Patent Description:
Three technologies are used for correcting errors of written marks once applied on porous substrates:.

One problem associated with this ink eradicator system is that three different writing instruments may be required: one for the eradicating fluid, one for the eradicable ink and one for the re-write ink, which is not suitable for the user. Besides, the consumer can easily confuse the eradicable ink, which should be used for the original marking, and the re-write ink.

The technical problem with thermochromic inks is that the erasure is reversible with low temperature and therefore the erased draw lines can be regenerated unwantedly.

The technical problem of peelable inks is the change of the texture of the porous surface after erasing which can draw the reader's attention to the corrected mistake.

Therefore, there is a need to find a new aqueous erasable ink composition having good erasability, preferably while avoiding an unwanted color loss due to a change in temperature and/or unwanted color return. Besides, it may be advantageous to find an improved system whereby only two fluids are required: the eradicating fluid and a single ink which can be corrected using the eradicating fluid and which also can be used to make the corrections, or used instead of a separate re-write ink.

In order to overcome these technical problems, the inventors have surprisingly found that the use of metal nanoparticles as coloring agent in which said metal nanoparticles essentially consists of metal and said metal is chosen from silver, gold, aluminum and/or copper in combination with a dispersing agent, such as homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and/or homopolymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof, in a water-based ink composition can be easily erased by an oxidizing agent and then the same ink can be used as the re-write ink. Besides, without being bound by the theory, it seems that the use of dispersing agent, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone and/or polyvinyl alcohol in water-based ink composition comprising metal nanoparticles as coloring agent, offers excellent steric stability and/or helps prevent metal nanoparticles from directly contacting and/or aggregating and/or sedimenting in water-based ink, which lets to obtain more stronger and/or stable plasmon effect. In particular, such agglomeration and/or aggregation and/or sedimentation may prevent the obtaining of a plasmonic effect. Moreover the presence of the dispersing agent may allow the ink to be more easily erased with an oxidizing agent.

<CIT> describes the use of an oxidizing agent for removing transparent or translucent emphasizing inks. However such inks do not contain metal nanoparticles as coloring agent. Moreover only a short list of oxidizing agent could be used as an eradicator such as halogen-containing liquid bleaching solutions; alkali and alkaline-earth salt solutions formed with hypochlorites (bleaches), triazine chlorine, and triazine type derivatives; sodium, lithium and calcium hypochlorite solutions; chlorine triazinetrione solutions, such as sodium or potassium dichloro-striazinetrione and trichloro-striazinetrione solutions; sodium, potassium and ammonium persulfate and potassium peroxymonosulfate solutions; and solutions of <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-dimethylhydantoin either alone or in combination with <NUM>,<NUM>-dichloro-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylhydantoin. In particular this document mentions that a <NUM>% solution of hydrogen peroxide, a <NUM>% solution of hydrogen peroxide, and a <NUM>% solution of hydrogen peroxide with ammonia added (hair bleaching solution) are not effective and that in addition, tests with various solutions of nitrates of yttrium, strontium, sodium, barium, potassium, cerium, silver, cobalt, ceric ammonium, and lanthanum; as well as tests with potassium perchlorate, dichromate and permanganate proved to be also unsatisfactory. Thus only specific oxidizing agents could be used as eradicator.

<CIT> discloses an eradicating fluid and eradicable inks. However such inks do not contain metal nanoparticles as coloring agent. Moreover oxidizing agents are cited among a long list of eradicators and no specific example is given.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose aqueous writing ink composition containing metal nanoparticles as coloring agent. However these documents do not disclose the presence of the addition of dispersing agent in the aqueous ink and neither that it is possible to use an eradicator fluid containing an oxidizing agent to erase the written mark. Additionally, <CIT> discloses writing instruments containing two different reservoirs wherein one comprises an ink and the other an ink eradicator.

Therefore there is a need for a kit containing a particular eradicating fluid and a particular eradicable ink, in particular which can be used also as the re-write ink.

The present invention therefore concerns a kit comprising, more specifically consisting of,.

Hereinafter, a detailed description of the present invention will be given.

The specific embodiments are meant to better illustrate the present invention, however, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments.

In the sense of the present invention, the expressions "comprising a" and "containing a" should be understood as being synonymous with respectively "comprising at least one" and "containing at least one".

In the sense of the present invention, the expressions "between. " or "ranging from. " should be understood as including the values of the limits.

In the sense of the present invention, the term "ink" is intended to mean a "writing ink" which is intended to be used in a writing instrument, and in particular in a pen. A writing ink should not be confused with a "printing ink" which is used in printing machines and which does not have the same technical constraints and thus the same specifications. Indeed, a writing ink must not contain solid particles of which the size is greater than the channels of the writing instrument, in order to avoid blocking them, which would inevitably lead to writing being irreversibly stopped. In addition, it must allow an ink flow rate suitable for the writing instrument used, in particular a flow rate of between <NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> of writing, and specifically between <NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> of writing. It must also dry sufficiently rapidly to avoid smudging the writing medium. It must also avoid the problems of migration (bleeding) over time. Thus, the ink according to the present invention will be suitable for the writing instrument for which it is intended, in particular for a pen.

In addition, a "writing ink" must not be too fluid, so as to avoid leaks during writing. However, it must be sufficiently fluid to facilitate the flow of the writing action.

