable compounds contained in the ink jet ink composition is 30 C. or higher, and a heating temperature in the heating and contracting of the recording medium is a temperature higher than or equal to the weighted average of the glass transition temperatures.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a recording device used in the present embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a table showing results of examples.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a table showing results of examples.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a table showing results of examples.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a table showing results of examples.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as present embodiment) will be described in detail, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made within a range not departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

1. Radiation-Curable Ink Jet Ink Composition

[0012] A radiation-curable ink jet ink composition of the present embodiment is a composition containing a photoinitiator; a nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound; and a cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, in which the photoinitiator includes ethyl phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate, and the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound includes acryloyl morpholine or N-vinyl methyl oxazolidinone.

[0013] In a typical radiation-curable ink jet ink, a photoinitiator in a solid state at room temperature, such as TPO, has been usually used. However, the photoinitiator in a solid state is not completely dissolved in a solvent or forms fine air bubbles during dissolution in a solvent in some cases. Accordingly, in a recording method using such a radiation-curable ink jet ink containing a photoinitiator in a solid state, the jetting stability when the ink is jetted from an ink jet head tends to be impaired.

[0014] Therefore, ethyl phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate (TPO-L), which is a photoinitiator in a liquid state at room temperature, is considered to be used. Since TPO-L is in a liquid state at room temperature, TPO-L is unlikely to be completely dissolved in a solvent, and fine air bubbles are unlikely to be formed during dissolution of TPO-L in a solvent. For this reason, in a recording method using such a radiation-curable ink jet ink composition containing TPO-L, the jetting stability when the ink is jetted from an ink jet head tends to be excellent as compared with the ink composition containing a photoinitiator in a solid state at room temperature.

[0015] Therefore, the radiation-curable ink jet ink containing TPO-L has room for improvement from the viewpoints of the curing properties and the adhesiveness to a recording medium. In this regard, the radiation-curable ink jet ink composition of the present embodiment contains acryloyl morpholine or N-vinyl methyl oxazolidinone in addition to TPO-L. In this manner, the curing properties and the adhesiveness to a recording medium can be sufficiently ensured while the jetting stability is ensured due to the use of TPO-L.

[0016] Hereinafter, each component of the radiation-curable ink jet ink composition of the present embodiment will be described in detail. Further, hereinafter, the radiation-curable ink jet ink composition of the present embodiment will also be simply referred to as ink composition.

1.1. Polymerizable Compound

[0017] In the present embodiment, the concept of the polymerizable compound includes a monofunctional polymerizable compound containing one polymerizable functional group and a polyfunctional polymerizable compound containing two or more polymerizable functional groups. When the ink composition of the present embodiment is irradiated with radiation, a polymerization reaction of the polymerizable compound contained in the ink composition is started, and the ink composition is cured. The polymerizable compound includes a monomer and an oligomer. The polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a nitrogen-containing monomer, a nitrogen-containing oligomer, a cyclic ether-containing monomer, a cyclic ether-containing oligomer, a hydroxyl group-containing monomer, and a hydroxyl group-containing oligomer. The polymerizable compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0018] Further, in the present embodiment, the polymerization number of monomers in an oligomer is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably in a range of 2 to 100, more preferably in a range of 2 to 50, still more preferably in a range of 2 to 25, even still more preferably in a range of 2 to 10, and even still more preferably in a range of 2 to 5.

[0019] The content of the polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 60% to 95% by mass, more preferably in a range of 65% to 90% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 70% to 90% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

[0020] The weighted average of the glass transition temperatures of the polymerizable compounds contained in the ink composition according to the present embodiment is preferably 20 C. or higher, more preferably 30 C. or higher, still more preferably in a range of 20 C. to 70 C., even still more preferably in a range of 25 C. to 65 C., even still more preferably in a range of 30 C. to 60 C., and even still more preferably in a range of 40 C. to 50 C. When the weighted average of the glass transition temperatures is 20 C. or higher, the blocking resistance tends to be improved. Further, when the weighted average of the glass transition temperatures is 70 C. or lower, the followability of the film formed of the ink composition on a recording medium in a case where the recording medium is heated and contracted tends to be improved, and the curing properties tend to be improved. That is, the shrink properties of the ink composition tend to be improved. Therefore, when the weighted average of the glass transition temperatures of the polymerizable compounds contained in the ink composition according to the present embodiment is in the above-described ranges, all the blocking resistance, the shrink properties, and the curing properties tend to be achieved. Further, the term blocking denotes a phenomenon in which stacked recorded materials adhere to each other due to the pressure sensitive adhesiveness of the ink, and this adhesion is unlikely to occur when the blocking resistance is improved.

[0021] In addition, glass transition temperatures of the polymerizable compounds denotes the glass transition temperatures of homopolymers of the polymerizable compounds. Further, the weighted average of the glass transition temperatures of the polymerizable compounds can be adjusted by the glass transition temperatures of the homopolymers of the polymerizable compounds to be used and the content mass ratio between the polymerizable compounds to be used.

[0022] Here, a method of calculating the weighted average of the glass transition temperatures of the homopolymers of the polymerizable compounds will be described. The value of the weighted average of the glass transition temperatures of the homopolymers is defined as Tg.sub.All, the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer of each polymerizable compound is defined as Tg.sub.N, and the content mass ratio of the polymerizable compound is defined as X.sub.N (wt %). N represents a number starting from 1 according to the kind of the polymerizable compound contained in the ink composition of the present embodiment. For example, when three kinds of polymerizable compounds are used, Tg.sub.1, Tg.sub.2, and Tg.sub.3 are generated. The weighted average Tg.sub.All of the glass transition temperatures of the homopolymers is the sum of the product of the glass transition temperature Tg.sub.N of the homopolymer calculated using each polymerizable compound and the content mass ratio X.sub.N. Therefore, Equation (1) is established.

Tg.sub.All=(Tg.sub.NX.sub.N)(1)

[0023] Further, a method of measuring the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer of the polymerizable compound can be performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in conformity with JIS K 7121. For example, a model DSC6220 (manufactured by SEIKO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.) is used as a measuring device, and a sample obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable compound to an extent that the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer of the polymerizable compound is constant can be used as the sample.

1.1.1. Monofunctional Polymerizable Compound

[0024] In the present embodiment, the monofunctional polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, a cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, a hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, an aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, a hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, and monofunctional polymerizable compounds other than these monofunctional polymerizable compounds. The monofunctional polymerizable compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

1.1.1.1. Nitrogen-Containing Monofunctional Polymerizable Compound

[0025] The ink composition of the present embodiment contains a nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound. In this manner, the curing properties tend to be sufficiently obtained even when the ink composition of the present embodiment contains TPO-L. The factor that improves the curing properties is not particularly limited, but it is considered that the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is unlikely to be affected by loss of radicals derived from a photoinitiator due to oxygen.

