Method for manufacturing a printed matter and system for manufacturing a printed matter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a printed matter manufacturing method and a printed matter manufacturing system, the printed matter manufacturing method having a pressure phase change particle imparting step, a bonding step, and a pressure bonding step, the pressure phase change particle containing a styrene resin and a (meth)acrylate resin, the styrene resin containing styrene and other vinyl monomers in a polymerization component, the (meth)acrylate resin containing at least two (meth)acrylates in a polymerization component and the (meth)acrylate accounting for 90% or more of the entire polymerization component in terms of mass, the pressure phase change particle having at least two glass transition temperatures, and the difference between the lowest glass transition temperature and the highest glass transition temperature of the glass transition temperatures exhibited by the pressure phase change particle being 30°C or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a method for manufacturing printed matter and a system for manufacturing printed matter. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-269365 discloses a booklet-shaped structure, which is formed by overlapping two or more rectangular sheets of paper and bonding them together at one end. The structure is characterized in that two or more intermediate sheets of short dimensions are sandwiched between the top and bottom sheets of the two or more sheets of paper. At the portion where the top and bottom sheets of paper directly overlap, an adhesive is applied in two or more lines at a predetermined position on the back side of the top sheet, corresponding to a set adhesive force. A release agent layer is provided on the surface side of the bottom sheet. The adhesive applied in lines on the back side of the top sheet is bonded in a manner that allows it to be peeled off from the release agent layer on the surface side of the bottom sheet.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-200813 discloses an image forming apparatus comprising: a latent image carrier on which a latent image is formed; a developing apparatus that loads a developer onto the surface of the developer carrier and then transfers it, using the developer on the surface of the developer carrier to develop the latent image on the latent image carrier to form a toner image; and a transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed on the latent image carrier to a sheet-like recording medium, forming an adhesive toner image at the binding edge of the recording medium, and forming an image forming toner image on the image section of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the amount of developer on the developer carrier per unit area is different when developing the latent image corresponding to the adhesive toner image and when developing the latent image corresponding to the image forming toner image.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-169101 discloses a sheet processing apparatus comprising a sheet bonding unit that heats an image of an adhesive toner formed on a sheet to bond two or more sheets together. The sheet processing apparatus is characterized in that, as a heating unit for heating the image of the adhesive toner, it comprises an induction heating unit that generates a high-frequency alternating electric field to inductively heat the adhesive toner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] As a method for manufacturing printed matter, one can cite a method involving the following steps (hereinafter referred to as the "specific method"): a step of applying pressure phase change particles to at least a portion of the edge and bend of a recording medium; a step of bonding the pressure phase change particles to the recording medium; and a step of pressing together a laminate consisting of two or more recording media, including the recording medium to which the pressure phase change particles are bonded. In the above-described specific method, it is required that the adhesive force generated by pressing at the binding portion of the obtained printed matter is high. Hereinafter, the adhesive force generated by pressing at the binding portion will also be simply referred to as the "adhesive force at the binding portion".

[0006] The objective of this application is to provide a method and system for manufacturing printed matter that, compared to the case in the specific method described above where particles of a homopolymer comprising a styrene-based resin and a (meth)acrylate-based resin, wherein the (meth)acrylate-based resin is a (meth)acrylate, are used as pressure-modified phase-change particles, are capable of manufacturing printed matter with high adhesion at the binding portion.

[0007] According to the first aspect of this application, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, comprising:

[0008] The pressure phase change particle application process applies pressure phase change particles to a portion of the edge or bend of the recording medium.

[0009] The bonding process involves bonding the aforementioned pressure-sensitive phase-change particles to the aforementioned recording medium; and

[0010] The crimping process involves crimping a laminate consisting of two or more recording media containing the aforementioned pressure-sensitive phase-change particles.

[0011] The aforementioned pressure-modified phase-change particles contain styrene-based resins and (meth)acrylate-based resins. The styrene-based resins contain styrene and other vinyl monomers in their polymerization composition, and the (meth)acrylate-based resins contain at least two types of (meth)acrylates in their polymerization composition, with the (meth)acrylates accounting for more than 90% by mass of the total polymerization composition.

[0012] The aforementioned pressure phase change particles have at least two glass transition temperatures, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures shown by the aforementioned pressure phase change particles is more than 30°C.

[0013] According to the second aspect of this application, the aforementioned pressure phase change particles are disposed on one edge of the aforementioned recording medium.

[0014] According to the third embodiment of this application, a bending process is also included.

[0015] According to the fourth embodiment of this application, a pressing process follows the bending process described above.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect of this application, the bent portion of the recording medium is located in the central part of the recording medium.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect of this application, the mass percentage of styrene in the total polymeric component of the styrene-based resin of the aforementioned pressure phase change particles ranges from 60% to 95% by mass.

[0018] According to the seventh aspect of this application, the mass ratio of the two (meth)acrylates contained in the (meth)acrylate resin of the pressure phase change particles as polymerizing components is in the range of 80:20 to 20:80.

[0019] According to the eighth aspect of this application, the two (meth)acrylates contained in the above-mentioned pressure phase change particles as polymerizing components, which have the highest mass proportion among the above-mentioned at least two (meth)acrylates, are (meth)acrylate alkyl esters, and the difference in the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl groups of the two (meth)acrylate alkyl esters is in the range of 1 to 4.

[0020] According to the ninth aspect of this application, the other vinyl monomers contained in the styrene-based resin of the aforementioned pressure phase change particles as polymerizing components include (meth)acrylates.

[0021] According to the 10th aspect of this application, the other vinyl monomers contained in the styrene-based resin of the aforementioned pressure phase change particles as polymerizing components are selected from n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

[0022] According to the 11th aspect of this application, the styrene-based resin of the aforementioned pressure phase change particles and the aforementioned (meth)acrylate-based resin contain the same (meth)acrylate as a polymerization component.

[0023] According to the 12th embodiment of this application, the (meth)acrylate resin of the aforementioned pressure phase change particles contains 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and n-butyl acrylate as polymerization components.

[0024] According to the 13th aspect of this application, the content of the styrene-based resin in the pressure phase change particles is greater than the content of the (meth)acrylate-based resin.

[0025] According to the 14th aspect of this application, the pressure phase change particles have a marine phase comprising the styrene-based resin and an island phase comprising the (meth)acrylate-based resin dispersed in the marine phase.

[0026] According to the 15th embodiment of this application, the average diameter of the island phase is in the range of 200 nm to 500 nm.

[0027] According to the 16th aspect of this application, the pressure phase change particle has: a core containing the styrene-based resin and the (meth)acrylate-based resin, and a shell covering the core.

[0028] According to embodiment 17 of this application, the shell layer contains the aforementioned styrene-based resin.

[0029] According to the 18th embodiment of this application, the temperature at which the aforementioned pressure phase change particles exhibit a viscosity of 10000 Pa·s under a pressure of 4 MPa is below 90°C.

[0030] According to claim 19, a method system for manufacturing printed matter is provided, comprising:

[0031] The pressure phase change particle delivery section contains pressure phase change particles and delivers the pressure phase change particles to a portion of the edge or bend of the recording medium.

[0032] The adhesive portion, which adheres the aforementioned pressure-phase-change particles to the aforementioned recording medium; and

[0033] The crimping section is used to crimp together a laminate consisting of two or more recording media containing the aforementioned pressure-sensitive phase-change particles.

[0034] The aforementioned pressure phase change particles contain styrene-based resin and (meth)acrylate-based resin. The styrene-based resin contains styrene and other vinyl monomers in its polymerization composition. The (meth)acrylate-based resin contains at least two (meth)acrylates in its polymerization composition, and the (meth)acrylates account for more than 90% by mass of the total polymerization composition. The aforementioned pressure phase change particles have at least two glass transition temperatures, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures shown by the aforementioned pressure phase change particles is more than 30°C.

[0035] (Effect)

[0036] According to the above-described embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 12, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which, compared to the case in the above-described specific method using particles of a homopolymer comprising a styrene-based resin and a (meth)acrylate-based resin, wherein the (meth)acrylate-based resin is a (meth)acrylate, as pressure phase change particles, enables the manufacture of printed matter with high adhesion at the binding portion.

[0037] According to the sixth embodiment above, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which, compared with the case where the mass proportion of styrene in the total polymer component of styrene-based resin exceeds 95% by mass, can easily manufacture printed matter with high adhesion at the binding part.

[0038] According to the seventh embodiment above, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which can easily manufacture printed matter with higher adhesion at the binding part compared to cases where the mass ratio of the two most abundant (meth)acrylates contained in the (meth)acrylate resin as a polymerizing component is outside the range of 80:20 to 20:80.

[0039] According to the eighth embodiment above, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which, compared with the case where the difference in the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl groups of the two (meth)acrylate alkyl esters is 5 or more, can easily manufacture printed matter with higher adhesion at the binding part.

[0040] According to the above-mentioned 9th, 10th or 11th embodiments, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which can easily manufacture printed matter with high adhesion at the binding part compared with the case of using polystyrene-containing particles instead of styrene-based resin as pressure phase change particles.

[0041] According to the 13th embodiment above, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which, compared to the case where the content of styrene-based resin is less than the content of (meth)acrylate-based resin, is able to manufacture printed matter that maintains the adhesive strength at the binding portion.

[0042] According to the 14th embodiment above, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which, compared with the case where the pressure phase change particles do not have the aforementioned island structure, can easily manufacture printed matter with higher adhesion at the binding part.

[0043] According to the 15th embodiment above, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which, compared with the case where the average diameter of the island phase exceeds 500 nm, can easily manufacture printed matter with high adhesion at the binding part.

[0044] According to the 16th embodiment above, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which, compared with the case of a core-shell structure containing only styrene-based resin or only (meth)acrylate-based resin in the core, can easily manufacture printed matter with high adhesion at the binding part.

[0045] According to the 17th embodiment above, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which, compared with the case where the shell does not contain styrene-based resin but contains other resins, can easily manufacture printed matter with high adhesion at the binding part.

[0046] According to the 18th embodiment above, a method for manufacturing printed matter is provided, which can easily manufacture printed matter with high adhesion at the binding part compared to the case where pressure phase change particles exhibit a viscosity of 10000 Pa·s at a pressure of 4 MPa at a temperature exceeding 90°C.

[0047] According to the 19th embodiment above, a printing manufacturing system is provided that, compared with the case of using particles of a homopolymer containing a styrene-based resin and a (meth)acrylate-based resin, wherein the (meth)acrylate-based resin is a (meth)acrylate, as pressure phase change particles, can manufacture printing materials with high adhesion at the binding portion. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the recording medium and printed matter of this embodiment.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the recording medium and printed matter of this embodiment.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printing manufacturing system according to this embodiment.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the printing system of this embodiment.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the printing system of this embodiment.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the printing system of this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The embodiments of this application will be described below. These descriptions and examples are illustrative of the embodiments and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0055] In this specification, within the numerical ranges described in stages, the upper or lower limit value recorded in one numerical range can be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of other numerical ranges described in stages. Furthermore, within the numerical ranges described in this specification, the upper or lower limit value can be replaced with the values ​​shown in the embodiments.

[0056] In this specification, the term "process" includes not only independent processes, but also processes that achieve the desired purpose of the process, even if they cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes.

[0057] In this specification, when describing embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, the configuration of these embodiments is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the dimensions of the components in each drawing are schematic dimensions, and the relative relationships between the dimensions of the components are not limited thereto.

[0058] In this specification, each component may contain two or more corresponding substances. When referring to the amount of each component in the composition, if there are two or more substances that conform to each component in the composition, unless otherwise stated, it refers to the total amount of the two or more substances present in the composition.

[0059] In this specification, the particles conforming to each component may contain two or more types. When there are two or more particles conforming to each component in the composition, unless otherwise stated, the particle size of each component refers to the value of the mixture of the two or more particles present in the composition.

[0060] In this specification, the term "(meth)acrylic acid" refers to either "acrylic acid" or "methacrylic acid".

[0061] [Methods and systems for manufacturing printed materials]

[0062] The method for manufacturing printed matter according to this embodiment includes: a pressure phase change particle imparting step (hereinafter also referred to as "imparting step"), in which pressure phase change particles are imparted to at least a portion of the edge and bending portion of the recording medium; an adhesive bonding step, in which the pressure phase change particles are bonded to the recording medium; and a pressing step, in which a laminate (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "laminate") formed by overlapping two or more recording media containing the recording medium to which the pressure phase change particles are bonded is pressed together.

[0063] Furthermore, the aforementioned pressure phase change particles comprise styrene-based resins and (meth)acrylate-based resins, wherein the styrene-based resins contain styrene and other vinyl monomers in their polymerization components, and the (meth)acrylate-based resins contain at least two (meth)acrylates in their polymerization components, with the (meth)acrylates accounting for more than 90% by mass of the total polymerization components.

[0064] In addition, the aforementioned pressure phase change particles have at least two glass transition temperatures, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures shown by the aforementioned pressure phase change particles is more than 30°C.

[0065] The aforementioned "pressure-induced phase change particles" refer to particles that undergo a phase change due to pressure, specifically particles that satisfy Equation 1 below.

[0066] Equation 1…10℃≤T1-T2

[0067] In Equation 1, T1 is the temperature at which the viscosity is expressed as 10000 Pa·s under a pressure of 1 MPa, and T2 is the temperature at which the viscosity is expressed as 10000 Pa·s under a pressure of 10 MPa. The methods for determining temperatures T1 and T2 will be explained later.

[0068] Hereinafter, in the context of pressure phase change particles, the pressure phase change particles described below will also be referred to as "specific particles," which comprise styrene-based resins and (meth)acrylate-based resins. The styrene-based resins contain styrene and other vinyl monomers in their polymerization composition, and the (meth)acrylate-based resins contain at least two (meth)acrylates in their polymerization composition, with the (meth)acrylates accounting for more than 90% by mass of the total polymerization composition. Furthermore, the pressure phase change particles have at least two glass transition temperatures, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures shown by the pressure phase change particles is more than 30°C.

[0069] Additionally, a recording medium in which specific particles are applied to at least a portion of the edge and bend portions is referred to as a "post-application recording medium".

