1. A method for ciphering a standardized stream of input codewords coded by a table of codewords of different numbers of bits having respective values, the method comprising:
ciphering at least one part of the bits of a selected one of the input codewords by randomly changing the value(s) of the at least one part of the bits to obtain one or more ciphered bits; and
obtaining another codeword of the codeword table by replacing the at least one part of the bits in the selected input codeword with the one or more ciphered bits.
2. The method according to claim 1 determining which of the bits of the selected input codeword can be ciphered by randomly changing their values and result in another codeword of the codeword table, wherein all the bits that are so determined are ciphered by randomly changing their values to obtain the one or more ciphered bits and replaced bit by bit in the selected input codewordwith the one or more ciphered bits.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein codewords of a group of the codewords of the table having an identical length are swapped.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the codewords are not signed.
5. The method according to claim 1 further comprising adding to the table an index for identifying each codeword of the table and adding to the table a parameter defining, for each codeword of the table, the number of bits to be ciphered.
6. The method according to claim 1 further comprising adding to the table an index for identifying each codeword of the table and adding to the table a parameter defining, for each codeword of the table, a number and a position, in the codeword, of one or more bits to be ciphered.
7. The method according to claim 1 further comprising:
determining the number and position of one or more bits to be ciphered in each input codeword, using the table;
extracting the one or more bits to be ciphered from the input codeword and placing the one or more bits into a buffer by concatenating in this buffer the one or more bits to be ciphered that have been extracted from the input codewords of the stream of input codewords; wherein the ciphering step includes ciphering,\u2014when the buffer is full, the bits present in the buffer to obtain the one or more ciphered bits for each input codeword and the obtaining step includes putting the one or more ciphered bits for each input codeword into the positions determined in the determining step.
8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the ciphering steps includes using one of a group of cipher blocks consisting of 64-bit, 128-bit, 192-bit, and 256-bit cipher blocks, and said buffer has a dimension that corresponds to that of the cipher block, and is filled with bits to be ciphered.
9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the input codewords are MPEG-format compressed video data, and wherein the ciphering step includes ciphering bit by bitonly one part of the compressed video data, with an algorithm for ciphering by block of a predetermined number of bits; the method further comprising:
counting the bits ciphered during the ciphering of the compressed video data;
and inserting a synchronization marker into the compressed video data after the ciphered bits counted has exceeded said predetermined number of bits.
10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising counting a total number of bits of the data stream that have elapsed since a previous synchronization marker; and inserting a new synchronization marker only after the total number of elapsed bits counted has exceeded a predetermined threshold that is higher than said predetermined number.
11. The method according to claim 1 wherein the input codewords are data (V) of motion vectors of P and B-type images created according to the MPEG4 standard.
12. The method according to claim 1 wherein the input codewords are texture data of I, P andor B-type images.
13. A computer-readable medium, on which a compressed stream of ciphered data are stored, the ciphered data enabling a computer device to decipher the ciphered data in response to reading the computer-readable medium, the ciphered data by obtained by a method for ciphering a standardized stream of input codewords coded by a table of codewords of different numbers of bits having respective values, the method comprising:
ciphering at least one part of the bits of a selected one of the input codewords by randomly changing the value(s) of the at least one part of the bits to obtain one or more ciphered bits; and
obtaining another codeword of the codeword table by replacing the at least one part of the bits in the selected input codeword with the one or more ciphered bits.
14. An encoder of compressed and formatted audio or video data that includes a standardized stream of input codewords of different numbers of bits having respective values, the encoder comprising:
a table of codewords of different lengths, the table comprising, for each codeword, an index and a parameter defining bits of the codeword to be ciphered;
means for extracting selected data bits from the input codewords based on the parameter of corresponding codewords of the table;
a buffer provided for temporarily receiving the selected data bits of the input codewords,
block cipher means for ciphering the bits stored in the buffer by randomly changing the values of the bits stored in the buffer to obtain ciphered bits; and
means for activating the block cipher means, to cause the cipher means to cipher the bits stored in the buffer when the buffer is full, for replacing the selected data bits in: the data stream with the ciphered bits to thereby obtain other codewords of the table, and for emptying the buffer.
15. The encoder according to claim 14 wherein the buffer has a size equal to the number of bits of a block of the block cipher means, or equal to a whole multiple of the number of bits of a block of the block cipher means.
16. A computer-readable medium, on which a program code is saved that enables a computer to cipher a compressed data stream of input codewords coded by a table of codewords of different numbers of bits having respective values, according to steps comprising:
ciphering at least one part of the bits of a selected one of the input codewords by randomly changing the value(s) of the at least one part of the bits to obtain one or more ciphered bits; and
obtaining another codeword of the codeword table by replacing the at least one part of the bits in the selected input codeword with the one or more ciphered bits.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
What is claimed is:
1. A recording medium comprising:
a nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers and comprising a polymeric material having at least one colorant disposed within the polymeric material; and a carrier.