In the particular case of the invention, the writing ink can be more specifically a "gel ink". In particular, such gel ink corresponds to a thixotropic ink, in particular the viscosity measured at rest (at a shear rate of <NUM>-<NUM>) at <NUM> is different and in particular higher than the viscosity measured with a shear rate of <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM> at <NUM> using the same rheometer such as a cone-and-plate rheometer for example Malvern KINEXUS with a cone of <NUM> and an angle of <NUM>°. In a particular embodiment, the viscosity of the gel ink measured under these conditions ranges from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa. s, specifically from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa. s, and more specifically from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> mPa. s, with a shear rate of <NUM>-<NUM>, and specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> mPa. s, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> mPa. s, and still more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> mPa. s with a shear rate of <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>. In the sense of the present invention, the term "metal nanoparticles consisting essentially of metal" is intended to mean that the main component of the nanoparticles is metal and in particular that other ingredients in the metal nanoparticles such as impurities, such as metal oxides (silver oxide, gold oxide, copper oxide, aluminum oxide) are only present in trace amount. More specifically the content of metal is of at least <NUM>%, even more specifically of at least <NUM>% by weight, relative to the total weight of nanoparticles. More specifically the content of impurities is lower than <NUM>%, even more specifically lower than <NUM>%, by weight, relative to the total weight of nanoparticles.

In a specific embodiment, the metal nanoparticles consist only of metal.

More specifically the metal of the metal nanoparticles according to the invention comprises, still more specifically consists essentially of, in particular consists in, at least silver, gold and mixture thereof, even still more specifically at least silver. Still more specifically the metal nanoparticles are silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles or mixture thereof; even still more specifically the metal nanoparticles are silver nanoparticles.

According to a specific embodiment, the aqueous writing ink composition is essentially free of iron, in particular of iron powder.

More specifically the metal nanoparticles according to the invention have an average particle size ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>, even more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>, still more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>. More specifically the longest dimension of the metal nanoparticles is ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>, even more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>, still more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>. More specifically all the dimensions of the metal nanoparticles are ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>, even more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>, still more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>. This average particle size and the dimension of the particles are determined by analysis of 2D images (microscope: JEOL ARM <NUM>), according to the standard ISO9001:<NUM>.

The metal nanoparticles according to the invention can have different shapes such as spheres, platelets, rods, wires (in particular pentagonal, Y-shaped, K-shaped and multi-branched wires), bars, faceted near-spherical shapes, prisms, flower shapes, polyhedral shapes, triangular shapes, bipyramidal shapes, truncated triangular shapes, square shapes, rectangular shapes, hexagonal plates, urchins shapes or even irregular shapes, more specifically urchin shapes and/or polyhedral shapes. More advantageously they are not in the shape of spheres.

In a particular embodiment the total amount of metal nanoparticles of the aqueous writing ink composition (a) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> %, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

The metal nanoparticles according to the invention have the role of a coloring agent in the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

In a specific embodiment, the aqueous writing ink composition containing metal nanoparticles (a) exhibits a plasmonic effect (also called plasmon effect). Hence, different plasmonic color of the ink composition can be obtained depending on the content of the components used.

In fact, the plasmonic color is due to both the light absorption by metal nanoparticles and/or the spacing between them in the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

Depending on their size, shape and distance, the color of the aqueous writing ink composition (or material they are in) may change, as well as its properties. This is due to the plasmon resonance, often present in the case of metal nanoparticles.

The exposure of the metal nanoparticles to a certain frequency of waves brings the electrons to gather in a certain place, which changes in accordance with the shape and size of the metal nanoparticles. This agglomeration of electrons may produce an anisotropy of the metal nanoparticle, which will then lead to a change of light absorption and scattering, resulting in a specific color.

Plasmon resonance may also be affected by the distance between the metal nanoparticles due to the coupling of said metal nanoparticles. Indeed, closer the metal nanoparticles are, the more they will interact with each other, which will increase their coupling effect also called Plasmon effect.

In the same way, the shape of the metal nanoparticles influences the plasmon resonance.

In particular, such plasmonic effect can be characterized by UV (ultraviolet)-visible-NIR (near infra-red) absorption spectroscopy.

Specifically, the total amount of water in the aqueous writing ink (a) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, and still more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous ink composition.

The aqueous writing ink (a) contains a dispersing agent (which may also be called stabilizing agent), such as homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and/or homopolymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof, more specifically homopolymer and/or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone, even more specifically polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).

More specifically the homo and/or copolymer(s), in particular the homopolymer of vinylpyrrolidone may have a weight-average molecular weight of above <NUM> kDa, specifically between <NUM> and <NUM> kDa, more specifically between <NUM> and <NUM> kDa, even more specifically between <NUM> and <NUM> kDa, such as PVP K40.

More specifically the homo and/or copolymer(s), in particular the homopolymer of vinyl alcohol may have a weight-average molecular of above <NUM> kDa, specifically between <NUM> and <NUM> kDa, more specifically between <NUM> and <NUM> kDa.

Without being bound by the theory, the dispersing agent may avoid in particular the agglomeration and/or aggregation and/or sedimentation of the metal nanoparticles. Such agglomeration and/or aggregation and/or sedimentation prevents the formation of a plasmonic effect. In particular, such agglomeration and/or aggregation and/or sedimentation may prevent the obtention of a plasmonic effect and therefore such a writing ink will be more difficult to erase with an eradicator fluid containing an oxidizing agent.