[0070] The printing method of this embodiment can produce a printed material bound together with at least a portion of the edge and bend portions of a laminate formed by overlapping two or more recording media. Hereinafter, the binding area in the printed material (for example, the area referred to as the "throat" in the case of a booklet) is also referred to as the "binding section".

[0071] Printed material bound as at least a portion of the edge of a laminate (hereinafter also referred to as "edge-bound printed material"), for example, is a printed material bound from one edge of a laminate (e.g., Figure 1 The printed matter shown (60), and the printed matter formed by binding one of the four corners of the laminate, etc.

[0072] Printed materials bound as at least a portion of the bent portion of a laminate (hereinafter also referred to as "bent portion bound printed materials"), for example, include printed materials bound by binding the bent portions of a laminate obtained by overlapping two or more recording media having bent portions (e.g., Figure 2 The printed materials shown (40), etc.

[0073] The method for manufacturing printed materials according to this embodiment, by performing an application step of applying specific particles to at least a portion of the edge and bend of the recording medium, an adhesive step, and a pressing step of pressing together a laminate containing two or more recording media after the application of specific particles, can produce printed materials with high adhesion at the binding portion compared to the case where particles of a homopolymer containing a styrene-based resin and a (meth)acrylate-based resin, wherein the (meth)acrylate-based resin is a (meth)acrylate, are used instead of specific particles. The reason for this is not yet certain, but it is speculated as follows.

[0074] Typically, styrene-based resins and (meth)acrylate-based resins have low compatibility, therefore it is assumed that the two resins are contained in the particles in a phase-separated state. Alternatively, it is believed that if the particles are pressurized, the (meth)acrylate-based resin, with its lower glass transition temperature, will flow first, and this flow will affect the styrene-based resin, resulting in both resins flowing. Another possibility is that after the two resins in the particles flow under pressure, when they solidify under reduced pressure to form a resin layer, their low compatibility will again lead to phase separation.

[0075] (Meth)acrylate resins, whose polymer composition contains at least two types of (meth)acrylates, have a lower molecular arrangement in the solid state compared to (meth)acrylate homopolymers because at least two types of ester groups are bonded to the main chain. Therefore, they are presumably more prone to flow under pressure. Furthermore, if the (meth)acrylate accounts for 90% or more of the total polymer composition, the at least two ester groups exist at a high density, further reducing the molecular arrangement in the solid state, thus making them even more susceptible to flow under pressure. Therefore, it is presumed that these specific particles are more prone to flow under pressure than particles of (meth)acrylate homopolymers, i.e., more prone to phase transition under pressure.

[0076] In addition, methacrylate-based resins containing at least two types of methacrylates in their polymer composition, with the methacrylates accounting for 90% or more of the total polymer composition by mass, exhibit low molecular arrangement even upon re-curing. Therefore, it is presumed that the phase separation from the styrene-based resin is minimal. It is speculated that the smaller the phase separation between the styrene-based and methacrylate-based resins, the higher the uniformity of the adhesive surface with respect to the bonded material, and the superior the adhesion generated by compression bonding. Therefore, compared to particles of homopolymers of methacrylate-based resins, it is presumed that the aforementioned specific particles exhibit superior adhesion generated by compression bonding.

[0077] Therefore, it is speculated that in the method for manufacturing printed matter according to this embodiment, which uses specific particles with excellent adhesion generated by compression, compared to the case where particles of a homopolymer containing a styrene-based resin and a (meth)acrylate-based resin, and the (meth)acrylate-based resin is a (meth)acrylate, are used instead of specific particles, printed matter with high adhesion at the binding portion can be manufactured.

[0078] The method for manufacturing printed matter according to this embodiment is carried out using the printing matter manufacturing system of this embodiment shown below.

[0079] The printing manufacturing system of this embodiment includes: a pressure phase change particle delivery section that contains specific particles and delivers the specific particles, which are pressure phase change particles, to at least a portion of the edge and bending portions of the recording medium; an adhesive section that adhesives the specific particles to the recording medium; and a pressing section that presses together a laminate formed by overlapping two or more recording media containing the recording medium with the adhesive specific particles (i.e., the recording medium after delivery).

[0080] Hereinafter, each step of the printing method of this embodiment will be described in conjunction with each unit of the printing manufacturing system of this embodiment.

[0081] <Pressure phase change particle application process and pressure phase change particle application section>

[0082] In the application process, specific particles are applied to at least a portion of the edge and bend of the recording medium in the pressure phase change particle application section (hereinafter also referred to as the "application section"). It should be noted that details regarding the specific particles will be explained later.

[0083] There are no particular restrictions on the specific particle imparting unit of the imparting section, as long as it is a unit that can impart specific particles at the target imparting position with the target imparting amount on the surface of the recording medium.

[0084] As a specific particle imparting unit, it can be used by blowing specific particles, coating specific particles, or using specific particles as a colorant in electrophotography.

[0085] Examples of recording media used in the process include paper, coated paper with resin, cloth, non-woven fabric, resin film, and resin sheet.

[0086] The recording medium can be a recording medium in which an image is formed. It should be noted that for printed materials with a binding section, it is usually difficult to open the binding section. Therefore, the recording medium used to manufacture the printed material preferably does not form an image in the area of ​​the printed material that serves as the binding section (hereinafter also referred to as the "specific area").

[0087] Recording media may have bends. The bends in a recording medium include not only areas bent during the bonding process but also areas to be bent during the manufacturing process of the printed material. When manufacturing printed materials with at least bends, a recording medium with bends is used. On the other hand, when manufacturing printed materials with edge binding, either a recording medium without bends or a recording medium with bends can be used.

[0088] It should be noted that the position of the bend in the recording medium is determined according to the shape of the printed material being manufactured, and is not particularly limited; for example, it can be the center of the recording medium. One example of having a bend in the center of the recording medium is having a bend along a line parallel to the short side at the center of the long side in a rectangular recording medium.

[0089] (Assigning a position to a specific particle)

[0090] Specific particles are applied to at least a portion of the edge and bend of the recording medium on at least one surface of the recording medium. That is, specific particles are applied to at least a portion of a specific area of ​​the recording medium.

[0091] In the manufacture of edge-bound printed materials, at least a portion of the edge of the recording medium becomes a specific area. The edge of the recording medium that becomes a specific area is the binding area in the manufacture of the printed material. Examples of such areas include, for instance, a range of 30 mm or less from the end of the recording medium, a range of 50 mm or less from the end of the recording medium, or a range of 80 mm or less from the end of the recording medium.

[0092] Figure 1 An example of a recording medium used to manufacture edge-bound printed materials is shown. Figure 1 The recording medium 50 shown has a specific region 54 along one side of the rectangle, i.e., edge 52. That is, the specific region 54 is located at one side edge of the recording medium 50. By using a recording medium 56 with specific particles applied to this specific region 54 to manufacture a printed matter, a printed matter 60 that forms a binding part 64 along one side edge of the recording medium 50 in the laminate 58 can be obtained.

[0093] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 In the recording medium 50 shown, a specific area 54 is provided along the entire edge 52, but it is not limited to this; a specific area may also be provided only along a portion of the edge of the edge 52 (e.g., just one of the four corners of the recording medium 50).

[0094] When manufacturing printed materials with a bent section, at least a portion of the bent section of the recording medium becomes a specific area. The bent section of the recording medium that becomes a specific area is the area where binding is performed during the manufacturing of the printed material. Examples of such specific areas include, for instance, a range of 30 mm or less from the bend line of the recording medium, a range of 50 mm or less from the bend line, or a range of 80 mm or less from the bend line.

[0095] Figure 2 An example of a recording medium used to manufacture printed materials with bent sections is shown. Figure 2 The recording medium 30 shown has a specific region 34 along a bend line 32C parallel to the short side 32B at the center of the long side 32A of the rectangle. That is, the specific region 34 is located in the central part of the recording medium 30. After the recording medium 36 is given specific particles in this specific region 34, it is bent along the bend line 32C of the recording medium 30 to produce a printed material, thereby obtaining a printed material 40 in which the bend portion of the recording medium 30 along the bend line 32C in the laminate 38 becomes the binding portion 44.

[0096] It should be noted that, Figure 2 The recording medium 30 shown has a specific area 34 set throughout the entire bend line 32C, but it is not limited to this. The specific area may be set only in a part of the bend line 32C (e.g., only in the middle part of the bend line 32C, only at both ends of the bend line 32C, only in the middle part and both ends of the bend line 32C, etc.).

[0097] Specific particles can be applied to a specific area on one side of the recording medium, or to specific areas on both sides of the recording medium. Especially when other recording media are overlapped on the two sides of the recording medium to which the specific particles are applied during the formation of the laminate, it is preferable to apply specific particles to both sides of the recording medium from the perspective of improving the adhesion at the binding section.

[0098] Specific particles can be assigned to only a portion of a specific region. Specifically, for example, in... Figure 1 In the recording medium 50 shown, specific grains can be applied intermittently along the direction of edge 52, or in a patterned manner within a specific region 54, or only in a portion of the specific region 54 in a direction perpendicular to edge 52. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In the recording medium 30 shown, specific particles can be applied intermittently along the direction of the bend line 32C, or in a patterned manner within a specific region 34, or only in a portion of the specific region 34 in a direction perpendicular to the bend line 32C.

[0099] Examples of such patterns include dotted patterns, grid patterns, and scattered shapes (polygons, stars, etc.).

[0100] (The state assigned to a specific particle)

[0101] The state in which specific particles are given can be either a state in which the particle shape remains, or a state in which specific particles are aggregated and formed into a layer. From the perspective of obtaining sufficient peel strength (or adhesion generated by compression), it is preferable to form a layer.

[0102] A layer obtained from a specific particle can be a continuous layer or a discontinuous layer.

[0103] The preferred amount of specific particles, from the perspective of obtaining sufficient adhesion generated by compression, is 0.5 g / m. 2 Above 8.0g / m 2 The following, or more preferably, is 1.0 g / m 2 Above 6.0g / m 2 The following, and more preferably, is 1.5 g / m 2 Above 5.0g / m 2 the following.

[0104] (Assignment of specific particles)

[0105] As mentioned above, there are no particular restrictions on the application of specific particles as long as they can be applied to the target application location. Specifically, methods such as spraying specific particles, coating specific particles, and electrophotographic methods using specific particles as toners can be used. Specific particles can be applied directly to a specific area of ​​the recording medium or applied via roller coating. The method of applying specific particles is not particularly limited as long as they can be applied to a specific area of ​​the recording medium.

[0106] As an example of a specific particle application unit in an application section that applies specific particles to a recording medium, as described above, particle application devices can be categorized as a blowing method for applying specific particles, a coating method for applying specific particles, and a particle application device for an electrophotographic method that uses specific particles as a toner.

[0107] The application process based on the spraying method includes, for example, a process of preparing a dispersion containing specific particles; a process of spraying the dispersion onto a recording medium; and a process of drying the dispersion sprayed onto the recording medium.

[0108] In addition, the delivery unit based on the spraying method includes, for example, a spraying unit that sprays a dispersion containing specific particles onto a recording medium; and a drying unit that dries the dispersion sprayed onto the recording medium.

[0109] Examples of spray units include, for example, spray painting machines. Examples of drying units include, for example, warm air supply devices, near-infrared heaters, and laser irradiation devices.

[0110] The application process based on the coating method includes, for example, a process of coating specific particles onto a recording medium. In the coating method, a coating liquid in which the specific particles are dispersed can be used. The application process based on the coating method using a coating liquid includes, for example, a process of preparing a coating liquid in which the specific particles are dispersed; a process of applying the coating liquid onto the recording medium; and a process of drying the coating liquid applied to the recording medium.

[0111] Additionally, the application unit based on the coating method may include, for example, a coating unit that coats specific particles onto the recording medium. The application unit based on a coating method using a coating liquid may include, for example, a coating unit that coats the recording medium with a coating liquid, and a drying unit that dries the coating liquid coated on the recording medium.

[0112] Examples of coating units include rollers.

[0113] The electrophotographic imparting process includes, for example: a charging process for charging the surface of an image holder; an electrostatic image forming process for forming an electrostatic image on the charged surface of the image holder; a developing process for developing the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the image holder into a specific particle area using an electrostatic image developer containing specific particles; and a transfer process for transferring the specific particle area formed on the surface of the image holder to the surface of a recording medium.

[0114] Additionally, the electrophotographic-based imparting unit includes, for example: an image holder; a charging unit that charges the surface of the image holder; an electrostatic image forming unit that forms an electrostatic image on the charged surface of the image holder; a developing unit that contains an electrostatic image developer containing specific particles and develops the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the image holder into a specific particle area using the electrostatic image developer; and a transfer unit that transfers the specific particle area formed on the surface of the image holder to the surface of the recording medium.

[0115] The electrophotographic feeding unit can be a cartridge structure (so-called processing cartridge) in which a developing unit is partially mounted and detached from the grain feeding device. As a processing cartridge, for example, it is preferable to use a processing cartridge that has a developing unit containing an electrostatic image developer containing specific particles, which is mounted and detached from the grain feeding device.

[0116] Both the electrophotographic method and the electrophotographic unit can use the electrophotographic image forming method and the image forming apparatus, and can also use the known processes and units used in the electrophotographic image forming method and the image forming apparatus.

[0117] Alternatively, the electrophotographic method and the transfer unit can also employ an intermediate transfer method. In an intermediate transfer method, for example, specific granular regions formed on the surface of the image holder are temporarily transferred to the surface of an intermediate transfer body, and then finally transferred from the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of the recording medium.

[0118] Furthermore, the electrophotographic application method and application unit may include, for example, an application method and application unit that includes a process and unit for cleaning the surface of an image holder, and an application unit that removes electricity by irradiating the surface of the image holder with electro-removing light, and includes units and processes other than those described above.

[0119] When using a recording medium on which an image has been formed, specific grains can be applied to the recording medium on which the image has been formed beforehand, or the image forming process and the application process on the recording medium can be performed continuously.

