초록 ▼

In color printing, and in the fine arts, cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) color inks are known to possess much higher color saturation and brightness than conventional pigment and dyed based inks. However, prior art CLC ink formulations are inconvenient because in the liquid phase they have to be co

In color printing, and in the fine arts, cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) color inks are known to possess much higher color saturation and brightness than conventional pigment and dyed based inks. However, prior art CLC ink formulations are inconvenient because in the liquid phase they have to be confined in cells, and in the solid phase, they have to be applied at high temperature, and have to be aligned by some means to produce the optimum color. This invention solves the problem encountered in the CLC prior art, by making pre-aligned CLC platelets or flakes of appropriate thickness and size and mixing them in appropriate host fluids producing a novel CLC ink which can be applied at room temperature and without the need for alignment. The new pre-aligned room temperature CLC ink can be used as a substitute for conventional inks in almost all printing and plotting, and manual drawing and painting. Using the notch filter CLC platelets, the brightness is further enhanced. This invention teaches the CLC ink concepts, its applications and method of manufacturing.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for producing pre-aligned CLC color platelets comprising: a container and a means for producing a CLC material ordered in the liquid crystal phase by heating it above its glass temperature and below its clearing temperature; a film coating means a first substrate coated by said coating mea

Apparatus for producing pre-aligned CLC color platelets comprising: a container and a means for producing a CLC material ordered in the liquid crystal phase by heating it above its glass temperature and below its clearing temperature; a film coating means a first substrate coated by said coating means with a film of said CLC material; a primary alignment means which turns said CLC film into the desired uniform thickness, and aligns it into a helical configuration with a helix axis perpendicular to said CLC film; a secondary alignment means to ensure that all the CLC film is in the helical order; a drying and cooling means for producing a CLC film that maintains its helical order as it is cooled below its glass temperature; a second substrate is coated with an adhesive by an adhesive application means; said adhesive, after application to said second substrate, is dried by a drying means; a means for transferring CLC film from first substrate onto adhesive coated second substrate; a means for embrittling said CLC film and said adhesive; a means for breaking into small platelets and removing the brittle CLC film and adhesive from second substrate; a means for separating the CLC platelets from the adhesive; and a means for drying the CLC platelets, and breaking them further into smaller platelets.