More specifically the total amount of dispersing agent is ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> %, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> %, still more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

The aqueous writing ink composition (a) may further contains:.

Specifically in the ester (s) of retinol of formula (I), R represents a C<NUM>-C<NUM> aliphatic group, said aliphatic group being optionally substituted with at least one hydroxyl, halogen, amino, C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkoxy group, said aliphatic group being more specifically a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, still more specifically a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, in particular a methyl group, more particularly unsubstituted. The ester of retinol represented by the formula (I), wherein R represents a methyl group, is commonly known as retinyl acetate (<NPL>), also known as vitamin A acetate, which may be purchased via Sigma-Aldrich.

Specifically the N-Acyl-aminophenol is N-acetyl-para-aminophenol. According to this specific embodiment, in formula HO-R1-NH-CO-R2, R1 is a benzene ring, R2 is a methyl radical, and the hydroxyl group is in para position. The N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (<NPL>), also known as paracetamol or acetaminophen, may be purchased under different trade name such as Doliprane®, Tylenol®, Calpol®, Panadol®, Dafalgan®, Efferalgan®, etc..

More specifically the reducing agent of the aqueous writing ink composition (a) is chosen from:.

More specifically it is a mixture of sodium citrate (in particular trisodium citrate), ascorbic acid and sodium borohydride NaBH<NUM>.

In the present invention, the alkali metals of citrate may be chosen among lithium citrate, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, rubidium citrate, caesium citrate and francium citrate, specifically sodium citrate or potassium citrate, more specifically sodium citrate.

In the present invention, the alkaline earth metal salts of citrate may be chosen among beryllium citrate, magnesium citrate, calcium citrate, strontium citrate, barium citrate and radium citrate, specifically magnesium citrate or calcium citrate, more specifically calcium citrate.

In the present invention, the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate may be chosen among potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, strontium carbonate, barium carbonate, and mixtures thereof, more specifically at least one of magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, strontium carbonate and barium carbonate, even more specifically calcium carbonate.

In the present invention, the alkali metal hydride may be chosen among sodium borohydride (NaBH<NUM>), sodium cyanoborohydride (NaBH<NUM>CN), sodium triacetoxy borohydride (NaHB(OAc)<NUM>), sodium tri-sec-butyl borohydride, potassium tri-sec-butylborohydride, potassium triethyl borohydride, lithium triethylborohydride, lithium tri-sec-butylborohydride, nickel borohydride, lithium aluminate hydride, diisobutylaluminium hydride, sodium bis (<NUM>-methoxyethoxyaluminium hydride, specifically it is sodium borohydride (NaBH<NUM>).

In particular, when present, the total amount of alkali metal salt of the aqueous writing ink composition (a) is of at least <NUM> weight%, in particular ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, based on the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

In particular, when present, the amount of alkali metal hydride of the aqueous writing ink composition (a) is of at least <NUM> weight%, more specifically ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, based on the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

In the present invention the derivatives of citric acid are chosen from esters, amides and thioesters of citric acid, salts of citric acid or of said derivatives, solvates of citric acid or of said derivatives, such as hydrates, and mixtures thereof. The suppliers of citric acid and/or derivatives are chosen among: Fluka™, Sigma-Aldrich™, TCI chemicals™.

The esters of citric acid are specifically alkyl esters, preferably C1-<NUM> alkyl esters, preferably C1-<NUM> alkyl esters, preferably C1-<NUM> alkyl esters. The esters of citric acid can be monoesters, diesters and/or triesters, preferably triesters of citric acid. The esters of citric acid used in the present invention include isodecyl citrate, isopropyl citrate, stearyl citrate, dilauryl citrate, distearyl citrate, tributyl citrate, tricaprylyl citrate, triethyl citrate, triethylhexyl citrate, trihexyldecyle citrate, triisocetyl citrate, trilauryl citrate, trioctyldodecyl citrate, trioleyl citrate, triisostearyl citrate, tristearyl citrates, ethyl citrates, tri-C<NUM>-<NUM>-alkyl citrate such as tributyl citrate or triethyl citrate, tricaprylyl citrate, triethylhexyl citrate, triisocetyl citrate, trioctyldodecyl citrate, triisostearyl citrate, isodecyl citrate, stearyl citrate, dilauryl citrate, and ethyl citrate. Preferably, the esters of citric acid of the present invention are tributyl citrate and triethyl citrate.

The amides of citric acid used in the present invention may be prepared by the reaction of primary amines with citric acid. The amination reaction to form the amide may be performed using a variety of conditions well known in the organic chemical art as described in the <NPL>. The preferred method involves the reaction of citric acid with <NUM> or more equivalents in a protic solvent. All primary amines or mixtures of primary amines containing preferably the requisite C1 to C18 alkyl substituents may be utilized for the preparation of the tri-alkylcitramides of this invention. The alkyl groups in the citramides may be the same or different and may be linear or branched. Examples of suitable alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, n-pentyl, <NUM>-pentyl, <NUM>-pentyl, iso-pentyl, neopentyl, cyclopentyl, <NUM>-methylbutyl, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-butyl, n-hexyl, <NUM>-hexyl, <NUM>-hexyl, cyclohexyl, <NUM>-ethylbutyl, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-pentyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-<NUM>-ethylhexyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl, n-dodecyl. Specifically, the amides of citric acid of the present invention are tri-butyl citramide and triethyl citramide.