[0026] The ink composition of the present embodiment contains N-vinyl methyl oxazolidinone (VMOX) or acryloyl morpholine (ACMO) as the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound. Further, the ink composition of the present embodiment may contain nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compounds other than VMOX and ACMO. The nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compounds other than VMOX and ACMO are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include nitrogen-containing monofunctional vinyl monomers such as N-vinylcaprolactam, N-vinylformamide, N-vinyl carbazole, N-vinylacetamide, and N-vinylpyrrolidone, nitrogen-containing monofunctional acrylate monomers such as N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide, nitrogen-containing monofunctional acrylamide monomers such as (meth)acrylamide, N-hydroxymethyl(meth)acrylamide, diacetone acrylamide, N,N-dimethyl(meth)acrylamide, and (meth)acrylamide of a dimethylaminoethyl acrylate benzyl chloride quaternary salt, and oligomers thereof.

[0027] Further, it is preferable that the ink composition of the present embodiment contain a nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound having a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structure. When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains a nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound having a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structure, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved. VMOX and ACMO are each a nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound having a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structure.

[0028] The content of the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 10% to 50% by mass, more preferably in a range of 15% to 45% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 20% to 40% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. When the content of the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the ink composition is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0029] The content of the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 15% to 60% by mass, more preferably in a range of 20% to 55% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 25% to 50% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 25% to 45% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound. When the content of the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0030] The content of the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 20% to 65% by mass, more preferably in a range of 25% to 60% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 30% to 55% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 30% to 50% by mass with respect to the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound. When the content of the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0031] The molecular weight of the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 100 to 200 and more preferably in a range of 110 to 180. When the molecular weight of the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0032] The glass transition temperature of the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 50 C. to 200 C. and more preferably in a range of 100 C. to 175 C. When the glass transition temperature of the nitrogen-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the blocking resistance and the shrink properties tend to be further improved.

1.1.1.2. Cyclic Ether-Containing Monofunctional Polymerizable Compound

[0033] The ink composition of the present embodiment may contain a cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound. When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains a cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, the adhesiveness of the ink composition of the present embodiment to a recording medium tend to be further improved. The cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, cyclic trimethylolpropane formal acrylate, (2-methyl-2-ethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-yl)methyl acrylate, and oligomers thereof. When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains a cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, the curing properties of the ink composition and the adhesiveness of the ink composition to a recording medium tend to be further improved.

[0034] The content of the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 10% to 50% by mass, more preferably in a range of 15% to 45% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 20% to 40% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. When the content of the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the ink composition is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0035] The content of the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 10% to 60% by mass, more preferably in a range of 15% to 55% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 20% to 50% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 25% to 45% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound. When the content of the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0036] The content of the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 10% to 60% by mass, more preferably in a range of 20% to 60% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 25% to 55% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 30% to 50% by mass with respect to the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound. When the content of the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0037] The molecular weight of the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 150 to 300 and more preferably in a range of 175 to 250. The molecular weight of the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0038] The glass transition temperature of the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 50 C. to 100 C. and more preferably in a range of 25 C. to 50 C. When the glass transition temperature of the cyclic ether-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the blocking resistance and the shrink properties tend to be further improved.

1.1.1.3. Hydroxyl Group-Containing Monofunctional Polymerizable Compound

[0039] The ink composition of the present embodiment may contain a hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound. The hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl (meth)acrylate, N-hydroxymethyl (meth)acrylamide, and oligomers thereof. When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains a hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0040] The content of the hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 5.0% to 35.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 7.5% to 30.0% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 10.0% to 25.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. When the content of the hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the ink composition is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0041] The content of the hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 7.5% to 40.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 10.0% to 35.0% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 12.5% to 32.5% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 15.0% to 30.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound. When the content of the hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0042] The content of the hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 10.0% to 45.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 12.5% to 40.0% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 15.0% to 35.0% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 17.5% to 30.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound. When the content of the hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0043] The molecular weight of the hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 50 to 250 and more preferably in a range of 100 to 200. The molecular weight of the hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0044] The glass transition temperature of the hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 100 C. to 50 C. and more preferably in a range of 50 C. to 25 C. When the glass transition temperature of the hydroxyl group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the blocking resistance and the shrink properties tend to be further improved.

1.1.1.4. Aromatic Group-Containing Monofunctional Polymerizable Compound

[0045] The ink composition of the present embodiment may or may not contain an aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound. From the viewpoint of reducing the odor of the ink composition, the content of the aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound in the ink composition of the present embodiment is preferably as small as possible and more preferably zero. The aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, alkoxylated 2-phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, ethoxylated nonylphenyl (meth)acrylate, alkoxylated nonylphenyl (meth)acrylate, p-cumylphenol EO-modified (meth)acrylate, and 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl (meth)acrylate.

[0046] When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains an aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, the content of the aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably in a range of 1% to 15% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 1% to 10% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

[0047] When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains an aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, the content of the aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably 25% by mass or less, more preferably in a range of 1% to 20% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 1% to 15% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound.

[0048] When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains an aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, the content of the aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably in a range of 1% to 25% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 1% to 20% by mass with respect to the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound.

[0049] When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains an aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound, the odor of the ink composition tends to be reduced, and the curing properties thereof tend to be further improved in a case where the content of the aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges.

[0050] The molecular weight of the aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 100 to 300 and more preferably in a range of 125 to 250.

[0051] The glass transition temperature of the aromatic group-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 100 C. to 50 C. and more preferably in a range of 50 C. to 25 C.

1.1.1.5. Hydrocarbon Ring-Containing Monofunctional Polymerizable Compound

[0052] The ink composition of the present embodiment may contain a hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound. The hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an aliphatic ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound. The aliphatic ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a tert-butylcyclohexyl acrylate (TBCHA), cyclohexyl acrylate, trimethylcyclohexyl acrylate, 2-(meth)acrylic acid-1,4-dioxaspiro[4,5]dec-2-ylmethyl, and oligomers thereof.

[0053] The content of the hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 1.0% to 20.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 2.5% to 17.5% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 5.0% to 15.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. When the content of the hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the ink composition is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved, and the viscosity thereof tends to be further decreased.

[0054] The content of the hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 2.0% to 25.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 3.5% to 22.5% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 6.0% to 20.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound. When the content of the hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved, and the viscosity thereof tends to be further decreased.

[0055] The content of the hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 5.0% to 30.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 7.5% to 27.5% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 10.0% to 25.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound. When the content of the hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound with respect to the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved, and the viscosity thereof tends to be further decreased.

[0056] The molecular weight of the hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 150 to 300 and more preferably in a range of 175 to 250. When the molecular weight of the hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0057] The glass transition temperature of the hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 0 C. to 200 C. and more preferably in a range of 50 C. to 150 C. When the glass transition temperature of the hydrocarbon ring-containing monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the blocking resistance and the shrink properties tend to be further improved.

1.1.1.6. Other Monofunctional Polymerizable Compound

[0058] The ink composition of the present embodiment may contain other monofunctional polymerizable compounds in addition to the above-described monofunctional polymerizable compounds. The other monofunctional polymerizable compounds are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include unsaturated carboxylic acids such as (meth)acrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, isocrotonic acid, and maleic acid, salts of the unsaturated carboxylic acids, esters, urethanes, amides, and anhydrides of the unsaturated carboxylic acids, acrylonitrile, styrene, various unsaturated polyesters, unsaturated polyether, unsaturated polyamide, and unsaturated urethane.