[0120] As a method for continuously performing the image forming process and the assemblage process, examples include performing the assemblage process after the image forming process using an inkjet recording method, and performing both the image forming process and the assemblage process using an electrophotographic method. Specifically, for example, a method can be given in which a composite image is formed on the surface of a recording medium using an image forming material (preferably colored ink) from the image forming process and specific particles from the assemblage process.

[0121] <Adhesion process and bonding parts>

[0122] In the bonding process, for example, specific particles imparted to the recording medium are heated in the bonding section.

[0123] There are no particular restrictions on the unit that heats specific particles ("particle heating unit"), as long as it is a unit capable of heating specific particles applied to the recording medium.

[0124] As a unit for heating specific particles (particle heating unit), it can be either a contact method or a non-contact method.

[0125] Contact-type particle heating units can include methods such as heating components like rollers, belts, and pads and then bringing these heated components into contact with specific particles.

[0126] Examples of non-contact particle heating units include: methods that pass a recording medium containing specific particles through an area heated by a heater, oven, or similar means; and methods that heat specific particles using light from a halogen lamp, xenon lamp, or similar means.

[0127] In terms of inhibiting the movement and detachment of specific particles while heating them, the bonding process preferably uses a particle heating unit with a contact method.

[0128] That is, the particle heating unit is preferably a contact-type particle heating unit.

[0129] (Heating of specific particles using contact method)

[0130] When heating specific particles using a contact method, the set temperature of the component that contacts the specific particles (also called the contact component) is only required to be a temperature that can plasticize the specific particles. From the perspective of heating efficiency of the specific particles, for example, it is preferably 120°C to 250°C, more preferably 130°C to 200°C, and even more preferably 150°C to 180°C.

[0131] Here, the set temperature of the contact component refers to the target value of the surface temperature of the contact component that comes into contact with a specific particle.

[0132] As a contact component, there are no particular limitations as long as it has a surface that can be heated to the above-mentioned set temperature; examples include rollers, belts, and pads.

[0133] The bonding process is preferably a process in which pressure is applied while heating specific particles.

[0134] By heating and pressurizing specific particles simultaneously, it is possible to impart smoothness to the surface of specific particles (e.g., the surface of a specific particle layer).

[0135] The pressure applied to specific particles during the bonding process can be exemplified by the pressure applied by a fixing unit based on an electrophotographic method.

[0136] Examples of units that simultaneously heat and pressurize specific particles (also known as heating and pressurizing components) can be cited below.

[0137] Examples include: heated and pressurized roller pairs, which are two contacting roller pairs, with heat applied from at least one of the rollers, through which a recording medium with specific particles is inserted to apply heat and pressure; heated and pressurized components, which are components that contact the roller and the belt, with heat applied from at least one of the roller and the belt, through which a recording medium with specific particles is inserted to apply heat and pressure; heated and pressurized belt pairs, which are two contacting belt pairs, with heat applied from at least one of the belts, through which a recording medium with specific particles is inserted to apply heat and pressure; and so on.

[0138] <Crimping process and crimping section>

[0139] In the crimping process, a laminate consisting of two or more recording media (i.e., post-recording media) that contain recording media with specific particles bonded together is crimped in the crimping section.

[0140] The number of recording media in the two or more recording media constituting the laminate should be at least two, and the number should be appropriately set according to the printed material being manufactured. From the perspective of obtaining adhesive strength at the binding section, the number of the above-mentioned recording media can be, for example, 2 or more and 100 or less, preferably 2 or more and 50 or less, and more preferably 2 or more and 30 or less.

[0141] A laminate may include at least a post-recording medium, or it may consist of two or more recording media that are post-recording media, or it may consist of recording media other than at least one of the front and back covers that are post-recording media, or it may be a laminate formed by alternating layers of post-recording media and recording media that are not post-recorded with specific particles.

[0142] The laminate is preferably formed by overlapping recording media with specific areas of each recording medium aligned. For example, if a recording medium has a specific area on one side edge, it is preferable that the aforementioned one side edge of each recording medium is aligned for the laminate. Furthermore, if a recording medium has a specific area at a bend, it is preferable that two or more recording media are overlapped at the bend line. It should be noted that a laminate composed of recording media with specific areas at bends can be formed by overlapping two or more recording media in an unfolded state, or by overlapping two or more recording media in a bent state at a bend line.

[0143] The pressure of the laminate can be applied at least to the area that becomes the binding part of the printed material, or it can be applied to only the area that becomes the binding part, or it can be applied to the entire laminate.

[0144] There are no particular restrictions on the unit that applies pressure to the laminate (laminate pressing unit). Any unit that can apply pressure to the laminate along the thickness direction is acceptable. It can be a unit that passes between the roller pairs that separate the laminate, or a unit that applies pressure to the laminate using a press, sealing machine, binding machine, etc.

[0145] Commercially available devices can be used as pressurization units for laminated structures. Specifically, examples include PRESSLE LEADA, PRESSLE CORE, and PRESSLE Bee manufactured by ToppanForms Co., Ltd., and PS-500H, PS-500, EX-4100WI, EX-4100W, EX-4100 / 4150, and PS-100 manufactured by Duplo Seiko Co., Ltd.

[0146] The pressure applied in the thickness direction of the laminate during the crimping process (hereinafter also referred to as "crimping pressure") is preferably 60 MPa or more and 150 MPa or less, more preferably 70 MPa or more and 130 MPa or less, and even more preferably 90 MPa or more and 110 MPa or less.

[0147] By applying a crimping pressure of 60 MPa or higher, sufficient adhesion generated by crimping can be easily obtained. Furthermore, by applying a crimping pressure of 150 MPa or lower, damage and deformation of the recording medium during pressurization can be easily suppressed.

[0148] The crimping pressure is measured using a commercially available pressure measuring membrane. Specifically, a pressure measuring membrane such as the Prescale manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation can be cited as an example. It should be noted that the maximum pressure mentioned above refers to the maximum value of the pressure change during the pressure application process in the laminate pressurization unit.

[0149] The pressing process can be carried out without heating, or it can be carried out while heating is in progress.

[0150] That is, the laminate pressurization unit may not have a heating unit and pressurize the laminate without heating, or it may have a heating unit and pressurize the laminate while heating.

[0151] In addition to the above-mentioned processes of applying, bonding, and pressing, the method for manufacturing printed matter according to this embodiment may also include other processes.

[0152] Other examples of processes include cutting the recording medium after the bonding process or the laminate after the pressing process into the target size.

[0153] <An Example of a Manufacturing System and Manufacturing Method>

[0154] The following describes an example of the printing system of this embodiment, and the printing method of this embodiment will be explained, but this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0155] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the printing system of this embodiment. Figure 3 The illustrated printing manufacturing system comprises: a placement unit 150 that accommodates specific particles and has a placement portion that applies the specific particles to at least a portion of the edge and bend of a recording medium, and an adhesive portion that adheres the specific particles to the recording medium; and a pressing unit 200 disposed downstream of the placement unit 150 and including a pressing portion that presses together a laminate formed by overlapping two or more recording media containing the adhered specific particles. Arrows indicate the transport direction of the recording media.

[0156] The configuration unit 150 is an apparatus for configuring specific particles onto a recording medium P by a coating method. The recording medium P, for example, has an image pre-formed on one or both sides.

[0157] The configuration unit 150 has a particle application device 518 that applies specific particles 516 to the surface of the recording medium P, as an example of an application unit that applies specific particles at a position corresponding to a specific area of ​​the recording medium.

[0158] The particle supplying device 518 is a device that supplies specific particles 516 to the surface of the recording medium P, thereby forming a specific particle region 516A on the surface of the recording medium P.

[0159] In the particle supply device 518, a supply roller 518A is provided in the portion opposite to the recording medium P, and specific particles 516 are supplied only to the corresponding coating area (i.e., the specific area). In the particle supply device 518, specific particles 516 are supplied to the supply roller 518A, and the amount of specific particles 516 supplied to the supply roller 518A is adjusted (i.e., the layer thickness when the specific particles 516 are supplied in layers on the recording medium P).

[0160] The configuration unit 150 further includes: a recording medium receiving section (not shown) for receiving a recording medium P; a conveying section (not shown) for conveying the recording medium P received in the recording medium receiving section; an adhesive device 564 for adhering specific particles 516 coated on the recording medium P to the recording medium P; and a recording medium discharge section (not shown) for discharging the recording medium P with the specific particles 516 adhered by the adhesive device 564.

[0161] The bonding device 564 includes: a heating roller 564A, which has a built-in heating source; and a pressure roller 564B, which is disposed opposite to the heating roller 564A.

[0162] The operation of the configuration unit 150 in configuring specific particles on the recording medium P will be described.

[0163] The recording medium P is conveyed from the recording medium receiving section through the conveying section. When it reaches the position of the grain application device 518, the grain application device 518 applies specific grains 516 to the recording medium P to form a specific grain area 516A.

[0164] The recording medium P, with the specific particle region 516A formed thereon, continues to be conveyed to the bonding device 564 (an example of the bonding section). The pressure applied to the recording medium P by the bonding device 564 is lower than the pressure applied to the recording medium P by the pressure device 230, specifically, preferably 0.2 MPa or more and 1 MPa or less. The surface temperature of the recording medium P when heated by the heating roller 564A of the bonding device 564 is preferably 150°C or more and 220°C or less, more preferably 155°C or more and 210°C or less, and even more preferably 160°C or more and 200°C or less.

[0165] The recording medium P is configured by the configuration unit 150, thereby becoming a post-application recording medium P1 with specific particles applied to a specific area at the edge. The post-application recording medium P1 is then conveyed to the crimping unit 200.

[0166] In the printing manufacturing system of this embodiment, the configuration unit 150 and the pressing unit 200 can be close together or separated. When the configuration unit 150 and the pressing unit 200 are separated, they are connected, for example, by a transport unit (e.g., a belt conveyor) that transmits the recording medium P1.

[0167] The crimping unit 200 is a unit that includes a laminate forming device 220 and a pressing device 230, and crimps a laminate P2 formed by overlapping the applied recording medium P1.

[0168] The lamination forming apparatus 220 uses this apparatus to overlap two or more recording media P1, which have been given specific particles in specific areas at their edges, thereby creating a lamination P2. The lamination P2 is a state in which specific areas of each recording medium overlap.

[0169] The laminate P2 exiting the laminate forming apparatus 220 is conveyed to the pressurizing apparatus 230.

[0170] The pressurizing device 230 includes a pair of pressurizing components (i.e., pressurizing rollers 231 and 232). Pressurizing rollers 231 and 232 contact and press against each other's outer peripheral surfaces, applying pressure to the passing laminate P2. The pair of pressurizing components in the pressurizing device 230 is not limited to a combination of pressurizing rollers, but can also be a combination of pressurizing rollers and pressurizing belts, or a combination of pressurizing belts.

[0171] If pressure is applied to the laminate P2 passing through the pressurizing device 230, specific particles on the laminate P2 flow due to the pressure, exhibiting adhesive properties. The pressure applied to the laminate P2 by the pressurizing device 230 is preferably 3 MPa or more and 300 MPa or less, more preferably 10 MPa or more and 200 MPa or less, and even more preferably 30 MPa or more and 150 MPa or less.

[0172] The pressurizing device 230 may or may not have a heating source (e.g., a halogen heater) for heating the laminate P2. When the pressurizing device 230 has a heating source, the surface temperature of the laminate P2 when heated by the heating source is preferably 30°C to 120°C, more preferably 40°C to 100°C, and even more preferably 50°C to 90°C. It should be noted that the absence of a heating source in the pressurizing device 230 does not preclude the possibility that the temperature inside the pressurizing device 230 may be above ambient temperature due to heat generated by the motor or other components within the pressurizing device 230.

[0173] By passing the laminate P2 through the pressure device 230, the overlapping surfaces are bonded together by the flow of specific particles, thus producing a printed matter P3. For the printed matter P3, specific areas in two or more recording media are bonded together, and the positions corresponding to these specific areas become the binding sections.

[0174] The completed printout P3 is transported out from the pressurizing unit 230.

[0175] In the printing manufacturing system of this embodiment, the laminate forming apparatus 220 and the pressurizing device 230 can be either close together or separated. When the laminate forming apparatus 220 and the pressurizing device 230 are separated, they are connected, for example, via a conveying unit (e.g., a belt conveyor) that conveys the laminate P2.

[0176] The printing manufacturing system of this embodiment may also include a cutting unit for cutting the recording medium to a predetermined size. Examples of cutting units include: a cutting unit disposed between the placement unit 150 and the pressing unit 200 that cuts off a portion of the applied recording medium P1; a cutting unit disposed between the laminate forming apparatus 220 and the pressing apparatus 230 that cuts off a portion of the laminate P2; a cutting unit disposed downstream of the pressing unit 200 that cuts off a portion of the printed material P3; and so on.

[0177] The printing manufacturing system of this embodiment is not limited to a single-sheet device. The printing manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment may also be an apparatus in which a strip of printed material is formed by performing a configuration process and a pressing process on a strip of recording medium, and then the strip of printed material is cut into a predetermined size.

[0178] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the printing system of this embodiment. Figure 4The illustrated printing manufacturing system includes: a placement unit 100 that accommodates specific particles, having a placement part that applies the specific particles to at least a portion of the edge and bend of the recording medium, and an adhesive part that adheres the specific particles to the recording medium; and a pressing unit 200 disposed downstream of the placement unit 100, including a pressing part that presses together a laminate formed by overlapping two or more recording media containing the adhered recording media. Arrows indicate the rotation direction of the photoreceptor or the transport direction of the recording medium.

[0179] The configuration unit 100 is a direct transfer apparatus that uses a developer containing specific particles and electrophotographic methods to configure these specific particles onto a recording medium P. The recording medium P, for example, has an image pre-formed on one or both sides.

