Application of Hot-Melt

APPLICATION OF HOT-MELT
INK JET PROCESSES FOR

IMAGING AT OFFSET
PRINTING FORM CYLINDER
Von der Fakultät für Maschinenbau der

Technischen Universität Chemnitz
Genehmigte
Dissertation
Zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades
Doktoringenieur
(Dr.-Ing.)
Vorgelegt
von M.Sc. Magdy Ezzat Abd El Kader

geboren am 15.03.1963 in Kairo, Ägypten
eingereicht am 23.Juni 2003
Gutachter:
Prof. Dr.- Ing. Arved C. Hübler
Prof. Dr. rer.nat. Jorge Rodriguez-Gilles
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Beier
Chemnitz, den 19. Januar 2004

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION
Author: Abd El Kader, Magdy
Topic: Application of Hot-melt Ink-jet Processes for Imaging at Offset Printing Form Cylinder
Dissertation on the faculty of technical engineering and process technique of Chemnitz
technical university, Institute For Print and Media Technology, Chemnitz, June, 2003, 130
pages, 41 Figures, 15 Tables, 90 References.
Abridged Version:
The present work related to apply hot-melt ink-jet process for imaging at offset lithographic
printing form, to utilise a reusable surface for many times and particularly related to validating
thermal and ultrasonic erasing processes. This dissertation investigated systematically the role
of certain factors towards affecting erasing image area process on print surfaces. Thermal
erasing process approved to melt and suck the image area from the surface, the results were
adopted by using contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscope. Ultrasonic
erasing process permitted to solve the image area by choosing erasing chemistries, influence of
selected erasing chemistries on printing surface, and evaluation the process, the results were
tested by UV/Vis spectrometer, contact angle, profileometery and visual microscope.
Key words:
Erasing chemistries, wettability measurements, SEM, UV/Vis spectroscopy, polar/non-polar
action, ultrasonic erasing, contact angle, hot-melt ink jet, Anodised aluminium surface.
ACKNOWLEDGENTS
The experimental part of this work was carried out in the laboratories of Prof. Dr.-Ing.
Arved Carl Hübler, with exception of some measurements techniques, which were
performed as follows; Scanning electron microscope in institute of physics,
profileometery measurements in institute of IFMQ, UV/Vis spectrometer measurements
in chemistry Institute of Chemnitz Technical University.
I wish to express my deep thanks and gratitude to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Arved Carl Hübler,
who welcomed me in his research group, introduced me into German life and offered
unlimited help with continuous precious encouragement to make my Dr. Degree in his
institute.
My deepest thanks are extent to Prof. Dr. Stefan Spange in institute of chemistry,
Department of polymer chemistry - TU Chemnitz for his sincere help and I always wish
to give my appreciation to his research member- Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed.
I would like to pay my deep thanks to Mr. Theizig in the Physical Chemistry Institute
for helping me to measure the contact angle, also to Mss. Heldt and Mr. Yes for good
advices in the profileometery measurements.
Until now I always received grateful help from all our research group and I’m pleased
with their co-operation and friendship. Finally, to my wife who helped me with a true
heart and continual prayers.

I Table of contents I
I Table of contents
I TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………………………………… I
II SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS ……………………………………….. IV
1 INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………… 1
1.1 Computer-to-Ink Jet Plate Imaging Reproduction-An Overview …………………. 2

(a) Process-Ink Jet Imaging Systems …………………………………………….. 4
(b) Process-less Ink jet Imaging Systems ………………………………………... 4
1.2 Direct to Printing Cylinder Reproduction ………………………………………… 6
1.3 Motivation ………………………………………………………………………… 8
1.4 Thesis Organisation ……………………………………………………………….. 12
2 LITERATRE BACKGROUND …………………………………………………. 15
2.1 Hot-melt Ink-jet Inks …………………………………..………………………….. 15
2.2 Nature of Anodised Aluminium Lithographic Printing Surface ……………………..19
2.3 Nature of Adhesion force between Hot-melt Ink-jet Inks and Printing Surface ……. 21
2.4 Erasing (Cleaning) Processes ……………………….……………………………… 25

2.4.1 Major Considerations in the Selection of Erasing Processes ………………… 26
I Table of contents II
2.4.2 Classification of Erasing Processes …………………………………………… 26

2.4.3 Concepts of Wet Erasing Processes …………………………………………… 27
2.4.4 Concepts of Dry-Erasing Processes …………………………………………. 33
2.4.5 Comparison between the Erasing Processes ………………………………….. 37
3 MATERIALS AND METHODS …………………….………………………… 41
3.1 Materials ………………………………………………………………………….. 41
3.2 Methods …………………………………………………………………………… 44
4 EXPERIMENTAL PLANNING AND RESULTS ……………………………. 49
4.1 Preparation of Samples …………….……………………………………………… 50
4.2 Thermal Erasing Process ………………………………………………………….. 52

4.2.1 Experimental Work …………..……………………………………………... 52
4.2.2 Results and Discussion .……………………………………………………. 53
4.3 Ultrasonic Erasing Process ………………………………………………………... 56

4.3.1 Experimental Planning ………………………………………………………. 56
4.3.2 Results and Discussion ……………………………………………………... 56
(a) Detection of Image-area using UV/Vis Reflectance Spectrum . …………. 56
(b) Choice of Erasing Chemistries …………………………………………… 57
(c) Correlation between Selected Erasing Chemistries
and Anodised Aluminium printing surface ………………………………. 69
(d) Evaluating of Ultrasonic Erasing Process …………………………………. 76
(e) Validation of Re-erasing Process ………………………………………… 92
5 SUMMARY ……………………………………………………………… 95
6 LIST OF FIGURES ……………………………………………………………101
7 LIST OF TABLES ……………………………………………………………. 105

I Table of contents III
8 REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………. 107

I Table of contents IV
II Symbols and abbreviations V
Symbols and abbreviations
π* dipolarity/polarizability
λmax maximum wave length
°C degree centigrade
° grade
µm micrometer
A.c. acetone
BuOH 1-Butanol
cm centimetre
contin. continue
DCE 1,2-dichloroethane
DCM dichloromethane
DI water de-ionised water
DMF N,N-dimethylformamide
DMSO dimethylsulfoxide
EtOH ethanol
cPs centipoises
dpi dot per inch
EtOH ethanol
Exp. Sect. experimental section
F test of significance
Fig. figure
II Symbols and abbreviations VI
mg milligram
h. hour
h.m.i Hot-melt ink-jet ink
kb. Kilopond
kHz kilohertz
lpi line per inch
MeOH methanol
mg milligram
MHz megahertz
min minutes
ml millilitre
mm millimetre
m.p. melting point
nm nano-meter
OcOH 1-octanol
pH hydrogen ion concentration
PS Plate presensitised plate
Pt total height of P-profile
Rzi single roughness deep
Rz main roughness depth is the arithmetic mean value of the single roughness
deeps Rzi
r correlation coefficient
sd Standard deviation
sec seconds
SEM Scanning Electron Microscope
Tg glass transition temperature

II Symbols and abbreviations VII
THF tetrahydrfuran
us.w Ultrasonic water bath
UV/Vis ultraviolet/visible
V voltage gradient
W watt
1 INTRODUCTION
In recent years, digital printing has emerged as a strong growth technology. The world of digital
printing encompasses many technologies, including computer to print, such as
electrophotography, ionography, xerography, and ink jet, which employs no intermediate carrier
- such as a plate - on which the image, in whole or part, is fixed. If the digital data changes, the
image changes, so that conceptually - and increasingly in practice - every sheet can be different.
On the other hand, offset digital printing, whereby plates or master print forms are imaged on or
off the presses. The page to be printed is stored as a digital form, which is recorded and
developed on the printing plate form. However, they do not go directly onto the paper or other
substrate. Printing directly from the digital file bypasses the multiple and time-consuming steps
of image setting, film output, proofing, and imposition [1].
In the present work, the main point of investigation is to apply hot-melt ink jet technology of
direct imaging on the anodised printing surface to achieve the computer-to-cylinder technology
according to the main properties that illustrate in table (1.1), which provides a comparison of
general fundamental properties between computer-to-plate and computer-to-cylinder
technologies.
1
Abd El Kader, M., Huebler, A., „State of the art in digital printing”, 1st Technical Workshop Printing Industry,
Cairo, 20th to 22nd September 1999
1.1 Computer-to-Ink Jet Plate Imaging Reproduction – An Overview 2
Computer-to-Plate Direct to print form

Cylinder
Printing Process Offset Offset and perhaps
others
Characteristics of Permanent, Not Permanent, erasable
Imaging erasable
Place of Externally of Press Internally in Press
Imaging
Mechanical Yes No
Plate change
RIP-Power No Yes
Gives set-up time
RIP-Power No No
gives Press speed
Table (1.1); Fundamental properties of computer-to-plate
and direct to print form cylinder [2]
1.1. Computer-to-Ink Jet Plate Imaging Reproduction – An Overview
Computer to plate (CTP) is the term used to describe the computer-controlled direct imaging of
printing plates from digital data [3]. Silver halide, photopolymer, silver halide/photopolymer
“Hybrid Plate” and thermal computer-to-plate systems have good printing performances but
they have some requirements, such as a special type of photosensitive layer, some of these
processes required a laser exposure unit, and several make-ready steps to produce the printing
plate [4].
Ink jet imaging processes can produce the printing plate by using the ink jet layer as a mask on
the photosensitive layer and pass the plate on the developing processes, or create an image area
by using ink-jet inks direct on the offset surface to produce the printing plates without any
developing - or any treatments processes.
2
Huebler, A., “Digital Printing in Newspaper Production” Digital Printing –Que Vadis? International IFRA
Conference at March 26th- 27th in Amsterdam (2001)
3
Kipphan, H. (Ed.), “Handbook of Print Media- Technologies and Production Methods”, Springer, pp597 (2001)
4
Herting, H. Peter and Goodman, Richard M, “Computer to Plate Technologies- the Current Product Realities”,
TAGA Proceedings, pp312-328. 1998
According to the obtained information on table (1.2), which provides the properties of the
available commercial offset printing plate based on ink-jet technology.
Model Company Plate size Imaging Plate processing

[design] [or cooperation] mm x mm time
[max. [or
addressability] maximium
format]
IJP – 1000 Alpha Merics, 1422 x 1422 11 min/900 UV flood light
(flat-bed) Kodak /122 dpi) dpi wet-chemical
Polychrome (1220 mm
Graphics x 1220mm)
Estrema Lastra (Italy) 1024 x 816 UV flood light
(flat-bed) (914 dpi) wet – chemical
Solid ink jet Dataproducts 670 x 560 5 min. (fast No development
printer SJ02A (Hitachi Group) (1200 dpi) mode)
(flat-bed)
Iris2PLATE Iris/Scitex 711 x 533 7 min/600
No development, ink –
(external drum) (600dpi) dpi accepting areas for offset
printing are created by
ink jet ink sprayed onto
aluminium
JetPlate [5 & 6] Epson 1440 x 720 12 min. for The “ink” induces the
dpi /133 lpi a 2-up plate same chemical reaction in
image the plate, or the ink reacts
with the aluminium
surface to form a robust
hydrophobic polymeric
image
Table (1.2); Computer to plate systems using ink jet technology [7]
Computer-to-plate using ink jet technology can be classified into two main arts, process- and
process-less ink-jet imaging systems.
5
“CTP: Rehashing Drupa, But Some New Products, Too”, The Seybold Report on Publishing Systems, October 23,
pp: 8 – 12, (2000)
6
Gloster, D. F. and Andreottola, M.A., “Direct Computer to Plate Printing” NIP17: International Conference on
Digital Printing Technologies, pp336 – 339 (2001)
7
Kipphan, H. (Ed.), “Handbook of Print Media- Technologies and Production Methods”, Springer, pp604 (2001)
(a) Process-ink Jet Imaging Systems
This type of Computer-to-plate, which used an ink jet as an imaging system for preparing a
printing plate without the need of a photo-mask formed from a sheet of photographic film, is
bearing the positive or negative of the image to be printed.
Photo-mask
Sullivan [8] et al. described a photo-mask system, that the image was applied via a hot melt ink
jet head onto a conventional pre-sensitised lithographic printing plate, which carried an ink jet
ink layer. Using of UV flood through the plate processed by using a conventional plate
processor exposed the underlying photosensitive layer.
Chemical change
A special type of ink prints the image. This ink was designed to print through piezoelectric ink
jet onto a photosensitive diazo layer coated on aluminium lithographic plate. As the image was
printed, the ink undergoes a chemical reaction with the diazo resin coated surface. By heating
treatment, the image area (hydrophobic properties after the reaction) was fixed to the
lithographic plate, after that the plate was washed with an aqueous developer so that only the
hydrophobic image remains on the lithographic plate. Finally, the image was rendered
permanent by a post-development bake [9].
(b) Process-less Ink jet Imaging Systems.
These systems did not require any conventional developing process after created the image
areas onto an uncoated lithographic printing surface. .
8
Sullivan, D.J., Croft, R. F., Gerber, S. J., “Method of forming a photomask for a printing plate with an ink jet”,
US Patent 5,495,803 (1996)
9
Gloster, D. F., Andreottola, M. A., “Direct Computer to Plate Printing”, NIP17: International Conference on
Digital Printing Technologies, pp: 336 – 339 (2001)
Direct to uncoated surface plate systems
Zerillo [10] explained an European patent assigned to Dataproducts Corp. including a hot melt
ink jet process (as an imaging systems) forming an image area (hydrophobic properties) on an
uncoated lithographic printing surface. In addition, he described that it may be imaged in the
plate setter or mounted the ink jet head in a lithographic press for imaging directly onto the plate
cylinder of the press. The same company showed in 1998 the ink jet plate-setter by using the
hot-melt ink-jet as an imaging unit to form the hydrophobic characteristic areas on anodised
aluminium surface, paper or film substrate [11, 12, 13]. Another approach of these systems
presented from Iris Graphics has added the new concept of computer-to-plate system to its
product range based on a piezoelectric ink-jet technology head, which can be imaged by using a
special aqueous ink onto an uncoated plate directly. After drying and thermal treatment, the
image applied carries the printing ink as a hydrophobic property. The plate once imaged may be
mounted directly on the press. [14, 15, 16].
Photopolymer ink jet
Zhu [17] et al. and Hase [18] et al. described the photopolymer compounds inks, that applied on
the lithographic surface plate and then harden upon exposure to ultraviolet irradiation, to form a
printable hard resin image. The formed resin image provided a lithographic printing plate useful
10
Zerillo, S. D., “Ink jet image transfer lithographic apparatus and technique”, US Patent 4,833,486 (1989).
11
Seybold Report on Publishing Systems, “The State of CTP: Evolution, Not Revolution”, V. 28, N. 4, pp 15- 16
(1998)
12
Noto, N., Torü, T., Suematsu, S., and Kugai, K., “ A new Compact High Resolution Solid Ink Jet Head and its
Application to a Plate Making Printer”, IS&T’s NIP 14: International Conference on Digital Printing Technologies,
pp: 50 – 53 (1998)
13
Brochure, “Solid Inkjet Printer SJ02A for A2 Wide Direct Plate Making”, Dataproducts (Group Hittachi Koki)
(1998)
14
http://www.dotprint.com/techno/index2.htm
15
The Seybold Report on Publishing Systems, Plate-Imaging Technologies, Volume 26, Number 17, June 2, pp10-
11 (1997)
16
Kipphan, H. (Ed.), “Handbook of Print Media- Technologies and Production Methods”, Springer, pp 602 (2001)
17
Zhu, H., Hallman, R. W., Shimazu, K.-I., „ Process for the production of lithographic printing plates“,
EP0776763 (1997)
18
Hase, T., Kimoto, K., Arimatsu, S., “Method for directly making printing plates using ink-jet system”,
EP0533168, B1. (1993)
1.2 Direct to Printing Form Cylinder Reproduction 6
for extended print runs. There was found some applications of this system in the field of
marketing, such as Jetplate using an Epson 3000 ink-jet printer and special ink to expose the
plate as shown in table (1.2), the “ink” induced the same chemical reaction in the plate coating
as ultraviolet light [19].
1.2 Direct to Printing Form Cylinder Reproduction
In previous section, computer-to-plate produced off-line, that is, separately fitted on to the
press. This section will study alternative processes related to offset lithographic printing
utilizing a reusable printing form.
An important aspect (direct to printing form cylinder technology) is not providing until recent
years any applications to use the ink jet technology as an imaging system. Another aspect was
using another imaging systems, one direction presented to be imaged again after the printing
of each sheet (e.g., ferroelectric printing system [20], and electrophotography). Other direction
prepared the image area in the press and after ending the job print was completed, the image
area was erased and then the same printing surface was ready for imaging the next job (e.g.,
erasable polymer technology [21], laser induced copper deposition [22,23], and laser induced
thermal transfer process [24,25].
19
Seybold Report on Publishing Systems, “CTP: Rehashing Drupa, But Some New Products, Too”, V. 30, N. 4,
pp8-9. (2000)
20
Reuter, S., Huebler, A.C., Franke, S., Wolf, K., Schoenert, M., “Ferroelectric Printing: Electrical Surface
Conditions and Print Quality”, IS&T 17th International Congress on Advances in Non-impact printing
Technologies, Fort Lauderdale, USA, (2001)
21
Hallman, R., “Erasable Polymer Technology: an Idea Whose Time May Never Come”, The sybold Report on
Publishing Systems, pp: 20, October 9 (2000)
22
Kipphan, H., Future Challenges for Digital Offset Printing, Advances in Printing Science and Technology,
IARIGAI, Vol. 25, pp127-132. (1999)
23
“The Elcorsy 200: A Digital Press Like No Other”, The Seybold Report on Publishing Systems, Volume 28,
Number 4, pp 5 –7, November 2, (1998)
24
Schneider, J., Nussel, B., and Franz-Burgholz, A., “Digital Change Over (DICO) Technology for Lithographic
Offset Printing”, Proceedings of IS&T’s Eleventh International Congress on Advances in Non-Impact Printing
Technologies, pp 291-293, (1995)
25
Schlözer, R., “The Impact of In-Press Imaging and Erasable Forms on Press Design”, TAGA Proceedings, pp
455-468 (2000)
1.2 Direct to Printing Form Cylinder Reproduction 7
For the previous direction, it was considered as a revolution in the printing technology,
specially when it eliminated the printing plate and used the sleeve or the printing form cylinder
as a lithographic printing surface for many times, i.e. after desired number of copies has been
printed, the press is stopped, residual ink has to be removed. After the image area erasing step,
the surface of the form cylinder is totally clean and ready to be re-imaged.
1.3 Motivation 8
1.3 Motivation
The main purpose of motivation strategies is to assemble the ink-jet technology as an imaging
unit to construct the image area directly on an uncoated anodised aluminium printing surface
and utility to reuse the same printing surface for many times.
The inducement to use the hot-melt ink-jet, which produces a solid hydrophobic layer, in one
embodiment, no light-sensitive layer is used, and consequently there is no need for any
exposure unit, also eliminates the intermediate steps as developing or post-exposure baking
processes. In addition, it does not need a yellow light during treatments processing, thereby is
providing cost savings on equipment and operator time. The using of general characteristics for
hot-melt inks prevents the occurrence of unwanted background image completely, also
performs simplifying workflow. Figure (1.1) describes the suggested basic stages to achieve the
Computer-to print form cylinder by using hot-melt ink-jet process according to the following
steps [26].
Imaging the master; Using an ink jet printing head for hot-melt inks. Conventionally, 600 dpi
heads are available. After this step, a hot-melt ink places produce the image areas.
Offset Printing; After the imaging of the whole cylinder is finished, the print process starts.
Typically for offset print, the non-image areas are desensitised i.e. made to repel ink and accept
water. The means of desensitisation is using an acidified gum Arabic solution or other material
with hydrophilic properties. The printing cycles are repeated until the print volume is reached.
26
Abd El Kader, M., Huebler, A., „Erasing of Printing Areas in the Computer-to-cylinder Ink-jet Process”
Advances in Printing Science and Technology- Advances in Digital Printing Pira International, UK (26), pp.57-64
(2000)
1.3 Motivation 9
Cleaning; After the printing process is finished, the residual offset ink and fountain solution
have to be removed with a cleaning agent, such as suitable solvent or solvent mixture that
contains no solid components.
Erasing; to image a new job onto the cylinder, the old image area on the surface has to be
erased. This erasing may be done by wetting or drying erasing processes.
Erasing
unit Imaging
unit
Dampening
unit
Master-
Cylinder
Cleaning Inking
unit . unit
Blanket-
Cylinder
paper
Pressure-
Cylinder
Fig. (1.1): Scheme of Computer-to-cylinder process.

