Nanoparticle based inks and methods of making the same

Abstract

The present invention provides nanoparticle based recording mediums, inks and ink compositions, methods of making nanoparticle based recording mediums and inks, nanoparticles and methods for making nanoparticles, methods for stabilizing colorants against electromagnetic radiation (including radiation in the visible wavelength range), methods for enhancing the substrate independent durability performance of inks, and methods for color density control. The nanoparticle based inks deliver better color, color density control, improved printability, enhanced durability, and increased lightfastness, and are capable of being printed on woven and non-woven fabrics and paper products without special treatment or other limitations.

1 . A nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1000 nanometers comprising: 
 a polymeric core having an agent disposed within the polymer; and    at least one charged polymer layer disposed on and substantially covering the core.    
   
   
       2 . The nanoparticle of  claim 1 , wherein the agent disposed within the polymeric core comprises at least one colorant.  
   
   
       3 . The nanoparticle of  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric core comprises an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, a semi-organic polymer, a semi-inorganic polymer, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       4 . The nanoparticle of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one colorant is at least one dye.  
   
   
       5 . The nanoparticle of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one dye comprises from about 1 to about 30 weight percent to total weight of the nanoparticle.  
   
   
       6 . The nanoparticle of  claim 1 , wherein the agent comprises a colorant, a surface modifier, a colorant stabilizer, a functional additive, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       7 . The nanoparticle of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one charged polymer layer further comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.  
   
   
       8 . The nanoparticle of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one charged polymer layer further comprises at least one colorant dispersed substantially throughout the charged polymer layer.  
   
   
       9 . The nanoparticle of  claim 8 , wherein the colorant of the at least one charged polymer layer is the same as or differs from the at least one colorant of the charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.  
   
   
       10 . The nanoparticle of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one colorant charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of colorant charged polymer layers and such colorant charged polymer layers have a charged polymer layer absent a colorant disposed therebetween.  
   
   
       11 . The nanoparticle of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a ultraviolet radiation screening agent or a colorant stabilizer.  
   
   
       12 . The nanoparticle of  claim 1 , further comprising a surface modifying layer disposed on and substantially covering the polymeric core.  
   
   
       13 . The nanoparticle of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a surface modifier.  
   
   
       14 . A nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1000 nanometers comprising: 
 a polymeric core having at least one colorant disposed within the polymer; and    a protective coating disposed on and substantially covering the nanoparticle.    
   
   
       15 . The nanoparticle of  claim 14 , wherein the polymeric core comprises an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, a semi-organic polymer, a semi-inorganic polymer or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       16 . The nanoparticle of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one colorant comprises at least one dye.  
   
   
       17 . The nanoparticle of  claim 16 , wherein the dye comprises from about 1 to about 30 weight percent to total weight of the nanoparticle.  
   
   
       18 . The nanoparticle of  claim 14 , further comprising at least one charged polymer layer disposed on and substantially covering the core and positioned between the polymeric core and the protective coating.  
   
   
       19 . The nanoparticle of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one charged polymer layer further comprises at least one colorant dispersed substantially throughout the charged polymer layer.  
   
   
       20 . The nanoparticle of  claim 19 , wherein the at least one colorant of the at least one charged polymer layer is the same as or differs from the at least one colorant disposed within the polymeric core.  
   
   
       21 . The nanoparticle of  claim 20 , wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a ultraviolet radiation screening agent or a colorant stabilizer.  
   
   
       22 . The nanoparticle of  claim 14 , further comprising a surface modifying layer disposed on and substantially covering the polymeric core.  
   
   
       23 . The nanoparticle of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a surface modifier.