[0059] The content of the other monofunctional polymerizable compounds is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably in a range of 0.1% to 5.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 0.1% to 2.5% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 0.1% to 1.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. Alternatively, the ink composition may contain no other monofunctional polymerizable compounds.

[0060] The content of the other monofunctional polymerizable compounds is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably in a range of 0.1% to 5.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 0.1% to 2.5% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 0.1% to 1.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound. Alternatively, the ink composition may contain no other monofunctional polymerizable compounds.

[0061] The content of the other monofunctional polymerizable compounds is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably in a range of 0.1% to 5.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 0.1% to 2.5% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 0.1% to 1.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound. Alternatively, the ink composition may contain no other monofunctional polymerizable compounds.

[0062] The molecular weight of the other monofunctional polymerizable compounds is preferably in a range of 100 to 300 and more preferably in a range of 150 to 250.

[0063] The glass transition temperature of the other monofunctional polymerizable compounds is preferably in a range of 0 C. to 150 C. and more preferably in a range of 25 C. to 100 C.

[0064] The total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compounds is preferably in a range of 30.0% to 80.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 35.0% to 77.5% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 40.0% to 75.0% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 45.0% to 72.5% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

[0065] The total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compounds is preferably in a range of 50% to 90% by mass, more preferably in a range of 55% to 89% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 60% to 88% by mass, even still more preferably in a range of 62% to 87% by mass, even still more preferably in a range of 64% to 86% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 65% to 85% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound.

[0066] When the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compounds is greater than or equal to the above-described lower limits, the curing properties and the blocking resistance tend to be improved. Further, when the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound is less than or equal to the above-described upper limits, the adhesiveness to the recording medium and the shrink properties tend to be improved. Therefore, when the total amount of the monofunctional polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, all the curing properties, the blocking resistance, the adhesiveness to the recording medium, and the shrink properties can be achieved.

1.1.2. Polyfunctional Polymerizable Compound

[0067] The ink composition of the present embodiment may or may not contain a polyfunctional polymerizable compound. When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains a polyfunctional polymerizable compound, the curing properties tend to be further improved. The polyfunctional polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate, a bifunctional (meth)acrylate, and a tri- or higher functional (meth)acrylate. When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains a polyfunctional polymerizable compound, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved. The polyfunctional polymerizable compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

1.1.2.1. Vinyl Ether Group-Containing (Meth)Acrylate

[0068] The ink composition of the present embodiment may or may not contain a vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate. The vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a compound represented by Formula (1). When the ink composition contains such a vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate, the viscosity of the ink composition tends to be decreased, and the jetting stability tends to be further improved. Further, the curing properties of the ink composition are further improved, and the improvement of the curing properties enables a further increase in the recording speed.

CH.sub.2CR.sub.1COOR.sub.2OCHCHR.sub.3(1)

[0069] (In the formula, R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R.sub.2 represents a divalent organic residue having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic residue having 1 to 11 carbon atoms.)

[0070] In Formula (1), examples of the divalent organic residue having 2 to 20 carbon atoms as R.sub.2 include a linear, branched, or cyclic alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms which may be substituted, an alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms which has an oxygen atom via an ether bond and/or an ester bond in the structure and may be substituted, and a divalent aromatic group having 6 to 11 carbon atoms which may be substituted. Among these, an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms such as an ethylene group, an n-propylene group, an isopropylene group, or a butylene group and an alkylene group having 2 to 9 carbon atoms which has an oxygen atom via an ether bond in the structure such as an oxyethylene group, an oxy n-propylene group, an oxyisopropylene group, or an oxybutylene group are preferable. Further, from the viewpoint that the viscosity of the composition can be further decreased and the curing properties of the composition are further enhanced, a compound having a glycol ether chain, in which R.sub.2 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 9 carbon atoms which has an oxygen atom via an ether bond in the structure such as an oxyethylene group, an oxy n-propylene group, an oxyisopropylene group, or an oxybutylene group, is more preferable.

[0071] In Formula (1), as the monovalent organic residue having 1 to 11 carbon atoms as R.sub.3, a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may be substituted or an aromatic group having 6 to 11 carbon atoms which may be substituted is suitable. Among these, an alkyl group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms which is a methyl group or an ethyl group or an aromatic group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms such as a phenyl group or a benzyl group is suitably used.

[0072] When the above-described organic residues are groups which may be substituted, the substituents thereof are classified into groups having carbon atoms and groups having no carbon atoms. First, when the substituent is a group having carbon atoms, the number of carbon atoms is counted as the number of carbon atoms of the organic residue. The groups having carbon atoms are not limited to the following examples, and examples thereof include a carboxyl group and an alkoxy group. Next, the groups having no carbon atoms are not limited to the following examples, and examples thereof include a hydroxyl group and a halo group.

[0073] The compound represented by Formula (1) is not particularly limited, and specific examples thereof include 2-vinyloxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 3-vinyloxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 1-methyl-2-vinyloxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-vinyloxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 4-vinyloxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 1-methyl-3-vinyloxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 1-vinyloxymethylpropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-methyl-3-vinyloxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 1,1-dimethyl-2-vinyloxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 3-vinyloxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 1-methyl-2-vinyloxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-vinyloxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 4-vinyloxycyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, 6-vinyloxyhexyl (meth)acrylate, 4-vinyloxymethylcyclohexylmethyl (meth)acrylate, 3-vinyloxymethylcyclohexylmethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-vinyloxymethylcyclohexylmethyl (meth)acrylate, p-vinyloxymethylphenylmethyl (meth)acrylate, m-vinyloxymethylphenylmethyl (meth)acrylate, o-vinyloxymethylphenylmethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate, 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyisopropoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxy)propyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxy)isopropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyisopropoxy)propyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyisopropoxy)isopropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxyethoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxyisopropoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyisopropoxyethoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyisopropoxyisopropoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxyethoxy)propyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxyisopropoxy)propyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyisopropoxyethoxy)propyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyisopropoxyisopropoxy)propyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxyethoxy)isopropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxyisopropoxy)isopropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyisopropoxyethoxy)isopropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyisopropoxyisopropoxy)isopropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxyethoxyethoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(vinyloxyethoxyethoxyethoxyethoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(isopropenoxyethoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(isopropenoxyethoxyethoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(isopropenoxyethoxyethoxyethoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(isopropenoxyethoxyethoxyethoxyethoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol monovinyl ether (meth)acrylate, and polypropylene glycol monovinyl ether (meth)acrylate. Among these specific examples, from the viewpoint of easily achieving the balance between the curing properties and the viscosity of the composition, 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate is particularly preferable. Further, in the present embodiment, 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate will also be referred to as VEEA.

[0074] The content of the vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate is preferably in a range of 5.0% to 20.0% by mass and more preferably in a range of 10.0% to 17.5% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. When the content of the vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate with respect to the total amount of the ink composition is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved, and the viscosity thereof tends to be further decreased.

[0075] The content of the vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate is preferably in a range of 10.0% to 60.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 12.5% to 50.0% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 15.0% to 40.0% by mass, even still more preferably in a range of 15.0% to 35.0% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 15.0% to 30.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound. When the content of the vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved, and the viscosity thereof tends to be further decreased.