1.3 Motivation 10
To accomplish the computer-to-cylinder process by using hot-melt ink jet as an imaging unit
requires attention to process parameters including type of hot-melt ink jet inks, type of
hydrophilic printing surface, and type of erasing processes. Figure (1.2) presents the influence
of essential parameters on the Computer-to-Cylinder.
Type of Hot-melt ink

jet inks
Type of cleaning Type of hydrophilic

(erasing) processes printing surface
Fig. (1.2): Influence of main parameters on the Computer-to-cylinder process
• Type of hot-melt ink-jet inks parameter has three requirements, firstly, it has a
hydrophobic property as indicated by the image-areas, and resistance to printing
processes “dampening, inking and impression processes”. Secondly, it must be a
good cohesion to make a stable image-area, resistant to scratch and possibility to
erase after the end of printing. Thirdly, it has a good adhesion with the hydrophilic
printing form, and does not make any influences during the erasing processes.
• The main requirements of printing surface are suitability as a hydrophilic surface,
good mechanical properties, in addition, it has a good performance to re-use for
many times.
• The basic considerations to choose the erasing process must remove all image-area
components completely from the anodised aluminium printing surface, without any
1.4 Thesis Organisation 11
damage on aluminium printing surface. Inadequate erasing process may influence on
the printing surface or re-adhesion the contamination on the surface, and then re-erase
difficult or not possible.
The current work is focused on the choice of the suitable erasing process by the aid of studying
the nature of image-area, printing surface properties and nature of adhesion force as will be
discussed in theoretical part. This stage is considered as one of the most important phase to
accomplish the re-imaging printing surface. The selected erasing processes that coming from
the theoretical survey will be applied to study the significantly influences of the erasing
parameters on the validation of this process.
The competition to acquire and retain the forefront position in the direct to print form cylinder
technology is driven by the dual goals of advancing technology while simultaneously reducing
the cost per print job. Achieving better specifications on shorter feature jobs would not be
possible without developments in process technology, there is clearly a need to improve erasing
process, monitoring and control of processes, data analysis, and decision making to optimise
overall process effectiveness.
1.4 Thesis Organisation
To achieve the aim of this work, the object was systemically studied as follow:
The literature backgrounds of the scheme have been investigated in Chapter 2, which contains
the nature and depth concept of the main elements that include background of hot-melt inks “as
an image area”, aluminium printing surface “hydrophilic surface properties”, correlation
between hot-melt ink-jet inks and printing surface. After that, Background of erasing processes
described the nature of methods and compare between them to select the appropriate processes,
which are achieved in the experimental work.
Chapter 3 presented the materials and methods that explained the materials and the
measurement techniques used in the present work.
Chapter 4 explained the description of different samples used in the current experiments as a
first part. Second and third parts included the results of thermal and ultrasonic erasing processes
according to several parameters to validate the process for re-erasing and re-imaging many
times. Figure (1.3) shows the general current work plan.
Finally, in chapter 5 the summary from the previous chapters are reviewed for the theoretical
and experimental parts.

Theoretical Part
Nature of image-area Nature of Surface Nature of Adhesion
Literature survey on erasing processes to choice the suitable method
Experimental Part
UV/Vis Spectrometer
Thermal Erasing Process Ultrasonic Erasing Process
Effect of Erasing
Chemistries
measurements
Profilometer
Correlation between Selected
Effect of heating Erasing Chemistries and
time Aluminium Printing Surface
Visual Microscope
measurements
Contact angle
Effect of Vacuum
Evaluating of Ultrasonic
Erasing Process
SEM
measurements
Contact angle
Validation of Erasing Process Validation of Re-erasing Process
Fig. (1.3) Schematic illustration plan for present work

2 LITERATURE BACKGROUND
2.1 Hot-melt Ink-jet Inks
Hot-melt inks were also called Phase change inks or solid inks. They were solid at ambient
temperature, but existed in the liquid or gel phase at the elevated operating temperature of an
ink jet printer, where it exhibited the fluid physical properties required for ink-jet printing. At
the jet operating temperature, droplets of liquid ink were ejected from the printing device and,
when the liquid ink droplets contacted the surface of the printing media, they immediately
solidified to produce an image of ink drops. The print gave an embossed or raised image on the
substrate, specially when be used on the nonporous substrate such as plastic, metal, or glass [27,
28, 29].
The basic considerations of the melt ink jet inks, which produced the image area onto an
anodised aluminium offset printing surface, usually the image area must be readily good
resistance to be abraded or deformed when frictional force or pressure was applied thereto. Also
the composition of hot melt ink materials must be provided excellent adhesion, resistance to
offset, scratch resistance and rub resistance.
The aim of this section is to study the nature of the essential chemistry substances of the image
area, which will be erased after ending the print job without any damage of the surface plate.
As a general, the hot-melt inks contained the essential components; they are:
27 Johnson, J.L., “Principles of Nonimpact Printing”, third eddition, 1998 by Palatino Press, Inc. pp: 420-421
28 Le, H. P., “Progress and Trends in Ink-jet Printing Technology”, Journal of imaging science and technology. Vol. 42, number 1,
pp:49 – 62 (1998)
29 Leach, R. H., Pierace, R. J. (Ed), “The Printing Ink Manual”, 5th ed., Blueprint London, p 697 (1993)
2.1. Background – Hot-melt Ink-jet Inks 16
Carriers Based Hot-melt Inks:
The main property of carrier materials was capable of undergoing a thermally reversible solid -
to- liquid or gel phase transition. These materials have changed at elevated temperature from
solid state to liquid or gel state, which was suitable to ejecting by the ink jet printer [30] and
return to the solid-state after returning back to an ambient temperature without any change in
the chemical or physical properties.
The carrier of the hot melt ink jet can be classified into two main major classes, natural waxes
having further types as Japan wax, candelilla wax and carnauba wax etc. [31], and another class
is synthetic waxes as thermoplastic polymers.
For the current work, the natural waxes can not be used because they are a soft material and will
abrade with use under the present conditions as an image areas of an offset printing surface.
Moreover, waxes do not make strong bond with the printing plate surface [32], and according to
the natural waxes, which also tend to be brittle or crumbly and are not ductile during the
compressive yielding experienced by the ink during cold fusing [33]. Thus, these are not
appropriate to produce an image area on the lithographic printing form.
Thermoplastic polymers that have a group of amide waxes commercially available to serve as
low viscosity parts of the formulation of hot melt ink jet inks. Polyamides were also known as
to be capable of dissolving and stabilising a wide variety of dyes i.e., Basic, modifier, Acid,
solvent and Disperse dye classes. This incorporated an amide wax with an oligomeric "Tetra
amide" having single melting point transition and an appropriate melt viscosity range [34,35].
30
Titterington, D. R., Jaeger, C. W., “Design Parameters for a phase change ink jet ink”, IS&T’s Eighth
International Congress on Advances in Non-Impact Printing Technologies, pp 295 – 298 (1992)
31
Merritt Alfred R; Cooke Theodore M; Lin An-Chung; Whitfield Richard G, “Natural wax- containing ink
jet inks”, US Patent 4,484,948 (1984)
32
Zhu Hui, Hallman Robert W, Shimazu Ken-Ichi, “Process for the Production of Lithographic Printing Plate”,
Europe Patent 0 776 763 (1997)
33
Titterington, Don R., Jaeger, C. Wayne, “Design Parameters for a phase change ink jet ink”, IS&T’s Eighth
International Congress on Advances in Non-Impact Printing Technologies, pp 295 – 298 (1992)
34
Zerillo, S. D, “Ink jet image transfer lithographic apparatus and technique”, US Patent 4,833,486 (1989)
Another alternative of hot-melt inks composition based on amides, such as acetamide [36]. Also
in another patent [37] a carrier for a hot melt ink may be any suitable hydrocarbon polymer,
wax or wax like material or C14-24 fatty acid or ketone.
A main important point of thermoplastic polymer is applied to nonporous substrates using drop-
on-demand ink jet application techniques also providing a desirable range of properties useful in
the formulation of hot-melt inks for ink-jet printing. In addition, they afford inks with good
adhesion and scuff resistance to print on various substrates. On the other hand, there is another
composition of hot melt inks, which included polyethylene wax that may increase hardness,
improve abrasion resistance, decrease tack, increase offset resistance, and add flexibility.
Colorants:
There are many types of colorants, which used in the hot-melt ink jet inks. In principle it can be
classified to three main types; pigments [38] which have advantage in higher optical contrast,
better light and water fastness, organic dyes that have greater stability in suspension and
freedom from clogging of very small orifices [39,40] and Polymer-soluble dyes, which are
thermally stable in the carrier composition, also act as a plasticizer for the formulation
[41,42,43].
In the present work, the colorant plays an important role for visibility of image area and
observes it before and after erasing process.
35
Parker David W, “Ink-Jet Printing Compositions”, US Patent 5,455,326 (1995)
36
Ball Jeffrey M, “Method for applying a hot melt ink to a substrate”, US Patent 4,684,959 (1987)
37
Brown Edward A; Haxell John P N; Wilson Derek E, “Dispersed Pigmented Hot-melt Ink”, US Patent
5,053,079 (1995)
38
Johnson, J. E., Belmont, J. A., “Novel Black Pigment For Ink jet Ink Applications”, Proceedings of IS&T’s
Eleventh International Congress on Advances in Non-Impact Printing Technologies, pp 326 - 330 (1995)
39
Isao Tabayashi, Kuki; Hiroshi Harada, Takaishi; Sadahiro Inoue, Chiba; Hiroshi Fukutomi, Urawa,
“Hot-melt type ink for thermal ink-jet printer”, US Patent 4,878,946 (1989)
40
Jerome L. Johnson., “Principles of non-impact printing”, third edition, Palatino press, Irvine, pp 353-354 (1998)
41
C.Wayne Jaeger, Beaverton; Loc V. Bui, Portland; Donlad R. Titterington, Tualatin; Clifford R. King,
Salem, “Use of polymeric dyes in hot melt ink jet inks”, US Patent 5,621,022 (1997)
42
Baumgartner Alan S; Moore Patrick D; Vandahm Richard A, “Coloured thermoplastic resin”, US Patent 4,
732, 570 (1988)
43
King Clifford Riley; Moore Patrick David; Batlaw Raj, “Aqueous ink composition and colorants useful
therein”, EP Patent 0546857, B1 (1993)
Solvents:
The character of the solvent has determined most of the inks and some of its optical qualities as
well. The solvent disperses the pigment or solves the dyes, and, after drying, bonds the
colorants to the substrate [44].
In general, the name of inks depends upon the solvent type. There are three types of ink jet inks:
water -based inks employing water as the principal solvent [45], solid organic solvent - based
inks which are generally solid at room temperature but melted at the operating temperature of
the ink jet printer [46,47], and oil -based inks employing oil-soluble dye are more suitable to
print onto the nonporous substrates [48].
Additives:
There are some additive materials, which must be added to improve the specific properties of
the hot melt composition inks, they are;
Rheology modifiers, which may serve to improve scratch and rub resistance, make the ink more
durable, reduce viscosity, and reduce tackiness [49].
Plasticizer material may contribute to increase flexibility, cohesion, and durability of the ink
composition.
The stabilizer makes as a retard corrosion of metal surface by the hot-melt jet ink composition.
Dispersing agent, such dispersing agents have been found to produce excellent pigment
dispersion and to be compatible with low polarity hydrocarbons used as vehicles. These
dispersing agents tend to reduce or eliminate pigment settling and agglomeration. In addition,
44
Deborah L.Stevenson, “Handbook of Printing Processes”, GATF, pp: 215 (1994)
45
C.Wayne Jaeger, Beaverton; Loc V. Bui, Portland; Donlad R. Titterington, Tualatin; Clifford R. King,
Salem, “Use of polymeric dyes in hot melt ink jet inks”, US Patent 5,621,022 (1997)
46
Michael T, N., “Ink jet printer ink”, US Patent Nos., 4,820,346. April., 11.(1989)
47
Micheal T, N.; Michael L, D., “Benzoate inks”, US Patent Nos. 4,931,095, June., 05. (1990)
48
Isao Tabayashi, Kiki; Hiroshi Harada, Takaishi; Sadahiro Inoue, Chiba; Hiroshi Fukutomi, Urawa, “Hot-
melt type ink for thermal ink-jet printer”, US Patent Nos. 4,878,946, Nov. 7. (1989)
49
Richard J. Larson, Jr., “Hot melt ink composition”, US Patent 5,354,368 (1994)
2.2. Nature of Anodised Aluminium Lithographic Printing Surface 19
they can maintain pigment suspension through repeated melt-freeze cycle. They also have good
heat stability in terms of colour, viscosity and volatility [50].
2.2. Nature of Anodised Aluminium Lithographic Printing Surface
Generally, the lithographic printing surface is based on the immiscibility of oil and water, where
the oily material or ink is preferentially retained on image area and fountain solution retained on
the non-image area. Up to now anodised aluminium lithographic printing form surfaces are
using in a wide range of offset printing process application.
Anodising of aluminium can produce a fine porous microstructure, which serves to improve the
adhesion of the subsequently applied image-area materials and to enhance the water-receptive
characteristics of the background areas of the printing surface plate.
The main requirements of the offset printing surface are highly degree of flat and free from
defects, also the uniform grain and free of pits. All these requirements are essential to provide
the highest quality performance.
Anodising of aluminium produced fine porous microstructures, which were irregular in size and
shape from the used aluminium printing surface in the present work as shown in figure (2.1),
which shows sufficient numbers of microscopic undercutting cavities and their size and number
was governed by the conditions of conventional anodising aluminium printing surface.
Figure (2.2) shows profileometre scheme of the same surface by using profileometery devise,
which shows the unlike values of peaks and valleys describing the roughness character.
50
John P. N. Haxell, Bath; Edward A. Brown, Kent; Derek E. Wilson, Somerst, “Dispersed pigmented hot
melt ink”, US Patent 5,053,079 (1991)
2.2. Nature of Anodised Aluminium Lithographic Printing Surface 20
Fig. (2.1): Magnifying of anodized aluminum surface (50 x)
Fig. (2.2): Profile of anodized aluminum-printing surface
For many researches, the roughness value affects both the performance and the durability of the
printing plate, and the quality of the roughness is a critical factor determining the overall quality
of the printing plate [51]. In addition, there is found a direct relationship between the surface
roughness and the adhesion force that may increase the adhesion bond strength by increasing
the surface area [52,53].
Secondly, crucial essential property of lithographic printing surface is the hydrophilic ability of
the oxidised aluminium material surface. The phenomenon of the hydrophilic ability can be
51
D.E.Packham, “Handbook of Adhesion”, Longman Scientific & Technical, p280 (1992)
52
Wu, Souheng, “Polymer interface and adhesion”, Marcel Dekker, INC, USA (1982)
53
Packham,D.E., “Handbook of Adhesion”, Longman Scientific & Technical, (1992)
2.3. Correlation between Hot-melt Ink-jet Inks and Printing Surface 21
explained by the interaction on the boundary phase solid/liquid caused by adhesion existence.
The wetting will appear when the adhesion between the liquid and the solid is greater than the
cohesion in the liquid [54].
2.3. Correlation between Hot-melt Ink-jet Inks and Printing Surface
In order to erase the image areas containing hot melt material compounds from anodised
aluminium offset printing surface is important to study how the image areas adhere to these
surfaces. To remove these hot-melt inks effectively, it is necessary first to weaken and destroy
the bonding holding them together.
The following section describes the nature of adhesion force between the image area (Hot-melt
ink jet inks) and the adherend surface (anodised aluminium surface), which is considered as an
important parameter to find suitable erasing process that can erase the image area without any
residual of the image area and without any damaging on the surface plate.
According to the nature of both the hot-melt ink jet and the printing surface, which presented in
the previous sections, two main principle adhesions forces are discussed, which may play an
important roll to understand the phenomenon of the adhesion force between them, the
mechanical physical adhesion force and the chemical bonding theory.
Mechanical/Physical Adhesion Force:
The mechanical interlocking model conceives of mechanical keying, of the adhesive into the
cavities and pores of the solid surface to be major factor in determining adhesive strength. In
present case, the anodised aluminium surface has sufficient numbers of microscopic cavities as
54
Atkins, P.W., “Physical Chemistry”, Oxford University Press, Oxford, (1994)
shown in figure (2.1 and 2.2); the enhancement of adhesion by mechanical keying may be
attributed to the increase in interfacial area due to surface roughness [55].
On the other hand, physical forces that cause hot-melt ink adhesion can consist of a mechanical
force and a capillary force, which holds onto the hot-melt ink layer at the printing surface,
adheres mechanically occurs due to the anchoring of the hot-melt ink layer to the substrate’s
microscopic surface irregularities. It is estimated that the true surface area of an anodised
aluminium surface can be approximately more times that of the apparent surface area, also
adhesion of hot-melt ink takes place when capillary forces draw the hot-melt inks into a porous
region of the surface. This is an ideal condition to promote and maintain strong physical forces
between the hot-melt ink layer and the printing surface [56].
Chemical Bonding Theory:
Hot-melt inks layer or any combinations of materials bonded chemically together are formed
either by valence bonding or by phenomenon called adsorption. These two types of chemical
bonds may easily occur during the forming of imaging area using the hot-melt ink jet process as
an imaging unit on the printing surface.
Description of adhesion’s nature related to hot-met ink-jet on printing surface:
With few exceptions, hot-melt inks layer adhering to the substrate dominated by chemical
bonds instead of physical forces is considerably the most difficult and in some cases impossible
to be removed to levels of effective quantities [57].
55 A. Pizzi , K. L. Mittal (ed. ) , “Handbook of Adhesive technology”, Pages; 19-34 (1994)