The thioesters of citric acid used in the present invention may be prepared by the reaction of thiol and derivatives with citric acid. Several examples of thiols and derivatives can be used: allyl mercaptan, <NUM>-aminoethanethiol, <NUM>-aminobenzenethiol, <NUM>-aminobenzenethiol, <NUM>-aminobenzenethiol, <NUM>,<NUM>-benzenedimethanethiol, <NUM>,<NUM>-benzenedimethanethiol. Specifically, the thioester of citric acid is obtained by reaction between an allyl mercaptan and citric acid.

The salts of citric acid, also known as citrate salts, may come with various levels (mono-, di-, tri-) of different metal cations such calcium, potassium or sodium. Citric acid exists in greater than trace amounts in a variety of fruits and vegetables, most notably citrus fruits. The citrate salts are all produced by chemical reaction with citric acid and the hydroxide or carbonate of the respective salt.

The salts of citric acid used in the present invention include aluminium citrate, calcium citrate, copper citrate, diammonium citrate, disodium citrate, cupric citrate, ferric citrate, magnesium citrate, manganese citrate, monosodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, zinc citrate. Specifically, the salts of citric acid of the present invention are sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and diammonium citrate.

The solvates of citric acid or of said derivatives in the present invention are chosen among citric acid monohydrate, citric acid trisodium salt dihydrate, citric acid disodium salt sesquihydrate. Specifically, the solvate of citric acid of the present invention is citric acid monohydrate.

In a specific embodiment, the amount of reducing agent in the aqueous writing ink composition (a) ranges from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

In a specific embodiment the aqueous writing ink composition (a) contains sodium citrate, specifically in a total amount ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

In a specific embodiment the aqueous writing ink composition (a) contains ascorbic acid, specifically in a total amount ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, and even more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

In a specific embodiment the aqueous writing ink composition (a) contains sodium borohydride, specifically in a total amount of at least <NUM> weight%, more specifically ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

The aqueous writing ink (a) may also comprise classic ink ingredients, in particular classic gel ink ingredients such as co-solvents, antimicrobial agents, corrosion inhibitors, antifoam agents, rheology modifiers, as described below.

The aqueous writing ink (a) may thus comprise a co-solvent. Among the co-solvents that can be used, mention may be made of polar solvents miscible in water such as:.

In a specific embodiment, the co-solvent is chosen in the group consisting of glycol ethers, and more specifically is chosen in the group consisting of triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene-glycol-mono butyl ether, dipropyleneglycol monobutyl ether, tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether, phenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, and mixture thereof. In a further specific embodiment the co-solvent is chosen in the group consisting of triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and mixture thereof.

Specifically, the total amount of the co-solvent in the aqueous writing ink (a) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, even more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink (a).

The aqueous writing ink (a) may comprise an antimicrobial agent such as isothiazolinone (ACTICIDE® from Thor), specifically chosen in the group consisting of <NUM>,<NUM>-benzisothiazolin-<NUM>-one, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-isothiazolin-<NUM>-one, and mixture thereof.

Specifically, the total amount of the antimicrobial agent in the aqueous writing ink (a) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink (a). The aqueous writing ink (a) may comprise a corrosion inhibitor, specifically chosen in the group consisting of tolytriazole, benzotriazole, and mixture thereof.

Specifically, the total amount of the corrosion inhibitor in the aqueous writing ink (a) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, even more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink (a).

The aqueous writing ink (a) may comprise an antifoam agent, specifically a polysiloxane-based antifoam agent, and more specifically an aqueous emulsion of modified polysiloxane (such as MOUSSEX® from Synthron, TEGO® Foamex from Evonik).

Specifically, the total amount of the antifoam agent in the aqueous writing ink (a) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, even more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink (a).

The aqueous writing ink (a) may comprise a rheology modifier capable of generating a gelling effect, in particular capable of generating a thixotropic phenomenon wherein the viscosity depends on the time of shear rate, for example chosen in the group consisting of polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, gum arabic, and mixture thereof.

Specifically, the total amount of the rheology modifier in the aqueous writing ink (a) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, even more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink (a).

The aqueous writing ink (a) may also comprise other additives such as:.

In a specific embodiment, the aqueous writing ink (a) according to the invention does not contain any other coloring agent than the metal nanoparticles. Therefore it does not contain any dyes or pigments. In this case, the color of the aqueous writing ink (a) is due only to the metal nanoparticles and the ink is an erasable aqueous writing ink.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "erasable ink" is intended to mean any ink which can be erased after writing by the use of the eradicator fluid (b) according to the invention. The written mark obtained, in particular on the porous support, by this ink can therefore be erased any time after writing by the use of the eradicator fluid (b) according to the invention.

Specifically, the ink is an irreversible erasable aqueous writing ink. It is not possible for the color of the ink to reappear after being erased.

In another specific embodiment, the aqueous writing ink (a) according to the invention contains a further coloring agent, other than the metal nanoparticles. In this case the aqueous ink composition is a color changing ink.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "color changing ink" is intended to mean any ink the color of which (first or initial color) can be changed after writing to another color (second color), which is advantageously different from the first color, by the use of the eradicator fluid (b) according to the invention. The color of the written mark obtained, in particular on the porous support, by this ink can therefore be changed to another color any time after writing by the use of the eradicator fluid (b) according to the invention.