[0076] The molecular weight of the vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate is preferably in a range of 100 to 350 and more preferably in a range of 150 to 300. The molecular weight of the vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be more improved.

[0077] The glass transition temperature of the vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate is preferably in a range of 0 C. to 100 C. and more preferably in a range of 25 C. to 75 C. When the glass transition temperature of the vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylate is in the above-described ranges, the blocking resistance and the shrink properties tend to be more improved.

1.1.2.2 Bifunctional (Meth)Acrylate

[0078] The ink composition of the present embodiment may or may not contain a bifunctional (meth)acrylate. The bifunctional (meth)acrylate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include dipropylene glycol diacrylate (DPGDA), tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA), diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, tetraethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, dipropylene glycol dimethacrylate, tripropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,4-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,9-nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, dimethylol-tricyclodecane di(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide (EO) adduct di(meth)acrylate of bisphenol A, propylene oxide (PO) adduct di(meth)acrylate of bisphenol A, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate hydroxypivalate, and polytetramethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate.

[0079] The content of the bifunctional (meth)acrylate is preferably in a range of 5.0% to 45.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 7.5% to 40.0% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 0% to 35.0% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 10.0% to 30.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. When the content of the bifunctional (meth)acrylate with respect to the total amount of the ink composition is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved, and the viscosity thereof tends to be further decreased.

[0080] The content of the bifunctional (meth)acrylate is preferably in a range of 7.5% to 60.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 10.0% to 50.0% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 12.5% to 40.0% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 12.5% to 30.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound. When the content of the bifunctional (meth)acrylate with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved, and the viscosity thereof tends to be further decreased.

[0081] The molecular weight of the bifunctional (meth)acrylate is preferably in a range of 150 to 400 and more preferably in a range of 200 to 350. When the molecular weight of the bifunctional (meth)acrylate is in the above-described ranges, the curing properties of the ink composition tend to be further improved.

[0082] The glass transition temperature of the bifunctional (meth)acrylate is preferably in a range of 0 C. to 150 C. and more preferably in a range of 25 C. to 125 C. When the glass transition temperature of the bifunctional (meth)acrylate is in the above-described ranges, the blocking resistance and the shrink properties tend to be further improved.

1.1.2.3. Tri- or Higher Functional (Meth)Acrylate

[0083] The ink composition of the present embodiment may or may not contain a trifunctional or higher polyfunctional(meth)acrylate. The trifunctional or higher polyfunctional(meth)acrylate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, EO-modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, ditrimethylolpropane tetra(meth)acrylate, glycerin propoxy tri(meth)acrylate, caprolactone-modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol ethoxy tetra(meth)acrylate, and caprolactam-modified dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate.

[0084] The content of the trifunctional or higher polyfunctional(meth)acrylate is preferably in a range of 5.0% to 20.0% by mass and more preferably in a range of 10.0% to 17.5% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

[0085] The content of the trifunctional or higher polyfunctional (meth)acrylate is preferably in a range of 10.0% to 60.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 12.5% to 50.0% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 15.0% to 40.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound.

[0086] As the polyfunctional polymerizable compound, VEEA, TPGDA, and DPGDA are preferable. When the ink composition contains these polyfunctional polymerizable compounds, the blocking resistance tends to be improved.

[0087] The total amount of the polyfunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 5.0% to 45.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 5.0% to 40.0% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 7.5% to 40.0% by mass, even still more preferably in a range of 10.0% to 35.0% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 10.0% to 30.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

[0088] The total amount of the polyfunctional polymerizable compound is preferably in a range of 7.5% to 60.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 10.0% to 50.0% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 12.5% to 40.0% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 12.5% to 30.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the polymerizable compound.

1.2. Photoinitiator

[0089] The ink composition of the present embodiment contains a photoinitiator. The photoinitiator generates an active species when irradiated with radiation. The photoinitiator also includes a compound that generates an active species by being irradiated with radiation and has a function as a photosensitizer. Further, the function as the photosensitizer is a function of absorbing light having a certain wavelength and emitting fluorescence having another wavelength, specifically, a function of absorbing light having a wavelength of about 300 to 450 nm and emitting fluorescence having a wavelength of about 400 to 500 nm. The photoinitiator may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0090] The ink composition of the present embodiment contains ethyl phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate (TPO-L) as the photoinitiator. Further, the ink composition of the present embodiment may contain a photoinitiator other than TPO-L.

[0091] The photoinitiator other than TPO-L is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include acylphosphine-based photoinitiators, thioxanthone-based photoinitiators, -hydroxyketone-based photoinitiators, ketosulfonic acid-based photoinitiators, and amine-based photoinitiators. Further, some of the amine-based photoinitiators have a function as a photosensitizer.

[0092] More specific examples of the photoinitiator include 1-(4-[4-benzoylphenyl)thio]phenyl)-2-methyl-2-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-1-propan-1-one, oligo-[2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-(4-(1-methylvinyl)phenyl)propanone, -[2-[(9-oxo-9H-thioxanthenyl)oxy]acetyl]-w-[[2-[(9-oxo-9H-thioxanthenyl)oxy]acetyl)oxy]poly(oxy-1,4-butanediyl), 1,3-di({-[1-chloro-9-oxo-9H-thioxanthen-4-yl]oxy]acetylpoly[oxy(1-methylethylene)]}oxy)-2,2-bis({-[1-chloro-9-oxo-9H-thioxanthen-4-yl)oxy]acetylpoly[oxy(1-methylethylene)]}oxymethyl]propane, a mixture of 1,3-di({-4-(dimethylamino)benzoylpoly[oxy(1-methylethylene)]}oxy)-2,2-bis({-4-(dimethylamino)-benzoylpoly[oxy(1-methylethylene)]}oxymethyl)propane and {-4-(dimethylamino)benzoylpoly(oxyethylene)-poly[oxy(1-methylethylene)]-poly(oxyethylene)}4-dimethylamino)benzoate, polyethylene glycol di(-4-[4-(2-dimethylamino-2-benzyl)butaonylphenyl]piperazine)propionate, phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide, 2-hydroxy-1-[4-(4-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionyl)phenoxy)-phenyl]-2-methylpropan-1-one, (methylimino)diethane-2,1-diyl bis[4-(dimethylamino)benzoate], 2,4-diethylthioxanthone, and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphsophine oxide. Specific products thereof are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include ESACURE 1001M, ESACURE KIP 150, Omnipol TX, SpeedCure 7010, SpeedCure 7040, Omnipol 910, Omnirad 819, ESACURE KIP 160, ESACURE A198, Speedcure DETX, and Omnirad TPO H (all products name, manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.)

[0093] The content of the photoinitiator is preferably in a range of 1% to 25% by mass and more preferably in a range of 5% to 20% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

[0094] The content of TPO-L is preferably in a range of 1.0% to 15.0% by mass, more preferably in a range of 1.5% to 12.5% by mass, still more preferably in a range of 2.0% to 10.0% by mass, and even still more preferably in a range of 2.5% to 7.5% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. When the content of TPO-L with respect to the total amount of the ink composition is in the above-described ranges, the jetting stability and the curing properties tend to be further improved.