56 Capillo, C., “Surface mount technology”, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1990., pp: 267-268
57
Capillo, C., “Surface mount technology”, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1990., pp:268-269
Non-image area profile
Hot-melt ink jet image-area profile
Base of anodised aluminium surface
Fig. (2.3): Surface profile of image- and non-image -area

c b
Fig. (2.4): Cross-section of anodised printing surface

“Magnification to 6750x by SEM”
a. Hot-melt ink layer
b. Aluminium edge surface
c. Contact zone of ink layer on aluminium surface
Fig. (2.5): Photo of image-and non-image-areas (50 x)

Hot-melt inks (image area “magenta colour”) viewed on an
anodised aluminium printing surface (non-image area)
Figures (2.3 and 2.4) illustrate the roughness of the surface and the form of the hot-melt inks
body that can observe that the hot melt ink make full contact with the anodised surface. In
addition, figure (2.5) shows the variant of colour density of the magenta hot-melt ink jet due
2.4. Erasing (Cleaning) Processes 25
to the nature of typography surface roughness, i.e. the hot-melt ink influences the roughness of
the surface.
2.4. Erasing (Cleaning) Processes
The selection of erasing process has become one of the important phases for Computer-to-print
form technology; it affects the ultimate reliability of the printing surface. Image residues on an
offset printing surface lead to hydrophobic breakdown, this phenomenon seriously impairs the
hydrophilic performance of the surface. Hot-melt ink (image-area) residues left on the surface
may become still hydrophobic properties thereby affects the printing properties of the surface.
Image-areas that are present on offset printing surface can be removed by a variety of
mechanical, chemical or physical methods. The method should be used in a given situation is
determined by the offset printing surface (materials, surface typography, hydrophilic properties)
to be imaged, the type of image areas (hot-melt ink jet inks compounds) to be removed, and the
performance ratio to be finished.
At the initiation of this work, several erasing techniques were envisioned that might be
appropriate to printing form imaging component erasing. For completeness, a literature search
will be undertaken to assess the state of the art of suitable erasing methods and to provide a
point of departure for experimental research to demonstrate applicability of the leading
candidate techniques.
2.4.1. Major Considerations in the Selection of Erasing Processes
Erasing takes place after ending the printing job in order to remove image area, and makes
possible to use certain areas for many times. The major considerations required to select the
erasing method are shown in the table 2.1.
Excellent removers By selecting the suitable erasing method and

the components being erased must not be
adversely affected.
Safety Safety for use on an anodised aluminium

printing surface used in this approach as a
master surface without any even small-scale
damage.
Stability There must be uniform erase on the certain

areas of the printing form.
Recontamination Issues Recontamination taking risks for any erasing

process must be investigated before
implementation.
Table (2.1); Requirements of considerations for erasing process
2.4.2. Classification of Erasing Processes
The erasing processes are an important area of investigations both in academic research and for
industries field. Erasing processes are classified according to chemical-, physical-, or
mechanical-actions, but in most cases, there is interference between two or all previous actions
in the same method.
On the other hand, it can be classified according to the nature of the processes to two main
types, wet and dry processes, which present in figures (2.6 and 2.7).
Erasing Processes
Dry Processes Wet Processes
Fig. (2.6): Classification of erasing processes
Wet Erasing Processes
Jet Spray Erasing Processes Ultrasonic Erasing Processes
Megasonic Erasing Process Abrasive Blasting processes
Manual Erasing Process Immersion Erasing Processes Brush Scrubbing Process

(a)
Dry Erasing Processes
Laser Erasing Processes Plasma Erasing processes Thermal Erasing
(b)
Fig. (2.7): Types of Wet- and Dry-Erasing Methods
2.4.3. Concepts of Wet Erasing Processes
Manual Process:
Manual cleaning involves often the use of a swab or wiper and a cleaning chemistries applied
either to a cloth or directly to be cleaned. The surface is hand-wiped with the cloth [58]. Wipers
58
Walton, J. K. "Kirk" Bonner Sharon, “Cleaning Solutions Lost and Found for Manual Electronics
Assembly”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 13 - 18;November (1997)
fall generally into two categories; textiles (including rags and rental shop towels), and
disposables (including paper-based and non-woven) [59, 60].
Immersion Process
Immersion is an effective method of soluble contaminants removing and possibly used in any of
the erasing chemistries.
Immersion cleaning may be manual or automated, the most common automated methods are
electric-heat and agitation using ultrasonic or megasonic processes system [61].
Electric immersion heating - involves placing a tubular heating element in direct contact
with a liquid to elevate its temperature, accomplished by two ways: mounting the heater
in the erasing system's tank, or pumping the system's liquid through an external
circulation heater [62]. Normally the effect of erasing solutions increases with
temperature. However, the removing of the organic contaminants directly with heat can
offer the enormous advantage of eliminating cleaning chemistry [63].
Agitation - achieved by constant movement of the cleaning solution through and around
the part being cleaned. Agitation can be maintained mechanically through ultrasonic or
megasonic, these methods will be explained later.
59
Spencer, Jan, “Going Towel to Towel: The Benefits of Disposable Wipers”, Pages: 30-31; November (1999)
60
Weltman, Henry, “Solutions for Compliant Manual Wipe Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 33 - 35; April
(1994)
61
Wilkes, Mike, “Choices and Challenges in the Selection of Parts Washing Equipment”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 19
- 21; May (1994)
62
Baichoo, C., “Electric Immersion Heating Serves Precision Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 18-24; February
(1998)
63
Mainord, K., “Cleaning with Heat: Old Technology with a Bright New Future”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 37-43;
September (1994)
Brush Scrubbing Process:
Brush or scrub process can be classified as a chemical-mechanical process. It works by a
transfer of forceful energy with a brush serving as a mechanical initiator and the chemistries
must be used as an eraser medium [64].
In brush erasing process, a large rotating brush is added to the system in the centre of the wave.
The brush rotates in a direction counter to the forward motion, and it must be changed
periodically because contaminate residues have a tendency to make the bristles gummy and stiff
[65].
Abrasive Blasting Process
This erasing method can be done with natural material such as silica, sand, mineral sand, flint,
garnet, zircon, other mineral products and variety of metals and non-metals compositions such
as steel, iron, aluminium oxide, silicon carbide, plastic, wheat starch, and glass bead.
Blasting can produce a good cleaning result that is not usually a problem. The abrasiveness of
the materials dig out the embedded contaminates from the surface. This method tends to be safe,
as the most common blast agents are non-toxic and easy to handle.
Jet Spray Process
Fundamentally, the spray nozzle washers are available in various designs or configurations.
Cabinets normally contain either a turntable that allows the part to set on a flat surface and
rotate into the spray pattern of the nozzles, or a cage-type container in which parts are placed
inside an expanded metal or perforated metal container and rotated or tumbled around fixed
64
Elliott, David J., “Microlithography: process technology for IC Fabrication”, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Pages:
40-44 (1986)
65
Hattori, T. (Ed.), “Ultraclean Surface Processing of Silicon Wafers”, Springer, Pages: 508-510 (1995)
spray nozzles. Nozzles are fixed above, below, and to the side of these turntables or rotating
baskets, providing a cleaning pattern for parts exposed to the targeted zone [66].
Process optimisation involves nozzle design, nozzle configuration within spray header (spray
pattern), impingement angle, erasing liquid chemistry, pressure (flow rate), and dwell time. It
may be used alone or as part of a system combining other process steps [67,68]
Megasonic Process
Megasonic uses piezoelectric effect at high frequencies between 700 and 1000 kHz to remove
sub-microparticles from substrates [69].
Particle sizes down to 100nm have commonly been removed by megasonic [70]. It is believed
that the dominant mechanisms of particle removal in megasonic cleaning include cavitations
and micro streaming. By controlling the combination of these factors, finer particle removal
could be realised in megasonic cleaning [71].
Megasonic cleaning safely removes particles through controlled acoustic cavitation, megasonic
pulsing, and acoustic streaming. It has effectively proved in removing sub-microparticles from
substrate and other cavitation-sensitive products without causing substrate damage. The method
is currently being used by manufactures of integrated circuits, flat panel displays, and hard
disks, also it can be used with a variety of chemistries [72, 73].
66
Wilkes, M., “Choices and Challenges in the Selection of Parts Washing Equipment”, Precision Cleaning, Pages:
19 - 21; May (1994)
67
Schaffner, Tom, “Technology Spotlight: Ultrasonic Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 28-31; March (2002)
68
Hattori, T. (Ed.), “Ultraclean Surface Processing of Silicon Wafers”, Springer, Pages: 510-511 (1995)
69
Vennerbeck, M.B.R.B., “Megasonics Help 'Stream'-line Sensitive Substrate Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning,
Pages15 - 19; January (1998)
70
Busnaina, Ahmed A., Glenn, W., and Kashkoush, Ismail l., “Ultrasonic and Megasonic Theory and
Experimentation”, Precision Cleaning, pp: 13-19 April (1994)
71
M. Olim, , “ A Theoretical Evaluation of Megasonic Cleaning for Submicron Particles”, J. Electrochem.
Soc., Vol. 144 (10), 3657-3659 (1997).
72
Straka, Joachem, “Megasonics help to wash away”, http://www.epp-online.de/heft/thema4.htm, Sonosys,
Germany
Ultrasonic Process
Ultrasonic erasing (cleaning) process was introduced in the early 1950s, which can be defined
as mechanical vibration in a solid or fluid at a frequency higher than the range audible to
humans, the limits of frequencies are as follows in table (2.2).
The ultrasonic process involves immersing the work-piece completely in a fluid irradiated by
ultrasound, often from several sources (to obtain a relatively uniform field). The waves interact
with liquid media to generate cavitations implosions. The erasing action is enhanced by
agitation of the fluid, which describes as “brush-less scrubbing” to help it to penetrate any
awkward cavities in the work-piece [74,75].
By other means, the input energy causes local agitation of the liquid which impacts on the
particles. With ultrasonic frequencies, cavitations tend to occur and scrub the surface by
microscopic bubble implosion [76].
Interval Frequency
Infrasound Below 16 Hz
Audible range 16 Hz to 16 kHz
Ultrasound 16 kHz to 1 GHz
Hypersound Beyond 1 GHz
Table (2.2); Intervals of frequencies [77]
73
Hattori, T. (Ed.), “Ultraclean Surface Processing of Silicon Wafers”, Springer, Page: 513 (1995)
74
Manchester, Russell C., „The Precision Cleaning of Delicate Structures Using Aggressive Ultrasonics Without
Damage“, The Magazine of Critical Cleaning Technology, Pages:13-19; April (1997)
75
Layton, Howard M., “Ultrasonic Frequencies Make a Clean Sweep”, The Magazine of Critical Cleaning
Technology”, Pages: 9-19; January (1998)
76
The Society of Chemical Engineers of Japan, ed. Introduction to VLSI Process Engineering, London: Chapman
& Hall; pp86 (1993)
77
Rahn, Armin, “The Basics of Soldering”, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp271 (1993)
The relationship between the frequency value and the cavitations size indicated by the higher
frequency that produced the smaller of the cavitations size, thereby at 20 kHz the bubble size is
roughly 170 microns in diameter. At a higher frequency of 68 kHz, the total time from
nucleation to implosion is estimated to be about one third of that at 25 kHz, as shown in figure
(2.8).
170
150
Microns in diameter
130
110
90
70
50
20 30 40 50 60
Frequency (kHz)
Fig. (2.8): Correlation between ultrasonic frequency and cavitations size [78]
At different frequencies, the minimum amount of energy required to produce ultrasonic cavities
must be above the cavitations threshold. In other words, a typical ultrasonic source is a plane
surface oscillating at a single frequency and producing a longitudinal wave. Vibrational energy
transmitted subsequently propagates through the fluid [79,80].
Ultrasonic cleaning is used in bath-type wet-erasing (cleaning), but cavitations occur due to
liquid resonance at an ultrasound frequency, figure (2.9) shows the mechanism of removal
process.
78
Awad, Sami B., ”Ultrasonic Cavitation and Precision Cleaning”, The Magazine of Critical Cleaning Technology,
Pages: 12-17; November (1996)
79
80
Moholkar, Vijayanand S., Rekveld, Sander, and Warmoeskerken, Marin M.C.G., “Modelling of the
acoustic pressure fields and the distribution of the cavitation phenomena in a dual frequency sonic processor”,
Ultrasonic 38 666-670 (2000)
Fig. (2.9): Contamination removal process model [81]
In removing a contaminant by dissolution, it is necessary for the erasing chemistry to come in
contact and dissolve the contaminant. The cleaning activity takes place only at the interface
between the cleaning chemistry and the contaminant [82, 83].
2.4.4. Concepts of Dry-Erasing Processes
Laser Ablation
Laser systems are considered as a dry erasing process also as a non-contact technology, laser
light property calling the laser radiation field can overcome the adhesion forces that affect
particles. This property is demonstrated by optical levitation of particles from a surface using a
laser. A typical laser provides photons that promote the breaking of bonds holding a
contaminant to a surface. This energy causes surface contaminant electrons to become
"excited," and the level of excitation can be increased to high-energy levels and then rapidly
released (like the build-up of a charge and the resultant discharge of a capacitator). When this
81
Hattori, T. (Ed.), “Ultraclean Surface Processing of Silicon Wafers”, Springer, Page: 512 (1995)
82
83
Hattori, T. (Ed.), “Ultraclean Surface Processing of Silicon Wafers”, Springer, (1995)
energy impinges on a work substrate, causes two processes to occur. One is volatilisation of a
thin layer of organic material and the other is a "shock wave" or spallation of the inorganic
materials [84,85].
The technology is scaleable with the larger, higher-powered lasers providing the faster stripping
or cleaning rates. Most laser systems can be adapted to clean a range of substrates. Pulsed and
single-wavelength lasers are commonly used for contaminant removal [86].
Laser systems can be utilised in a wide range of applications for ablation of particulates as well
as for removing all types of coatings, both applied (e.g., paints, primers) and accumulated (e.g.,
rust, corrosion). Common applications include the removal of photo resists, adhesives, and
residues, as well as epoxy, urethane, and oxide layers. Therefore, laser-based systems have
potential to become efficient cleaning mechanisms for a variety of manufacturing operations,
also it can be applied to prepare the surface in the following industrial sectors: semiconductors
(wafers and photo masks), disk drives, flat panel displays, packaging, optics, printed circuit
boards, ceramics, aerospace, automotive, speciality metals, biomedical, and industrial plastics
[87, 88].
On the other hand, laser ablation used in offset printing plate-making field. In this field, there
are many developments in various type of laser source to use it as laser ablation techniques, or
different nature of plates.
84
Catalano, A.,” Tech Spotlight - Plasma, Laser, and UV/Ozone”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 36-37; April (2000)
85
Engelsberg, A.C.,“ Laser-Assisted Cleaning Leaves the Laboratory”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 39-48; May
(1998)
86
Miller, Ralph M., “Transient Beams: Portable Laser Systems for Cleaning and Coatings Removal”, Precision
Cleaning, Pages: 16-25; July (1999)
87
Walters, Craig T. and Dulaney, Jeff L.,” Lasers Demonstrate Potential, With Focus on Precision Cleaning”,
Precision Cleaning, Pages: 33-37; May (1994)
88
Miller, Ralph M., “Transient Beams: Portable Laser Systems for Cleaning and Coatings Removal”, Precision
Cleaning, Pages: 16-25; July (1999)
There are several notable advantages of laser ablation process [89]: The process is generally
very fast and energy efficient, the area to be cleaned can be highly selective and sharply
defined. Laser treatment breaks hydrocarbon-based surface coatings into carbon dioxide, water
vapour, and trace quantities of other gases [90].
Plasma Process
Plasma can be defined as an ionised gas with a roughly equal number of positively and
negatively charged particles. The purpose of plasma cleaning is to direct this high-energy
stream onto the surface to be cleaned, where (for example) organic depositions will be oxidised
in oxygen plasma. A wide range of gases (or mixture of gases) may be utilised to serve a broad
array of cleaning requirements. Commonly used gases include hydrogen, helium, argon, carbon
tetra fluoride, or sulphur hexafluoride [91].
The gas in the chamber is brought to an excited or ionised state where active chemical radicals
and UV radiation are released. Even at low temperatures, this highly active process gas is
capable of reacting with the surface of the material to be treated [92].
Plasma process is the rapid removal of gross amounts of organic contaminants and also oil
substances from scrap metal [93].
In principle, plasma processing has several attractive features. It is an inherently dry process, the
reactants are generally inexpensive gases (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, or hydrogen), and the
efficiency is such that only very small amounts of these gases are needed. A continuous flow of
89
Walter, Dulaney, and Campbell, "Advanced Technology Cleaning Methods for High-Precision Cleaning of
Guidance System Components," Battelle Summary Report on Contract No. F04606-89-D-0034/DOQ807,
September 3, 1993.
90
Engelsberg, A.C.,“ Laser-Assisted Cleaning Leaves the Laboratory”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 39-48; May
(1998)
91
Catalano, A.,” Tech Spotlight - Plasma, Laser, and UV/Ozone”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 36-37; April (2000)
92
Schmid, H., “Super-Fine Cleaning with Liquid-Phase Pre-cleaning and Subsequent Plasma Treatment”, Precision
Cleaning, Pages:17-23; October (1995)
93
Hattori, T. (Ed.), “Ultraclean Surface Processing of Silicon Wafers”, Springer, (1995)
fresh process gas into the chamber ensures a high degree of cleanliness [94]. Most applications
utilise closed-vacuum chambers where cleaning occurs in a batch mode [95].
Thermal Process
This method depends upon the contaminate properties, which posses the thermal properties as
phase change materials. It can be melted and then removed by using strong vacuum.
There are three types to heat the surface before erasing contaminates from the surface. They are:
Heat-roller; the heat-roller has a Ni-chrome wire with A.C. 100V or 300W applied on both
sides. Controlling the temperature is relatively easy, but power consumption is large and it takes
minutes before reaching the erasing performance level.
Plate heater; it has a heat-resistance screen-printed on an alumina substrate, with (AC100V)
applied on both sides. The width of the heat- resistance is about 1 mm. In the plate heater, heat
capacity is small and the ripples of temperature are about 30°C therefore, it needs a precise
temperature-control. It is slightly more expensive than other units, but can good erase and it
takes less than 10 seconds to reach the erasing temperature.
Thermal head; it offers the highest cost-value and the fastest response speed [96]. Table (2.3)
explains the conditions between three methods to use the thermal erasing processes.
94
Dillingham, G., Winter, G., “Plasma Processing: Extending the Dimensions of 'Clean'”, Precision Cleaning,
Pages: 10-15; December (1998)
95
Paquin, D., “The Gas Plasma Alternative to Wet Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning, Pages:45-49; March (1994)
96
Yamada, K., “The Printing and Erasing Characteristics of Reversible Thermosensitive Card”, IS&T’s NIP13:
International Conference on Digital Printing Technologies, Pages;773-778 (1997)
Erasing Unit Heat Roller Plate Heater Thermal Head
Applied energy AC 100V, 300 W. Ac 100V, 100W. DC 15V., 160w
Structure
Head roller
Heater Head
Head roller Roller Roller
Table (2.3); Thermal erasing units properties
2.4.5. Comparison between Erasing Processes
The following table summarised the main differences between the wet and dry erasing
processes.