Specifically, the ink is an irreversible color changing aqueous writing ink. Once the color has changed, it is not possible to change it again, and in particular it is not possible to go back to the initial color (first color).

In particular the further coloring agent can be a dye, a pigment or mixture thereof, in particular a dye.

The dye or pigment can be any dye or pigment known by the one skilled in the art and which can be used in aqueous writing inks, specifically in aqueous writing gel ink. Specifically the total amount of the further coloring agent in the aqueous writing ink (a) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> weight % based on the total weight of the aqueous writing ink (a).

In a specific embodiment the coloring agent is a dye.

The term "dyes" should be understood as meaning colored, mineral or organic particles of any form, which are soluble in the medium in which they are solubilized, i.e. the aqueous medium of the aqueous writing ink (a), and which are intended to color the ink composition once applied on a porous substrate after the ink has been erased by the eradicator fluid (b). The presence of a dye in the aqueous writing ink composition (a) allows a change of the initial color of the writing in another color by erasure with the eradicator fluid (b). Advantageously, the dye is not a thermochromic dye or a photochromic dye or a pressure sensitive dye.

The aqueous writing ink composition (a) according to the invention thus comprises at least one dye. It may also comprise several dyes. The dye may be chosen for example in the group consisting of direct dyes (for example C. I direct black <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; C. I direct yellow <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; C. I direct red <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; C. I direct blue <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the like), acid dyes (for example C. I acid black <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; C. I acid yellow <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; C. I acid red <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; C. I acid violet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; C. I acid blue <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; C. I acid green <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; C. I acid orange <NUM>, and the like), food dyes (such as C. food yellow <NUM>, and the like), Malachite green (C. I <NUM>) Victoria blue FB (C. <NUM>) methyl violet FN (C. <NUM>), rhodamine F4G (C. <NUM>), and rhodamine 6GCP (C. I <NUM>), and mixtures thereof.

When present, the total amount of the dye(s) in the aqueous writing ink (a) may range from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, advantageously from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, and more advantageously from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, by weight relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition (a).

In another specific embodiment the coloring agent is a pigment.

The term "pigment" should be understood as meaning white or colored, mineral or organic particles of any form with the exception of metal nanoparticle, which are insoluble in the medium in which they are solubilized, i.e. the aqueous medium of the aqueous writing ink composition (a), and which are intended to color the ink composition once applied on a porous substrate after the ink has been erased by the eradicator fluid (b). Thus the pigment may for example be an inorganic pigment such as a carbon black, ultramarine and titanium dioxide pigment, an organic pigment such as an azo-based pigment, phthalocyanine-based pigment, indigo pigment, thioindigo pigment, thren pigment, quinacridone-based pigment, anthraquinone-based pigment, thron-based pigment, diketopyrrolopyrrole-based pigment, dioxazine-based pigment, perylene-based pigment, perinone-based pigment and isoindolinone-based pigment, a fluorescent pigment, light-storing pigment, a pearlescent pigment, synthetic mica, glass flake, alumina and transparent film with a metal oxide such as titanium oxide, and the like. The pigments are also generally contained in a dispersion, where the grinding down or particle size reduction is accompanied by appropriate dispersants to achieve stable dispersions. The pigment is specifically a pigment dispersion, more specifically chosen in the group consisting of pigment black <NUM> (such as Flexiverse III black <NUM> by SunChemical®), pigment blue <NUM>:<NUM> (such as APE FRE BL <NUM>:<NUM> DISP by SunChemical®), pigment red (such as Pigment red <NUM> by SunChemical®), pigment green <NUM> (such as Sunsperse Eco green, Flexiverse FD Green, Flexiverse Green <NUM>, Flexiverse HC GRN <NUM> by SunChemical®), pigment violet <NUM> (such as Cellusperse® A Violet <NUM> BP by SunChemical®), pigment yellow <NUM> (such as FG Yellow 1SL by SunChemical®) and mixtures thereof. In a specific embodiment, the pigment is chosen in the group consisting of pigment black <NUM> (such as Flexiverse III black <NUM> by SunChemical®), pigment blue <NUM>:<NUM> (such as APE FRE BL <NUM>:<NUM> DISP by SunChemical®), and mixtures thereof.

According to a specific embodiment, the diameter of the pigment in the pigment dispersion is less than <NUM>, and preferably less than <NUM>.

Specifically, the total amount of the pigment dispersion in the aqueous writing ink (a) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, still more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, relative to the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition (a). Specifically, the total amount of the pigment in the pigment dispersion ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, still more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, and even still more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, relative to the total weight of the pigment dispersion.

In a specific embodiment the aqueous writing ink (a) has a fixed color.

In the sense of the invention, the term "fixed color" is intended to mean that the color of the aqueous writing ink (a) by visual observation is the same before application on absorbing support, and after application on absorbing support, specifically paper, carboard or textiles, within <NUM> calendar days (one week) and therefore before the use of the eradicator fluid (b). In another specific embodiment the aqueous writing ink (a) does not have a variable color.

In the sense of the invention, the term "variable color" is intended to mean that the color of the aqueous writing ink (a) by visual observation is not the same before application on absorbing support, and after application on absorbing support, specifically paper, cardboard or textiles, before the use of the eradicator fluid (b).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "porous substrate" is intended to mean substrate that contains pores. The porous substrates have empty spaces or pores that allow external matter, like ink, to penetrate into the substrate.