[0095] The content of TPO-L is preferably in a range of 15% to 80% by mass, more preferably in a range of 20% to 70% by mass, and still more preferably in a range of 30% to 60% by mass with respect to the total amount of the photoinitiator. When the content of TPO-L with respect to the total amount of the ink composition is in the above-described ranges, the jetting stability and the curing properties tend to be further improved.

[0096] From the viewpoint of improving the jetting stability, it is preferable that the ink composition of the present embodiment do not contain TPO. Further, when the ink composition of the present embodiment contains TPO, the content of TPO is preferably 5.0% by mass or less, more preferably 1.0% by mass or less, and still more preferably 0.1% by mass or less with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

1.3. Polymerization Inhibitor

[0097] The ink composition of the present embodiment may contain a polymerization inhibitor. The polymerization inhibitor is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include hydroquinones such as hydroquinone, hydroquinone monomethyl ether (MEHQ), 1-o-2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone, and 2-tert-butylhydroquinone, catechols such as catechol, 4-methylcatechol, and 4-tert-butylcatechol, phenols such as phenol, butyl hydroxytoluene, butyl hydroxy anisole, p-methoxyphenol, cresol, pyrogallol, 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene, 2,2-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol, 2,2-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-butylphenol), and 4,4-thiobis(3-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), and hindered amines such as a compound having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-N-oxyl skeleton typified by 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl, a compound having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine skeleton typified by bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, a compound having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine skeleton, a compound having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-N-alkyl skeleton, and a compound having a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-N-acyl skeleton. The polymerization inhibitor may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0098] The content of the polymerization inhibitor is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably in a range of 0.1% to 1.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

1.4. Surfactant

[0099] The ink composition of the present embodiment may contain a surfactant. Examples of the surfactant include a silicone-based surfactant, a fluorine-based surfactant, and an acetylene glycol-based surfactant. Among these, a silicone-based surfactant is preferable. The surfactant may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0100] Examples of the silicone-based surfactant include a polysiloxane-based surfactant and a polyether-modified organosiloxane. A commercially available product of the silicone-based surfactant is not particularly limited, and specific examples thereof include BYK-306, BYK-307, BYK-333, BYK-341, BYK-345, BYK-346, BYK-347, BYK-348, BYK-349, and BYK-UV3500 (all trade names, manufactured by BYK-Chemie GmbH), KF-351A, KF-352A, KF-353, KF-354L, KF-355A, KF-615A, KF-945, KF-640, KF-642, KF-643, KF-6020, X-22-4515, KF-6011, KF-6012, KF-6015, and KF-6017 (all trade names, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0101] The fluorine-based surfactant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a perfluoroalkyl sulfonate, a perfluoroalkyl carboxylate, perfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid ester, a perfluoroalkyl ethylene oxide adduct, perfluoroalkyl betaine, and a perfluoroalkylamine oxide compound. A commercially available product of the fluorine-based surfactant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include S-144 and S-145 (manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.), FC-170C, FC-430, FLUORAD FC-4430 (manufactured by 3M Japan Limited), FSO, FSO-100, FSN, FSN-100, and FS-300 (manufactured by Dupont), and FT-250 and 251 (manufactured by NEOS COMPANY LIMITED).

[0102] The acetylene glycol-based surfactant is not particularly limited, and preferred examples thereof include one or more selected from an alkylene oxide adduct of 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol and an alkylene oxide adduct of 2,4-dimethyl-5-decyne-4-ol and 2,4-dimethyl-5-decyne-4-ol. A commercially available product of the acetylene glycol-based surfactant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include OLFINE 104 Series and E Series such as OLFINE E1010 (all trade names, manufactured by Air Products Japan, Inc.), SURFYNOL 465 and SURFYNOL 61 (both trade names, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0103] The content of the surfactant is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably in a range of 0.1% to 5.0% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

1.5. Coloring Material

[0104] The ink composition of the present embodiment may contain a coloring material. Examples of the coloring material include dyes and pigments. The content of the coloring material is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably in a range of 1% to 10% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. Further, the ink composition of the present embodiment may be a clear ink that does not contain a coloring material or contains a coloring material to an extent that coloring is not intended (for example, the content of the coloring material is 0.1% by mass or less). The coloring material may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

1.5.1. Pigment

[0105] The light resistance of the ink composition according to the present embodiment can be improved by using a pigment as a coloring material. Both an inorganic pigment and an organic pigment can also be used as the pigment.

[0106] Examples of the inorganic pigment include carbon blacks (C.I. (Colour Index Generic Name) Pigment Black 7) such as furnace black, lamp black, acetylene black, and channel black, iron oxide, and titanium oxide.

[0107] Examples of the organic pigment include an azo pigment such as an insoluble azo pigment, a condensed azo pigment, Azo Lake, or a chelate azo pigment, a polycyclic pigment such as a phthalocyanine pigment, a perylene pigment, a perinone pigment, an anthraquinone pigment, a quinacridone pigment, a dioxane pigment, a thioindigo pigment, an isoindolinone pigment, or a quinophthalone pigment, a chelate dye (such as a basic dye-type chelate or an acidic dye-type chelate), a lake dye (such as a basic dye-type lake or an acidic dye-type lake), a nitro pigment, a nitroso pigment, aniline black, and a daylight fluorescent pigment.

[0108] More specifically, examples of the carbon black used as a black color include No. 2300, No. 900, MCF88, No. 33, No. 40, No. 45, No. 52, MA7, MA8, MA100, and No. 2200B (all manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), Raven 5750, Raven 5250, Raven 5000, Raven 3500, Raven 1255, and Raven 700 (all manufactured by Columbia Carbon Co., Ltd.), Regal 400R, Regal 330R, Regal 660R, Mogul L, Monarch 700, Monarch 800, Monarch 880, Monarch 900, Monarch 1000, Monarch 1100, Monarch 1300, and Monarch 1400 (all manufactured by Cabot Japan K.K.), and Color Black FW1, Color Black FW2, Color Black FW2V, Color Black FW18, Color Black FW200, Color Black S150, Color Black S160, Color Black S170, Printex 35, Printex U, Printex V, Printex 140U, Special Black 6, Special Black 5, Special Black 4A, and Special Black 4 (all manufactured by Degussa-Huls AG).

[0109] Examples of a pigment used as a white color include C.I. Pigment White 6, 18, and 21.

[0110] Examples of a pigment used as a yellow color include C.I. Pigment Yellow 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24, 34, 35, 37, 53, 55, 65, 73, 74, 75, 81, 83, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 108, 109, 110, 113, 114, 117, 120, 124, 128, 129, 133, 138, 139, 147, 151, 153, 154, 155, 167, 172, 180, and 185.

[0111] Examples of a pigment used as a magenta color include C.I. Pigment Red 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 30, 31, 32, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48 (Ca), 48 (Mn), 57 (Ca), 57:1, 88, 112, 114, 122, 123, 144, 146, 149, 150, 166, 168, 170, 171, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 184, 185, 187, 202, 209, 219, 224, and 245, and C.I. Pigment Violet 19, 23, 32, 33, 36, 38, 43, and 50.