2. The recording medium of claim 1, wherein the polymeric material comprises an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, a semi-organic polymer, a semi-inorganic polymer, an organometallic polymer, or combinations thereof.
3. The recording medium of claim 1, wherein the colorant comprises at least one dye.
4. The recording medium of claim 3, wherein the dye comprises from about 1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of total weight of the nanoparticle.
5. The recording medium of claim 3, wherein the dye comprises from about 1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of total weight of the nanoparticle.
6. The recording medium of claim 1, further comprising a surface modifying layer disposed on and substantially covering the nanoparticle.
7. The recording medium of claim 6, wherein the surface modifying layer comprises an agent selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacylic acid, polysiloxane, polysiloxane polyethylene oxide copolymer, polysiloxane polypropylene oxide copolymer, linear dextrins, cyclodextrins, chitosans, or combinations thereof.
8. The recording medium of claim 1, further comprising a surface modifier dispersed substantially throughout the polymer.
9. The recording medium of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 20 mV or greater.
10. The recording medium of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 50 mV or greater.
11. A recording medium comprising:
a nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1000 nanometers comprising a polymeric core having an agent disposed within the polymer and at least one charged polymer layer; and
a carrier.
12. The recording medium of claim 11, wherein the charged polymer layer is disposed on and substantially covering the core.
13. The recording medium of claim 11, wherein the polymeric core comprises an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, a semi-organic polymer, a semi-inorganic polymer, an organometallic polymer, or a combination thereof.
14. The recording medium of claim 11, wherein the agent comprises at least one colorant.
15. The recording medium of claim 14, wherein the at least one colorant comprises at least one dye.
16. The recording medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one dye comprises from about 1 to about 30 weight percent to total weight of the nanoparticle.
17. The recording medium of claim 11, wherein the agent comprises a colorant, a colorant stabilizer, a functional additive, or a combination thereof.
18. The recording medium of claim 17, wherein the functional additive is a charge carrier, a thermal oxidation stabilizer, a viscoelastic property modifier, a crosslinking agent, a plasticizer, a charge control additive, a flow control additive, a filler, a surfactant, a chelating agent, a leuco dye, or a combination thereof.
19. The recording medium of claim 17, wherein the colorant stabilizer is a porphine, a metal, a metal salt, a molecular includant, an ultraviolet radiation stabilizer, a reactive species generator, a photoinitiator, a quencher, a radical scavenger, or a combination thereof.
20. The recording medium of claim 11, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.
21. The recording medium of claim 20, wherein at least one of the plurality of charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant.
22. The recording medium of claim 21, wherein the colorant is dispersed substantially throughout at least one of the charged polymer layers.
23. The recording medium of claim 21, wherein the colorant is the same as or differs from the colorant of any charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
24. The recording medium of claim 21, wherein the at least one colorant charged polymer layer has at least one void charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
25. The recording medium of claim 24, wherein at least one void charged polymer layer is disposed between adjacent colorant charged polymer layers.
26. The recording medium of claim 11, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a ultraviolet radiation screening agent, a colorant stabilizer, or a combination thereof.
27. The recording medium of claim 11, further comprising a surface modifying layer disposed on and substantially covering the polymeric core.
28. The recording medium of claim 11, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a surface modifier.
29. The recording medium of claim 11, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 20 mV or greater.
30. The recording medium of claim 11, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 50 mV or greater.
31. A recording medium comprising:
a nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1000 nanometers comprising a polymeric core having at least one colorant disposed within the polymer and a protective coating disposed on and substantially covering the nanoparticle; and
a carrier.
32. The recording medium of claim 31, wherein the polymeric core comprises an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, a semi-organic polymer, a semi-inorganic polymer, an organometallic polymer or a combination thereof.
33. The recording medium of claim 31, wherein the at least one colorant comprises at least one dye.
34. The recording medium of claim 33, wherein the dye comprises from about 1 to about 30 weight percent to total weight of the nanoparticle.
35. The recording medium of claim 31, further comprising at least one charged polymer layer disposed on and substantially covering the core and positioned between the polymeric core and the protective coating.
36. The recording medium of claim 35, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer further comprises at least one colorant dispersed substantially throughout the charged polymer layer.
37. The recording medium of claim 36, wherein the at least one colorant of the at least one charged polymer layer is the same as or differs from the at least one colorant disposed within the polymeric core.
38. The recording medium of claim 35, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a ultraviolet radiation screening agent or a colorant stabilizer.
39. The recording medium of claim 31, further comprising a surface modifying layer disposed on and substantially covering the polymeric core.
40. The recording medium of claim 35, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer further comprises a surface modifier.