Manual Process Immersion Process
Based on the skilful worker as mechanical Based on erasing chemistries properties
action and type of erasing chemistries as
chemical action Limited erasing chemistries consumption
No-need any special cleaning equipment No-recommendation as a stand-alone process

for higher cleanliness levels
Unlimited process parameters
Electric immersion heating can be used
Erasing chemistries consumption is higher
Some substrates may damage when change
No-reclaim of solvents the temperature degree of an erasing
processes
Increased worker exposure to solvents
Ultrasonic or megasonic can be applied
Allowed a surface to be scrubbed
Table (2.4) (Contin.):

Brush Process Abrasive blasting process
Based on the nature of brush (type, size and Based on nature of abrasive materials (type,
pressure) as mechanical action, and erasing weight and size) as mechanical action, and
chemistry as chemical action. erasing chemistries or in the common state the
water as a wetting medium.
It can smear and close off the porous surface
as the same of anodised aluminium surface Abrasive cleaning affect in the sensitive
surface finish.
Difficulty to erase the image area from the

aluminium surface, particularly the surface
has possessed capillary porosities, which
may cause the changes in the anodised layer.

Jet Spraying Process Megasonic Process
Based on the nozzles jet (configurations, High frequency version 700 - 1000 kHz
location, direction and pressure power)
Megasonic frequency reduces or eliminates
High quantities of erasing chemistries cavitations erosion
consumption
Use a wide range of common erasing
Together with another as wiping, megasonic chemistries
or ultrasonic spray processes to carry out a
good performance. Erase particles smaller than 0.3 µm

Ultrasonic Process
Ultrasonic waves generate and distribute cavitations implosions in a liquid medium. The
released energies reach and penetrate deep into crevices, blind holes and areas that are
inaccessible to other cleaning methods.
Ultrasonic erasing combines the chemical cleaning capability of an erasing solution with the
mechanical action of ultrasonic waves.
The shock wave (the micro streaming currents) greatly speeds up the breaking of the hanging
contaminants.
The cavitations play an important role in initiating and finishing the removal of such
hydrophobic contaminants.
The removal of contaminants is consistent and uniform, regardless of the complexity and the
geometry of the substrates.
Table (2.4) (Contin):

Dry Erasing Process
Laser Ablation Process Plasma Process
Solvents or aqueous solutions are not used Intensive contamination is always irregularly
and therefore generates little hazardous waste. distributed. Thus, the treatment period is long.
Sub-micron particles and thin fluid films from In most cases, during the process the surface
semiconductor components can be removed. heating associated with these impacts as a
result of electron and ion bombardment
High capital costs
Unlike liquid chemicals, plasma affects only
Potential incompatibilities exist under non- the surface of the material being treated.
inert atmospheres with flammable or Gases can penetrate into hidden recesses and
explosive substrates. Potential thermal micro-cracks and may cause serious damage
damage is to delicate thin substrates. Interior to anodised aluminium surface [98].
areas of porous substrates may be difficult to
clean [97].
The critical point is to erase the image area

by the laser ablation localising selective
erasing and are not suitable for full surface
erasing.

Dry-Erasing Processes
Thermal processes
Based on the nature of contamination, it can melt it and then erased it by using the strong
vacuum.
This method is simple when compared with another, which does not use any chemical or
assistant material to erase the contaminations.
Table (2.4): Comparing between Erasing Processes
According to the comparative study in table (2.4), thermal heating process is considered as a
simplest method to achieve erasing process in the present work according to the nature of
image-areas. In addition, the immersing erasing process can be used together with ultrasonic
as an agitation medium to erase the contaminates, which can be considered as a brush-less
method.
97
Engelsberg, Audrey C.,“ Laser-Assisted Cleaning Proves Promising”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 35-42; May
(1995)
98
Paquin, D., “The Gas Plasma Alternative to Wet Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning, Pages:45-49; March (1994)
3 MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1. Materials
Erasing Materials
In the current work, the main point of research is to choice the erasing chemistries, which must
not damage the underlying surface, not leave any contaminations residues on a printing surface
and must have compatibility with the process device.
Principally, there are many different types of erasing chemistries, that can be used in the
experimental work such as aqueous (acidic, basic) and organic solvents having several classes,
which depend upon their chemical constitution [99]. In addition, in the present work the organic
solvents can be classified according to solvent group as in the reference [100].
Erasing chemistries are performed from Merck and the chemical store in the Institute of
Chemistry, Chemnitz University of technology. The selected solvents used in the present work
were reported in table (3.1).
99
Christian Reichardt, “Solvents and Solvent Effects in Organic Chemistry”, VCH, (1990)
100
B.P.Whim and P.G. Johnson (edit.), “Directory of Solvents”, Blackie Academic & Professional, UK, 1996
3.1. Materials 42
SOLVENT CHEMICAL Chemical Purity %

GROUP NAME formula
ALCOHOLS Methanol (MeOH) CH3OH min. 99.8

Ethanol (EtOH) CH3CH2OH min. 99.5
1-Butnol (BuOH) CH3(CH2)3OH min. 99.5
1-Octanol (OcOH) CH3(CH2)7OH >99.0
Amides N, N- HCON(CH3)2 min. 99.8
Dimethylformamide
(DMF)
Ether Tetrahydrofuran C4H8O min. 99.5
(THF)
Cyclic amino 1-Methyl-2- C5H9ON > 99.0
ketone pyrolidone
Halogenated Trichloromethane CHCl3 99.0-99.4
Hydrocarbons (Chloroform)
1,2-Dichloroethane C2H4Cl2 > 99.5
(DCE)
Dichloromethane CH2Cl2 > 99.00
(DCM)
Hydrocarbons- Toluene C7H8 min. 99,5
Aromatic p-Xylene C8H10 99%
Hydrocarbons- n-Pentane C5H12 99+

Aliphatic
Keton Acetone C3H6O 99+
Esters Ethyl acetate C4H8O2 99
n-Butyl acetate C6H12O2 99+
Solvents Dimethyl sulfoxide (CH3)2SO 99+
containing
sulphur
Water Deionised water H2O Distilled water
0.22 µ s/cm-
vacuum-filtered,
produced by (SG
–Reinstwasser)
device)
Alkaline 10% Sodium NaOH
aqueous hydroxide
chemistries 10% of TICKOPUR Produced by Dr.
R33 H. Stamm
GmbH- Germany
Acidic aqueous 10% Hydrochloric HCl
chemistries acid
Table (3.1); List of erasing chemistries
The main skeleton of selected organic solvents is based on carbon atoms, all of these solvents
are classified with respect to their polarities to polar and non-polar solvents.
3.1. Materials 43
The polarity parameter plays an important roll to select the erasing chemistry. It is known that
the polar solvent can dissolve the polar component and vice versa [101]. Table (3.2) shows
the polarity parameters of solvents used in the current work.
Solvent Dipolarity/polarizability
( π*)
Methanol 0.60
Ethanol 0.54
1-Butanol 0.47
1-Octanol 0.40
N,N-Dimethyl formamide 0.88
Tetrahydrofuran 0.58
1-Methyl-2-pyrolidone 0.92
Trichloromethane 0.58
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 0.95
1,2-Dichloroethane 0.81
Dichloromethane 0.82
Toluene 0.54
p-xylene 0.43
n-Pentane -0.08
Acetone 0.71
Ethyl acetate 0.55
n-Butyl acetate 0.46
Dimethyl sulfoxide 1.00
DI-water 1.09
Table (3.2); Dipolarity/polarizability values of the

solvents used, which taken from ref. [102, 103]
Hot-melt ink jet inks
The available hot-melt ink jet inks are produced under many trade names. According to the
previous literature survey, it can be observed that the hot melt ink-jet contains the amide group
having a good performance properties and it can be used sequentially in the current work.
Therefore, the ink-jet inks produced from Tektronix (The trade name of the Hot-melt ink jet is
“Phaser 340/350/360 ColorStix solid ink”) is chosen as a suitable ink-jet ink to be used in the
101
Capillo, C., “Surface mount technology”, McGraw-Hill, Inc., Pages: 279-282 (1990)
102 M.J. Kamlet, Abboud, M. Abraham, and R. Taft, J.Org. Chem. 48, 2877-2887 (1983).
103 Y. Marcus, The Properties of Organic Liquids that are Relevant to their Use as Solvating Solvents, Chemical Society
Reviews., 409- 416 (1993)

3.2. Methods 44
present work. This ink contains tetra-amide compound, secondary mono - amide compound,
tackifier, plasticizer and viscosity modifying agent [104].
Anodised Aluminium Plate
The available lithographic anodised aluminium surface in the present work is a conventional
offset plate from Europlate/Positive presensitised anodised plates having size of
250x370mm/Thickness 0,15mm.
3.2. Methods
Plate-making exposure unit
Presensitised offset plate was exposed in plate-making exposure unit (Theimoquick M).
Offset lithographic plate processor
The exposed positive plates were developed in offset lithographic plate processor (Ozasol AV
56P).
Hot-melt ink jet printer
Print-samples were printed through hot-melt ink jet printer produced by Tektronix under trade
name Phaser 360 printer that used four colours of hot-melt ink jet inks (Phaser 340/350/360
ColorStix solid ink), the print resolution is 800 x 450 dpi or 300 dpi and memory standard
(max) 24 MB.
104
Loc V. Bui et al., « Image process », US Patent 5,389,958 (1995).
3.2. Methods 45
Ultrasonic Erasing device
Ultrasonic Bath, which has constant power and automatic frequency of 35 kHz, interior
stainless tank dimensions (240x140x100mm), timer for 1-15 min and continuous operation
and thermostatic control 30-80°C, was produced by Bandelin under trade name RK 102 H.
Measurement Techniques
Sufficient measurement methods are available to be differentiated by many ways, the main
parameters of measurements techniques are known as properties of substrate being checked,
concentration range that must measure accuracy and precision required [105].
Results of erasing processes experiments were measured by the following techniques:
Visual microscope
The magnified visual inspection using low-power microscope can be used to look at a part made
of any material directly and to observe any gross contamination that may not be visible with the
naked eye but is still larger than micron range (magnified X 50). This microscope was
connected with digital camera (AxioCam MRc, Zeiss), and MRGrab 1.0.0.4 as a software.
Scanning Electron Microscope
Philips SEM 515 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), with a magnification power ranged
from 10 to 160,000 x, represented the view of print-sample cross section. The SEM was
accelerated by voltage from 0.2 to 30 kV. The electron gun was tungsten and the stage
movements were tilted -15° to + 60°.
105
Danielsson, Hans, “Surface Mount Technology with Fine Pitch Components – The Manufacturing Issues”,
Chapman & Hall, Pages; 178-180 (1995)
3.2. Methods 46
Wettability test
Contact angle measurements using a sessile drop instrument was constructed to measure the
surface wettability of lithographic plates by a microscopic analysing image device as shown in
figure (3.1). This measurement based on the angle between the baseline of the drop and the
tangent measured at the drop boundary.
Fig. (3.1): View of Contact angle instrument
Topographic measurements
The roughness profile was analysed using a profileometre, which introduced by Mahr [106]
under trade name of Perthometer. The drive unit with the accuracy of 0.2µ and traced length
ranged from 1.5 to 6mm was used. The tracing speed can be adjusted to 0.1 mm/s or 0.5mm/s
and guarantee reproducible measuring results with utmost vertical and horizontal resolution.
The modular computer-controlled station was connected to Perthometer for measuring and
analyzing roughness and topography.
106 MAHR GMBH, Germany (Brochures)

3.2. Methods 47
Ultraviolet and Visible Spectroscopy
Ultraviolet/Visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy [107] used to determine the concentration of the
extract solutions by measuring the absorbance intensity at the long wavelength absorption
maximum [108]. In addition, UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy was used also as a direct method
to measure the reflectance spectrum of the printed sample.
UV/Vis absorption spectra were obtained by UV/Vis spectrometer MCS 400 diode-array
spectrometer from Carl Zeiss Jena connected with an immersion cell (TSM 5) via glass-fibre
optics.
Statistical Treatment
The multiple regression analysis was applied to UV/Vis absorption data using the Origin 5.0
statistic programs.
107
Günzler, Helmut (ed.) „Ullmann’s Encyclopaedia of industrial chemistry fifth, completely revised edition“,
VCH, vol.B5, analytical methods I (1994)
108
Perkampus, Heinz-Helmut, Translated by Grinter, Heide-C., and Grinter, R., “Encyclopedia of Spectroscopy”,
Pages: 620- 633, VCH (1995)
3.2. Methods 48
4 EXPERIMENTAL PLANNING AND RESULTS
Literature background survey was the first step in the current work. The main emphasis of the
experimental work will be put on the technical aspects of the erasing processes based on the
phase change materials as an image area that can be considered as contaminations after ending
the printing job.
The contaminations if not properly and adequately erased or not keeping those contaminants
from re-adhering to the surface, could cause the change on the hydrophilic property and surface
topography of printing anodised aluminium Surface, consequently results failure for the next
printing job and total failure goal of the Computer-to-Cylinder technology.
Thermal and ultrasonic erasing processes carry out in the current experiments according to the
nature of the contamination and the surface properties.
This chapter includes three main areas, the first section describes samples preparation used in
the experimental work. Second and third sections demonstrate the experimental arrangement
and results for thermal and ultrasonic erasing process sequentially.

4.1. Preparation of Samples 50
4.1. Preparation of Samples
Ink Sample
The solid samples of magenta colour of hot-melt ink jet ink (Phaser 340/350/360 ColorStix
solid ink) were grained using hand grinder to facilitate the solubility of the probes in the desired
erasing chemistries.
Non-print-sample
Anodised aluminium printing surfaces were obtained by using PS plate. The PS plate was
exposed without any photo-mask using plate-making exposure unit, then passed through an
offset lithographic plate processor. Dried clean anodised aluminium surface coated by gum
solution as a protective layer was obtained.
For non-print-samples, the previous prepared anodised surfaces were cut to the desired spaces,
washed through tap water to remove the gum layer and finally dried at ambient temperature for
about 10 min to carry out the current experiments.
Print-sample
The same prepared non- print-samples steps were followed for print-samples. After that, circle
spaces (diam. 3 cm) were printed by magenta colour of h.m.i (Phaser 340/350/360 ColorStix
solid ink) via hot-melt ink jet printer (Tektronix Phaser 360). The print-samples were covered
by gum solution as a protective layer. Before applying the samples in the experiments, the gum
layer must be removed using tape water.

