| abstract |
An ink jet print head is provided that includes a nozzle plate having an outer metal layer having nozzles for ejecting ink drops, and a coating of a non-wetting polymer chemically bound over the outer surface of the metal layer of the plate. Preferably, the polymer is a block polymer having a head that includes the chemical group that chemically bonds with the outer metal layer, and a tail that is hydrophobic. The resulting polymer coating prevents inks from pooling, drying, and creating deposits which would otherwise impede or clog the ink jet nozzles. The chemical bonding between the non-wettable polymer and the metal surface creates a highly durable polymeric layer that resists being wiped off during both printing and head cleaning operations. |