[0112] Examples of a pigment used as a cyan color include C.I. Pigment Blue 1, 2, 3, 15, 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:34, 15:4, 16, 18, 22, 25, 60, 65, and 66, and C.I. Vat Blue 4 and 60.

[0113] Further, examples of pigments of colors other than magenta, cyan, and yellow include C.I. Pigment Green 7 and 10, C.I. Pigment Brown 3, 5, 25, and 26, and C.I. Pigment Orange 1, 2, 5, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24, 34, 36, 38, 40, 43, and 63.

[0114] The content of the pigment is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably in a range of 1% to 10% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

1.5.2. Dispersing Agent

[0115] When the ink composition of the present embodiment contains a pigment, the ink composition may contain a dispersing agent in order to improve the dispersibility of the pigment. The dispersing agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[0116] The dispersing agent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include dispersing agents that are commonly used to prepare a pigment dispersion liquid such as a polymer dispersing agent. Specific examples thereof include dispersing agents containing one or more of polyoxyalkylene polyalkylene polyamine, a vinyl-based polymer, a vinyl-based copolymer, an acrylic polymer, an acrylic copolymer, polyester, polyamide, polyimide, polyurethane, an amino-based polymer, a silicon-containing polymer, a sulfur-containing polymer, a fluorine-containing polymer, and an epoxy resin as main components.

[0117] Examples of a commercially available product of the polymer dispersing agent include AJISPER Series (manufactured by Ajinomoto Fine-Techno Co., Ltd.), SOLSPERSE Series (such as SOLSPERSE 36000 available from Avecia, Inc. and Noveon, Inc.), DISPERBYK Series (manufactured by BYK Additives & Instruments GmbH), and DISPARLON Series (manufactured by Kusumoto Chemicals, Ltd.).

[0118] The content of the dispersing agent is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably in a range of 0.01% to 1.00% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

1.5.3. Dye

[0119] The dye is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an acidic dye, a direct dye, a reactive dye, and a basic dye. The dye is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include C.I. Acid Yellow 17, 23, 42, 44, 79, and 142, C.I. Acid Red 52, 80, 82, 249, 254, and 289, C.I. Acid Blue 9, 45, and 249, C.I. Acid Black 1, 2, 24, and 94, C.I. Food Black 1 and 2, C.I. Direct Yellow 1, 12, 24, 33, 50, 55, 58, 86, 132, 142, 144, and 173, C.I. Direct Red 1, 4, 9, 80, 81, 225, and 227, C.I. Direct Blue 1, 2, 15, 71, 86, 87, 98, 165, 199, and 202, C.I. Direct Black 19, 38, 51, 71, 154, 168, 171, and 195, C.I. Reactive Red 14, 32, 55, 79, and 249, and C.I. Reactive Black 3, 4, and 35.

[0120] The content of the dye is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably in a range of 1% to 10% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition.

2. Method of Producing Radiation-Curable Ink Jet Ink Composition

[0121] The radiation-curable ink jet ink composition of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, but may be obtained by, for example, mixing each of the above-described component. Alternatively, the radiation-curable ink jet ink composition may be obtained by preparing a coloring material dispersion liquid in which a coloring material and a dispersing agent are dispersant in a solvent and mixing the obtained coloring material dispersion liquid with each of the above-described other components. Further, in the radiation-curable ink jet ink composition, the solvent is not limited to the above-described polymerizable compounds.

3. Recording Medium

[0122] The recording medium used for performing recording with the ink composition of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an absorbing recording medium, a low-absorbing recording medium, and a non-absorbing recording medium.

[0123] The absorbing recording medium is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include plain paper such as electrophotographic paper with high ink permeability, ink jet paper (paper for exclusive use for ink jet, provided with an ink absorbing layer formed of silica particles or alumina particles or an ink absorbing layer formed of a hydrophilic polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and cloth.

[0124] The low-absorbing recording medium is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include art paper, coated paper, and cast paper, which have relatively low ink permeability and are used for typical offset printing.

[0125] The non-absorbing recording medium is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a film or plate made of plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene such as oriented polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polystyrene, and polyurethane, a plate made of metals such as iron, silver, copper, and aluminum, a metal plate produced by vapor deposition of various metals or a film made of plastic, a plate formed of an alloy such as stainless steel or brass, and a recording medium obtained by adhesion (coating) of a film made of plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polystyrene, and polyurethane to a base material made of paper.

[0126] It is preferable that the recording medium of the present disclosure be a shrink film that is contracted when heated.

[0127] The ink composition of the present embodiment is suitably used for printing on the low-absorbing recording medium or the non-absorbing recording medium. The ink composition of the present embodiment is suitably used particularly for printing on a recording medium such as a soft packaging or a shrink film which is a non-absorbing recording medium that is contracted when heated.

4. Recording Device

[0128] The recording device of the present embodiment is an ink jet recording device used for performing printing with the ink composition of the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a serial printer as an example of an ink jet recording device. As shown in FIG. 1, a serial printer 20 includes a transport unit 220 and a recording unit 230. The transport unit 220 transports a recording medium F supplied to the serial printer to the recording unit 230 and discharges the recording medium after recording to the outside of the serial printer. Specifically, the transport unit 220 has feeding rollers and transports the sent recording medium F in a sub-scanning direction T2.

[0129] Further, the recording unit 230 includes an ink jet head 231 that jets an ink or the like to the recording medium F sent from the transport unit 220, a light source 232 that irradiates the adhering ink or the like with radiation, a carriage 234 on which these units are mounted, and a carriage movement mechanism 235 that moves the carriage 234 in main scanning directions S1 and S2 of the recording medium F.

[0130] In a case of the serial printer, the serial printer includes, as the ink jet head 231, a head having a length less than the width of the recording medium and performs recording by the movement of the head in a plurality of passes. Further, in the serial printer, the head 231 is mounted on the carriage 234 that moves in a predetermined direction so that the ink composition is jetted onto the recording medium F by the movement of the head in conjunction with the movement of the carriage. In this manner, the recording is performed by the movement of the head in two or more passes. Further, the pass is also referred to as main scanning. Sub-scanning of transporting the recording medium is performed between the passes. That is, the main scanning and the sub-scanning are alternately performed.

[0131] Further, the recording device of the present embodiment has been described above using the serial printer as an example with reference to FIG. 1, but the recording device of the present embodiment may be a line printer. In the line printer, an image is recorded on a recording medium by fixing a line head, moving the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction (the longitudinal direction and the transport direction of the recording medium), and jetting ink droplets from a nozzle opening of the head in conjunction with the movement. Typically, the head is fixed and does not move in the line printer, and thus recording is performed in one pass (single pass). Therefore, the line printer has an advantage over the serial printer in terms that the recording speed is higher.

[0132] Further, the recording device may operate to clean the nozzle. The cleaning of the nozzle denotes an operation of removing air bubbles in the vicinity of the nozzle, which are contained in the ink composition, and examples of the cleaning include pressure nozzle cleaning, suction nozzle cleaning, and flushing. The air bubbles in the vicinity of the nozzle are removed by cleaning the nozzle, and thus the jetting stability tends to be excellent. The line printer has an advantage in terms that the recording speed is high, but the line printer is unlikely to frequently perform the operation of cleaning the nozzle when the recording is performed at a high speed, as compared with the serial printer.