4.1. Preparation of Samples 51
SEM Sample Description
Study of erasing the image-area was carried out for the print-sample sheet at thermal erasing
process. Small samples were cut out from the sheets, they were mounted in thermoplastic resin,
so that the cross section of the sheet is perpendicular to the investigation plane.
The samples were wet ground on rotating disc grinding machine using silicon carbide papers
(200, 600, 800 and 1200 grit) and then mechanically polished on rotating disc polishing
machine using 3µm diamond paste.
UV/Vis spectrometer Sample Description
The UV/Vis reflectance spectra of the print-samples were achieved at small specimens of print
samples (1x1 cm) using UV/Vis spectrometer, which was calibrated with anodised aluminium
surface as a reference sample. The result of this measurement was considered as a reference to
compare with the different experimental parameters results.
Investigation of the obtained extract solutions was carried out for erasing process with different
conditions. The pure solvent was used as a reference before measuring the probe in the same
solvent.
4.2. Thermal Erasing Process 52
4.2 . Thermal Erasing Process
Evaluation of any process normally requires identifying process factors and outcomes. In
current work, the process variables of interest have different trends according to the nature of
erasing methods.
4.2.1. Experimental Work
The present thermal method will be tested to evaluate it for erasing the image area based on the
nature of phase change materials that can be melted by heating process, and can be removed
from the surface by using the sucking techniques. In this work, thermal method used the electric
plate as a heating source to melt the image area, and then strong vacuum to suck the melting
materials from anodised aluminium surface. Figure (4.1) illustrates the steps of the thermal
erasing process.
Evaluation of thermal process requires identifying process variables; they are temperature
degree, dwell time of heating, vacuum pressure and the time-period of the sucking stage. The
designing of experiments are considered as series of tests in which purposeful changes are made
to process input variables (factors) so that one may observe and identify the reasons for change
in the output.
SEM is used to investigate the visual change of the cross sections of test sample before and after
erasing process. The property of wettability is measured using contact angle instrument.
Image area
Aluminium 4
1 Substrate
Vacuum
Device
2
3
(Remove of the hot-melt
Ink by sucking process)
Heat source
(Electric stove)
Fig. (4.1): Schematic diagram for thermal erasing process
4.2.2 Results and Discussion
The object of this section is to realise the results of this process to study the validation of using
thermal process. It considered as a simplest process depends upon the properties of hot-melt ink
jet inks as phase change materials having the single transit temperature can be sucked by using
the vacuum after melted at elevated temperature.
The melting point of h.m.i sample was measured using melting point instrument. The average
value of five measurements was 180°C.
The print-samples were tested at 180°C to study the effects of different heating time (10, 15, 20,
25, 30, 35 and 40 seconds) with the different variable vacuum pressures (-0,20 kb, -0,25 kb, -
0,30 kb, -0,35 kb, -0,40 kb, -0,45 kb, and -, 50 kb). Whereby multifactor can be run at the same
time, and is executing a minimum number of trials.
Then the validation tests were carried out by two different methods. Firstly, to measure the
wettability by using contact angle of DI-water on the image- and non-image areas before and
after erasing process.
The changes in the wettability property of the surface could be observed when increasing the
contact angles between the DI-water and print-samples after erasing process. From these results,
it is cleared that, the exposure of the print-sample to temperature will be decreased the
hydrophilic property and consequentially the surface lost the important property as an offset
printing surface.
The cross sectional area of print-sample before and after erasing process was investigated using
SEM with the magnification of 6750 x as depicted in figure (4.2).
The remained thin layer of image area was found on the anodising surface. This phenomenon
can be explained in terms of the porosity of the surface that allowed the contaminates to
penetrate to the capillary layer of anodised surface during the melting process and formed the
thin layer after ending the erasing process [109]. Therefore, thermal process was not valid to
erase the image areas completely from the printing surface in this case.
109 Abd El Kader, M., Hübler, A., “Erasing of Printing Areas in the Computer-to-Cylinder Ink-jet Process”, Published in the
proceedings of the 26th Research Conference of the International Association of the Research Institutes for the Printing, Information
and Communication Industries, Munich, Germany, 5—8 September 1999.
(i)
Figure 3.2: Cross-section of the surface
a b
(ii)
Fig. (4.2): Cross-section of the anodised aluminium surface (i) before and (ii) after thermal
erasing process (“a” image area layer, “b” anodised aluminium surface)
4.3. Ultrasonic Erasing Process 56
4.3. Ultrasonic Erasing Process
The erasing process of interest has a number of fundamental parameters associated with one
another. The study will provide an understanding of the basic removal mechanism verified by
experimental measurements.
4.3.1. Experimental Planning
The effects of three main parameters on the ultrasonic erasing process were extensively studied.
The choice of erasing chemistry was selected as the first parameter, if the removal chemistry
does not address the contaminant of h.m.i then the mechanical or physical action will be little to
remove the image-area. Thus, the selection of erasing chemistries plays a critical role in the
erasing process and cleanliness reliability of the present work. The compatibility between the
selected erasing chemistries and the printing surface was studied as a second parameter. The last
one studied the cleanliness measurement to evaluate the erasing process and results efficiency.
In addition, the most important point of the present work is the reliability and stability in
relation with the performance ratio to re-erase and re-image the same printing surface for many
times and it was performed in the last of this section.
Ultrasonic erasing process will be tested by UV/Vis spectroscopy, visual microscope,
profileometre and contact angle measurements.
4.3.2. Results and Discussion
(a) Detection of Image-area using UV/Vis Reflectance Spectrum
The UV/Vis reflectance spectrum of print-sample was measured by UV/Vis spectroscopy to

determine the location of the long wavelength absorption maxima in the spectral region, as
shown in figure (4.3).
1,6
(547 nm, 1.6109 a.u)
1,4
1,2
Absorbance (a.u.)
1,0
0,8 (325 nm, 0.7682 a.u)
0,6
(356 nm, 0.4611 a.u)
0,4
0,2
0,0
-0,2
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
λ/nm
Fig. (4.3): UV/Vis reflectance spectrum of magenta hot-melt ink-jet
(Image-area on an anodised aluminium surface)
The result of this measurement will be used as a reference to detect the capacity of solubility for
used erasing chemistries.
(b) Choice of erasing chemistries
The solubility of the magenta h.m.i sample was tested to choice the suitable erasing chemistries.
DI-water is considered as the most cheapest and famous solvents used in erasing processes.
Therefore, it will be used in the first trial of the erasing process. Also, the solubility of h.m.i
sample in different solvents such as alcohols, amid, esters, ether, halogenated hydrocarbons,
aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, ketons, nitro compounds and different aqueous erasing
chemistry types.
i. Solubility in DI-Water
The degree of cleanliness achieved in any water-cleaning producer depends on the purity of the
water employed. Due to the neutral (pH 7) characteristic of DI-water and the absence of mineral
salts, which can be affected on the print surface. Therefore, the DI-water was used for this
purpose.
In this section, the influence of DI-water on the magenta h.m.i sample is studied to inspect and
identify, whether h.m.i composition contains a polar group, and the efficiency ratio used DI-
water to dissolve it.
To accomplish these tests, 20 mg of the h.m.i was treated with successive 20 ml of DI-water
and shaking vigorously by using ultrasonic water bath (us.w) for 10 minutes. Figure (4.4) shows
the result of UV/Vis absorption spectrum of this extract solution.
0,1
0,09
0,08
0,07
Absorbance (a.u.)
0,06
0,05
0,04
0,03
0,02
0,01
0
320 370 420 470 520 570 620 670
λ /nm
Fig. (4.4): UV/Vis Absorption spectrum of magenta h.m.i extracted solution of in DI-water
Figure (4.4) shows only the visible part of the magenta h.m.i sample as an indicated by the long
wavelength absorption maximum at 557nm and maximum absorbance intensity (0.0087 a.u).
Whereas, the two other long wavelengths at 325 and 356nm, which shown in figure (4.3), were
disappeared.
ii. Effect of erasing chemistries
Effects of different erasing chemistries on the h.m.i composition were studied to choice the
suitable erasing chemistry, which depended upon the nature of solvent (polarity, acidity and
basicity).
To perform these experiments, the glass test tubes (200/15 mm) was prepared, which have
sufficient size to permit vigorous shaking. It is convenient to employ 20 mg of h.m.i for 20 ml
of erasing chemistry.
20.0 ml of erasing chemistry was delivered by using a calibrated dropper of graduated pipette.
For each experiment, after adding the solvent to h.m.i, the test tube was put in the us.w as an
agitation medium for 10 minutes. To next, the experimental test tube was removed from the
us.w and was left for 24 h.
The interaction between each solvent and h.m.i was observed firstly as a visual inspection and
then the extract solution was measured by using UV/Vis Spectroscopic to determine the nature
of interaction between the h.m.i and each used erasing chemistries type.
a) Visual test Results
The first result was observed, the interaction between the h.m.i and the selected solvents were
not changed after removing the test tube from the us.w and remaining for 24h. Table (4.1)
exhibits the visual results for these experiments.
Erasing chemistry After using ultrasonic water bath for 10 minutes

type
MeOH Deep red colour solution and a pronounced white residue
remaining in the tube bottom.
EtOH Deep red colour solution and considerable amount of white
residue in the bottom of the tube.
BuOH Red colour solution and no residue observed.
OcOH Red colour solution and white residue in the bottom of the tube.
DMF No-effect on the h.m.i, and remaining as a residue in the bottom
of test tube.
THF Colourless solution and a little quantity of fade colour residue
observed.
1-methyl-2-pyrolidone Colourless solution and particles of h.m.i remaining without
any change in the colour.
Trichloromethane Light red colour solution appeared.
TCE Colourless solution and remaining a solid particles as a residue
in the test tube.
DCE Red colour solution appeared.
DCM Red colour solution appeared and little residue of the particles.
tol. Colourless solution and a little solid substance residue.
p-xylene Colourless solution appeared and still the colour residue in the
bottom of the test tube.
n-pentane Colourless solution and solid particles materials still presented
as a residue.
2-propanone (Acetone) Light red colour solution appeared with a white residue.
Ethyl acetate Suspension medium of fine particles of solute compounds.
n-Butyl acetate Suspension medium of the mixture of the solvent and the h.m.i.
DMSO Colour solution appeared, and still no residue
DI-Water Fade red colour solution and still colour particles without any
change in the size observed.
10% Sodium hydroxide The particles of h.m.i remaining without any change in the
colour appearance and without any change in the size of
particles observed.
10% Hydrochloric acid No change of h.m.i particles, neither in size nor in the colour
appearance.
10% of TICKOPUR R33 Fade colour appeared as a solution and no effect for the solid
(Produced by substances
DR.H.Stamm GmbH)-
Germany
Table (4.1): Erasing Chemistry effects on magenta h.m.i

b) Detection of the Extent of Erasing Chemistries using UV/Vis
spectroscopic Tools
The solvents were obtained in a good yield and in high degree of purity. They were subjected to
UV/Vis spectroscopic measurements and statistic analysis to identify their solubility and
evaluate their suitability as erasing chemistries.
The obtained data from the following tables (4.2 – 4.3) and figures (4.5 – 4.11) show the long
wavelengths absorption maxima of the extracted h.m.i sample solution in each solvent.
The analysed results were classified according to the solvent group of the erasing chemistry as
follow:
Alcohol’s group:
MeOH, EtOH, BuOH and OcOH have the variants of polarity parameters that were presented in
table (3.2). According to the qualitative tests that listed in table (4.1), MeOH and EtOH were
unsuitable as an erasing chemistry.
The characteristic extract solution of alcohol’s group absorption band were in the region 354-
358 nm and other in the region 543-545 nm in the UV/Vis absorption spectra as shown in
(figure 4.5).
The relative intensities of the peaks have been indicated for the nature of the extracted h.m.i
solution for each solvent. The variant of the responsibility was found to dissolve h.m.i
according to the absorbance maxima intensities, table (4.2) had assigned the values of I1/I2
(λ max of the maximum intensity of the first peak / λmax of the maximum intensity of the second
peak). It was observed that BuOH has achieved the higher performance to effect on the h.m.i
sample than OcOH. This results explained by the more polarity of BuOH than OcOH.
1,6 BuOH
OcOH
1,4
1,2
Absorbance (a.u)
1,0
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
λ/nm
Fig. (4.5): UV/Vis absorption spectra of the extract solutions of magenta h.m.i sample in
BuOH and OcOH
Solvent λmax 545 nm λmax 358 nm I1/I2
BuOH 545/ 0,7653 358 9.13

OcOH 545 358 8.62
Table (4.2): UV/Vis spectral data of extracted solutions of
magenta h.m.i sample in BuOH and OcOH

CH3-(CH2)3 - OH
Side-chain alkyl group as a

hydrophobic section. Polar alcoholic hydroxyl
group as a hydrophilic
section
Fig. (4.6): Structural formula of BuOH
The UV/Vis reflectance spectrum of the image area on the printed sample shown three long
wavelength absorption maxima at 325, 356, and 547 nm as depicted in figure (4.3). However,
the last two absorption maxima were observed in figure (4.5). The intensity of these peaks is
more pronounced in case of BuOH than OcOH. This result can be explained as shown in
figure (4.6) by the presence of a suitable hydrophobic alkyl side chain CH3(CH2)3, which can
be able to interact with the hydrophobic part of the h.m.i and polar hydrophilic hydroxyl
alcoholic group that reacts with the colorant region of the h.m.i composition.
Halogenated-hydrocarbon’s group:
The solvation of the h.m.i sample were tested by Chloroform “Trichloromethane”, DCE and
DCM. These solvents interacted with the h.m.i with different ratios according to polarity
values that are shown in figure (4.7) and table (4.3).

1,8
1,6
1,4
Chloroform
1,2 DCE
Absorbance (a.u)
1,0
DCM
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
λ/nm
Fig. (4.7): UV/Vis absorption spectra of the extracted solutions of magenta h.m.i sample in
chloroform, DCE, and DCM
Chemical name λmax (1) /nm λmax (2) /nm I1/I2
Trichloromethane 554 - -
DCE 546 360 9.40
DCM 556 - -
Table (4.3); UV/Vis spectral data of extracted solutions of
magenta h.m.i sample in chloroform, DCE and DCM
DCE exhibited the most compatible spectral response with the reference of reflectance spectrum
where it showed maxima intensity in 360 and 546nm comparable to that of the reference (figure
4.3) in 366 and 547nm, and showed no peak at 325nm.
On the other hand, chloroform and DCM exhibited compatible spectral response for only λmax
554-556 nm and showed no peaks at 325 and 356nm.

The relative intensities of the peaks that obtained in table (3.6) confirmed the chance of
solubility by using DCE more than chloroform and DCM, due to the polarity of DCE, which is
higher than other (See table 3.2).
Solubility in DMSO:
The characteristic of absorption spectrum of the extracted h.m.i sample solution in DMSO as
shows in the figure (4.8). It exhibited the compatible spectral response in the spectral region 358
and 565nm.
1,4
1,2
1,0
Absorbance (a.u)
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
λ/nm
Fig. (4.8): UV/Vis absorption spectrum of extracted solution of
magenta h.m.i sample in DMSO

Keton’s group:
Figure (4.9) shows the UV/Vis absorption spectrum maximum of the extracted solution of h.m.i
sample in acetone as indicated by long wavelength absorption at 327nm. In addition, the other
peaks have disappeared comparing to the reference reflectance spectral as shown in figure (4.3).
1,4
1,2
1,0
Absorbance (a.u)
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
λ/nm
Fig. (4.9): UV/Vis absorption spectrum of extract solution of magenta h.m.i sample in acetone
The UV/Vis absorption spectra of other solvents, which included amide (DMF), ether (THF),
cyclic amino ketone (1-methyl-2-pyrolidone), aromatic-hydrocarbons (toluene and p-xylene),
aliphatic-hydrocarbons (n-pentane) and esters (ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate). The solvation of
h.m.i samples by these solvents was not suitable as shown in figure (4.10).
1,4 1,4
Absorbance, a.u.
0,9 0,9
Absorbance
0,4 0,4
-0,1 -0,1320
320 370 420 470 520 570 620 670 420 520 620
 /nm /nm
(a) DMF (b) THF
1,4 1,4
1,2 1,2
Absorbance (a.u.)
Absorbance, a.u.
1 1
0,8 0,8
0,6 0,6
0,4 0,4
0,2 0,2
0 0
320 420 520 620 320 420 520 620
 nm  /nm
(c ) 1-Methyl-2-Pyrolidon (d) n-pentane
1,4 1,4
1,2 1,2
Absorbance (a.u.)
Absorbance (a.u.)
1
1
0,8 Ethyl acetate
0,8 Toluene
0,6 n-Butyl
0,6 P-Xylene
0,4
0,4
0,2
0,2
0
0 320 370 420 470 520 570 620 670
320 420 520 620
 /nm
λ/nm
(e) tel and p-xylene

(f) Ethyl acetate and n-butyl
Fig. (4.10): UV/Vis absorption spectra of the extracted solutions of magenta h.m.i samples in
different solvents
By comparing the positions of the three peaks in reflectance spectra of the reference with that in
the solution spectra. It is clear that, the DI-water represents the visible peak at 557nm with a
known pronounced intensity that indicated the h.m.i sample spearing soluble in water.
Therefore, the DI-water can be excluded from the erasing process.

On the other hand, BuOH, DCE and DMSO verified two peaks at 356 and 547 nm. The
spectrum of acetone shows only the third peak at 325nm as shown in figure (4.11).
1,8
1,6
1,4
Absorbance (a.u)
1,2
325nm
1
356nm
0,8
547nm
0,6
0,4
0,2
0
BuOH DCE DMSO Acetone
Fig. (4.11): Absorbance intensities of extracted selected solvents
Therefore, one of the following solvents BuOH, DCE and DMSO with acetone as a two solvent
systems must be used to complete the solubility of the h.m.i components.