[0180] The configuration unit 100 includes a photoreceptor 101. Around the photoreceptor 101 are arranged in sequence: a charging roller (an example of a charging unit) 102, which charges the surface of the photoreceptor 101; an exposure device (an example of an electrostatic image forming unit) 103, which uses a laser beam to expose the charged surface of the photoreceptor 101 to form an electrostatic image; a developing device (an example of a developing unit) 104, which supplies specific particles to the electrostatic image to develop the electrostatic image and form a specific particle area; a transfer roller (an example of a transfer unit) 105, which transfers the specific particle area formed by development onto a recording medium P; and a photoreceptor cleaning device (an example of a cleaning unit) 106, which removes the specific particles remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 101 after the transfer.

[0181] The operation of the configuration unit 100 in configuring specific particles on the recording medium P will be described.

[0182] First, the surface of the photoreceptor 101 is charged using the charging roller 102. Based on image data sent from a control unit (not shown), a laser beam is irradiated onto the surface of the charged photoreceptor 101 by the exposure device 103. As a result, an electrostatic image of a specific particle configuration pattern is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 101.

[0183] The electrostatic image formed on the photoreceptor 101 rotates to the developing position as the photoreceptor 101 rotates. At the developing position, the electrostatic image on the photoreceptor 101 is developed by the developing apparatus 104 and becomes a visible specific particle area.

[0184] The developing apparatus 104 contains a developer comprising at least specific particles and a carrier. The specific particles are agitated together with the carrier inside the developing apparatus 104, thereby becoming triboelectrically charged and held on the developer roller. By passing the surface of the photoreceptor 101 through the developing apparatus 104, the specific particles electrostatically adhere to an electrostatic image on the surface of the photoreceptor 101. The electrostatic image is developed by the specific particles, thereby forming a specific particle region. The photoreceptor 101 with the specific particle region formed continues to operate, and the specific particle region formed on the photoreceptor 101 is conveyed to the transfer position.

[0185] When a specific particle area on the photoreceptor 101 is transferred to the transfer position, a transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 105, and an electrostatic force from the photoreceptor 101 to the transfer roller 105 acts on the specific particle area, so that the specific particle area on the photoreceptor 101 is transferred onto the recording medium P.

[0186] Specific particles remaining on the photoreceptor 101 are removed and recovered by the photoreceptor cleaning device 106. The photoreceptor cleaning device 106 is, for example, a cleaning scraper, a cleaning brush, etc. From the viewpoint of suppressing the phenomenon that specific particles remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor in this embodiment flow due to pressure and adhere to the surface of the photoreceptor in a film-like manner, the photoreceptor cleaning device 106 is preferably a cleaning brush.

[0187] The recording medium P, with a specific particle area transferred onto it, is conveyed to the bonding device (an example of a bonding section) 107. The bonding device 107 is, for example, a pair of bonding components (roller / roller, belt / roller). The pressure applied by the bonding device 107 to the recording medium P should be lower than the pressure applied by the pressure device 230 to the recording medium P; specifically, it is preferably 0.2 MPa or more and 1 MPa or less.

[0188] The bonding device 107 may or may not have a heating source (e.g., a halogen heater) for heating the recording medium P. When the bonding device 107 has a heating source, the surface temperature of the recording medium P when heated by the heating source is preferably 150°C to 220°C, more preferably 155°C to 210°C, and even more preferably 160°C to 200°C. It should be noted that the absence of a heating source inside the bonding device 107 does not preclude the possibility that the temperature inside the bonding device 107 may be above ambient temperature due to heat generated by the motor or other components of the configuration unit 100.

[0189] The recording medium P is configured by the configuration unit 100, thereby becoming a post-application recording medium P1 with specific particles applied to a specific area at its edge. The post-application recording medium P1 is then conveyed to the crimping unit 200. Figure 4 The crimping unit 200 in the printing manufacturing system shown can be used with Figure 3The same crimping unit 200 is used in the printing manufacturing system shown.

[0190] In the printing manufacturing system of this embodiment, the configuration unit 100 and the pressing unit 200 can be close together or separated. When the configuration unit 100 and the pressing unit 200 are separated, they are connected, for example, by a transport unit (e.g., a belt conveyor) that transmits the recording medium P1.

[0191] The printing manufacturing system of this embodiment may also include a cutting unit for cutting the recording medium to a predetermined size. Examples of cutting units include: a cutting unit disposed between the placement unit 100 and the pressing unit 200 that cuts off a portion of the applied recording medium P1; a cutting unit disposed between the laminate forming apparatus 220 and the pressure applying apparatus 230 that cuts off a portion of the laminate P2; a cutting unit disposed downstream of the pressing unit 200 that cuts off a portion of the printed material P3; and so on.

[0192] The printing manufacturing system of this embodiment is not limited to a single-sheet device. The printing manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment may also be an apparatus in which a strip of printed material is formed by performing a configuration process and a pressing process on a strip of recording medium, and then the strip of printed material is cut into a predetermined size.

[0193] The printing system of this embodiment may further include a color image forming unit that forms a color image on a recording medium using colored pigments. Examples of color image forming units include: a unit that forms a color ink image on a recording medium using colored ink by inkjet printing, and a unit that forms a color toner image on a recording medium using a colored electrostatic image developer by electrophotography.

[0194] A color image forming unit using inkjet technology may include a liquid printhead that ejects a liquid that is ink. The inkjet-based color image forming unit may be a direct ejection method where the liquid printhead directly ejects liquid onto the recording medium, or an intermediate transfer method where the liquid printhead ejects liquid onto an intermediate transfer medium and transfers the liquid ejected onto the intermediate transfer medium to the recording medium.

[0195] A color image forming unit using an electrophotographic method may include, for example:

[0196] Photoreceptor;

[0197] A charging unit that charges the surface of the aforementioned photoreceptor;

[0198] An electrostatic image forming unit forms an electrostatic image on the surface of the charged photoreceptor;

[0199] The developing unit contains a colored electrostatic image developer, which develops the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor into a colored toner image using the colored electrostatic image developer.

[0200] The transfer unit transfers a colored toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor to the surface of the recording medium; and

[0201] The thermal fixing unit performs thermal fixing on the colored toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium.

[0202] The manufacturing system described above enables the implementation of a method for manufacturing printed matter according to this embodiment. This method further includes a color image forming process for forming a color image on a recording medium using colored pigments. Specifically, examples of the color image forming process include: forming a color ink image on a recording medium using colored ink via inkjet printing; and forming a color toner image on a recording medium using a colored electrostatic image developer via electrophotography.

[0203] Color image forming processes using inkjet technology include, for example, a liquid ejection process that ejects a liquid that is ink. These processes can be either a direct ejection method, where the liquid is ejected directly onto the recording medium, or an intermediate transfer method, where the liquid is ejected onto an intermediate transfer medium and then transferred to the recording medium.

[0204] The process of forming a color image using electrophotography includes, for example:

[0205] The charging process charges the surface of the photoreceptor.

[0206] In the electrostatic image forming process, an electrostatic image is formed on the surface of the charged photoreceptor.

[0207] In the developing process, a colored electrostatic image developer is used to develop the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the above-mentioned photoreceptor into a colored toner image.

[0208] The transfer process transfers the colored toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor to the surface of the recording medium; and

[0209] The thermal fixing process involves thermally fixing the colored toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium.

[0210] The colored image forming unit included in the printing system of this embodiment is, for example, a direct method device for directly forming a colored image on a recording medium; an intermediate transfer method device for forming a colored image on the surface of an intermediate transfer body and transferring the colored image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of the recording medium; a cleaning unit device for cleaning the surface of a photoreceptor after transferring the colored image and before charging, when the colored image is a colored toner image; and a de-energizing unit device for irradiating the surface of the photoreceptor with de-energizing light to de-energize it after transferring the colored image and before charging, when the colored image is a colored toner image; and the like. In an electrophotographic device where the color image forming unit is an intermediate transfer unit, the transfer unit may include, for example, an intermediate transfer body on which a colored toner image is transferred to its surface; a primary transfer unit that transfers the colored toner image formed on the surface of a photoreceptor to the surface of the intermediate transfer body in a primary transfer; and a secondary transfer unit that transfers the colored toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of the recording medium in a secondary transfer.

[0211] In the printing system of this embodiment, when the specific particle placement unit and the colored image forming unit adopt an intermediate transfer method, the placement unit and the colored image forming unit can share an intermediate transfer body and a transfer unit.

[0212] In the printing manufacturing system of this embodiment, if the colored image forming unit has an adhesive device for bonding colored material to the recording medium, the adhesive device in the specific particle placement unit and the adhesive device in the colored image forming unit may share a single adhesive device.

[0213] The following describes an example of a printing system of this embodiment equipped with a color image forming unit, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. In the following description, the main parts shown in the figures will be described, and other descriptions will be omitted.

[0214] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the printing system of this embodiment. Figure 5 The printed material manufacturing system shown includes: a printing unit 500, which simultaneously forms a colored image and applies specific particles to a recording medium by inkjet printing; and a laminating unit 600, which is disposed downstream of the printing unit 500.

[0215] The printing unit 500 includes an inkjet recording head 520 that ejects ink droplets to the recording medium P to form a colored image, as an example of a colored image forming unit.

[0216] Viewed from the inkjet recording head 520, a particle application device 518 is disposed downstream of the recording medium P in the transport direction (arrow direction in the figure) to apply specific particles 516 to the surface of the recording medium P. This is an example of an application unit that applies specific particles at a position corresponding to a specific area of ​​the recording medium.

[0217] Additionally, the printing unit 500 includes: a recording medium receiving section (not shown) for receiving a recording medium P; a conveying section (not shown) for conveying the recording medium P contained in the recording medium receiving section; an adhesive device 564 for adhering ink droplets and specific particles 516 applied to the recording medium P to the recording medium P; and a recording medium discharge section (not shown) for discharging the recording medium P with ink droplets and specific particles 516 adhered to it by the adhesive device 564.

[0218] The bonding device 564 includes: a heating roller 564A, which has a built-in heating source; and a pressure roller 564B, which is disposed opposite to the heating roller 564A.

[0219] The particle supplying device 518 is a device that supplies specific particles 516 to the surface of the recording medium P to form a specific particle region 516A on the surface of the recording medium P.

[0220] In the particle application device 518, a supply roller 518A is provided in the portion opposite to the recording medium P, and specific particles 516 are applied only to the corresponding coating area (i.e., a specific area of ​​the recording medium P).

[0221] Specific particles 516 are supplied to the supply roller 518A and the amount of specific particles 516 imparted to the recording medium P is adjusted (i.e., the layer thickness of the specific particle region 516A imparted in layers on the recording medium P).

[0222] The inkjet recording head 520 comprises an inkjet recording head 520Y that ejects yellow ink droplets from the nozzle, an inkjet recording head 520M that ejects magenta ink droplets from the nozzle, an inkjet recording head 520C that ejects blue-green ink droplets from the nozzle, and an inkjet recording head 520K that ejects black ink droplets from the nozzle. These inkjet recording heads 520 are driven by piezoelectric, thermal, or other methods.

[0223] The inkjet recording head 520 can be a recording head that records images by ejecting droplets onto the recording medium P without moving in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium P, with a recording width greater than or equal to the recorded area. Alternatively, it can be a recording head that records images by ejecting droplets onto the recording medium P while moving in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium P.

[0224] Furthermore, regarding the ink ejected by the inkjet recorder 520, both water-based and oil-based inks can be used, but water-based inks are preferred from an environmental perspective. Water-based inks contain ink solvents (e.g., water, water-soluble organic solvents) in addition to recording materials such as pigments. Other additives may also be included as needed.

[0225] In the printing unit 500, firstly, the recording medium P is conveyed from the recording medium receiving section through the transport section. When it reaches the position of the inkjet recording head 520, ink droplets of various colors are applied to the recording medium P by the inkjet recording head 520, forming a colored image. Next, the recording medium P with the colored image formed is conveyed through the transport section. When it reaches the position of the grain application device 518, specific grains 516 are applied to the recording medium P by the grain application device 518, forming a specific grain area 516A.

[0226] The recording medium P, having formed a colored image and specific grainy areas 516A, continues to be conveyed to the bonding device 564 (an example of a bonding section). The pressure applied to the recording medium P by the bonding device 564 is lower than the pressure applied to the recording medium P by the pressure device 230; specifically, it is preferably 0.2 MPa or more and 1 MPa or less. The surface temperature of the recording medium P when heated by the heating roller 564A of the bonding device 564 is preferably 150°C or more and 220°C or less, more preferably 155°C or more and 210°C or less, and even more preferably 160°C or more and 200°C or less.

[0227] As described above, the recording medium P passes through the printing unit 500, thereby becoming a post-recording medium P7 that forms a colored image and imparts specific grains to a specific area as part of the edge portion.

[0228] Next, the recording medium P7 is transferred to the crimping unit 600.

[0229] and Figure 3 Similarly, the crimping unit 600 shown is a unit that includes a laminate forming device 620 and a pressing device 630 and crimps a laminate P8 formed by overlapping the applied recording medium P7.

[0230] The laminate P8, exiting from the laminate forming apparatus 620, passes between pressure rollers 631 and 632 in the pressure apparatus 630, whereby the overlapping surfaces are bonded together by flowing specific particles to create a printed matter P9. For the printed matter P9, specific areas of two or more recording media are bonded together, and the positions corresponding to these specific areas become the binding section.

[0231] Then, the completed printout P9 is transported out from the pressurizing device 630.

[0232] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the printing system of this embodiment. Figure 6 The printed material manufacturing system shown includes: a printing unit 300, which simultaneously forms a colored image and applies specific grains to a recording medium; and a pressing unit 200, which is disposed downstream of the printing unit 300.

[0233] Printing unit 300 consists of 5 serial printing units with intermediate transfer printing.

[0234] The printing unit 300 includes a unit 10T for imparting specific particles (T), and units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K for forming images of various colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Unit 10T is a particle-imparting unit (i.e., an imparting section) that imparts specific particles to the recording medium P using a developer containing specific particles. Units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are units that form colored images on the recording medium P using a developer containing color toners. Units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K employ an electrophotographic method.

[0235] Units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged side-by-side, spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. Units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K can be processing boxes that are mounted and dismounted in the printing unit 300.