In particular, the porous substrate is chosen among porous substrate comprising cellulosic fibers such as paper, printer paper, or cardboard.

The metal nanoparticles according to the invention can be prepared ex-situ during the preparation of the aqueous writing ink composition (a) in the form of an aqueous suspension which will be added to the rest of the ink ingredients.

Metal nanoparticles according to the invention are in general prepared by reduction of metal salts with a reducing agent, specifically two reducing agents, more specifically three reducing agents, in particular a strong reducing agent, specifically as described above such as a mixture of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of citrate, specifically an alkali citrate salt, even more specifically sodium citrate, an alkali metal hydride, specifically NaBH<NUM>, and ascorbic acid, in order to control the growth of the nanoparticles and therefore its size and shape, and in presence of a dispersing agent such as homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and/or homopolymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol, even still more specifically as described above such as polyvinylpyrrolidone.

In a specific embodiment, the process of preparation of the aqueous suspension containing metal nanoparticles according to the invention comprises the step of:.

Step (i) is in particular carried out by mixing a metal salt (silver, gold, aluminum and/or copper salt, specifically silver and/or gold salts, more specifically silver salts) with water and a reducing agent, specifically two reducing agents, in particular as described above, in particular a mixture of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of citrate, specifically an alkali citrate salt, more specifically sodium citrate such as trisodium citrate, and an alkali metal hydride, specifically NaBH<NUM>, still more specifically a mixture of sodium citrate and NaBH<NUM>.

In a specific embodiment, the total amount of the metal salt (silver, gold, aluminum and/or copper salt, specifically silver and/or gold salts, more specifically silver salts) added in the aqueous suspension ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, relative to the total weight of the aqueous suspension of the seeds of the metal nanoparticles.

In a specific embodiment, the total amount of the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of citrate, specifically an alkali citrate salt, more specifically sodium citrate such as trisodium citrate, in the aqueous suspension ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight, relative to the total weight of the aqueous suspension of the seeds of the metal nanoparticles.

In a specific embodiment, the total amount of the alkali metal hydride, specifically NaBH<NUM>, in the aqueous suspension ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, more specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight, relative to the total weight of the aqueous suspension of the seeds of the metal nanoparticles.

Step (i) lets to obtain an aqueous suspension of the seeds of the metal nanoparticles, also called "nuclei", more specifically with a size lower than <NUM> nanometers.

The aqueous suspension of the seeds of the metal nanoparticles obtained in step (i) can be aged for example for <NUM> hours before its use in step (ii). Step (ii) can be carried out by mixing the aqueous suspension of the seeds of the metal nanoparticles with:.

In one embodiment, the gold salt is HAuCl<NUM>, optionally in the form of the trihydrate.

In one embodiment, the silver salt is at least one of AgNO<NUM>, AgClO<NUM>, Ag<NUM>SO<NUM>, AgCl, AgBr, AgOH, Ag<NUM>O, AgBF<NUM>, AgIO<NUM> and AgPF<NUM>, more specifically the silver salt is AgNO<NUM>, in particular an aqueous solution of AgNO<NUM>. In particular the silver salts are in the form of a solution of silver nitrate in water.

In one embodiment, the aluminum salt is at least one of AlCl<NUM>, Al(NO<NUM>)<NUM>, Al<NUM>(SO<NUM>)<NUM>, more specifically the aluminum salt is AlCl<NUM>.

In one embodiment, the copper salt is at least one of Cu(SO<NUM>), CuCl<NUM>, Cu (NO<NUM>)<NUM>, Cu (CO<NUM>), more specifically the copper salt is CuCl<NUM>.

In one embodiment, the total amount of metal salt (silver, gold, aluminum and/or copper salt, specifically silver and/or gold salts, more specifically silver salts) added in the aqueous suspension ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight based on the total weight of the aqueous suspension.

In another embodiment, the total amount of the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of citrate, specifically of alkali citrate salt, more specifically of sodium citrate such as trisodium citrate added in the aqueous suspension ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, by weight based on the total weight of the aqueous suspension.

In a specific embodiment, the total amount of the ascorbic acid, added in the aqueous suspension ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, based on the total weight of the aqueous suspension.

In a specific embodiment, the total amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone added in the aqueous suspension ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, based on the total weight of the aqueous suspension.

The aqueous suspension of metal nanoparticles obtained has a fixed color.

In a specific embodiment, the total amount of metal nanoparticles in the aqueous suspension ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, based on the total weight of the aqueous suspension.

Its color may vary depending on the type of metal nanoparticles (gold, silver, aluminum or copper) and its amount and the amount of reducing agent used. Its color may in particular depend on the proportion of the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of citrate, specifically of alkali citrate salt, more specifically sodium citrate such as trisodium citrate and/or on the amount of metal salts. For example, the color of the aqueous ink suspension can change from yellow to red to blue with higher amount of the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of citrate, specifically of alkali citrate salt, more specifically of sodium citrate such as trisodium citrate and/or with higher amount of silver salts if the metal salt is silver.