(c) Correlation between Erasing Chemistries and Anodised Aluminium

Printing Surface.
The main purpose of this section was to study the influence of the four solvents resulted from
the previous section on the nature (wettability and topography) of image and non-image-areas.
The tested parameters included the contact angle measurements between the drops of solvent on
image- and/or non-image- area.
To study the effect of solvent exposure on the hydrophilic properties of the surface, wettability
measurement were carried on an anodised aluminium surface sample by using DI water droplet
after immersing the sample in erasing chemistry for period of time reach to 24 h. as a scale of
time-period.
Visual microscope was used to observe the immersing effect of solvent for 240 h as selected
period time on the non-print-samples.
Finally, the effect of the ultrasonic action at different dwell times on the non-print-samples was
studied by using the selected solvents to inspect the non-print-sample surface by using
profileometre measurement.
i. Wettability Effect of Selected Solvents on Print-samples
A contact angle measurement is considered as a well-common method to determine the
wettability of surfaces, by measuring the angle between the droplets of solvent and print-
samples to investigate the extent of selected solvent compatibility for both image- and non-
image-area. To define the droplet profiles, it is common to draw a line tangent to the curve of
the droplet at the point when the droplet intersects the solid surface.
The present experiments were carried out at different durations (from 5 seconds to 30 seconds).
From these results, the selected erasing chemistries have good wettability that achieved a
spreading on non-image-areas.
The contact angle results between the selected solvents and image-area were recorded in table
(4.4). In general, the contact angle in case of DI-water equal to 85° and this attributed to the
high value of water polarity. This result interpreted the hydrophobic property of image-area.
Image-area contact
Type of solvent
angle (°)
1,2-Dichloroethane 10
1-Butanol 20
Acetone 15
Dimethylsulfoxid 50
DI-Water 85
Table (4.4); Contact angle measurements for selected
erasing chemistries on the image-area
It is of interest to note that, BuOH, DCE and acetone were recorded good results as indicated by
values that ranged between 10-20°, whereas the contact angle value in case of DMSO was
found at 50°. This result can be interpreted in terms of the high polarity value of DMSO in
compared with other solvents.
The above data confirmed the solvent polarity plays an important roll in determining the
wettability of the print-sample.

ii. Immersing Effect of selected solvents on non-print samples
The immersing time influence of solvents on the wettability property of non-print-sample was
studied. The non-print samples were immersed in the selected solvents baths for 24 and 240 h
as two widely different scale times.
In the first case (24 h), the samples were examined by using the contact angle of DI-water
droplet to determine the change in hydrophilic behaviour of treatment sample surfaces.
No-clear result for contact angle in case of BuOH, DCE, acetone and DI-water immersed
solvents, whereas in case of DMSO as immersed solvent, the contact angle was recorded at 45°.
This result can be attributed to the specific interaction between the sulphur atom of DMSO and
the aluminium surface.
In the second case, visual microscope was used to show the influence of the same immersed
solvents with the exception of DMSO for long period time on non-print-sample.
In this experiment, the non-print-sample was immersed in a glass flask containing 40 ml of
solvent. The flask was closed immediately to keep the solvent in non-contact with the outer
environmental conditions. This experiment was carried out at room temperature (25°C) for 240
h.
The view of non-print-samples surfaces for the mentioned solvents were depicted in figure 4.12
and 4.13
Fig. (4.12): View of non-print-samples after treatment using DCE for 240 hours (50 x)
a b
c d
Fig. (4.13): View of non-print-samples after treatment using BuOH (a, b),
acetone (c) and DI-water (d) for 240 hours (50 x)
From these figures, it is clear that no effect was detected on the non-print-samples when
immersed in BuOH, acetone and DI-water, whereas, a dramatically effect was observed in case
of DCE. This explains the strong interaction between the DCE that contained aggressive Cl-
anions, which interact with the anodised aluminium surface.
Therefore, DMSO and DCE were excluded from the solvents that can be used in the erasing
process.
iii. Influence of ultrasonic action on non-print-sample
In ultrasonic erasing process, cavitations may scrub the surface by microscopic bubble
implosion. Study the effect of ultrasonic action on the wettability and typographic surface of
non-print-samples through the selected solvents as an immersing medium was measured by DI-
water contact angle and profileometery.
The purpose was to know the influence of the ultrasonic cavitations on the lithographic printing
aluminium surface by using several types of solvents, for several dwell times ranged from 10 to
300 sec, temperature degree at 20 – 22°C and the position direction of the sample in the us.w
tank.
The P-profile (primary profile) is computed from the traced profile. Figure (4.14) shows the Pt
(total height of P-profile) values for 4 samples that treated at different dwell times. The Pt
profile deeps can be defined as the summation of the largest profile peak height and the largest
valley of the P-profile.
Single roughness deep (Rzi) is the vertical distance between the highest peak and the deepest
valley within a sampling length. Figure (4.15) shows the results of Rz (main roughness depth is
the arithmetic mean value of the single roughness deeps Rzi [110]) value for the same places of
the samples after erasing for 6 times.
110 DIN 4768: 1990

PtOriginal
Pt10min.
Pt20min.
8
Pt40min.
7
Pt60min.
Pt120min.
6 Pt240min
Pt300min.
Pt unit (µm)
0
1 2 3 4
Sample number
Fig. (4.14): Dwell time effect on the Pt values
5,4
5,2
Rz Values (µm)
5 Sample 1
4,8 Sample 2
4,6 Sample 3
4,4 Sample 4
4,2
4
3,8
Rz "a" Rz "a" Rz "a" Rz "b" Rz "c" Rz "d"
Rz places
Fig. (4.15): Influences of erasing process on the Rz values

It is worth to note that, the typographic surface of non-print-sample not affected by the
ultrasonic action as indicated by approximately the same of Pt and Rz values of the original
sample and the samples treated with BuOH as shown in figure 4.14 and 4.15. The same
results were obtained in case of acetone and DI-water.
These results can be explained in terms of the surface roughness nature that has an irregular
characteristics and produce fine porous microstructures as mentioned in chapter (2.2).
For wettability tests, there was no-clear effect for DI water droplet on the non-print samples
after each treatment. The contact angle of DI water was spread in all places of non-print
samples that immersed in selected solvents for every dwell time as mentioned previously.
(d) Evaluating of ultrasonic erasing process
In general, the ultrasonic erasing process is accomplished by immersing a part in a suitable
erasing chemistry medium, agitating that medium with high-frequency sound for a brief
interval of time (usually a few minutes), rinsing with erasing solvent, wash with water, and
finally drying.
Standard curves for BuOH and acetone were introduced in this section to determine the
concentration of h.m.i sample in extracted solution of the same solvents. Currently, a
comparative study between immersing process and ultrasonic action on the solubility of the
h.m.i samples was introduced.
Ultrasonic erasing process was evaluated according to the following four parameters:
- Effect of temperature gradient
- Location of sample
- Effect of dwell time
- Quantitative effect of solvents on erasing process
UV/Vis Spectroscopic, contact angle and statistic program were used to analyse and evaluate
their suitability as erasing process measured experiments results that were obtained as extract
solutions.
i. Estimations of Standard Curves
A standard curve was accomplished by using known concentrations of the h.m.i and could be
used to determine the concentration of unknown extracted solution. A standard curve is a graph
of assay measurement (Y) indicating the maximum intensity of the absorbance as a function of
the concentration of h.m.i sample indicated by coordinate (X).
According to the obtained UV/Vis reflectance spectra of magenta print-sample (figure 4.3),
from figure (4.3), there are three main peaks, which are characteristic for the used magenta
h.m..i.
In this section, standard curves were carried out by using BuOH for λmax 359 nm and 557 nm,
and acetone for the third λmax in the spectra region of 327 nm as shown in figure (4.16).
1,6 Acetone (λmax= 327 nm)

BuOH (λmax= 359 nm)
1,4
BuOH (λmax= 557 nm)
1,2
Absorbance (a.u)
1,0
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Concentration (mg/ml)
Fig. (4.16): Standard curves of BuOH and acetone
The following equations results from the correlations analysis
Concentration = 0.0689 + 114.4503 absorbency (a.u.) for λmax 359 nm (1)
Concentration = -0.3341 + 12.33 absorbency (a.u.) for λmax 557 nm (2)
Concentration = 0.3129 + 39.0893 absorbency (a.u.) for λmax 327 nm (3)

Table (4.5) gives the correlation conditions of the previous equations.
λmax /nm r Sd N F
359 0.9984 0.3579 12 < 0.0001
557 0.999 0.20883 11 < 0.0001
327 0.9992 0.24893 11 < 0.0001
Table (4.5): Correlation conditions of BuOH and acetone equations
ii. Effect of Ultrasonic Action
In the current experiments, the ultrasonic process is used as a mechanical action to investigate
the influence of ultrasonic process on the efficiency of the solvency, and to compare it with the
same experiments conditions without any agitation action.
By both experiments, 11.5 mg of magenta h.m.i samples were immersed in 20ml of BuOH, the
temperature for these experiments remained between 20-22°C. The immersing dwell time was
10 min for one experiment that used the us.w. Whereas, both experiments were left for 24h in
BuOH immersing bath at ambient temperature before measured by using UV/Vis spectroscopy.
These experiments make the same sample for two situations, one without any agitation or
mechanical action, and the second part of these experiments carried out by us.w as a
physical/mechanical medium. Figure (4.17) shows the comparison between both experiments.
1,0 without any

mechanical/physical action
by ultrasonic as
an agitation medium
0,8
Absorbance (a.u)
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
λ/nm
Fig. (4.17): Effect of us.w and non-mechanical action on

the extracted solutions of magenta h.m.i in BuOH
The characteristic extract solutions of BuOH absorption band were found in the region 356nm
and other in the region 544nm in the UV/Vis absorption spectra.
Absorbance intensity Absorbance intensity

at λmax 356 nm (a.u) at λmax 542 nm (a.u)
Without any 0.0933592 0.8274968

mechanical action
By using us.w 0.1025702 0.9610196
Table (4.6): Maxima intensities of UV/Vis spectral data of the
extracted solutions of magenta h.m.i in BuOH

The relative intensities of the peaks indicated the nature of the extract solution for both
experiments. The responsibility to solve h.m.i was according to the absorbency intensities
finding the variant as detailed in table (4.6).
According to equations (1) and (2) the concentrations of extract solutions of BuOH were
calculated for both situations, the data was obtained in table (4.7).
Concentration (mg) at λmax Concentration (mg) at λmax

356 nm 543 nm
Without any 9.8689 10.747

mechanical/physical
action
By using us.w. 11.8089 11.5152
Table (4.7): Concentrations of magenta h.m.i samples using us.w (mechanical/physical
action) and without any mechanical/physical action
The ultrasonic appeared to be an effective means of solving for the hot-melt ink jet
compositions, and it is obviously in the figure (4.17) and table (4.6 and 4.7) that ultrasonic
action increased the performance of the absorbency intensity, that is, increasing the
concentration of the extract solution and increasing the solvency effect.
iii. Effect of Temperature Gradient
Temperature was cited as a parameter that has a significant influence on the effectiveness of
erasing process. The purpose of this section is to study the effects of temperature on the solvent
efficiency by using UV/Vis spectrometer to measure the absorbance of extract solutions, and to
make comparison between the heights of the peak absorbance wavelength for each experiment
to determine the suitable temperature to obtain the more efficiency result of the erasing process.
The influence of temperature on the erasing image areas was studied by process experiments for
an extract solution of h.m.i. in BuOH as a solvent. The temperature effect is experimentally
tested by using four different temperature degrees (20, 22, 30, and 37 °C). Figure (4.18) shows
the effect of different temperature degrees on the absorbance intensity of the extract solution.
1,6
1,4
1,2
Absorbance (a.u)
1
559-561nm
0,8
353-355nm
0,6
0,4
0,2
0
20°C 22°C 30°C 37°C
Temperature degree (°C)
Fig. (4.18): The influence of the temperature degree on the absorbance

intensities of the extracted solutions of print-samples
The reversible relationship between the solvency ratio and the temperature degree was
obvious from the previous figure. It is clear that the higher intensity was provided at 20°C
more than other tested temperatures. Thus, the temperature must be controlled for the
ultrasonic bath at 20°C, and as a result of these experiments, the main requirement to fulfil the
erasing process is to evaluate the water ultrasonic bath to control the bath temperature.
a) Evaluation of water ultrasonic bath
The temperature of ultrasonic water bath was evaluated for stable quantity and continuous
system, for one hour and then the temperature degree after every 10 minutes was measured, in
all experiments the ultrasonic energy was turned on. In addition, the temperature was observed
by using numbers of thermometers at different places and heights from the bottom in the
ultrasonic bath.
The comparison between two previous cases is shown in the coming figure (4.19). It was
observed that by using the stable quantity of water, the temperature would increase by
increasing the dwell time. On the other hand, the temperature was fixed in case of continuous
input and output of water.
60
(1)
Temperature (°C)
50
40
30
20 (2)
10
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Dw ell tim e (m in.)
Fig. (4.19): Dwell time effect on the degree of temperature as indicated by
stable quantity of water “50 ml”(Curve 1) and Continuous
supply of tape water(Curve 2)

As a result, the more adequate conditions for temperature controlling in the ultrasonic bath can
be applied by running the water fluid feeding speed and the output delivery system in the
ultrasonic bath. In addition, the minimum obtained temperature of the us.w depended upon the
temperature of water tape.
Depending upon the above considerations, cooling system can be installed to control the
temperature degree in us.w bath, but the present work will achieve the fluid water to run the
temperature at 20°C as an available and suitable system.
iv. Location of Samples
This part illustrates the effects of sample location on erasing efficiency for cleanliness process.
Figure (4.20) shows a schematic of the two location samples opposite to each other.
Image area
Ultrasonic Bath
Al.
probe
Right position Image area Reverse position
Fig. (4.20): principle locations of print-samples in the ultrasonic bath
Figure (4.21) shows the comparison between the reverse and right position by using UV/Vis
spectrum of the extracted solution of print-sample in BuOH.
The conditions of these experiments were as follows. The sample was immersed in the
right/reverse locations in a glass beaker containing 40 ml of the BuOH and coated by glass
cover to protect the experiment from air and spray water that may have some influence on the
result of this experiment and the selected height between sample and the bottom of the glass
beaker was 5 mm.
After completing the first step, the beaker was put in the ultrasonic water bath for 6 min and the
temperature of the ultrasonic water bath was adjusted between 20-22°C.
The extract solution of print-sample in BuOH was measured by UV/Visible spectrometer.
Right Position
1,0
Reversal Position
0,8
Absorbance (a.u)
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
λ/nm
Fig. (4.21): UV/Vis absorption spectra of the extracted solutions

of print-samples in BuOH in case of two different locations
Figure (4.21) showed the characteristic of the absorption spectra of BuOH extract solutions for
both locations. The maximum absorption band was appeared at λmax 356 nm and other in 542
nm in the UV/Vis absorption spectra for both positions.

In this experiment, it was observed that the absorbance intensity of the BuOH extract solution
was increased in case of reverse position more than the right position, i.e. the reverse position is
suitable to give the best results. As an analysis for this case, it can be resulted that the re-
adhesion possibility was found in the right position more than in the reverse position. On the
other hand, the image area in the reverse position was faced directly to the cavitations force
created on the bottom of the selected ultrasonic bath. Therefore, the influence of the cavitations
was faster and stronger than the right position, i.e. the reverse position may prevent the image
area residues to re-adhere again on the surface through the erasing process.
v. Effect of immersing dwell time
Immersion dwell time was described as an allowed time period to contact the print-samples in
the erasing chemistry, which can penetrate through the porosity cavities and accept to dissolve
the image area from anodised aluminium surface. In this section, different dwell time effects
were studied to obtain the suitable time providing the suitable erasing results. The outcome of
the present experiments depended upon the resulted extract solution after each experiment to
be measured by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Print samples used to achieve these experiments by using different immersion dwell time in
us.w. The samples were put in 20ml of BuOH at 20°C in the reverse position.
1,2
1
Absorbance (a.u)
0,8
354nm
0,6
546nm
0,4
0,2
0
1 3 6 8 12 24
Dwell time (min)
Fig. (4.22): Dwell time effect on the absorbance intensity
of the extracted BuOH solutions of the print-samples
Relationship between the immersing dwell time and the maxima intensities of extract
solutions was shown in figure (4.22). It is clear that, the increase of dwell time increased the
maximum intensity for two spectral responses until 12 min, and then fixed till 24 min.
Therefore, 12 min was the suitable immersing dwell time in us.w depended upon the situation
of these experiments.
vi. Quantitative Effect of Solvents on the efficiency of Erasing Process
a) BuOH quantity effect
The effect of BuOH quantity was studied to observe the influence of the BuOH quantity on the
certain weight of h.m.i, it was identified by using the extract solution. Selected quantity of
BuOH was 20 and 40 ml and experimented for the same print-sample character.
1,4
20 ml
40 ml
1,2
1,0
Absorbance (a.u)
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
λ/nm
Fig. (4.23): UV/Vis absorption spectra of extract solutions
of the print-samples in 20 and 40 ml BuOH
As a result, the extract solution was analysed by using UV/Vis spectrometer as shown in figure
(4.23). The maximum intensity of 20 ml (1.4418 a.u) extracted solution is more than that of 40
ml (0.7436 a.u). However, by taking into consideration the dilution factor and by multiplying
the intensity value of 40 ml by two, the intensity will be increased than that in case of 20 ml.
As an analysis of this result, the more BuOH quantity allowed more fresh solvent to contact
with the image area and consequentially enhance the erasing process.
b) Immersing dwell time effect on the number of erasing baths
Study the effect of number of baths on the erasing efficiency was introduced in this section.
Six baths each of them contained 40 ml of solvent were used for evaluation of the erasing
process. The print-sample was placed in reverse position at 20°C for one minute in each us.w
bath.
UV/Vis absorption spectra of extracted BuOH solutions are depicted in figure (4.24). From
first to fifth Bath a compatible spectral response are shown, whereas no spectral band was
found in sixth bath.
The two maxima intensities are found one at λmax 355 and other at 545 nm. The decrease of
maximum intensity was observed sequentially from first bath until fifth bath, depended
considerably upon the remained quantity of image area after each bath. Spectral response for
sixth bath was disappeared, therefore UV/Vis response curve was attributed to the image area
leads to a loss of both λmax.