[0236] Below units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, an intermediate transfer belt (an example of an intermediate transfer body) 20 extends through each unit. The intermediate transfer belt 20 is configured to wind around a drive roller 22, a support roller 23, and a counter roller 24 that are in contact with the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and to rotate in a direction from unit 10T to unit 10K. On the image holding surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 20, an intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21 is provided opposite to the drive roller 22.

[0237] Units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are equipped with developing devices (an example of a developing unit) 4T, 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively. Specific particles, yellow toner, magenta toner, blue-green toner, and black toner, contained in cartridges 8T, 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, are supplied to the developing devices 4T, 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively.

[0238] Units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K have the same structure and operation; therefore, unit 10T, which imparts specific particles to the recording medium, will be used as an example for explanation.

[0239] Unit 10T includes a photoreceptor (an example of an image holder) 1T. Around the photoreceptor 1T are arranged in sequence: a charging roller (an example of a charging unit) 2T, which charges the surface of the photoreceptor 1T; an exposure device (an example of an electrostatic image forming unit) 3T, which uses a laser beam to expose the charged surface of the photoreceptor 1T to form an electrostatic image; a developing device (an example of a developing unit) 4T, which supplies specific particles to the electrostatic image to develop the image and form a specific particle area; a primary transfer roller (an example of a primary transfer unit) 5T, which transfers the specific particle area formed by development onto an intermediate transfer belt 20; and a photoreceptor cleaning device (an example of a cleaning unit) 6T, which removes the specific particles remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 1T after the primary transfer. The primary transfer roller 5T is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 20, positioned opposite the photoreceptor 1T.

[0240] The operation of unit 10T is illustrated below, and the operation of imparting specific grains and forming a colored image on the recording medium P is explained.

[0241] First, the surface of the photoreceptor 1T is charged using the charging roller 2T. Based on image data sent from a control unit (not shown), a laser beam is irradiated onto the surface of the charged photoreceptor 1T by the exposure device 3T. This forms an electrostatic image on the surface of the photoreceptor 1T, creating areas of specific particles.

[0242] The electrostatic image formed on the photoreceptor 1T rotates to the developing position as the photoreceptor 1T rotates. At the developing position, the electrostatic image on the photoreceptor 1T is developed by the developing apparatus 4T into a specific particle area.

[0243] The developing apparatus 4T contains a developer comprising at least specific particles and a carrier. The specific particles are agitated together with the carrier inside the developing apparatus 4T, thereby becoming triboelectrically charged and held on the developer rollers. By passing the surface of the photoreceptor 1T through the developing apparatus 4T, the specific particles electrostatically adhere to an electrostatic image on the surface of the photoreceptor 1T. This electrostatic image is developed by the specific particles, thereby forming a specific particle region. The photoreceptor 1T with the specific particle region formed continues to operate, and the specific particle region formed on the photoreceptor 1T is conveyed to a primary transfer position.

[0244] When a specific particle area on the photoreceptor 1T is conveyed to the primary transfer position, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 5T. An electrostatic force from the photoreceptor 1T to the primary transfer roller 5T acts on the specific particle area, transferring it onto the intermediate transfer belt 20. The specific particles remaining on the photoreceptor 1T are removed and recovered by the photoreceptor cleaning device 6T. The photoreceptor cleaning device 6T is, for example, a cleaning scraper or a cleaning brush, preferably a cleaning brush.

[0245] In units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, the same operation as in unit 10T is performed using a developer containing colored toners. The intermediate transfer belt 20, which has a specific grainy area transferred through unit 10T, passes sequentially through units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, and the toner images of each color are transferred multiple times onto the intermediate transfer belt 20.

[0246] The intermediate transfer belt 20, which has been repeatedly transferred with specific particle areas and four toner images in units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, moves towards the secondary transfer section, which consists of the intermediate transfer belt 20, an opposing roller 24 in contact with the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt, and a secondary transfer roller (an example of a secondary transfer unit) 26 disposed on the image holding side of the intermediate transfer belt 20. Meanwhile, the recording medium P is fed by a supply mechanism to the gap between the secondary transfer roller 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 20, and a secondary transfer bias is applied to the opposing roller 24. At this time, the electrostatic force from the intermediate transfer belt 20 to the recording medium P acts on the specific particle areas and toner images, and the specific particle areas and toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 20 are transferred to the recording medium P.

[0247] A recording medium P, on which a specific particle area and toner image are transferred, is conveyed to a heating device (an example of a particle heating unit) 28, which serves as an adhesive part. By being heated by the heating device 28, the colored toner image is thermally fixed onto the recording medium P, while the specific particle area is heated, and the plasticization of the specific particles is promoted.

[0248] From the perspective of suppressing the shedding of specific particles from the recording medium P and improving the fixing properties of the colored toner on the recording medium P, thereby promoting the plasticization of specific particles, the heating device 28 is preferably a device that applies pressure while heating (also called a heating and pressurizing device).

[0249] When the heating device 28 is a heating and pressurizing device, it is preferably equipped with a heating source such as a halogen heater, and includes a pair of rollers that contact and heat the specific particle area and toner image on the recording medium P. By passing the recording medium having the specific particle area and toner image between the rollers, the colored toner image is thermally fixed on the recording medium P, while the specific particle area is heated, and the plasticization of the specific particles is promoted.

[0250] As described above, the recording medium P passes through the printing unit 300, thereby becoming a post-recording medium P4 on which a colored image is formed and specific grains are imparted in specific areas that are bends.

[0251] Next, the recording medium P4 is transferred to the crimping unit 400.

[0252] In the printing system of this embodiment, the printing unit 300 and the pressing unit 400 can be close together or separated.

[0253] When the printing unit 300 and the crimping unit 400 are separated, the printing unit 300 and the crimping unit 400 are connected, for example, by a transport unit (e.g., a belt conveyor) that transmits the recording medium P4.

[0254] The crimping unit 400 is a unit that includes a laminate forming apparatus 420 and a pressing device 230, and crimps a laminate P5 formed by overlapping and bending the applied recording medium P4.

[0255] The lamination forming apparatus 420 creates a lamination P5 by overlapping two or more sheets of the applied recording medium P4 and bending them along the bend line of the applied recording medium P4. The lamination P5 is a state in which specific areas of each recording medium overlap.

[0256] The laminate P5 exiting the laminate forming apparatus 420 is conveyed to the pressurizing apparatus 230.

[0257] The pressurizing device 230 includes, for example, a pair of rollers (i.e., pressurizing rollers 231 and 232). The pressurizing rollers 231 and 232 are spaced apart, and pressure is applied in the thickness direction of the laminate P5 by passing the laminate P5 between the rollers.

[0258] If pressure is applied to the laminate P5 passing through the pressurizing device 230, specific areas of the recording medium are bonded together by specific flowing particles to produce a print P6.

[0259] The completed printout P6 is transported out from the pressurizing unit 230.

[0260] In the printing manufacturing system of this embodiment, the laminate forming apparatus 420 and the pressurizing device 230 can be close together or separated. When the laminate forming apparatus 420 and the pressurizing device 230 are separated, they are connected, for example, via a conveying unit (e.g., a belt conveyor) that conveys the laminate P5.

[0261] Furthermore, the printing manufacturing system of this embodiment may also include a cutting unit for cutting the recording medium to a predetermined size. Examples of cutting units include: a cutting unit disposed between the printing unit 300 and the pressing unit 400 that cuts off a portion of the applied recording medium P4; a cutting unit disposed between the laminate forming apparatus 420 and the pressure applying apparatus 230 that cuts off a portion of the laminate P5; a cutting unit disposed downstream of the pressing unit 400 that cuts off a portion of the printed material P6; and so on.

[0262] It should be noted that, depending on the cutting unit, a portion of the area with specific particles can be cut off, or only the area without specific particles can be cut off.

[0263] The printing system of this embodiment is not limited to a sheet-fed device. The printing system of this embodiment can also be a device that forms a strip of printed material by performing a configuration process and a pressing process on a strip of recording medium, and then cuts the strip of printed material into a predetermined size.

[0264] <Specific particles>

[0265] The specific particles in this embodiment contain at least master particles and, if necessary, additives.

[0266] That is, a specific particle contains a master particle that comprises a styrene-based resin and a (meth)acrylate-based resin, wherein the styrene-based resin contains styrene and other vinyl monomers in the polymerization composition, and the (meth)acrylate-based resin contains at least two (meth)acrylates in the polymerization composition and the (meth)acrylates account for more than 90% by mass of the total polymerization composition, and has at least two glass transition temperatures, wherein the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures is more than 30°C. Such a particle is described.

[0267] [Master Particles]

[0268] [Adhesive Resin]

[0269] For the masterbatch, the binder resin includes a styrene-based resin and a (meth)acrylate-based resin, wherein the styrene-based resin contains styrene and other vinyl monomers in the polymerization composition, and the (meth)acrylate-based resin contains at least two (meth)acrylates in the polymerization composition and the (meth)acrylates account for more than 90% by mass of the total polymerization composition.

[0270] Hereinafter, "styrene-based resins containing styrene and other vinyl monomers in the polymer composition" will also be referred to as "specific styrene-based resins", and "(meth)acrylate-based resins containing at least two (meth)acrylates in the polymer composition and whose (meth)acrylates account for more than 90% by mass of the total polymer composition" will also be referred to as "specific (meth)acrylate-based resins".

[0271] From the perspective of maintaining the adhesion generated by compression bonding, the masterbatch preferably contains more of a specific styrene-based resin than a specific (meth)acrylate-based resin. The content of the specific styrene-based resin is preferably 55% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or more and 75% by mass or less, and even more preferably 65% ​​by mass or more and 70% by mass or less, relative to the total content of the specific styrene-based resin and the specific (meth)acrylate-based resin.

[0272] -Specific styrene-based resins-

[0273] The master particles that make up the specific particles contain a specific styrene-based resin that includes styrene and other vinyl monomers in the polymer composition.

[0274] From the perspective of suppressing the flow of specific particles in an unpressurized state, the mass percentage of styrene in the total polymeric component of the specific styrene-based resin is preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, and even more preferably 75% by mass or more.

[0275] From the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, the mass percentage of styrene in the total polymeric component of a specific styrene-based resin is preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 85% by mass or less.

[0276] That is, the mass percentage of styrene in the total polymer components of a specific styrene-based resin is preferably 60% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less.

[0277] Other vinyl monomers besides styrene (hereinafter also referred to as other vinyl monomers) included in the polymerization components of a particular styrene-based resin can be exemplified by, for example, styrene monomers and acrylic monomers.

[0278] Examples of styrene monomers among other vinyl monomers include vinylnaphthalene; alkyl-substituted styrene such as α-methylstyrene, o-methylstyrene, m-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, p-ethylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, p-n-butylstyrene, p-tert-butylstyrene, p-n-hexylstyrene, p-n-octylstyrene, p-n-nonylstyrene, p-n-decylstyrene, and p-n-dodecylstyrene; aryl-substituted styrene such as p-phenylstyrene; alkoxy-substituted styrene such as p-methoxystyrene; halogen-substituted styrene such as p-chlorostyrene, 3,4-dichlorostyrene, p-fluorostyrene, and 2,5-difluorostyrene; and nitro-substituted styrene such as m-nitrostyrene, o-nitrostyrene, and p-nitrostyrene; etc.

[0279] These styrene monomers can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0280] As an acrylic monomer among other vinyl monomers, at least one acrylic monomer selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylates is preferred. Examples of (meth)acrylates include alkyl (meth)acrylates, carboxyl-substituted alkyl (meth)acrylates, hydroxyl-substituted alkyl (meth)acrylates, alkoxy-substituted alkyl (meth)acrylates, and di(meth)acrylates.

[0281] These acrylic monomers can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0282] Examples of alkyl methacrylates include methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, n-hexyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, dicyclopentyl methacrylate, and isobornyl methacrylate.

[0283] Examples of carboxyl-substituted alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid include 2-carboxyethyl (meth)acrylic acid.

[0284] Examples of hydroxylated alkyl esters of (meth)acrylate include 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, and 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate.

[0285] Examples of alkoxy-substituted alkyl esters of (meth)acrylate include 2-methoxyethyl ester of (meth)acrylate.

[0286] Examples of di(meth)acrylates include ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, butanediol di(meth)acrylate, pentanediol di(meth)acrylate, hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, and decanediol di(meth)acrylate.

[0287] Examples of (meth)acrylates include 2-(diethylamino)ethyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, and methoxy polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate.

[0288] Other vinyl monomers included in the polymerization components of a specific styrene-based resin, besides styrene monomers and acrylic monomers, include, for example, (meth)acrylonitrile; vinyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether and vinyl isobutyl ether; vinyl ketones such as vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl ethyl ketone, and vinyl isopropenyl ketone; and olefins such as isoprene, butene, and butadiene.

[0289] For a particular styrene-based resin, from the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, other vinyl monomers included as polymerizing components preferably include (meth)acrylates, more preferably include (meth)acrylates, even more preferably include (meth)acrylates containing alkyl carbon atoms of alkyl groups of 2 to 10, and even more preferably include (meth)acrylates containing alkyl groups of 4 to 8.

[0290] For a particular styrene-based resin, from the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, other vinyl monomers included as polymerizing components are particularly preferably at least one of n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

[0291] From the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, the specific styrene-based resin and the specific (meth)acrylate-based resin described later preferably contain the same (meth)acrylate as a polymerization component.

[0292] From the perspective of suppressing the flow of specific particles in an unpressurized state, the mass percentage of (meth)acrylate in the total polymer component of the specific styrene-based resin is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 25% by mass or less. From the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, it is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 15% by mass or more. As the (meth)acrylate here, alkyl (meth)acrylate is preferred, more preferably alkyl (meth)acrylate with 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, and even more preferably alkyl (meth)acrylate with 4 to 8 carbon atoms in the alkyl group.

[0293] The styrene-based resin particularly preferably contains at least one of n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate as a polymerization component. From the viewpoint of suppressing the flow of particles in an unpressurized state, the total amount of n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate in the total polymerization component of the styrene-based resin is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 25% by mass or less. From the viewpoint of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, it is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 15% by mass or more.