[0133] Therefore, in a case of the line printer that is unlikely to frequently perform the operation of cleaning the nozzle, the effect of the jetting stability exhibited by the ink composition of the disclosure of the present application are more apparent.

[0134] The interval for cleaning the nozzle is preferably 10 minutes or longer, more preferably 20 minutes or longer, and still more preferably 30 minutes or longer. When the interval is in the above-described ranges, excellent jetting stability can be exhibited while the recording is performed at a high speed.

5. Ink Jet Recording Method

[0135] An ink jet recording method of the present embodiment includes a jetting step of jetting the ink composition of the present embodiment onto a recording medium. Further, the ink jet recording method may include a curing step of curing the ink composition of the present embodiment that has been jetted onto the recording medium, a transport step of transporting the recording medium, a winding step of winding up the recording medium, and a heat-contraction step of heating the recording medium to contract the recording medium as necessary.

5.1. Jetting Step

[0136] In the jetting step of the present embodiment, the ink composition of the present embodiment is jetted onto the recording medium from the ink jet head. More specifically, a pressure generating unit provided in the ink jet head is driven to jet the ink composition filling a pressure generating chamber of the ink jet head onto the recording medium from the nozzle.

[0137] Examples of the ink jet head used in the jetting step include a line head that performs recording according to a line system and a serial head that performs recording according to a serial system.

[0138] In the line system using a line head, for example, an ink jet head having a width greater than or equal to the recording width of a recording medium is fixed to a recording device. Further, an image is recorded on the recording medium by moving the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction (the transport direction of the recording medium) and jetting ink droplets from the nozzle of the ink jet head in conjunction with the movement.

[0139] In the serial system using a serial head, for example, an ink jet head is mounted on a carriage that is movable in the width direction of a recording medium. Further, an image is recorded on the recording medium by moving the carriage in the main scanning direction (the width direction of the recording medium) and jetting ink droplets from the nozzle of the ink jet head in conjunction with the movement.

[0140] The thickness of the ink film formed on the recording medium in the jetting step is preferably 5 m or less and more preferably in a range of 1 to 5 m. When the thickness of the ink film is in the above-described ranges, the shrink properties, the adhesiveness of the ink composition to the recording medium, and the blocking resistance tend to be improved.

5.2. Curing Step

[0141] The ink jet recording method of the present embodiment may include a curing step of curing the ink composition of the present embodiment that has adhered to the recording medium in the jetting step. In the curing step, the ink composition of the present embodiment that has adhered to the recording medium is irradiated with radiation, to cure the ink composition of the present embodiment. When the ink composition is irradiated with radiation, the polymerization reaction of the polymerizable compound is started to cure the composition so that a coating film is formed. Here, when a photoinitiator is present, an active species (initiation species) such as a radical, an acid, or a base is generated, and the polymerization reaction of the polymerizable compound is promoted by the function of the initiation species.

[0142] Here, examples of the radiation include ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, visible light, and X-rays. The composition is irradiated with radiation by a radiation source provided downstream of the ink jet head. The radiation source is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a UV-LED. When such a radiation source is used, miniaturization of the device and cost reduction can be realized. The UV-LED serving as an ultraviolet ray source is small and thus can be installed in the ink jet recording device.

5.3. Transport Step

[0143] The ink jet recording method of the present embodiment may include a transport step of transporting the recording medium. In the transport step, the recording medium is transported in a predetermined direction inside the recording device. More specifically, the recording medium is transported from a paper feeding unit to a paper discharge unit of the recording device using a transport roller or a transport belt provided inside the recording device. In the transport process, the ink composition jetted from the ink jet head adheres to the recording medium to form a recorded material.

5.4. Winding Step

[0144] The ink jet recording method of the present embodiment may include a winding step of winding the recording medium. In the winding step, for example, the recording medium to which the ink composition of the present embodiment has been jetted is wound up.

[0145] The recorded materials can be more efficiently stored by performing the winding step. Further, the recorded materials overlap each other under greater pressure by performing the winding step. Therefore, the blocking problem is likely to occur. In this regard, since the ink composition of the present embodiment has excellent blocking resistance, the blocking problem is unlikely to occur.

5.5. Heat-Contraction Step

[0146] The ink jet recording method of the present embodiment may include a heat-contraction step of heating and contracting the recording medium. In the heat-contraction step, the recorded material, which is the recording medium to which the ink composition of the present embodiment has been jetted, may be heated and contracted.

[0147] It is preferable that the heating temperature in the heat-contraction step be a temperature higher than or equal to the weighted average of the glass transition temperatures of the polymerizable compounds contained in the ink composition of the present embodiment. For example, the weighted average of the glass transition temperatures of the polymerizable compounds contained in the ink composition of the present embodiment is 30 C. or higher, and the heating temperature is preferably a temperature higher than or equal to the weighted average. When the heating temperature is a temperature higher than or equal to the weighted average, the shrink properties tend to be excellent. Further, when the weighted average is 30 C. or higher, the blocking resistance tends to be excellent.

[0148] In the ink jet recording method of the present embodiment, the order and the timing of performing the jetting step, the curing step, the transport step, the winding step, and the heat-contraction step are not particularly limited, and for example, the five steps may be performed simultaneously or alternately. Further, some of these steps may be performed simultaneously, and the remaining step may be performed separately. For example, the heat-contraction step may be performed after the jetting step, the curing step, the transport step, and the winding step are simultaneously performed.

EXAMPLES

[0149] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail based on examples and comparative examples. The present disclosure is not limited to the following examples. Further, the experiments of the examples and the comparative examples were performed at room temperature (25 C.) and 1 atm unless otherwise specified.

1. Preparation of Radiation-Curable Ink Jet Ink Composition

[0150] First, a part of a coloring material, a dispersing agent, and each polymerizable compound was weighed and added to a tank for pigment dispersion, a ceramic bead mill having a diameter of 1 mm was added to the tank, and the mixture was stirred, thereby obtaining a pigment dispersion liquid in which the coloring material had been dispersed in the polymerizable compound. Next, the remaining components were added to a tank for a mixture which was a stainless steel container so that the composition listed in Tables 2 to 5 was obtained, the mixture was mixed and stirred for complete dissolution, the pigment dispersion liquid obtained in the above-described manner was poured into the mixture, and the solution was further mixed and stirred at room temperature and filtered through a membrane filter, thereby obtaining an ink composition of each example. Further, the numerical value of each component shown in each example in the figure denotes the content of the component in units of % by mass unless otherwise specified. Further, the mass percentage of a substance in a solid state at room temperature denotes the solid content concentration. Further, each component in the tables is as follows. [0151] MEHQ (trade name, p-methoxyphenol, manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc., hydroquinone monomethyl ether) [0152] LA-7RD (manufactured by ADEKA Corporation, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidin-1-oxyl) [0153] Omnirad 819 (manufactured by IGM Resins B.V., acylphosphine-based photoinitiator, phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide) [0154] Omnirad TPO-H (manufactured by IGM Resins B.V., acylphosphine-based photoinitiator, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide) [0155] Omnirad TPO-L (manufactured by IGM Resins B.V., acylphosphine-based photoinitiator, ethyl phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate) [0156] SpeedCure DETX (manufactured by IGM Resins B.V., thioxanthone-based photoinitiator, 2,4-diethylthioxanthone) [0157] BYK-UV3500 (manufactured by BYK Additives & Instruments GmbH, polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane containing acryloyl group) [0158] Solsperse 36000 (manufactured by Avecia) [0159] Carbon black (trade name MA-100, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation)