41. A recording medium comprising:
a nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers and comprising:
a polymeric core having a positive or a negative zeta potential;
a first charged polymer layer disposed on the core and having a zeta potential opposite the zeta potential of the core;
at least one successive charged polymer layer disposed on the first charged polymer layer, wherein the zeta potential of the at least one successive charged polymer layer is opposite that of the charged polymer layer adjacent thereto; and
a carrier.
42. A recording medium comprising a nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers and comprising:
a polymeric core having a positive or a negative zeta potential;
a first charged polymer layer disposed on the core and having a zeta potential different from the zeta potential of the core;
at least one successive charged polymer layer disposed on the first charged polymer layer, wherein the zeta potential of the at least one successive charged polymer layer is different from that of the charged polymer layer adjacent thereto; and
a carrier.
43. The recording medium of claim 42, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 20 mV or greater.
44. The recording medium of claim 42, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 50 mV or greater.
45. A recording medium as claimed in claim 42, wherein the at least one successive charged polymer layer substantially covers the charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
46. A recording medium as claimed in claim 42, wherein the at least one successive charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of successive charged polymer layers disposed on the first charged polymer layer.
47. A recording medium as claimed in claim 42, wherein the at least one successive charged polymer layer substantially covers the charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
48. A recording medium comprising:
a particle comprising a polymeric core and at least one colorant charged polymer layer comprising at least one colorant, wherein the particle template and the at least one colorant charged polymer layer have a zeta potential; and
a liquid vehicle.
49. The recording medium of claim 48, further comprising a plurality of alternating layers of charged polymer-colorant layers,
wherein the alternating charged polymer-colorant layers have zeta potentials different from the charged polymer-colorant layer adjacent thereto, and wherein the at least one colorant in the alternating charged polymer-colorant layers is the same or different from the at least one colorant in the charged polymer-colorant layer adjacent thereto.
50. The recording medium of claim 49, wherein the plurality of alternating layers of charged polymer-colorant layers substantially cover the layer adjacent thereto.
51. The recording medium of claim 48, further comprising a protective layer wherein the protective layer has a zeta potential.
52. A printing process comprising ejecting the recording medium of claim 1 in the form of droplets from an orifice in accordance with a recording signal to form an image on a substrate.
53. The printing process of claim 52, wherein the process is an ink-jet process.
54. The printing process of claim 52, wherein the substrate is a textile, a cellulose, a paper, a ceramic, a polymer, a wood, or a glass.
55. A printing process comprising ejecting the recording medium of claim 6 in the form of droplets from an orifice in accordance with a recording signal to form an image on a substrate.
56. The printing process of claim 55, wherein the surface modifying layer comprises an agent selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacylic acid, polysiloxane, polysiloxane polyethylene oxide copolymer, polysiloxane polypropylene oxide copolymer, linear dextrins, cyclodextrins, chitosans, or combinations thereof.
57. A recording medium comprising a particle comprising:
a polymeric core having an agent disposed within the polymer;
at least one charged polymer layer disposed on and substantially covering the core; and
a carrier.
58. The recording medium of claim 57, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers.
59. The recording medium of claim 57, wherein the recording medium is an ink.
60. The recording medium of claim 57, wherein the recording medium is an ink-jet ink.
61. A method of making a recording medium comprising:
providing a plurality of particles comprising a polymeric core having an agent disposed within the polymer and at least one charged polymer layer disposed on and substantially covering the core;
providing a carrier; and
admixing the particles and the carrier.
62. A method of making a recording medium comprising:
providing a plurality of nanoparticles having a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers and comprising a polymeric material having at least one colorant disposed within the polymeric material;
providing a carrier; and
admixing the plurality of nanoparticles and the carrier.
63. A method of making a recording medium comprising:
providing a plurality of nanoparticles having a size of less than about 1000 nanometers comprising a polymeric core having an agent disposed within the polymer and at least one charged polymer layer;
providing a carrier; and
admixing the plurality of nanoparticles and the carrier.
64. A method of making a recording medium comprising:
providing a plurality of nanoparticles having a size of less than about 1000 nanometers comprising a polymeric core having at least one colorant disposed within the polymer and a protective coating disposed on and substantially covering the nanoparticle;
providing a carrier; and
admixing the nanoparticle and the carrier.
65. A method of making a recording medium comprising:
providing a plurality of nanoparticles having a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers and comprising a polymeric core having a positive or a negative zeta potential, a first charged polymer layer disposed on the core and having a zeta potential opposite the zeta potential of the core and at least one successive charged polymer layer disposed on the first charged polymer layer, wherein the zeta potential of the at least one successive charged polymer layer is opposite that of the charged polymer layer adjacent thereto;
providing a carrier; and
admixing the plurality of nanoparticles and the carrier.