[0294] From the perspective of suppressing the flow of specific particles in an unpressurized state, the weight-average molecular weight of the specific styrene-based resin is preferably 3,000 or more, more preferably 4,000 or more, and even more preferably 5,000 or more. From the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, it is preferably 60,000 or less, more preferably 55,000 or less, and even more preferably 50,000 or less.

[0295] In this application, the weight-average molecular weight of the resin was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For the GPC-based molecular weight determination, a Tosoh HLC-8120GPC was used as the GPC apparatus, a Tosoh TSKgel SuperHM-M (15 cm) column was used as the chromatographic column, and tetrahydrofuran was used as the solvent. The weight-average molecular weight of the resin was calculated using a molecular weight calibration curve prepared from monodisperse polystyrene standard samples.

[0296] From the perspective of suppressing the flow of specific particles in an unpressurized state, the glass transition temperature of the specific styrene-based resin is preferably 30°C or higher, more preferably 40°C or higher, and even more preferably 50°C or higher. From the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, it is preferably 110°C or lower, more preferably 100°C or lower, and even more preferably 90°C or lower.

[0297] In this application, the glass transition temperature of the resin is determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves. More specifically, it is determined by extrapolating the glass transition onset temperature as described in JIS K7121:1987 "Method for determination of glass transition temperature of plastics".

[0298] The glass transition temperature of a resin is controlled by the type and ratio of polymerizing components. The glass transition temperature tends to be lower with a higher density of soft units such as methylene, ethylene, and vinyl oxide in the main chain, and higher with a higher density of rigid units such as aromatic rings and cyclohexane rings in the main chain. Additionally, the glass transition temperature tends to be lower with a higher density of aliphatic groups in the side chains.

[0299] From the perspective of suppressing the flow of specific particles in an unpressurized state, the mass percentage of the specific styrene-based resin in the total parent particles in this embodiment is preferably 55% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, and even more preferably 65% ​​by mass or more. From the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, it is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 75% by mass or less, and even more preferably 70% by mass or less.

[0300] -Specific (meth)acrylate resins-

[0301] The master particles constituting a specific particle contain a (meth)acrylate resin that contains at least two (meth)acrylates in the polymer composition and the (meth)acrylates account for more than 90% by mass of the total polymer composition.

[0302] The mass percentage of (meth)acrylate in the total polymer component of (meth)acrylate resin is 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95% by mass or more, even more preferably 98% by mass or more, and even more preferably 100% by mass.

[0303] Examples of (meth)acrylates include alkyl (meth)acrylates, carboxyl-substituted alkyl (meth)acrylates, hydroxyl-substituted alkyl (meth)acrylates, alkoxy-substituted alkyl (meth)acrylates, and di(meth)acrylates.

[0304] Examples of alkyl methacrylates include methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, n-hexyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, dicyclopentyl methacrylate, and isobornyl methacrylate.

[0305] Examples of carboxyl-substituted alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid include 2-carboxyethyl (meth)acrylic acid.

[0306] Examples of hydroxylated alkyl esters of (meth)acrylate include 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, and 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate.

[0307] Examples of alkoxy-substituted alkyl esters of (meth)acrylate include 2-methoxyethyl ester of (meth)acrylate.

[0308] Examples of di(meth)acrylates include ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, butanediol di(meth)acrylate, pentanediol di(meth)acrylate, hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, and decanediol di(meth)acrylate. Examples of alkyl (meth)acrylates include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)methacrylate, n-hexyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentyl (meth)acrylate, and isobornyl (meth)acrylate.

[0309] Examples of carboxyl-substituted alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid include 2-carboxyethyl (meth)acrylic acid.

[0310] Examples of hydroxylated alkyl esters of (meth)acrylate include 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, and 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate.

[0311] Examples of alkoxy-substituted alkyl esters of (meth)acrylate include 2-methoxyethyl ester of (meth)acrylate.

[0312] Examples of di(meth)acrylates include ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, butanediol di(meth)acrylate, pentanediol di(meth)acrylate, hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, and decanediol di(meth)acrylate.

[0313] Examples of (meth)acrylates include 2-(diethylamino)ethyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, and methoxy polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate.

[0314] (Meth)acrylates can be used alone or in combination with two or more.

[0315] As for (meth)acrylates, from the perspective of forming specific particles that are easy to undergo phase change due to pressure and have excellent adhesion generated by compression, alkyl (meth)acrylates are preferred, alkyl (meth)acrylates with 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl group are more preferred, alkyl (meth)acrylates with 4 to 8 carbon atoms in the alkyl group are even more preferred, and n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate are particularly preferred.

[0316] As described above, from the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, specific (meth)acrylate resins and specific styrene resins preferably contain the same type of (meth)acrylate as a polymerization component.

[0317] From the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure and have excellent adhesion due to compression, the mass percentage of (meth)acrylate alkyl esters in the total polymeric components of the specific (meth)acrylate resin is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95% by mass or more, further preferably 98% by mass or more, and even more preferably 100% by mass. As the (meth)acrylate alkyl ester here, it is preferable to have an alkyl acrylate alkyl group with 2 or more but less than 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably to have an alkyl acrylate alkyl group with 4 or more but less than 8 carbon atoms.

[0318] From the perspective of forming specific particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure and have excellent adhesion produced by compression, the mass ratio of the two (meth)acrylates included as polymerizing components in a specific (meth)acrylate resin that have the highest mass proportion is preferably 80:20 to 20:80, more preferably 70:30 to 30:70, and even more preferably 60:40 to 40:60.

[0319] In a specific (meth)acrylate resin, the two (meth)acrylates comprising at least two (meth)acrylates in the polymer composition that have the highest mass proportion are preferably alkyl (meth)acrylates. As the alkyl (meth)acrylates here, it is preferable that the alkyl group has 2 or more but less than 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably that the alkyl group has 4 or more but less than 8 carbon atoms.

[0320] When the two alkyl methacrylates contained as polymerizing components in a specific methacrylate resin are alkyl methacrylates and are the two with the highest mass proportions among the at least two methacrylates, from the viewpoint of forming specific particles that are easy to transfer under pressure and have excellent adhesion generated by compression, the difference in the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl groups of the two alkyl methacrylates is preferably 1 to 4, more preferably 2 to 4, and even more preferably 3 or 4.

[0321] From the perspective of forming specific particles that readily undergo phase change under pressure and exhibit excellent adhesion resulting from compression bonding, the specific (meth)acrylate resin preferably includes n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate as polymerization components. Particularly preferred are n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, which constitute the majority of the mass proportions of the at least two (meth)acrylates included as polymerization components in the (meth)acrylate resin. The total amount of n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate in the total polymerization components of the (meth)acrylate resin is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95% by mass or more, further preferably 98% by mass or more, and even more preferably 100% by mass.

[0322] Certain (meth)acrylate resins may also contain vinyl monomers other than (meth)acrylates in their polymer composition.

[0323] Examples of vinyl monomers other than (meth)acrylates include (meth)acrylic acid; styrene; styrene monomers other than styrene; (meth)acrylonitrile; vinyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether and vinyl isobutyl ether; vinyl ketones such as vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl ethyl ketone, and vinyl isopropenyl ketone; and alkenes such as isoprene, butene, and butadiene. These vinyl monomers can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0324] When a specific (meth)acrylate resin contains vinyl monomers other than (meth)acrylates in its polymerization composition, the vinyl monomers other than (meth)acrylates are preferably at least one of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and more preferably acrylic acid.

[0325] From the perspective of suppressing the flow of particles in an unpressurized state, the weight-average molecular weight of the specific (meth)acrylate resin is preferably 100,000 or more, more preferably 120,000 or more, and even more preferably 150,000 or more. From the perspective of forming particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, it is preferably 250,000 or less, more preferably 220,000 or less, and even more preferably 200,000 or less.

[0326] From the perspective of forming particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, the glass transition temperature of the specific (meth)acrylate resin is preferably 10°C or less, more preferably 0°C or less, and even more preferably -10°C or less. From the perspective of suppressing the flow of particles in an unpressurized state, it is preferably -90°C or more, more preferably -80°C or more, and even more preferably -70°C or more.

[0327] From the perspective of forming particles that are prone to phase change due to pressure, the mass percentage of the specific (meth)acrylate resin in the total master particles in this embodiment is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 25% by mass or more, and even more preferably 30% by mass or more. From the perspective of suppressing the flow of particles in an unpressurized state, it is preferably 45% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, and even more preferably 35% by mass or less.

[0328] In this embodiment, the total amount of the specific styrene-based resin and the specific (meth)acrylate-based resin contained in the masterbatch is preferably 70% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, further preferably 90% by mass or more, further preferably 95% by mass or more, and further preferably 100% by mass relative to the total masterbatch.

[0329] Depending on the requirements, the masterbatch may also contain, for example, non-vinyl resins such as polystyrene, epoxy resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, cellulose resin, polyether resin, and modified rosin; etc.

[0330] These resins can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0331] [Other ingredients]

[0332] The masterbatch can contain other ingredients as needed.

[0333] Other components include colorants (e.g., pigments, dyes), anti-sticking agents (e.g., hydrocarbon waxes; natural waxes such as carnauba wax, rice bran wax, and candelilla wax; synthetic or mineral / petroleum-based waxes such as lignite wax; ester waxes such as fatty acid esters and lignite esters), and charge control agents.

[0334] Specific particles can contain colorants within the range of visibility of a non-destructive image.

[0335] From the perspective of improving the transparency of specific particles, the lower the content of colorant in the master particles, the better. Specifically, the content of colorant relative to the total master particles is preferably 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, further preferably 0.01% by mass or less, and particularly preferably not contained.

[0336] It should be noted that certain particles can be transparent.

[0337] In this embodiment, "transparency" means that the average light transmittance of the visible region (400nm to 700nm) of the area with the specific particles is 10% or more, preferably 50% or more, more preferably 80% or more, and even more preferably 90% or more.

[0338] The average transmittance mentioned above was measured using a V700 spectrophotometer (manufactured by Japan Spectrophotometer Co., Ltd.).

[0339] -Structure of the parent material-

[0340] The internal structure of the master particle is preferably an island structure.

[0341] As an island structure, a preferred island structure is one having a marine phase containing one of two or more binding resins, and an island phase containing another resin dispersed within that marine phase. More specifically, from the perspective of ease of phase transformation due to pressure, a preferred island structure is one having a marine phase containing a specific styrene-based resin, and an island phase containing a specific (meth)acrylate-based resin dispersed within that marine phase. Details of the specific styrene-based resin contained in the marine phase and the (meth)acrylate-based resin contained in the island phase are as described above. It should be noted that an island phase not containing a (meth)acrylate-based resin may also be dispersed in the marine phase.

[0342] When the master particles have an island structure, the average diameter of the island phase is preferably 200 nm or more and 500 nm or less. When the average diameter of the island phase is 500 nm or less, the master particles are more prone to phase transition due to pressure. When the average diameter of the island phase is 200 nm or more, the required mechanical strength of the master particles (e.g., the strength to resist deformation during stirring in a developer) is excellent. Based on these aspects, the average diameter of the island phase is more preferably 220 nm or more and 450 nm or less, and even more preferably 250 nm or more and 400 nm or less.

[0343] As a method for controlling the average diameter of the island phase in the island structure to be within the aforementioned range, examples include: increasing or decreasing the amount of a specific (meth)acrylate resin relative to the amount of a specific styrene resin in the method for manufacturing master particles described later; increasing or decreasing the time of maintaining a high temperature in the process of melting and combining the agglomerated resin particles; etc.

[0344] The confirmation of island structures and the determination of the average diameter of island facies were carried out by the following methods.

[0345] Specific particles were embedded in epoxy resin, and sections were prepared using a diamond scalpel. The sections were then stained with osmium tetroxide or ruthenium tetroxide in a desiccator. The stained sections were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The presence or absence of island structures was determined by the varying degrees of staining with osmium tetroxide or ruthenium tetroxide resin, which was used to confirm the presence of island structures. One hundred island phases were randomly selected from the SEM images, and the major axis of each island phase was measured. The average of the 100 major axes was taken as the average diameter.

[0346] The master particles can be single-layered or core-shell structured. From the perspective of suppressing the flow of specific particles in an unpressurized state, the master particles are preferably core-shell structured.

[0347] When the parent particles have a core-shell structure, from the perspective of ease with which a phase change occurs due to pressure, the core preferably contains a specific styrene-based resin and a specific (meth)acrylate-based resin. Furthermore, from the perspective of suppressing the flow of specific particles in an unpressurized state, the shell preferably contains a specific styrene-based resin.

[0348] When the masterbatch has a core-shell structure, the core preferably has a marine phase containing a specific styrene-based resin and an island phase containing a specific (meth)acrylate-based resin dispersed in the marine phase. The average diameter of the island phase is preferably within the range described above. Furthermore, in addition to the core having the above-described structure, the shell layer preferably contains a specific styrene-based resin. In this case, the marine phase in the core and the shell layer have a continuous structure, making the masterbatch prone to phase transition due to pressure.

[0349] Examples of resins included in the shell include: polystyrene; epoxy resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, cellulose resin, polyether resin, modified rosin, and other non-vinyl resins; etc.

[0350] These resins can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0351] From the perspective of suppressing the deformation of the parent particles, the average thickness of the shell is preferably 120 nm or more, more preferably 130 nm or more, and even more preferably 140 nm or more. From the perspective of the parent particles being prone to phase transition due to pressure, it is preferably 550 nm or less, more preferably 500 nm or less, and even more preferably 400 nm or less.

[0352] The average thickness of the shell was determined by the following method.

[0353] The particles were embedded in epoxy resin, and sections were prepared using a diamond scalpel. The sections were then stained with osmium tetroxide or ruthenium tetroxide in a desiccator. The stained sections were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Ten cross-sections of the parent particle were randomly selected from the SEM images. For each parent particle, the thickness of the shell was measured at 20 locations, and the average value was calculated. This average value of the ten parent particles was taken as the average thickness.