The process of the invention can be performed over a wide range of temperature. In general, the process is performed within the temperature range of <NUM> to <NUM>, specifically <NUM> to <NUM>, and more specifically <NUM> to <NUM>. The relatively low process temperatures contribute to process efficiency and process economy, and additionally meet the current ecological demands. Indeed, the process of the invention is performed in aqueous media, and is therefore a "green process". In addition, lower temperatures have the advantage that more stable dispersions are obtained and the silver nanoparticles exhibit lower size. Without being bound by the theory, the use of dispersing agent, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone and/or polyvinyl alcohol, may help preventing metal nanoparticles from directly contacting and/or aggregating and/or sedimenting in suspension.

More specifically said method of preparation comprises a concentration step (iii). More specifically, step (iii) is carried out by centrifugation and/or evaporation under vacuum and/or tangential flow nanofiltration of aqueous suspension containing metal nanoparticles obtained in step (ii) in order to concentrate metal nanoparticles into suspension. A concentrated aqueous suspension of metal nanoparticles is thus obtained.

In a specific embodiment, the aqueous suspension containing metal nanoparticles can be centrifuged, for example at <NUM> rpm for <NUM> minutes.

In a specific embodiment, the total amount of metal nanoparticles in the aqueous suspension after concentration ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, based on the total weight of the aqueous suspension after concentration.

The aqueous writing ink (a) can then be prepared by incorporation or by redispersion of the concentrated suspension obtained in step (iii) or of the aqueous suspension obtained in step (ii) into an aqueous writing ink composition which may also comprise classic aqueous writing ink ingredients, in particular classic aqueous gel ink ingredients such as co-solvents, antimicrobial agents, corrosion inhibitors, antifoam agents, rheology modifiers, as described above.

In a specific embodiment, the total amount of metal nanoparticles in the aqueous writing ink composition ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, based on the total weight of the aqueous writing ink composition.

The kit according to the present invention also contains an eradicator fluid (b) containing at least one oxidizing agent.

In particular the oxidizing agent of the eradicator fluid (b) are degradable in contact with light and/or the air, more specifically chosen in the group consisting of oxygen, such as oxygen O<NUM> and ozone O<NUM>, hydrogen peroxide H<NUM>O<NUM> and compounds capable of producing hydrogen peroxide by hydrolysis such as nitric acid, organic peroxide such as organic peroxide of methylethylcetone, urea peroxide, alkali metal bromates and persalts such as perborates and persulfates, halogen such as fluorine F<NUM> and chlorine Cl<NUM>, oxide such as a permanganate, specifically a permanganate salt, more specifically potassium permanganate KMnO<NUM>, and mixtures thereof, more particularly it is hydrogen peroxide H<NUM>O<NUM> and/or a bicarbonate solution. More specifically the oxidizing agent suitable to be used in the eradicator fluid (b) according to the invention has an oxidation--reduction potential superior to the oxidation-reduction potential of the metal(s) of the nanoparticles of the writing ink composition (a), more specifically superior to the oxidation-reduction potential of gold and/or silver and/or copper and/or aluminum, still more specifically superior to the oxidation-reduction potential of gold and/or silver, even still more specifically superior to the oxidation-reduction potential of silver (in particular the oxidation-reduction potential of gold, silver, copper and aluminum are as follow:.

In a specific embodiment, the total amount of the oxidizing agent in the eradicator fluid (b) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, based on the total weight of the eradicator fluid (b).

In a specific embodiment the eradicator fluid is an aqueous fluid.

More specifically, the total amount of water in the eradicator fluid (b) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, based on the total weight of the eradicator fluid (b).

The eradicator fluid (b) can further contain a volatile solvent in particular a water soluble solvent such as ethanol, acetone, N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) and acetonitrile. This solvent allows the eradicator fluid to dry more easily. More specifically, the total amount of volatile solvent in the eradicator fluid (b) ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, specifically from <NUM> to <NUM> weight%, based on the total weight of the eradicator fluid (b).

The eradicator fluid (b) may also contain other additives such as antimicrobial agents agent, such as isothiazolinone (ACTICIDE® from Thor), specifically chosen in the group consisting of <NUM>,<NUM>-benzisothiazolin-<NUM>-one, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-isothiazolin-<NUM>-one, and mixtures thereof, and/or co-solvent(s).

The eradicator fluid (b) can be prepared by method well known by the one skilled in the art such as simple mixing of the oxidizing agent with water and the optional volatile solvent and optional additives.

In a specific embodiment, the aqueous writing ink composition (a) and the eradicator fluid (b) are contained in two different writing instruments.

In particular each writing instrument comprises:.

The writing instrument of the aqueous writing ink composition (a) may be chosen in the group consisting of gel pens, felt pens, markers, and specifically gel pens.

The writing instrument of the eradicator fluid (b) may be chosen in the group consisting of felt pens, correction fluid, markers, and specifically felt pens.

In another specific embodiment, the aqueous writing ink composition (a) and the eradicator fluid (b) are contained in the same writing instrument. Specifically said writing instrument contains at least two separate reservoirs, more specifically two applicators tips opposite to each other (in particular at the opposite end of the writing instrument). The applicator tip for the aqueous writing ink composition (a) can be of the gel type, felt type or marker type, specifically of the gel type.

The applicator tip for the eradicator fluid (b) can be of the gel type, felt type, correction fluid type, marker type, specifically of the felt type.