66. A method of making a recording medium comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer, at least one colorant, and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible;
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce a polymeric particle having the colorant disposed therein; and
suspending the resulting particle in a liquid medium.
67. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, wherein the colorant is disposed within the polymeric particle.
68. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, further comprising the step of isolating the particle.
69. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, wherein the at least one colorant comprises a dye.
70. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, wherein the at least one colorant is present in the polymeric particle from about 1 percent by weight to about 30 percent by weight.
71. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, wherein the polymer comprises an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, a semi-organic polymer, a semi-inorganic polymer, an organometallic polymer, or a combination thereof.
72. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, wherein the polymer comprises polyisoprene, polybutadiene, poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene), poly(-methyl styrene), poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethylmethacrylate, or a combination thereof.
73. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, wherein polymer particle has a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers.
74. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, wherein polymer particle has a size of less than about 400 nanometers.
75. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, wherein the polymer particle has a size of less than about 100 nm.
76. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 20 mV or greater.
77. The method of making a recording medium of claim 66, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 50 mV or greater.
78. A method of making a recording medium, comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer, at least one first colorant, and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible;
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce a particle having a polymeric core having the first colorant disposed therein;
coating the polymeric core with at least one second colorant to form a second colorant layer; and
suspending the particle in a liquid medium.
79. The method of making a recording medium of claim 78, wherein the first colorant and the second colorant are the same or different.
80. The method of making a recording medium of claim 78, wherein the first colorant is disposed within the polymeric core.
81. The method of making a recording medium of claim 78, further comprising the step of isolating the particle.
82. The method of making a recording medium of claim 78, wherein the second colorant layer substantially covers the particle.
83. The method of making a recording medium of claim 78, wherein the colorant is present in the particle from about 1 percent by weight to about 30 percent by weight.
84. The method of making a recording medium of claim 78, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 20 mV or greater.
85. The method of making a recording medium of claim 78, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 50 mV or greater.
86. A method of making a recording medium, comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer, at least one colorant, and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible;
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce a particle comprising a polymeric core having the colorant disposed therein;
coating the polymeric core with at least one charged polymer to form at least one charged polymer layer; and
suspending the particle in a liquid medium.
87. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein the at least one colorant is disposed within the core.
88. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, further comprising the step of isolating the particle.
89. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant which is the same or different from the at least one colorant disposed within the polymeric core.
90. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.
91. The method of making a recording medium of claim 90, wherein at least one of the plurality of charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant to form at least one charged polymer-colorant layer.
92. The method of making a recording medium of claim 91, wherein the at least one charged polymer-colorant layer has at least one void charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
93. The method of making a recording medium of claim 92, wherein the at least one void charged polymer layer is disposed between adjacent charged polymer-colorant layers.
94. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant stabilizer.
95. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer substantially covers the particle.
96. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one functional additive.
97. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein the functional additive is selected from a charge carrier, a thermal oxidation stabilizer, a viscoelastic property modifier, a crosslinking agent, a plasticizer, a charge control additive, a leuco dye, a flow control additive, a filler, polyethylene powder, a surfactant, a chelating agent, or a combination thereof.
98. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein at least one charged polymer comprises functional groups capable of being crosslinked, and further comprising the step of crosslinking the functional groups to form a crosslinked layer.
99. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers.
100. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 400 nanometers.
101. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 100 nanometers.
102. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 20 mV or greater.
103. The method of making a recording medium of claim 86, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 50 mV or greater.
104. A method of making a recording medium, comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer, at least one first colorant, and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible;
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce a particle comprising a polymeric core wherein the first colorant is disposed therein;
coating the polymeric core with at least one second colorant to form a second colorant layer; and
coating the second colorant layer with at least one charged polymer to form at least one charged polymer layer.
105. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the first colorant is disposed within the core
106. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the first and the second colorants are the same or are different.
107. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, further comprising the step of isolating the particle.
108. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer substantially covers the particle.
109. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.
110. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant which is the same or different from the at least one first colorant and the same or different from the at least one second colorant.
111. The method of making a recording medium of claim 110, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.
112. The method of making a recording medium of claim 109, wherein at least one of the plurality of charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant to form at least one charged polymer-colorant layer.
113. The method of making a recording medium of claim 112, wherein the at least one charged polymer-colorant layer has at least one void charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
114. The method of making a recording medium of claim 113, wherein the at least one void charged polymer layer is disposed between adjacent charged polymer-colorant layers.
115. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the at least one colorant comprises a dye.
116. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant stabilizer.
117. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one functional additive.
118. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the functional additive is selected from a charge carrier, a thermal oxidation stabilizer, a viscoelastic property modifier, a crosslinking agent, a plasticizer, a charge control additive, a leuco dye, a flow control additive, a filler, polyethylene powder, a surfactant, a chelating agent, or a combination thereof.
119. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers.
120. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 400 nanometers.
121. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 100 nanometers.
122. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein at least one charged polymer comprises functional groups capable of being crosslinked, and further comprising the step of crosslinking the functional groups to form a crosslinked layer.
123. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 20 mV or greater.
124. The method of making a recording medium of claim 104, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 50 mV or greater.
125. A method of making a recording medium comprising:
providing a polymeric particle according to claim 66 having a positive or negative zeta potential;
contacting the polymeric core with a first charged polymer having a zeta potential opposite that of the core to form a first charged polymer layer; and
contacting the first charged polymer layer with at least one subsequent charged polymer, such that the subsequent charged polymers are disposed on the first charged polymer layer forming subsequent charged polymer layers, and wherein the zeta potential of the successive charged polymers are opposite that of the charged polymer layers adjacent thereto.
126. A method of making a recording medium, comprising:
providing a polymeric particle according to claim 66 having a positive or negative zeta potential;
contacting the polymeric core with a first charged polymer having a zeta potential different from that of the core to form a first charged polymer layer; and
contacting the first charged polymer layer with at least one subsequent charged polymer, such that the subsequent charged polymers are disposed on the first charged polymer layer forming subsequent charged polymer layers, and wherein the zeta potential of the successive charged polymers are different from that of the charged polymer layers adjacent thereto.
127. A nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers and comprising a polymeric material having at least one colorant disposed within the polymeric material.
128. The nanoparticle of claim 127 wherein the polymeric material comprises an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, a semi-organic polymer, a semi-inorganic polymer, an organometallic polymer or a combination thereof.
129. The nanoparticle of claim 127 wherein the at least one colorant is at least one dye.
130. The nanoparticle of claim 129 wherein the dye comprises from about 1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of total weight of the nanoparticle.
131. The nanoparticle of claim 127 further comprising a surface modifying layer disposed on and substantially covering the nanoparticle.
132. The nanoparticle of claim 127, wherein the surface modifying layer comprises an agent selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacylic acid, polysiloxane, polysiloxane polyethylene oxide copolymer, polysiloxane polypropylene oxide copolymer, linear dextrins, cyclodextrins, chitosans, or combinations thereof.
133. The nanoparticle of claim 127, further comprising a surface modifier dispersed substantially throughout the polymer.
134. The nanoparticle of claim 127, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 20 mV or greater.
135. The nanoparticle of claim 127, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 50 mV or greater.
136. A nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1000 nanometers comprising:
a polymeric core having an agent disposed within the polymer; and
at least one charged polymer layer disposed on and substantially covering the core.
137. The nanoparticle of claim 136, wherein the agent disposed within the polymeric core comprises at least one colorant.
138. The nanoparticle of claim 136, wherein the polymeric core comprises an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, a semi-organic polymer, a semi-inorganic polymer, or a combination thereof.
139. The nanoparticle of claim 137, wherein the at least one colorant is at least one dye.
140. The nanoparticle of claim 139, wherein the at least one dye comprises from about 1 to about 30 weight percent to total weight of the nanoparticle.
141. The nanoparticle of claim 136, wherein the agent comprises a colorant, a surface modifier, a colorant stabilizer, a functional additive, or a combination thereof.
142. The nanoparticle of claim 136, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer further comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.
143. The nanoparticle of claim 142, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer further comprises at least one colorant dispersed substantially throughout the charged polymer layer.
144. The nanoparticle of claim 143, wherein the colorant of the at least one charged polymer layer is the same as or differs from the at least one colorant of the charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
145. The nanoparticle of claim 144, wherein the at least one colorant charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of colorant charged polymer layers and such colorant charged polymer layers have a charged polymer layer absent a colorant disposed therebetween.
146. The nanoparticle of claim 136, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a ultraviolet radiation screening agent or a colorant stabilizer.
147. The nanoparticle of claim 136, further comprising a surface modifying layer disposed on and substantially covering the polymeric core.
148. The nanoparticle of claim 136, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a surface modifier.
149. A nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1000 nanometers comprising:
a polymeric core having at least one colorant disposed within the polymer; and
a protective coating disposed on and substantially covering the nanoparticle.
150. The nanoparticle of claim 149, wherein the polymeric core comprises an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, a semi-organic polymer, a semi-inorganic polymer or a combination thereof.
151. The nanoparticle of claim 149, wherein the at least one colorant comprises at least one dye.
152. The nanoparticle of claim 151, wherein the dye comprises from about 1 to about 30 weight percent to total weight of the nanoparticle.
153. The nanoparticle of claim 149, further comprising at least one charged polymer layer disposed on and substantially covering the core and positioned between the polymeric core and the protective coating.