[0354] From the perspective of ease of processing the masterbatch, the volume average particle size (D50v) of the masterbatch is preferably 4 μm or more, more preferably 5 μm or more, and even more preferably 6 μm or more. The volume average particle size of the masterbatch is preferably 15 μm or less, more preferably 12 μm or less, and even more preferably 10 μm or less.

[0355] The volume average particle size (D50v) of the masterbatch was determined using a Coulter Multisizer II (Beckman Coulter) with a pore size of 100 μm. Masterbatch particles of 0.5 mg to 50 mg were added to 2 mL of a 5% (w / w) aqueous solution of sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate and dispersed. Then, the mixture was combined with 100 mL to 150 mL of electrolyte (ISOTON-II, Beckman Coulter) and dispersed using an ultrasonic disperser for 1 minute. The resulting dispersion was used as the sample. The particle size of 50,000 particles with a diameter of 2 μm to 60 μm in the sample was measured. The particle size that cumulatively reaches 50% of the particle size distribution on a volume basis, measured from the smallest diameter side, was defined as the volume average particle size (D50v).

[0356] [Additives]

[0357] Examples of additives include inorganic particles. Examples of inorganic particles include SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, CuO, ZnO, SnO2, CeO2, Fe2O3, MgO, BaO, CaO, K2O, Na2O, ZrO2, CaO·SiO2, K2O·(TiO2)n, Al2O3·2SiO2, CaCO3, MgCO3, BaSO4, and MgSO4.

[0358] The surface of the inorganic particles, used as an additive, can be hydrophobically treated. This hydrophobic treatment can be performed, for example, by impregnating the inorganic particles with a hydrophobic agent. There are no particular limitations on the hydrophobic agent; examples include silane-based coupling agents, silicone oils, titanate-based coupling agents, and aluminum-based coupling agents. These can be used alone or in combination. The amount of the hydrophobic agent is, for example, between 1 and 10 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the inorganic particles.

[0359] Examples of additives include resin particles (such as polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, and melamine resin particles) and cleaning surfactants (such as metal salts of higher fatty acids, such as zinc stearate, and particles of fluorinated high molecular weight compounds).

[0360] The amount of additive added relative to the masterbatch is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less.

[0361] [Specific particle characteristics]

[0362] When a particular particle has at least two glass transition temperatures, it is presumed that one of the glass transition temperatures is derived from the glass transition temperature of one of the two or more adhesive resins, and the other is derived from the glass transition temperature of another of the two or more adhesive resins. As described above, when the adhesive resin comprises a specific styrene-based resin and a specific (meth)acrylate-based resin, it is presumed that one of the glass transition temperatures is the glass transition temperature of the specific styrene-based resin, and the other is derived from the glass transition temperature of the specific (meth)acrylate-based resin.

[0363] A particular particle may also have more than three glass transition temperatures, but the number of glass transition temperatures is preferably two. A way to have two glass transition temperatures is as follows: the resin contained in the particular particle is only in the form of a specific styrene-based resin and a specific (meth)acrylate-based resin; or the content of other resins that are not the specific styrene-based resin and the specific (meth)acrylate-based resin is low (e.g., the content of other resins is 5% by mass or less relative to the total content of the particular particle).

[0364] The specific particles have at least two glass transition temperatures, with the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures being 30°C or more. From the perspective of the particles readily undergoing phase transitions due to pressure, the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures is more preferably 40°C or more, further preferably 50°C or more, and even more preferably 60°C or more. The upper limit of the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures is, for example, 140°C or less, 130°C or less, or 120°C or less.

[0365] From the perspective that particles are prone to phase transition due to pressure, the lowest glass transition temperature exhibited by a particular particle is preferably below 10°C, more preferably below 0°C, and even more preferably below -10°C. From the perspective of suppressing the flow of particles in an unpressurized state, it is preferably above -90°C, more preferably above -80°C, and even more preferably above -70°C.

[0366] From the perspective of suppressing the flow of particles in an unpressurized state, the highest glass transition temperature exhibited by a particular particle is preferably 30°C or higher, more preferably 40°C or higher, and even more preferably 50°C or higher. From the perspective of the particles being prone to phase change due to pressure, it is preferably 70°C or lower, more preferably 65°C or lower, and even more preferably 60°C or lower.

[0367] In this application, the glass transition temperature of specific particles is determined as follows: A plate-shaped sample prepared by compressing resin particles is used, and the temperature is determined from the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). More specifically, it is determined by extrapolating the glass transition onset temperature as described in JIS K7121:1987 "Method for determining the transition temperature of plastics".

[0368] A specific particle is a particle that undergoes a phase change due to pressure, and it satisfies the following equation 1.

[0369] Equation 1···10℃≤T1-T2

[0370] In Equation 1, T1 is the temperature at which the viscosity is 10000 Pa·s under a pressure of 1 MPa, and T2 is the temperature at which the viscosity is 10000 Pa·s under a pressure of 10 MPa. The methods for calculating T1 and T2 are described below.

[0371] From the perspective that particles are prone to phase change due to pressure, the temperature difference (T1-T2) is 10°C or more, preferably 15°C or more, and more preferably 20°C or more. From the perspective of suppressing the flow of specific particles in an unpressurized state, the temperature difference is preferably 120°C or less, more preferably 100°C or less, and even more preferably 80°C or less.

[0372] The value of T1 is preferably below 140°C, more preferably below 130°C, even more preferably below 120°C, and even more preferably below 115°C. The lower limit of temperature T1 is preferably above 80°C, more preferably above 85°C.

[0373] The value of T2 is preferably 40°C or higher, more preferably 50°C or higher, and even more preferably 60°C or higher. The upper limit of temperature T2 is preferably 85°C or lower.

[0374] As an indicator of how easily specific particles undergo a phase transition under pressure, the temperature difference (T1-T3) between the temperature T1 at which the viscosity is 10000 Pa·s under 1 MPa pressure and the temperature T3 at which the viscosity is 10000 Pa·s under 4 MPa pressure can be used. The temperature difference (T1-T3) is preferably 5°C or more. The temperature difference (T1-T2) is typically 25°C or less.

[0375] For a specific particle, from the perspective of its ease of undergoing a phase change due to pressure, the temperature difference (T1-T2) is preferably 5°C or more, and more preferably 10°C or more.

[0376] It should be noted that the upper limit of the temperature difference (T1-T3) is usually below 25℃.

[0377] For a specific particle, from the perspective of a temperature difference (T1-T3) of 5°C or more, the temperature T3 at which the viscosity of 10000 Pa·s is displayed under a pressure of 4 MPa is preferably 90°C or less, more preferably 85°C or less, and even more preferably 80°C or less. The lower limit of temperature T3 is preferably 60°C or more.

[0378] The method for determining temperatures T1, T2, and T3 is as follows.

[0379] Granular samples were prepared by compressing specific particles. The granular samples were placed in a flow testing apparatus (Shimadzu CFT-500), and the applied pressure was fixed at 1 MPa. The viscosity at 1 MPa relative to temperature was measured. From the obtained viscosity curve, it was determined that the viscosity reaches 10 at an applied pressure of 1 MPa. 4 Temperature T1 is determined at a pressure of 1 MPa per 10 MPa. Temperature T2 is determined using the same method as for temperature T1, except that the applied pressure is changed from 1 MPa to 4 MPa. The temperature difference (T1-T2) is calculated from temperatures T1 and T2. The temperature difference (T1-T3) is calculated from temperatures T1 and T3.

[0380] [Manufacturing method for specific particles]

[0381] Specific particles are obtained by adding additives to the outside of the master particles after they have been manufactured.

[0382] Masterbatch can be manufactured by any of the following methods: dry manufacturing (e.g., mixing and pulverizing) or wet manufacturing (e.g., agglomeration polymerization, suspension polymerization, dissolution suspension polymerization). There are no particular limitations on these methods; well-known methods can be used. Among these, agglomeration polymerization can be used to obtain masterbatch.

[0383] The following will illustrate a method for manufacturing master particles using the agglomeration and unification method.

[0384] In the case of manufacturing master particles by agglomeration and unification, the master particles are manufactured, for example, through the following steps:

[0385] The process of preparing a styrene-based resin particle dispersion containing styrene-based resin particles with a specific styrene-based resin (styrene-based resin particle dispersion preparation process).

[0386] The process of polymerizing a specific (meth)acrylate resin in a styrene-based resin particle dispersion to form composite resin particles containing a specific styrene-based resin and a specific (meth)acrylate resin (composite resin particle forming process).

[0387] The process of agglomerating composite resin particles in a composite resin particle dispersion to form agglomerated particles (agglomerated particle formation process); and

[0388] The process of heating a dispersion of agglomerated particles to fuse and combine the agglomerated particles into a single particle (fusion and combination process).

[0389] The following is a detailed explanation of each process.

[0390] The following description illustrates a method for obtaining masterbatch without anti-sticking agents. Anti-sticking agents and other additives may be used as needed.

[0391] If the master particles contain colorants and / or anti-sticking agents, in the process of forming aggregated particles, the colorant particle dispersion and / or anti-sticking agent particle dispersion are mixed together with the composite resin particle dispersion to agglomerate the composite resin particles with the colorant and / or anti-sticking agent to form aggregated particles.

[0392] The colorant particle dispersion and the anti-sticking agent particle dispersion are prepared by, for example, mixing the colorant or anti-sticking agent with a dispersion medium and then dispersing it using a known disperser.

[0393] -Preparation process for styrene-based resin particle dispersion-

[0394] In the preparation process of styrene-based resin particle dispersion, a styrene-based resin particle dispersion containing styrene-based resin particles of a specific styrene-based resin is prepared.

[0395] Styrene-based resin particle dispersions are, for example, dispersions in which styrene-based resin particles are dispersed in a dispersion medium using surfactants.

[0396] Examples of dispersion media include aqueous media such as water and alcohols. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0397] Examples of surfactants include anionic surfactants such as sulfate esters, sulfonates, phosphate esters, and soaps; cationic surfactants such as amine salts and quaternary ammonium salts; and nonionic surfactants such as polyethylene glycols, alkylphenol ethylene oxide adducts, and polyols. Nonionic surfactants can be used in combination with anionic or cationic surfactants. Among these, anionic surfactants are preferred. A single surfactant can be used, or two or more can be used in combination.

[0398] As a method for dispersing styrene-based resin particles in a dispersion medium, for example, the following method can be used: mixing a specific styrene-based resin with a dispersion medium and stirring it using a rotary shear homogenizer, a ball mill with a media, a sand mill, a Dinot mill, etc., to disperse it.

[0399] Another method for dispersing styrene-based resin particles in a dispersion medium is emulsion polymerization. Specifically, a specific styrene-based resin polymerization component is mixed with a chain transfer agent or polymerization initiator, and then further mixed with an aqueous medium containing a surfactant. The mixture is stirred to prepare an emulsion, in which the styrene-based resin is polymerized. In this case, dodecyl mercaptan is preferably used as the chain transfer agent.

[0400] The volume average particle size of the styrene-based resin particles dispersed in the styrene-based resin particle dispersion is preferably 100 nm or more and 250 nm or less, more preferably 120 nm or more and 220 nm or less, and even more preferably 150 nm or more and 200 nm or less.

[0401] Regarding the volume average particle size of the resin particles contained in the resin particle dispersion, the particle size is measured using a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring device (e.g., Horiba Manufacturing Co., Ltd. LA-700). The particle size that accumulates to 50% in the volume-based particle size distribution measured from the small diameter side is taken as the volume average particle size (D50v).

[0402] The content of styrene-based resin particles in the styrene-based resin particle dispersion is preferably 30% to 60% by mass, more preferably 40% to 50% by mass, relative to the total mass of the styrene-based resin particle dispersion.

[0403] -Composite resin particle formation process-

[0404] In the composite resin particle forming process, a specific (meth)acrylate resin is polymerized in a styrene-based resin particle dispersion to form composite resin particles containing a specific styrene-based resin and a specific (meth)acrylate resin.

[0405] In the composite resin particle forming process, a styrene-based resin particle dispersion is mixed with a polymerizing component of a specific (meth)acrylate resin, and the specific (meth)acrylate resin is polymerized in the styrene-based resin particle dispersion to form composite resin particles containing the specific styrene-based resin and the specific (meth)acrylate resin.

[0406] The composite resin particles are preferably resin particles containing a specific styrene-based resin and a specific (meth)acrylate-based resin in a microphase-separated state. These resin particles are manufactured, for example, by the method described below.

[0407] Add the polymerization component of a specific (meth)acrylate resin (containing a monomer group of at least two (meth)acrylates) to a styrene-based resin particle dispersion, and add an aqueous medium as needed. Then, while slowly stirring the dispersion, heat the dispersion to above the glass transition temperature of the specific styrene-based resin (e.g., a temperature 10°C to 30°C higher than the glass transition temperature of the specific styrene-based resin). Next, while maintaining the temperature, slowly add the aqueous medium containing the polymerization initiator dropwise, and continue stirring for an extended period of time, from 1 hour to 15 hours. Ammonium persulfate is preferably used as the polymerization initiator at this time.

[0408] Although the detailed mechanism may not be fully understood, it is speculated that using the above method, the monomer and polymerization initiator will infiltrate the styrene-based resin particles, and a specific (meth)acrylate will polymerize inside the styrene-based resin particles. It is speculated that this will result in composite resin particles containing a specific (meth)acrylate resin inside the styrene-based resin particles, with the specific styrene-based resin and the specific (meth)acrylate resin forming a microphase separation within the particles.

[0409] The volume average particle size of the composite resin particles dispersed in the composite resin particle dispersion is preferably 140 nm or more and 300 nm or less, more preferably 150 nm or more and 280 nm or less, and even more preferably 160 nm or more and 250 nm or less.

[0410] The content of composite resin particles in the composite resin particle dispersion is preferably 20% to 50% by mass, more preferably 30% to 40% by mass, relative to the total mass of the composite resin particle dispersion.

[0411] -Agglomerated particle formation process-

[0412] In the process of forming aggregated particles, the composite resin particles in the dispersion of composite resin particles are aggregated to form aggregated particles.

[0413] Here, in the agglomerated particle formation process, the composite resin particles are agglomerated to form agglomerated particles with a diameter close to that of the target master particle.