2. Preparation of Recorded Material

[0160] A solid pattern image was recorded by jetting the radiation-curable ink jet ink composition of each example onto a PET film BONSET (product name, manufactured by C.I. TAKIRON Corporation) serving as a recording medium using an ink jet printer PX-G5000 (product name, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation) in an environment of room temperature at 1 atm under conditions of a recording resolution of 600 dpi600 dpi and a predetermined liquid droplet weight. Further, the solid pattern image is an image obtained by recording dots with respect to all pixels which are minimum recording unit areas defined by the recording resolution, that is, an image recorded at a dot generation ratio of 100%. The image was irradiated with ultraviolet rays from a UV-LED light source mounted on the carriage while the above-described printing was performed, thereby obtaining a recorded material in which an ink cured film was formed on the recording medium. The thickness of the ink cured film formed of the ink composition of each example was set as listed in the columns of film thickness shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. The predetermined liquid droplet weight was set to 10 ng when the film thickness was 5 m. The predetermined liquid droplet weight was set to 5 ng when the film thickness was 2.5 m. The predetermined liquid droplet weight was set to 15 ng when the film thickness was 7.5 m.

3. Evaluation Method

3.1. Curing Properties

[0161] A PET film was coated with the radiation-curable ink jet ink composition of each example using a bar coater such that the thickness of the ink cured film reached 5 m. The irradiation was performed using a UV-LED (peak wavelength of 395 nm, irradiation intensity of 1000 mW/cm.sup.2), and the irradiation energy applied until the ink cured film entered a tack-free state was determined. The irradiation intensity [mW/cm.sup.2] of the light applied from the light source to the surface irradiated with light was measured and the irradiation energy [mJ/cm.sup.2] was determined from the product of the obtained irradiation intensity [mW/cm.sup.2] and the irradiation duration [s].

[0162] Further, the state where the ink cured film entered a tack-free state was determined under the following conditions. That is, the state was determined based on whether or not the radiation-curable ink jet ink composition adhered to cotton swabs or the ink cured film on the recording medium was scratched. Here, Johnson's Cotton Swabs (manufactured by Johnson & Johnson) were used as the cotton swabs. The number of times of rubbing the surface was set to 10 times of reciprocation, and the rubbing intensity was set to a load of 100 g.

[0163] The curing properties were evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria based on the irradiation energy when the ink cured film entered a tack-free state. The rank of B or higher was determined as a satisfactory level. The evaluation results are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5.

[Evaluation Criteria]

[0164] A: The energy in the tack-free state was less than 150 mJ/cm.sup.2. [0165] B: The energy in the tack-free state was 150 mJ/cm.sup.2 or greater and less than 250 mJ/cm.sup.2. [0166] C: The energy in the tack-free state was 250 mJ/cm.sup.2 or greater.

3.2. Jetting Stability

[0167] A jig equipped with a temperature-adjustable ink jet head (manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation, 400 nozzles) was filled with each of the prepared inks. Next, the temperature of the head was controlled such that the ink viscosity during jetting reached 8 to 10 mPa-s, and the ink was continuously jetted at 6 kHz. Further, the number of nozzles that became unable to jet the ink before and after the continuous jetting for 30 minutes was confirmed. The evaluation was performed according to the following evaluation criteria, and the rank of A or higher was determined as a satisfactory level.

[Evaluation Criteria]

[0168] A: The number of missing nozzles was 0 or more and less than 5. [0169] B: The number of missing nozzles was 5 or more.

3.3. Adhesiveness

[0170] The adhesiveness of the ink cured film obtained by the evaluation of the curing properties was evaluated by performing a cross-cut test in conformity with the method described in JIS K 5600-5-6. Specifically, the ink cured film of the obtained recorded material was cut into a lattice shape, transparent adhesive tape was attached to the cut lattice portion, and the tape was sufficiently rubbed with a finger to be closely attached to the ink cured film such that the ink cured film could see through the tape. Next, within 5 minutes after the adhesion of the tape, the tape was peeled from the ink cured film at an angle of about 60 in 0.5 to 1.0 seconds. At this time, the presence or absence of peeling of the ink cured film from the recording medium was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The rank of B or higher was evaluated as a satisfactory level. The evaluation results are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5.

[Evaluation Criteria]

[0171] A: Peeling of the ink cured film was observed in less than 20% of the lattice portion. [0172] B: Peeling of the ink cured film was observed in 20% or greater and less than 30% of the lattice portion. [0173] C: Peeling of the ink cured film was observed in 30% or greater of the lattice portion.

3.4. Viscosity

[0174] The viscosity of the ink composition of each example and each comparative example immediately after the preparation was measured in conformity with JIS Z 8803 in an environment of 20 C. using a rotational viscometer (product name, Rheometer MCR-301, manufactured by Anton Paar GmbH). The evaluation results are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5.

(Evaluation Criteria)

[0175] AA: The viscosity was less than 15 mPa-s. [0176] A: The viscosity was 15 mPa-s or greater and less than 20 mPa.Math.s. [0177] B: The viscosity was 20 mPa-s or greater.

3.5. Blocking Resistance

[0178] The recorded material obtained by the above-described preparation method was rolled up such that the ink cured film was on the inside to be processed in a cylindrical shape. The recorded material was disposed around a glass bottle which was a packaged material preheated in a constant temperature bath, and the glass bottle and the cylindrical recorded material disposed around the glass bottle were allowed to stand in a constant temperature bath at 90 C. for 10 seconds so that the cylindrical recorded material was contracted and closely attached to the glass bottle.

[0179] The glass bottle to which the recorded material was closely attached was visually observed on whether or not the trace of the attachment of the ink cured film to the side surface of the glass bottle was transferred, and the blocking resistance was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5.

[Evaluation Criteria]

[0180] A: The trace of the attachment of the ink cured film to the glass bottle was not found. [0181] B: The trace of the ink cured film to the glass bottle slightly remained. [0182] C: The trace of the attachment of the ink cured film to the glass bottle was found (peeling of the ink cured film from the recording medium was found).

3.6. Shrink Properties

[0183] In the recorded material recorded using the ink composition having blocking resistance, the state of wrinkles formed after the contraction was visually observed, and the shrink properties were evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5.

[Evaluation Criteria]

[0184] A: Wrinkles were not found in the ink cured film. [0185] B: A small amount of wrinkles were found in the ink cured film. [0186] C: Large wrinkles were found in the ink cured film.

3.7. Odor

[0187] The odor of the recorded material obtained by the above-described preparation method was smelled and evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation results are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5.

[Evaluation Criteria]

[0188] A: There was no odor or there was a slight odor. [0189] B: There was an odor. [0190] C: There was a strong odor.