154. The nanoparticle of claim 153, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer further comprises at least one colorant dispersed substantially throughout the charged polymer layer.
155. The nanoparticle of claim 154, wherein the at least one colorant of the at least one charged polymer layer is the same as or differs from the at least one colorant disposed within the polymeric core.
156. The nanoparticle of claim 155, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a ultraviolet radiation screening agent or a colorant stabilizer.
157. The nanoparticle of claim 149, further comprising a surface modifying layer disposed on and substantially covering the polymeric core.
158. The nanoparticle of claim 153, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a surface modifier.
159. A nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers and comprising:
a polymeric core having a positive or a negative zeta potential;
a first charged polymer layer disposed on the core and having a zeta potential opposite the zeta potential of the core; and
at least one successive charged polymer layer disposed on the first charged polymer layer, wherein the zeta potential of the at least one successive charged polymer layer is opposite that of the charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
160. The nanoparticle of claim 159, wherein the at least one successive charged polymer layer substantially covers the charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
161. The nanoparticle of claim 159, wherein the at least one successive charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of successive charged polymer layers disposed on the first charged polymer layer.
162. The nanoparticle of claim 159, wherein the at least one successive charged polymer layer substantially covers the charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
163. A nanoparticle comprising a polymeric core and at least one colorant-charged polymer layer comprising at least one colorant, wherein the polymeric core and the at least one colorant-charged polymer layer have a zeta potential.
164. The nanoparticle of claim 163, further comprising a plurality of alternating charged polymer-colorant layers,
wherein the alternating charged polymer-colorant layers have zeta potentials different from the charged polymer-colorant layer adjacent thereto, and wherein the at least one colorant in the alternating charged polymer-colorant layers is the same or different from the at least one colorant in the charged polymer-colorant layer adjacent thereto.
165. The nanoparticle of claim 164, wherein the plurality of alternating layers of charged polymer-colorant layers substantially cover the layer adjacent thereto.
166. The nanoparticle of claim 163, further comprising a protective layer, wherein the protective layer has a zeta potential.
167. A printing process comprising ejecting the nanoparticles of claim 163 in the form of droplets from an orifice in accordance with a recording signal to form an image on a substrate.
168. The printing process of claim 167, wherein the process is an ink-jet process.
169. The printing process of claim 167, wherein the substrate is a textile, a cellulose, a paper, a ceramic, a polymer, a wood, or a glass.
170. The printing process of claim 167, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 20 mV or greater.
171. The nanoparticle of claim 167, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 50 mV or greater.
172. A particle comprising:
a polymeric core having an agent disposed within the polymer; and
at least one charged polymer layer disposed on and substantially covering the core.
173. The particle of claim 172, wherein the particle is characterized by a size of less than about 1000 nanometers.
174. A nanoparticle having a positive zeta potential comprising a core and a colorant.
175. A recording medium for a printing process comprising the nanoparticle of claim 174, further comprising a carrier.
176. The recording medium of claim 175, wherein the carrier is a liquid or a solid.
177. A method of making a nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers, comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer, at least one colorant, and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible; and
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce the nanoparticle having the colorant disposed therein.
178. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the colorant is disposed within the nanoparticle.
179. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, further comprising the step of isolating the nanoparticle.
180. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, further comprising the step of removing the first solvent after emulsifying the first and second solutions to provide a solid nanoparticle.
181. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the at least one colorant comprises a dye.
182. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the at least one colorant is present in the nanoparticle from about 1 percent by weight to about 30 percent by weight.
183. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the first solvent is an organic solvent and the second solvent is water.
184. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the first solvent is water and the second solvent is an organic solvent.
185. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the first solution, the second solution, or both the first and second solutions further comprise at least one additive selected from surfactant, emulsifier, detergent, soap, or a combination thereof.
186. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the polymer comprises an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, a semi-organic polymer, a semi-inorganic polymer, an organometallic polymer, or a combination thereof.
187. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 186, wherein the polymer comprises polyisoprene, polybutadiene, poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene), poly(-methyl styrene), poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethylmethacrylate, or a combination thereof.
188. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the nanoparticle has a size of less than about 400 nanometers.
189. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the nanoparticle has a size of less than about 100 nm.
190. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, further comprising coating the template with at least one surface modifying agent to form a surface modifying agent layer.
191. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 190, wherein the surface modifying agent is selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacylic acid, polysiloxane, polysiloxane polyethylene oxide copolymer, polysiloxane polypropylene oxide copolymer, linear dextrins, cyclodextrins, chitosans, or combinations thereof.
192. A method of making an ink composition comprising suspending the nanoparticle of claim 149 in a liquid vehicle.
193. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 20 mV or greater.
194. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the nanoparticle has a zeta potential of about 50 mV or greater.
195. A method of making a nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers, comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible;
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce a polymeric core; and
coating the polymeric core with at least one colorant to form a colorant layer.
196. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 195, further comprising the step of isolating the nanoparticle.
197. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 195, wherein the colorant layer substantially covers the nanoparticle.
198. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 195, wherein the at least one colorant comprises a dye.
199. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 195, wherein the first solution, the second solution, or both the first and second solutions further comprise at least one additive selected from surfactant, emulsifier, detergent, soap, or a combination thereof.
200. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 195, wherein the nanoparticle has a size of less than about 400 nanometers.
201. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 195, wherein the nanoparticle has a size of less than about 100 nm.
202. A method of making an ink composition comprising suspending the nanoparticle of claim 159 in a liquid vehicle.
203. A method of making a nanoparticle having a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers, comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer, at least one first colorant, and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible;
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce a polymeric core having the first colorant disposed therein; and
coating the polymeric core with at least one second colorant to form a second colorant layer.
204. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 203, wherein the first colorant and the second colorant are the same or different.
205. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 203, wherein the first colorant is disposed within the polymeric core.
206. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 203, further comprising the step of isolating the nanoparticle.
207. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 203, wherein the second colorant layer substantially covers the nanoparticle.
208. The method of making a nanoparticle of claim 177, wherein the colorant is present in the nanoparticle from about 1 percent by weight to about 30 percent by weight.
209. A method of making an ink composition comprising suspending the nanoparticle of claim 163 in a liquid vehicle.
210. A method of making a particle, comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible;
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce a polymeric core; and
coating the polymeric core with at least one charged polymer to form at least one charged polymer layer.
211. The method of making a particle of claim 210, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer substantially covers the nanoparticle.
212. The method of making a particle of claim 210, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.
213. The method of making a particle of claim 210, further comprising the step of isolating the particle.
214. The method of making a particle of claim 210, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers.
215. The method of making a particle of claim 210, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 400 nanometers.
216. The method of making a particle of claim 210, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 100 nanometers.
217. The method of making a particle of claim 210, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant forming at least one charged polymer-colorant layer.
218. The method of making a particle of claim 212, wherein at least one of the plurality of charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant forming at least one charged polymer-colorant layer.
219. The method of making a particle of claim 218, wherein the at least one charged polymer-colorant layer has at least one void charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
220. The method of making a particle of claim 219, wherein the at least one void charged polymer layer is disposed between adjacent charged polymer-colorant layers.
221. The method of making a particle of claim 218, wherein the at least one colorant comprises a dye.
222. The method of making a particle of claim 218, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant stabilizer.
223. The method of making a particle of claim 210, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one functional additive.
224. The method of making a particle of claim 223, wherein the functional additive is selected from a charge carrier, a thermal oxidation stabilizer, a viscoelastic property modifier, a crosslinking agent, a plasticizer, a charge control additive, a leuco dye, a flow control additive, a filler, polyethylene powder, a surfactant, a chelating agent, or a combination thereof.
225. The method of making a particle of claim 210, wherein at least one charged polymer comprises crosslinkable functional groups, further comprising crosslinking the functional groups to form a crosslinked layer.
226. A method of making an ink composition comprising suspending the nanoparticle of claim 210 in a liquid vehicle.
227. A method of making an ink composition comprising suspending the nanoparticle of claim 218 in a liquid vehicle.
228. A method of making a particle, comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer, at least one colorant, and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible;
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce a polymeric core having the colorant disposed therein; and
coating the polymeric core with at least one charged polymer to form at least one charged polymer layer.
229. The method of making a particle of claim 228, wherein the colorant is disposed within the core.
230. The method of making a particle of claim 228, further comprising the step of isolating the particle.
231. The method of making a particle of claim 228, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant which is the same or different from the at least one colorant disposed within the polymeric core.
232. The method of making a particle of claim 228, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.
233. The method of making a particle of claim 232, wherein at least one of the plurality of charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant to form at least one charged polymer-colorant layer.
234. The method of making a particle of claim 233, wherein the at least one charged polymer-colorant layer has at least one void charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
235. The method of making a particle of claim 234, wherein the at least one void charged polymer layer is disposed between adjacent charged polymer-colorant layers.
236. The method of making a particle of claim 228, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers farther comprises at least one colorant stabilizer.
237. The method of making a particle of claim 228, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer substantially covers the nanoparticle.
238. The method of making a particle of claim 228, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one functional additive.
239. The method of making a particle of claim 238, wherein the functional additive is selected from a charge carrier, a thermal oxidation stabilizer, a viscoelastic property modifier, a crosslinking agent, a plasticizer, a charge control additive, a leuco dye, a flow control additive, a filler, polyethylene powder, a surfactant, a chelating agent, or a combination thereof.