0,6
0,5 First Bath
0,4
Absorbance (a.u)
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
λ/nm
(a)
0,012
secondbath
0,010 thirdbath
fourthbath
fifthbath
0,008
sixthbath
Absorbance (a.u)
0,006
0,004
0,002
0,000
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700
λ/nm
(b)
Fig. (4.24): Influence of the baths number [(a) first bath and (b) from second-sixth bath] on
the absorption intensities of extract BuOH solution for print-sample

c) Comparison between number of erasing baths
and immersing dwell time
According to the technique used in the previous experiments, the effect of different interval
dwell time (1, 3, 6, 8 and 12 min) was studied. The relationship between the maxima
intensities of spectral responses for (a) first peak at λmax 355 and (b) second peak at 541 nm
were recorded in figure (4.25).
First bath Second bath Third bath Fourth bath Fif th bath
100%
90%
80%
70%
maxima intensities
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
1 min 1 min 3 min 3 min 6 min 6 min 8 min 8 min 12 min 12 min
(a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b)
Imerssing dw ell time
Fig. (4.25): Effect of immersing dwell times on the number of erasing baths
The relative intensities of the peaks for each extract bath were indicated to find the
relationship between the demand of erasing baths of solvent and immersing dwell time in
us.w bath that carried out from each extract bath.

According to last figure, it is clear that, a lot of erasing baths were needed to complete the
erasing process in case of short time (one and three min). However, one bath only was used in
case of six, eight and twelve min. Therefore, it can be concluded that, six min were suitable
time to achieve the erasing process using only one bath.
d) Effect of acetone on the erasing process
The previous experiments were repeated at 6 min using BuOH to overcome the first and
second long wavelength absorption maxima of the print-sample, which indicated by λmax at
355 and 541 nm. The outcome treatment print-samples were immersed in acetone bath to
erase the residual of image-area that indicated by third long wavelength absorption maximum
at λmax 325 nm. The UV/Vis absorption spectra of the extracted acetone solutions of print-
samples were shown in figure (4.26). However, the print-samples were washed by DI-water
for removing any residual of solvents and dried to measure the contact angle for both image
and non-image areas.
0,014
0,012
Absorbance (a.u)
0,01
0,008
325 nm
0,006
0,004
0,002
0
1/2 min 1 min 2 min 3 min
Dwell time
Fig. (4.26): Absorbance data of extracted acetone solutions

of print-samples at different dwell times
It is obvious that, the immersing dwell time was suitable at 3 min as compared to other time-
periods, which indicated by spectral region 325 nm.
The contact angle of image- and non-image-areas were measured by using DI-water after
treatment for 3 min in acetone and recorded from 5 to 7°. It means the image-areas were
changed to hydrophilic property, whereas the contact angle was increased with the decreased
dwell times.
(e) Validation of Re-erasing Process
After evaluation ultrasonic process in the previous sections coming an important stage that
applied the evaluated results of erasing process to detect the performance ratio as an
accomplishment in the large laboratory scale.
Initially, the immersing of a print-sample in ultrasonic erasing bath was modelled as shown in
figure (4.27). The direction of ultrasonic cavitations is generated from the bottom of the bath.
A single print-sample was placed in the glass beaker, which was filled with BuOH, in reverse
position to ultrasonic beam. This beaker was immersed in ultrasonic water bath for 6 minutes.
After that the print sample was passed in the acetone bath for 3 minutes to remove another
contamination residue. The sample was exposed to the DI-water for 1 min to remove the
residual of the solvents. Finally, the sample was left for drying at room temperature for 5
minutes to prepare the sample surface for re-imaging process.

Print-sample
Water supply
Glass beaker with
Aluminium closer
Ultrasonic device
Erasing chemistry bath
Water bath
Drain
Transducer
Thermostatic control Timer
Fig. (4.27): Schematic representation of the experiment used in erasing process
The object of these experiments was to investigate the influence of repeating the numbers of
imaging and erasing processes on the performance ratio through the wettability measurements
and inspection of the print-surface by visual magnification microscope.
After every five times of the previous processing, the contact angle was measured by DI-water
at different places of the sample (image- and non-image-area). For the same sample, the
influence of re-erasing was detected and compared with the original anodised aluminium-
printing surface, which used as a reference. These experiments were carried out for 42 times as
re- imaging and re-erasing processes.
It can be observed that, no change in the wettability properties was found in relation to the
contact angle measurement ranged from 5 to 7°. Specifically, the possibility to re-use the
conventional anodised surface can be applied for many times without any changes on the
hydrophilic properties and any damage of the typography of the surface through the inspection
by visual magnification microscope.

5 Summary
The advancement in characterisation and understanding of hot-melt ink jet processes for
imaging at offset printing form cylinder are the primary outcomes of this research.
Until last years, hot-melt ink jet-imaging processes are used only in the computer-to-plate
technology to produce the printing plate by using ink jet layer as a mask on the photosensitive
layer or to create an image area direct on the printing surface.
On the other hand, computer-to-print form cylinder technologies have two main directions,
one presented to be imaged again after the printing of each sheet (e.g. ferroelectric printing
system, electrophotography, … etc). Other direction prepared the image area in the press and
after ending the job print was completed, the image area was erased and then the same
printing surface was ready for imaging the next job (e.g. erasable polymer technology, laser
induced copper deposition and laser induced thermal transfer process).
The motivation of this work is collected by the main promote to use hot melt ink jet as a
simple and economical method to form an image area directly on an uncoated conventional
aluminium printing surface to reuse the same surface for many times as a main benefit of
computer-to-print form technology. Choice and evaluation of suitable erasing process are the
main point of investigation in the present work.

Summary 96
The systematic of this work based on the theoretical part to aid in finding the suitable erasing
processes depending upon study of hot-melt ink-jet inks nature and the main properties of
used aluminium printing surface.
According to theoretical survey, study of hot-melt ink jet inks realized two actual aims. Firstly,
the main requirement of hot-melt ink jet inks to apply in the present work are summarised as an
oligomeric or polymer thermoplastic and the role of colorant substances is to give visible image
area to observe the efficiency of erasing process in the present work. Secondly, the main
property of hot-melt ink composition has a single melting point transition required for the
thermal erasing process, which is necessary for thermal erasing process.
The used anodised aluminium surfaces have high degree of roughness and are free from defects.
The uniform grain must be free of pits to provide the highest quality performance.
In addition, theoretically comparative study between wet and dry methods included ten different
erasing processes. The thermal and ultrasonic erasing processes in the current work achieve the
result of this study.
The presented experiments in a laboratory scale included two different directions, which
investigate systematically the role of certain factors towards affecting erasing image area
process on print surfaces to accomplish the evaluation and validation of the erasing processes.
For the first direction, thermal process provides the simplest erasing method to remove the
image area from the anodised aluminium-printing surface. The performed experiments
depended upon the vacuum force and the dwell time for both the heating and sucking
duration. They were carried out through the wettability tests to examine the hydrophilic
property for surfaces before and after erasing process and at the same time, the same samples
96
Summary 97
were inspected by using scanning electron microscope to investigate any residual of image
area after erasing process.
From these experiments, the change of surface wettability properties can be attributed to the
changing of temperature in erasing process. In addition, it is difficult to remove the compact
thin layer of the image-area from the surface after completing the erasing process.
Unfortunately, the thermal method could not erase the complete thickness layer of image-area,
and consequentially caused the damage on the surface due to change in hydrophobic property.
For the second direction, the ultrasonic process is classified as a wet erasing process. In all
cases, used magenta hot-melt ink jet ink samples are considered as colorant samples for all
experiments to prove the visibility erasing process for image area. To accomplish this method
in the current work, there are four main consequent stages.
First stage, choice of suitable erasing chemistries depended upon the type of solvent groups.
The hot-melt ink jet inks samples were dissolved in twenty-one solvents with a wide ranging
of polarity. The UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy is a powerful technique to evaluate the
influence of solvent on the solubility process.
There are three main peaks at λmax 325, 356 and 547 nm as indicated by the UV/Vis
reflectance spectrum of the magenta image-area.
The DI-water is not valid to erase the image-area due to the water that is a strong polar
solvent and not compatible with the image-area components.
After that, the suitable solvents for erasing process from twenty-one solvents provided 1-
Butanol, 1,2-Dichloroethane, Dimethylsulfoxide that had compatible spectral response at 358-
360nm and 545-565nm, and acetone compatible spectral response at 327nm.
97
Summary 98
Second stage described the influences of selected erasing chemistries on non-print and print
samples. The tested parameters included the contact angle measurements to examine the
hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, visual microscope and profileometery to test the
typographic surface after each erasing treatment. The outcome of previous stage is considered
as an input for this stage.
The selected solvents behave a good wettability on the non-image-area. On the other hand, 1-
Butanol, 1,2-Dichloroethane, and acetone recorded a contact angle between 10°-20°,
Dimethylsufoxide at 50° and Deionised water at 85° in case of image-area.
The hydrophilic property of non-print-samples varied when immersed in Dimethylsulfoxide for
24h. Whereas, no effect on the case of 1-Butanol, 1,2-Dichloroethane and acetone was found.
No-clear effect for 1-Butanol, acetone and Deionised water was found when the non-print-
samples were immersed in previous solvents for 240 h, while the whole defect were seemed on
the surface that immersed in 1,2-Dichloroethane.
The exposure of non-print-samples to 1-Butanol, acetone and Deionised water in ultrasonic
water bath for different times (10-300 min) is not pronounced by using profileometre
measurements.
Therefore, Dimethylsulfoxide and 1,2-Dichloroethane are not suitable to be achieved in the
erasing process.
Third stage studied the influence of four parameters (temperature gradient, location of sample,
dwell time and quantitative effect of solvents on erasing process) on the evaluation of
98
Summary 99
ultrasonic erasing process. These experiments are measured by UV/Vis spectroscopy and
contact angle.
First of all standard curves are accomplished by using known concentrations of hot-melt ink
jet inks sample to make standard curve, which can be used to determine the concentration of
unknown extract solution.
Study of ultrasonic effect on the efficiency of the printed-sample solubility was pointed to
increase the extract solution concentrations by using ultrasonic more than without any
agitation.
Effect of temperature was found to be more suitable at 20°C to fulfil the erasing process.
Therefore, the fluid supplying and water delivery in the ultrasonic water bath were used to
control the temperature degree.
Effect of sample location was found, so that the reverse position of print-sample provided
concentration of extract solution more than right position.
The immersing dwell time in ultrasonic water bath played an important role to increase the
concentration of extract solution and consequentially more erasing of hot-melt ink jet inks
from the print-sample.
Increasing the quantity of solvent allowed more chance for solvent to contact with the image-
area and appreciated more rapidly to erasing process.
99
Summary 100
After evaluation of ultrasonic process in third stage, an important stage was coming that applied
the evaluated results of erasing process to detect the performance ratio as an accomplishment in
the large laboratory scale. The printing surface was re-imaged and re-erased for forty-two times,
and tested by using contact angle and visual microscope. The results indicated no effect on the
wettability of the surface and the microscopic evaluation had shown no damage of the
typography of the treatment surface.
100
6. List of Figures 101
6 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Scheme of Computer-to-Cylinder process …………………………….. 9
Figure 1.2 Influence of main parameters on the Computer-to-cylinder
process ……………………………………………………….........10
Figure 1.3 Schematic illustration plan for present work ………………………….. 14
Figure 2.1 Magnifying of anodized aluminum surface (50 x) …………………….. 20
Figure 2.2 Profile of anodized aluminum-printing surface ………………………. 20
Figure 2.3 Surface profiles of image- and non-image-area ………………………… 23
Figure 2.4 Cross-section of anodised printing surface ……………………………… 24
Figure 2.5 Photo of image-and non-image-areas (50 x) ……………………………. 24
Figure 2.6 Classification of erasing processes ……………………………………… 27
Figure 2.7 Types of wet- and dry-erasing methods ………………………………… 27
Figure 2.8 Correlation between ultrasonic frequency and cavitations size …………. 32
Figure 2.9 Contamination removal process model …………………………………. 33
Figure 3.1 View of contact angle instrument ……………………………………….. 46
Figure 4.1 Schematic diagram for thermal erasing process ………………………… 53
Figure 4.2 Cross-section of the anodised aluminum surface (i) before and
(ii) after thermal erasing process ……………………………………….. 55
Figure 4.3 UV/Vis reflectance spectrum of magenta Hot-melt ink-jet …………….. 57

Figure 4.4 UV/Vis absorption spectrum of magenta h.m.i extract solution
in DI-water …………………………………………………………… 58
Figure 4.5 UV/Vis absorption spectra of the extract solutions of magenta
h.m.i sample in BuOH and OcOH ……………………………………… 62
Figure 4.6 Structural formula of BuOH ……………………………………………. 63
Figure 4.7 UV/Vis absorption spectra of the extracted solutions of
magenta h.m.i sample in Chloroform, DCE and DCM …………………. 64
Figure 4.8 UV/Vis absorption spectrum of extracted solution of magenta
h.m.i sample in DMSO ………………………………………………… 65
Figure 4.9 UV/Vis absorption spectrum of extracted solution of magenta
h.m.i sample in acetone …………………………………………………. 66
Figure 4.10 UV/Vis absorption spectra of the extracted solutions of magenta
h.m.i samples in different solvents …………………………………….. 67
Figure 4.11 Absorbance intensities of extracted selected solvents …………………... 68
Figure 4.12 View of non-print-samples after treatment using DCE
for 240 hours (50 x) …………………………………………………….. 72

Figure 4.13 View of non-print-samples after treatment using
BuOH, acetone and DI-water for 240 hours (50 x) ……………………. 72
Figure 4.14 Dwell time effect on the Pt values ……………………………………... 74
Figure 4.15 Influences of erasing process on the Rz values ………………………... 74
Figure 4.16 Standard curves of BuOH and acetone ………………………………... 77
Figure 4.17 Effect of us.w and non-mechanical action on the extracted
solutions of magenta h.m.i in BuOH ………………………………….. 79
Figure 4.18 Influence of the temperature degree on the absorbance
intensities of the extracted solutions of print-samples ………………… 81
Figure 4.19 Dwell time effect on the degree of temperature as indicated
by stable quantity of water “50 ml” (curve 1) and continuous
supply of tape water (curve 2) ……………………………………….. 82
Figure 4.20 Principle locations of print-samples in the ultrasonic bath …………… 83
Figure 4.21 UV/Vis absorption spectra of the extracted solutions
of print-samples in BuOH in case of two different locations ………… 84
Figure 4.22 Dwell time effect on the absorbance intensity of the extracted
BuOH solutions of the print-samples ………………………………… 86

Figure 4.23 UV/Vis absorption spectra of extract solutions of the
print-samples in 20 and 40 ml BuOH ………………………………... 87
Figure 4.24 Influence of the baths number on the absorption intensities
of extract BuOH solution for print-sample …………………………… 89
Figure 4.25 Effect of immersing dwell times on the number of erasing
baths ………………………………………………………………… 90
Figure 4.26 Absorbance data of extracted acetone extracted solutions of
print-samples for different dwell times ……………………………... 91
Figure 4.27 Schematic representation of the experiment used
in erasing process ……………………………………………………. 93

7. List of Tables 105
7 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1 Fundamental properties of computer-to-plate
and direct-to-print form cylinder ……………………………………….. 2
Table 1.2 Computer to plate systems using ink-jet technology ……………………… 3
Table 2.1 Requirements of considerations for erasing process …………………….. 26
Table 2.2 Intervals of frequencies …………………………………………………. 31
Table 2.3 Thermal erasing units properties…………………………………………. 37
Table 2.4 Advantages and disadvantages of easing processes ……………………. 39
Table 3.1 List of erasing materials…………………………………………………...42
Table 3.2 Dipolarity/Polarizability values of solvents………………………………..43
Table 4.1 Erasing chemistry effects on magenta h.m.i ………………………………60
Table 4.2 UV/Vis spectral data of extracted solutions of
magenta h.m.i sample in BuOH and OcOH ………………………………62
Table 4.3 UV/Vis spectral data of extracted solutions of
magenta h.m.i sample in chloroform, DCE and DCM …………………... 64
Table 4.4 Contact angle measurements for selected erasing chemistries on
the image-area …………………………………………………………… 70
Table 4.5 Correlation conditions of BuOH and acetone equations …………………. 78
Table 4.6 Maxima intensities of UV/Vis spectral data of the extracted
solutions of magenta h.m.i in BuOH ……………………………………. 79
Table 4.7 Concentrations of magenta h.m.i samples using us.w
and without any mechanical/physical action …………………………….. 80