The present invention also concerns an aqueous eradicator fluid for erasing an aqueous writing ink composition containing metal nanoparticles as the coloring agent, specifically as the only coloring agent, in which said metal nanoparticles essentially consists of metal and said metal is chosen from silver, gold, aluminum and/or copper, said fluid containing :.

In particular the eradicator fluid is as described above for the kit can be prepared as described above.

The present invention further concerns a writing instrument containing the eradicator fluid according to the invention, specifically said writing instrument comprising:.

more specifically said writing instrument is chosen in the group consisting of felt pens, correction fluid, markers, and still more specifically felt pens.

The present invention also concerns the use of the eradicator fluid containing at least one oxidizing agent according to the invention or contained in the kit according to the invention for:.

The present invention further concerns a method of correcting errors of a written mark made on porous substrate by an aqueous writing ink composition containing metal nanoparticles as the only coloring agent, said metal nanoparticles essentially consisting of metal and said metal being chosen from silver, gold, aluminum and/or copper, the aqueous writing ink composition being specifically as described above or contained in the kit according to the present invention, said method comprising:.

The present invention finally concerns a method of using the kit according to the invention comprising:.

The invention will be better understood in reference to the example which is given in a non-limited way.

In a first step (i), an aqueous suspension of silver seed nanoparticles is prepared by mixing <NUM> of distilled water, <NUM> of silver nitrate (<NUM> Cark Roth), <NUM> of trisodium citrate (S1804-<NUM> Sigma Aldrich).

The mixture was homogenised with a homogenizer mixer at a speed of <NUM> rpm during <NUM> minute. Then, <NUM> of sodium borohydride NaBH<NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> Fluka Analytical) were added dropwise. The yellow solution obtained was then stored in the dark and aged for <NUM> hours.

In a second step (ii), an aqueous suspension of silver nanoparticles with a fixed colour is prepared by mixing <NUM> of distilled water, <NUM> of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP40-<NUM> Sigma Aldrich),<NUM> of the seed solution obtained in step (i), <NUM> of trisodium citrate (S1804-<NUM> Sigma Aldrich), <NUM> of ascorbic acid (A92902-<NUM> Sigma Aldrich). The mixture was homogenised with a homogenizer mixer at a speed of <NUM> rpm during <NUM> minute.

Then, <NUM> of AgNO<NUM> were slowly added to the mixture with a homogenizer mixer at a speed of <NUM> rpm. The color of the solution changes from colorless to yellow, red and finally green.

Concentration step of the metal nanoparticles by centrifugation (step (iii)): One minute after the last addition of AgNO<NUM>, the aqueous suspension of silver nanoparticles was centrifuged at <NUM> rpm for <NUM> minutes.

During this concentration step, the aqueous suspension of silver nanoparticles has been decanted and the final volume obtained after this centrifugation was <NUM>.

This final volume after centrifugation step comprises <NUM> of Ag nanoparticles.

Besides, the shape of the Ag nanoparticles is mainly polyhedral with an average particle size comprising between <NUM>-<NUM> nanometers, measured by analysis of 2D images (microscope: JEOL ARM <NUM>), according to the standard ISO9001:<NUM>.

An aqueous gel ink was prepared by mixing <NUM> of glycerin (co-solvent), <NUM> of polyethylene glycol (co-solvent), <NUM> of Acticide® MBS (antimicrobial agent), and <NUM> of Additin® RC8221 (corrosion inhibitor). The mixture was homogenised with a homogenizer mixer at a speed of <NUM>. s-<NUM> during <NUM> minutes and heated at a temperature of <NUM>. Then, <NUM> of xanthan gum (rheology modifier) was added to the mixture. The mixture was homogenized with a homogenizing mixer at a speed of <NUM>. s-<NUM> during <NUM> minutes at a temperature of <NUM>. <NUM> of the green aqueous suspension of nanoparticles obtained in step (iii) above was slowly added to the mixture. The mixture was left to stand for 2h30. Then, <NUM> of Moussex® S <NUM> (antifoam agent) was added. The mixture was homogenized with a homogenizing mixer at a speed of <NUM>. s-<NUM> during <NUM> minutes at a temperature of <NUM>.

The aqueous gel ink obtained was cooled at room temperature (<NUM>). The aqueous gel ink is green. The total amount of aqueous gel ink is of <NUM>, wherein the aqueous gel ink comprises <NUM>% by weight of Ag nanoparticles.

Besides, the shape of the Ag nanoparticles is mainly polyhedral with an average particle size comprising <NUM>-<NUM> nanometers, measured by analysis of 2D images (microscope: JEOL ARM <NUM>), according to the standard ISO9001:<NUM>.

Three different eradicator fluids are envisaged:.

When the obtained aqueous ink composition (a) was written on a porous substrate (calligraph notebook: Calligraphe LIGNE <NUM>, <NUM>. m-<NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> pages, by Clairefontaine), the color did not change and remained green. The written mark was erased with an eradicator fluid (b1 or b2 or b3), just after writing, to erase the color of the written mark.

Claim 1:
A kit comprising
a) an aqueous writing ink composition, more specifically an aqueous gel ink, containing:
- metal nanoparticles as coloring agent, more specifically as the only coloring agent, wherein said metal nanoparticles essentially consists of metal and said metal is chosen from silver, gold, aluminum and/or copper, more specifically said metal is silver, and
- a dispersing agent, such as homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and/or homopolymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof, and
b) an eradicator fluid containing at least one oxidizing agent.