240. The method of making a particle of claim 228, wherein at least one charged polymer comprises functional groups capable of being crosslinked, and further comprising the step of crosslinking the functional groups to form a crosslinked layer.
241. The method of making a particle of claim 228, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers.
242. The method of making a particle of claim 228, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 400 nanometers.
243. The method of making a particle of claim 228, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 100 nanometers.
244. A method of making an ink composition comprising suspending the nanoparticle of claim 228 in a liquid vehicle.
245. A method of making a particle, comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible;
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce a polymeric core;
coating the polymeric core with at least one colorant to form a colorant layer; and
coating the colorant layer with at least one charged polymer to form at least one charged polymer layer.
246. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer substantially covers the nanoparticle.
247. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.
248. The method of making a particle of claim 245, further comprising the step of isolating the particle.
249. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein at least one charged polymer layer further comprises at least one colorant which is the same or different from the at least one colorant of the colorant layer.
250. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein the at least one colorant comprises a dye.
251. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant stabilizer.
252. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one functional additive.
253. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein the functional additive is selected from a charge carrier, a thermal oxidation stabilizer, a viscoelastic property modifier, a crosslinking agent, a plasticizer, a charge control additive, a leuco dye, a flow control additive, a filler, polyethylene powder, a surfactant, a chelating agent, or a combination thereof.
254. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers.
255. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 400 nanometers.
256. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 100 nanometers.
257. The method of making a particle of claim 245, wherein at least one charged polymer comprises crosslinkable functional groups, further comprising crosslinking the functional groups to form a crosslinked layer.
258. A method of making an ink composition comprising suspending the nanoparticle of claim 245 in a liquid vehicle.
259. A method of making a particle, comprising:
providing a first solution comprising at least one polymer, at least one first colorant, and a first solvent;
combining the first solution with a second solution comprising a second solvent in which the first solvent is substantially immiscible;
emulsifying the first and second solutions to produce a polymeric core wherein the first colorant is disposed therein;
coating the polymeric core with at least one second colorant to form a second colorant layer; and
coating the second colorant layer with at least one charged polymer to form at least one charged polymer layer.
260. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein the first colorant is disposed within the core
261. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein the first and the second colorants are the same or are different.
262. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer substantially covers the nanoparticle.
263. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.
264. The method of making a particle of claim 259, further comprising the step of isolating the particle.
265. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant which is the same or different from the at least one first colorant and the same or different from the at least one second colorant.
266. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein the at least one charged polymer layer comprises a plurality of charged polymer layers.
267. The method of making a particle of claim 266, wherein at least one of the plurality of charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant to form at least one charged polymer-colorant layer.
268. The method of making a particle of claim 267, wherein the at least one charged polymer-colorant layer has at least one void charged polymer layer adjacent thereto.
269. The method of making a particle of claim 268, wherein the at least one void charged polymer layer is disposed between adjacent charged polymer-colorant layers.
270. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein the at least one colorant comprises a dye.
271. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one colorant stabilizer.
272. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein at least one of the charged polymer layers further comprises at least one functional additive.
273. The method of making a particle of claim 272, wherein the functional additive is selected from a charge carrier, a thermal oxidation stabilizer, a viscoelastic property modifier, a crosslinking agent, a plasticizer, a charge control additive, a leuco dye, a flow control additive, a filler, polyethylene powder, a surfactant, a chelating agent, or a combination thereof.
274. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 1,000 nanometers.
275. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 400 nanometers.
276. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein the particle has a size of less than about 100 nanometers.
277. The method of making a particle of claim 259, wherein at least one charged polymer comprises functional groups capable of being crosslinked, and further comprising the step of crosslinking the functional groups to form a crosslinked layer.
278. A method of making an ink composition comprising suspending the nanoparticle of claim 259 in a liquid vehicle.
279. A method of making a nanoparticle, comprising:
providing a polymeric core having a positive or negative zeta potential according to the method of claim 177;
contacting the polymeric core with a first charged polymer having a zeta potential opposite that of the core to form a first charged polymer layer; and
contacting the first charged polymer layer with at least one subsequent charged polymer, such that the subsequent charged polymers are disposed on the first charged polymer layer forming subsequent charged polymer layers, and wherein the zeta potential of the successive charged polymers are opposite that of the charged polymer layers adjacent thereto.
280. A method of making a nanoparticle, comprising:
providing a polymeric core having a positive or negative zeta potential according to the method of claim 177;
contacting the polymeric core with a first charged polymer having a zeta potential different from that of the core to form a first charged polymer layer; and
contacting the first charged polymer layer with at least one subsequent charged polymer, such that the subsequent charged polymers are disposed on the first charged polymer layer forming subsequent charged polymer layers, and wherein the zeta potential of the successive charged polymers are different from that of the charged polymer layers adjacent thereto.