7. List of Tables 106
8. References 107
8 REFERENCES
Abd El Kader, M., Huebler, A., “State of the art in digital printing”, 1st Technical Workshop
Printing Industry, Cairo, 20th to 22nd September 1999
Abd El Kader, M., Huebler, A., “Erasing of Printing Areas in the Computer-to-cylinder Ink-
jet Process” Advances in Printing Science and Technology- Advances in Digital Printing Pira
International, UK (26), pp.57-64 (2000)
A. Pizzi , K. L. Mittal (ed. ) , “Handbook of Adhesive technology”, Pages; 19-34 (1994)
Atkins, P.W., “Physical Chemistry”, Oxford University Press, Oxford, (1994)
Awad, Sami B., “Ultrasonic Cavitation and Precision Cleaning”, The Magazine of Critical
Cleaning Technology, Pages: 12-17; November (1996)
Baichoo, C., “Electric Immersion Heating Serves Precision Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning,
Pages: 18-24; February (1998)
Ball Jeffrey M, “Method for applying a hot melt ink to a substrate”, US Patent 4,684,959
(1987)
Baumgartner Alan S; Moore Patrick D; Vandahm Richard A, “Coloured thermoplastic

resin”, US Patent 4, 732, 570 (1988)
Brochure, “Solid Inkjet Printer SJ02A for A2 Wide Direct Plate Making”, Dataproducts (Group
Hittachi Koki) (1998)
Brown Edward A; Haxell John P N; Wilson Derek E, “Dispersed Pigmented Hot-melt Ink”,
US Patent 5,053,079 (1995)
B.P.Whim and P.G. Johnson (edit.), “Directory of Solvents”, Blackie Academic &
Professional, UK (1996)
Busnaina, Ahmed A., Glenn, W., and Kashkoush, Ismail l., “Ultrasonic and Megasonic
Theory and Experimentation”, Precision Cleaning, pp: 13-19 April (1994)
Capillo, C., “Surface Mount Technology –Materials, Processes, and Equipment”, McGraw-Hill
Publishing Company, Page: 267- 269, 271, 279-282, (1990)
Catalano, A., “Tech Spotlight - Plasma, Laser, and UV/Ozone”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 36-
37; April (2000)
Christian Reichardt, “Solvents and Solvent Effects in Organic Chemistry”, VCH, (1990)
Cost, F., “Pocket Guide to Digital Printing”, Delmar Publishers, USA, pp: 91-100 (1997)
“CTP: Rehashing Drupa, But Some New Products, Too”, The Seybold Report on Publishing
Systems, October 23, pp: 8 – 12, (2000)
8. References 108
C.Wayne Jaeger, Beaverton; Loc V. Bui, Portland; Donlad R. Titterington, Tualatin;

Clifford R. King, Salem, “Use of polymeric dyes in hot melt ink jet inks”, US Patent
5,621,022 (1997)
Danielsson, Hans, “Surface Mount Technology with Fine Pitch Components – The
Manufacturing Issues”, Chapman & Hall, Pages; 178-180 (1995)
Deborah L. Stevenson, “Handbook of Printing Processes”, GATF, pp: 215 (1994)
D.E.Packham, “Handbook of Adhesion”, Longman Scientific & Technical, p280 (1992)
Dillingham, G., Winter, G., “Plasma Processing: Extending the Dimensions of 'Clean'”,
Precision Cleaning, Pages: 10-15; December (1998)
DIN 4768: 1990
Elliott, David J., “Microlithography: process technology for IC Fabrication”, McGraw-Hill

Book Company, Pages: 40-44 (1986)
Engelsberg, Audrey C.,“ Laser-Assisted Cleaning Proves Promising”, Precision Cleaning,

Pages: 35-42; May (1995)
Engelsberg, A.C.,“ Laser-Assisted Cleaning Leaves the Laboratory”, Precision Cleaning,

Pages: 39-48; May (1998)
Gloster, D. F., Andreottola, M. A., “Direct Computer to Plate Printing”, NIP17: International
Conference on Digital Printing Technologies, pp: 336 – 339 (2001)
Günzler, Helmut (ed.) „Ullmann’s Encyclopaedia of industrial chemistry fifth, completely

revised edition“, VCH, vol.B5, analytical methods I (1994)
Hallman, R., “Erasable Polymer Technology: an Idea Whose Time May Never Come”, the
Seybold Report on Publishing Systems, pp: 20, October 9 (2000)
Hase, T., Kimoto, K., Arimatsu, S., “Method for directly making printing plates using ink-jet
system”, EP0533168, B1. (1993)
Hattori, T. (Ed.), “Ultraclean Surface Processing of Silicon Wafers”, Springer, Pages: 508-513
(1995)
Herting, H. Peter and Goodman, Richard M, “Computer to Plate Technologies- the Current
Product Realities”, TAGA Proceedings, pp312-328. 1998
Huebler, A., “Digital Printing in Newspaper Production” Digital Printing –Que Vadis?
International IFRA Conference at March 26th- 27th in Amsterdam (2001)
http://www.dotprint.com/techno/index2.htm
Isao Tabayashi, Kuki; Hiroshi Harada, Takaishi; Sadahiro Inoue, Chiba; Hiroshi
Fukutomi, Urawa, “Hot-melt type ink for thermal ink-jet printer”, US Patent 4,878,946 (1989)
8. References 109
Jerome L. Johnson., “Principles of nonimpact printing”, third edition, Palatino press, Irvine,
pp 353-354, 320-421 (1998)
John P. N. Haxell, Bath; Edward A. Brown, Kent; Derek E. Wilson, Somerst, “Dispersed
pigmented hot melt ink”, US Patent 5,053,079 (1991)
Johnson, J. E., Belmont, J. A., “Novel Black Pigment For Ink jet Ink Applications”,
Proceedings of IS&T’s Eleventh International Congress on Advances in Non-Impact Printing
Technologies, pp 326 - 330 (1995)
King Clifford Riley; Moore Patrick David; Batlaw Raj, “Aqueous ink composition and
colorants useful therein”, EP Patent 0546857, B1 (1993)
Kipphan, H., “Future Challenges for Digital Offset Printing”, Advances in Printing Science
and Technology, IARIGAI, Vol. 25, pp127-132. (1999)
Kipphan, H. (Ed.), “Handbook of Print Media- Technologies and Production Methods”,

Springer, pp 64, 602, 604, 647 (2001)
Layton, Howard M., “Ultrasonic Frequencies Make a Clean Sweep”, The Magazine of Critical
Cleaning Technology”, Pages: 9-19; January (1998)
Le, H. P, “Progress and Trends in Ink-jet Printing Technology”, Journal of imaging science and
technology. Vol. 42, number 1, pp: 49 – 62 (1998)
Leach, R. H., Pierace, R. J. (Ed), “The Printing Ink Manual”, 5th ed., Blueprint London, p 697
(1993)
Loc V. Bui et al., « Image process », US Patents 5,389,958 (1995)
MAHR GMBH, Germany (Brochures)
Mainord, K., “Cleaning with Heat: Old Technology with a Bright New Future”, Precision
Cleaning, Pages: 37-43; September (1994)
Manchester, Russell C., „The Precision Cleaning of Delicate Structures Using Aggressive
Ultrasonics Without Damage“, The Magazine of Critical Cleaning Technology, Pages:13-19;
April (1997)
M.J. Kamlet, Abboud, M. Abraham, and R. Taft, J.Org. Chem. 48, 2877-2887 (1983).
M. Olim, “ A Theoretical Evaluation of Megasonic Cleaning for Submicron Particles”, J.

Electrochem. Soc., Vol. 144 (10), 3657-3659 (1997).
Merritt Alfred R; Cooke Theodore M; Lin An-Chung; Whitfield Richard G, “Natural

wax- containing ink jet inks”, US Patent 4,484,948 (1984)
Michael T, N., “Ink jet printer ink”, US Patent Nos., 4,820,346. April., 11.(1989)
Micheal T, N.; Michael L, D., “Benzoate inks”, US Patent Nos. 4,931,095, June., 05. (1990)
8. References 110
Miller, Ralph M., “Transient Beams: Portable Laser Systems for Cleaning and Coatings
Removal”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 16-25; July (1999)
Moholkar, Vijayanand S., Rekveld, Sander, and Warmoeskerken, Marin M.C.G.,

“Modelling of the acoustic pressure fields and the distribution of the cavitation phenomena in a
dual frequency sonic processor”, Ultrasonics 38 666-670 (2000)
Noto, N., Torü, T., Suematsu, S., and Kugai, K., “A new Compact High Resolution Solid Ink
Jet Head and its Application to a Plate Making Printer”, IS&T’s NIP 14: International
Conference on Digital Printing Technologies, pp: 50 – 53 (1998)
Packham, D.E., “Handbook of Adhesion”, Longman Scientific & Technical, (1992)
Parker David W, “Ink-Jet Printing Compositions”, US Patent 5,455,326 (1995)
Paquin, D., “The Gas Plasma Alternative to Wet Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning, Pages:45-49;
March (1994)
Perkampus, Heinz-Helmut, Translated by Grinter, Heide-C., and Grinter, R., “Encyclopedia

of Spectroscopy”, Pages: 620- 633, VCH (1995)
Rahn, Armin, “The Basics of Soldering”, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp271 (1993)
Reichardt, C., “Solvents and Solvent Effects in Organic Chemistry”, VCH (1990)
Reuter, S., Huebler, A.C., Franke, S., Wolf, K., Schoenert, M., “Ferroelectric Printing:
Electrical Surface Conditions and Print Quality”, IS&T 17th International Congress on
Advances in Non-impact printing Technologies, Fort Lauderdale, USA, (2001)
Richard J. Larson, Jr., “Hot melt ink composition”, US Patent 5,354,368 (1994)
Schaffner, Tom, “Technology Spotlight: Ultrasonic Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 28-
31; March (2002)
Shieh, S., “An Analysis of Contact Angle Measurement, Precision Cleaning”, Pages: 5-8;
March (2001)
Schlözer, R., “The Impact of In-Press Imaging and Erasable Forms on Press Design”, TAGA
Proceedings, pp 455-468 (2000)
Schmid, H., “Super-Fine Cleaning with Liquid-Phase Pre-cleaning and Subsequent Plasma
Treatment”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 17-23; October (1995)
Schneider, J., Nussel, B., and Franz-Burgholz, A., “Digital Change Over (DICO)
Technology for Lithographic Offset Printing”, Proceedings of IS&T’s Eleventh International
Congress on Advances in Non-Impact Printing Technologies, pp 291-293, (1995)
Seybold Report on Publishing Systems, “The State of CTP: Evolution, Not Revolution”, V. 28,
N. 4, pp 15- 16 (1998)
8. References 111
Seybold Report on Publishing Systems, “CTP: Rehashing Drupa, But Some New Products,
Too”, V. 30, N. 4, pp8-9. (2000)
Spencer, Jan, “Going Towel to Towel: The Benefits of Disposable Wipers”, Pages: 30-31;
November (1999)
Straka, Joachem, “Megasonics help to wash away”, http://www.epp-online.de/heft/thema4.htm,

Sonosys, Germany
Sullivan, D.J., Croft, R. F., Gerber, S. J., “Method of forming a photomask for a printing
plate with an ink jet”, US Patent 5,495,803 (1996)
Suslick, Kenneth S., “ULTRASOUND Its Chemical, Physical, and Biological Effects”, VCH
Publichers, Inc. , pp100-101 (1988)
The Seybold Report on Publishing Systems, Plate-Imaging Technologies, Volume 26, Number
17, June 2, pp 10-11 (1997)
“The Elcorsy 200: A Digital Press Like No Other”, The Seybold Report on Publishing Systems,
Volume 28, Number 4, pp 5 –7, November 2, (1998)
The Society of Chemical Engineers of Japan, ed. Introduction to VLSI Process Engineering,
London: Chapman & Hall; pp86 (1993)
Thomas, M.J.K., “Ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy”, John Wiley & Sons (1996)
Titterington, Don R., Jaeger, C. Wayne, “Design Parameters for a phase change ink jet ink”,
IS&T’s Eighth International Congress on Advances in Non-Impact Printing Technologies, pp
295 – 298 (1992)
Vennerbeck, M.B.R.B., “Megasonics Help 'Stream'-line Sensitive Substrate Cleaning”,

Precision Cleaning, Pages15 - 19; January (1998)
Walters, Craig T. and Dulaney, Jeff L.,” Lasers Demonstrate Potential, With Focus on
Precision Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 33-37; May (1994)
Walter, Dulaney, and Campbell, "Advanced Technology Cleaning Methods for High-
Precision Cleaning of Guidance System Components," Battelle Summary Report on Contract
No. F04606-89-D-0034/DOQ807, September 3, 1993.
Walton, J. K. "Kirk" Bonner Sharon, “Cleaning Solutions Lost and Found for Manual
Electronics Assembly”, Precision Cleaning, Pages: 13 - 18; November (1997)
Weltman, Henry, “Solutions for Compliant Manual Wipe Cleaning”, Precision Cleaning,
Pages: 33 - 35; April (1994)
Wilkes, Mike, “Choices and Challenges in the Selection of Parts Washing Equipment”,
Precision Cleaning, Pages: 19 - 21; May (1994)
Wu, Souheng, “Polymer interface and adhesion”, Marcel Dekker, INC, USA (1982)
8. References 112
Yamada, K., “The Printing and Erasing Characteristics of Reversible Thermo sensitive Card”,
IS&T’s NIP13: International Conference on Digital Printing Technologies, Pages;773-778
(1997)
Zerillo, S. D., “Ink jet image transfer lithographic apparatus and technique”, US Patent
4,833,486 (1989)
Zhu Hui, Hallman Robert W, Shimazu Ken-Ichi, “Process for the Production of
Lithographic Printing Plate”, Europe Patent 0 776 763 (1997)
Publication
Hübler, A.; Abd El Kader, M.; Hempel, F.; Maurer, A.:”Interaction between Surface of the
Master Cylinder and Ink Jet Imaging for Computer-to-Press Applications” at NIP14 1998
International Conference on Digital Printing Technologies. October 18-23, 1998 Toronto, also
published in IS&T’s Recent Progress in Ink Jet Technologies II, pp. 138-140, 1999
Abd El Kader, M.; Hübler, A.; ”Erasing of printing areas in the computer-to-cylinder ink
jet process” at IARIGAI 26 International Research Conference ”Advance in Digital
Printing”, September 5-8, 1999 Munich, also published in Advances in printing science and
technology vol. 26, pp 57- 64, 2000
Abd El Kader, M.:”State of the Art in digital Printing”; PRINTPROMOTION Workshop,
September 20-22, 1999 Cairo, Egypt
Scientific award
Our working group, including me, received an award “For innovative research in the field of
printing” in may 2000 from the German Society for Paper & Printing Technology.
Curriculum Vitae
Personal data
Name Magdy Ezzat Abd El Kader
Date of birth 15.03.1963
Place of birth Cairo, Egypt
Nationality Egyptian
Civil status married
School Education
1969 – 1973 Primary School
1973 – 1977 mid-school
1977 - 1979 Secondary school
University Education
1979 – 1985 Bachelor of Applied arts, Faculty of applied arts
1987 – 1994 Master Science in printing technology, faculty of applied arts, Helwan
University, Cairo, Egypt.
Experience and Skills
1986 – 1997 Assistant lecturer, Faculty of Applied arts, Helwan University. Also in
the same time, I have occupied the following jobs:
1985 – 1990 Trainer and technical support of the printing technology agency
1990 – 1991 Consulate for the (General Lithograph Egypt)
1992 – 1993 Reporter scientific for the Print world magazine
1994 – 1997 Manager director for different of presses
since 1998 Working as Research low under the supervision of Prof. Dr. ing. A.
Hübler, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany

Selbständigkeitserklärung
Hiermit erkläre ich, dass ich die vorliegende Arbeit selbständig und nur unter Verwendung
der angegebenen Literatur und Hilfsmittel angefertigt habe.
Chemintz, den 23.06.2003
Abd El Kader, Magdy

Application of Hot-Melt

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Application of Hot-Melt

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

APPLICATION OF HOT-MELT

INK JET PROCESSES FOR

Von der Fakultät für Maschinenbau der

von M.Sc. Magdy Ezzat Abd El Kader

Chemnitz, den 19. Januar 2004

Author: Abd El Kader, Magdy

Dissertation on the faculty of technical engineering and process technique of Chemnitz

pages, 41 Figures, 15 Tables, 90 References.

tested by UV/Vis spectrometer, contact angle, profileometery and visual microscope.

Erasing chemistries, wettability measurements, SEM, UV/Vis spectroscopy, polar/non-polar

performed as follows; Scanning electron microscope in institute of physics,

profileometery measurements in institute of IFMQ, UV/Vis spectrometer measurements

in chemistry Institute of Chemnitz Technical University.

to give my appreciation to his research member- Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed.

advices in the profileometery measurements.

heart and continual prayers.

I TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………………………………… I

II SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS ……………………………………….. IV

1.1 Computer-to-Ink Jet Plate Imaging Reproduction-An Overview …………………. 2

1.2 Direct to Printing Cylinder Reproduction ………………………………………… 6

1.3 Motivation ………………………………………………………………………… 8

1.4 Thesis Organisation ……………………………………………………………….. 12

2 LITERATRE BACKGROUND …………………………………………………. 15

2.1 Hot-melt Ink-jet Inks …………………………………..………………………….. 15

2.2 Nature of Anodised Aluminium Lithographic Printing Surface ……………………..19

2.4 Erasing (Cleaning) Processes ……………………….……………………………… 25

2.4.2 Classification of Erasing Processes …………………………………………… 26

3 MATERIALS AND METHODS …………………….………………………… 41

3.1 Materials ………………………………………………………………………….. 41

3.2 Methods …………………………………………………………………………… 44

4 EXPERIMENTAL PLANNING AND RESULTS ……………………………. 49

4.1 Preparation of Samples …………….……………………………………………… 50

4.2 Thermal Erasing Process ………………………………………………………….. 52

4.3 Ultrasonic Erasing Process ………………………………………………………... 56

6 LIST OF FIGURES ……………………………………………………………101

7 LIST OF TABLES ……………………………………………………………. 105

8 REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………. 107

Symbols and abbreviations

λmax maximum wave length

DI water de-ionised water

dpi dot per inch

Exp. Sect. experimental section

h.m.i Hot-melt ink-jet ink

lpi line per inch

m.p. melting point

pH hydrogen ion concentration

PS Plate presensitised plate

Pt total height of P-profile

Rzi single roughness deep

SEM Scanning Electron Microscope

Tg glass transition temperature

us.w Ultrasonic water bath

printing encompasses many technologies, including computer to print, such as

of image setting, film output, proofing, and imposition [1].

general fundamental properties between computer-to-plate and computer-to-cylinder

Computer-to-Plate Direct to print form

1.1. Computer-to-Ink Jet Plate Imaging Reproduction – An Overview

developing - or any treatments processes.

available commercial offset printing plate based on ink-jet technology.

Model Company Plate size Imaging Plate processing

process-less ink-jet imaging systems.

(a) Process-ink Jet Imaging Systems