[0414] Regarding the process of forming agglomerated particles, specifically, for example, a coagulant is added to the composite resin particle dispersion, and the pH of the composite resin particle dispersion is adjusted to acidic (e.g., pH 2 or higher than pH 5). After adding a dispersing stabilizer as needed, the mixture is heated to a temperature close to the glass transition temperature of a specific styrene-based resin (specifically, for example, a glass transition temperature of -30°C or higher than -10°C for a specific styrene-based resin), causing the composite resin particles to agglomerate and form agglomerated particles.

[0415] In the process of forming aggregated particles, a rotary shear homogenizer can be used to stir the dispersion of composite resin particles. While stirring, a coagulant is added at room temperature (e.g., 25°C) to adjust the pH of the dispersion of composite resin particles to acidic (e.g., pH 2 or higher than 5). After adding a dispersing stabilizer as needed, the mixture is heated.

[0416] Examples of coagulants include surfactants with polarity opposite to that of the surfactants contained in the composite resin particle dispersion, inorganic metal salts, and metal complexes with a polarity of two or higher. When using metal complexes as coagulants, the amount of surfactant required is reduced, and the charging characteristics are improved.

[0417] Depending on the requirements, additives that form complexes or similar bonds with the metal ions of the coagulant can be used together with the coagulant. Chelating agents are preferred as such additives.

[0418] Examples of inorganic metal salts include: calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, barium chloride, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, etc.; inorganic metal salt polymers such as polyaluminum chloride, polyaluminum hydroxide, calcium polysulfide, etc.

[0419] Water-soluble chelating agents can be used. Examples of chelating agents include hydroxycarboxylic acids such as tartaric acid, citric acid, and gluconic acid; aminocarboxylic acids such as iminodiacetic acid (IDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); etc.

[0420] The amount of chelating agent added relative to 100 parts by weight of resin particles is preferably 0.01 parts by weight or more and 5.0 parts by weight or less, more preferably 0.1 parts by weight or more and less than 3.0 parts by weight.

[0421] -Fusion and Integration Process-

[0422] In the fusion and integration process, the dispersion of agglomerated particles is heated to fuse and integrate the agglomerated particles to form master particles.

[0423] In the fusion and integration process, the dispersion of agglomerated particles is heated, for example, to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of a specific styrene-based resin (e.g., a temperature 10°C to 30°C higher than the glass transition temperature of a specific styrene-based resin), so that the agglomerated particles are fused and integrated to form master particles.

[0424] The masterbatch obtained through the above processes typically has an island structure, which consists of a marine phase containing a specific styrene-based resin and an island phase dispersed within the marine phase containing a specific (meth)acrylate-based resin. When the specific styrene-based resin and the specific (meth)acrylate-based resin are in a microphase-separated state within the composite resin particles, it is presumed that during the fusion-integration process, the specific styrene-based resin aggregates to form the marine phase, and the specific (meth)acrylate-based resin aggregates to form the island phase.

[0425] The average diameter of the island phase in the island structure can be controlled, for example, by increasing or decreasing the amount of styrene-based resin particle dispersion or the amount of at least two (meth)acrylates used in the composite resin particle forming process; and by increasing or decreasing the time of maintaining the high temperature in the fusion and bonding process.

[0426] Core-shell structured master particles are manufactured, for example, through the following processes:

[0427] After obtaining the agglomerated particle dispersion (hereinafter also referred to as the first agglomerated particle dispersion containing the first agglomerated particles) in the above-mentioned agglomerated particle forming process, the agglomerated particle dispersion and the styrene-based resin particle dispersion are further mixed, and agglomerated particles are formed by further attaching styrene-based resin particles to the surface of the agglomerated particles in a manner that forms the second agglomerated particles (the second agglomerated particle forming process); and

[0428] The process of heating the dispersion of the second aggregated particles, in which the second aggregated particles are dispersed, to fuse and combine the second aggregated particles to form a core-shell structure of the parent particles (core-shell structure formation process).

[0429] The core-shell structured master particles obtained through the above process have a shell layer containing a specific styrene-based resin.

[0430] Alternatively, a resin particle dispersion containing other types of resin particles can be used instead of a styrene-based resin particle dispersion to form a shell containing other types of resin.

[0431] After the fusion and fusion process is completed, the master particles formed in the liquid are subjected to a known cleaning process, a solid-liquid separation process, and a drying process to obtain dry master particles.

[0432] Regarding the cleaning process, from a rechargeability perspective, it is preferable to fully utilize ion-exchange water for displacement cleaning. From a productivity perspective, for the solid-liquid separation process, it is preferable to implement vacuum filtration, pressure filtration, etc. From a productivity perspective, for the drying process, it is preferable to implement freeze drying, airflow drying, flow drying, vibrating flow drying, etc.

[0433] Alternatively, specific particles can be manufactured, for example, by adding additives to and mixing the obtained dry master particles.

[0434] Mixing can be done using a V-type mixer, Henschel mixer, Loedige mixer, etc.

[0435] In addition, depending on the needs, vibrating screens, pneumatic screens, etc., can be used to remove coarse particles.

[0436] The specific particles can be applied directly or used as an electrostatic image developer. The aforementioned electrostatic image developer can be a single-component developer containing only the specific particles, or a two-component developer containing both the specific particles and a carrier.

[0437] There are no particular limitations on the carrier, and known carriers can be cited as examples. Examples of carriers include: a coated carrier in which resin is coated on the surface of a core material composed of magnetic powder; a magnetic powder dispersion carrier in which magnetic powder is dispersed and mixed in a matrix resin; a resin-impregnated carrier in which resin is impregnated in porous magnetic powder; and so on. Magnetic powder dispersion carriers and resin-impregnated carriers can also be carriers in which the constituent particles of the carrier are used as the core material and the surface is coated with resin.

[0438] Examples of magnetic powders include: magnetic metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt; magnetic oxides such as ferrite and magnetite; etc.

[0439] Examples of resins used for coating and matrix resins include: polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl ether, polyvinyl ketone, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene-acrylate copolymer, linear silicone resins or their modifications comprising organosiloxane bonds, fluoropolymers, polyesters, polycarbonates, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, etc. Other additives, such as conductive particles, may also be included in the coating and matrix resins. Examples of conductive particles include metals such as gold, silver, and copper, carbon black, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, barium sulfate, aluminum borate, potassium titanate, etc.

[0440] To coat the surface of a core material with resin, one method is to dissolve the resin to be coated and various additives (used as needed) in a suitable solvent, and then coat the core material using a solution for forming the resulting coating layer. There are no particular limitations on the solvent; it can be selected based on the type of resin used and its compatibility with coating applications.

[0441] Specific resin coating methods include: impregnation method in which the core material is immersed in a coating layer forming solution; spraying method in which the coating layer forming solution is sprayed onto the surface of the core material; fluidized bed method in which the coating layer forming solution is sprayed while the core material is floating by flowing air; kneading machine method in which the core material of the carrier and the coating layer forming solution are mixed in a kneading machine and then the solvent is removed; etc.

[0442] The preferred mixing ratio (mass ratio) of specific particles and carrier in the two-component developer is particles:carrier = 1:100 to 30:100, more preferably 3:100 to 20:100.

[0443] Example

[0444] The embodiments disclosed in the examples are described in detail below, but the disclosed embodiments are not limited to these embodiments in any way. In the following description, unless otherwise stated, "parts" and "%" are based on mass.

[0445] Preparation of dispersions containing styrene-based resin particles

[0446] [Preparation of styrene-based resin particle dispersion (St1)]

[0447] Styrene: 390 parts

[0448] • n-Butyl acrylate: 100 parts

[0449] Acrylic acid: 10 parts

[0450] • Dodecanethiol: 7.5 parts

[0451] The above components are mixed and dissolved to prepare a monomer solution.

[0452] Eight parts of anionic surfactant (manufax2A1 manufactured by Dow Chemical Company) were dissolved in 205 parts of ion-exchanged water, and the above monomer solution was added to disperse and emulsify to obtain an emulsion.

[0453] 2.2 parts of anionic surfactant (Dowfax2A1 manufactured by Dow Chemical Company) were dissolved in 462 parts of ion-exchanged water and added to a polymerization flask equipped with a stirrer, thermometer, reflux cooling tube and nitrogen inlet tube. The mixture was heated to 73°C while stirring and maintained.

[0454] Dissolve 3 parts of ammonium persulfate in 21 parts of ion-exchange water, and add the solution dropwise to the polymerization flask over 15 minutes using a metering pump. Then, add the emulsion dropwise over 160 minutes using a metering pump.

[0455] Next, while continuing to stir slowly, the polymerization flask was kept at 75°C for 3 hours, and then returned to room temperature (25°C).

[0456] Thus, a styrene-based resin particle dispersion (St1) was obtained, comprising styrene-based resin particles, with a volume average particle size (D50v) of 174 nm, a weight average molecular weight of 49 kJ based on GPC (UV detection), a glass transition temperature of 54 °C, and a solid content of 42%.

[0457] After drying the styrene-based resin particle dispersion (St1), the styrene-based resin particles were extracted. The thermal behavior of the particles in the temperature range from -100℃ to 100℃ was analyzed using a differential scanning calorimeter (Shimadzu DSC-60A). A glass transition temperature was observed. The glass transition temperatures are shown in Table 1.

[0458] [Preparation of styrene-based resin particle dispersions (St2) to (St13)]

[0459] The same procedure was followed as for the preparation of the styrene-based resin particle dispersion (St1), but the monomers were changed to those described in Table 1 to prepare styrene-based resin particle dispersions (St2) to (St13).

[0460] In Table 1, monomers are represented by the following abbreviations.

[0461] Styrene: St, n-Butyl acrylate: BA, 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate: 2EHA, Ethyl acrylate: EA, 4-Hydroxybutyl acrylate: 4HBA, Acrylic acid: AA, Methacrylic acid: MAA, 2-Carboxyethyl acrylate: CEA

[0462] [Table 1]

[0463]

[0464] Preparation of dispersions containing composite resin particles

[0465] [Preparation of composite resin particle dispersion (M1)]

[0466] • Styrene-based resin particle dispersion (St1): 1190 parts (500 parts solids)

[0467] ·Ethylhexyl acrylate: 250 parts

[0468] • n-Butyl acrylate: 250 parts

[0469] • Ion-exchanged water: 982 samples

[0470] The above materials were added to a polymerization flask, stirred at 25°C for 1 hour, and then heated to 70°C.

[0471] Dissolve 2.5 parts of ammonium persulfate in 75 parts of ion-exchange water and add it dropwise to the polymerization flask over 60 minutes using a metering pump.

[0472] Next, while continuing to stir slowly, the polymerization flask was kept at 70°C for 3 hours, and then returned to room temperature.

[0473] Thus, a composite resin particle dispersion (M1) containing composite resin particles, with a volume average particle size (D50v) of 219 nm, a weight average molecular weight of 219 kJ based on GPC (UV detection), and a solid content of 32% was obtained.

[0474] After drying the composite resin particle dispersion (M1), the composite resin particles were extracted. The thermal behavior of the particles in the temperature range from -150℃ to 100℃ was analyzed using a differential scanning calorimeter (Shimadzu DSC-60A). Two glass transition temperatures were observed. The glass transition temperatures are shown in Table 2.

[0475] [Preparation of composite resin particle dispersions (M2)~(M21) and (cM1)~(cM3)]

[0476] The same procedure was followed as for the preparation of the composite resin particle dispersion (M1), but the styrene-based resin particle dispersion (St1) was changed to that described in Table 2 or the polymerization composition of the (meth)acrylate resin was changed to that described in Table 2 to prepare composite resin particle dispersions (M2) to (M21) and (cM1) to (cM3).

[0477] [Preparation of composite resin particle dispersions (M22) to (M27)]

[0478] The same procedure was followed as for the preparation of the composite resin particle dispersion (M1), but the amounts of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and n-butyl acrylate were adjusted to prepare composite resin particle dispersions (M22) to (M27).

[0479] In Table 2, monomers are represented by the following abbreviations.

[0480] Styrene: St, n-Butyl acrylate: BA, 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate: 2EHA, Ethyl acrylate: EA, 4-Hydroxybutyl acrylate: 4HBA, Acrylic acid: AA, Methacrylic acid: MAA, 2-Carboxyethyl acrylate: CEA, Hexyl acrylate: HA, Propylene acrylate: PA

[0481] [Table 2]

[0482]

[0483] <Preparation of Specific Particles>

[0484] [Preparation of specific particles (1) and developer (1)]

[0485] • Composite resin particle dispersion (M1): 504 parts

[0486] • Ion-exchanged water: 710 parts

[0487] • Anionic surfactant (manufactured by Dow Chemical Company, Dowfax 2A1): 1 part

[0488] The above materials were added to a reaction vessel equipped with a thermometer and a pH meter. After adjusting the pH to 3.0 by adding 1.0% nitric acid aqueous solution at 25°C, the mixture was dispersed using a homogenizer (IKA Ultrax T50) at 5000 rpm while simultaneously adding 23 parts of 2.0% aluminum sulfate aqueous solution. Next, a stirrer and a bell heater were installed in the reaction vessel, and the temperature was increased to 40°C at a rate of 0.2°C / min. Once above 40°C, the temperature was increased at a rate of 0.05°C / min. Particle size was measured every 10 minutes using a Multisizer II (50 μm pore size, Beckman Coulter). After the volume average particle size reached 5.0 μm, the temperature was maintained, and 170 parts of a styrene-based resin particle dispersion (St1) were added over 5 minutes. After the addition was complete, the mixture was maintained at 50°C for 30 minutes, and then a 1.0% sodium hydroxide aqueous solution was added to adjust the pH of the slurry to 6.0. Next, the pH was adjusted to 6.0 every 5°C, while the temperature was increased to 90°C at a rate of 1°C / min and maintained at 90°C. The particle shape and surface properties were observed using an optical microscope and a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The results confirmed particle uniformity at the 10th hour, so the container was cooled to 30°C with cooling water for 5 minutes.

[0489] The cooled slurry was passed through a 15μm nylon mesh to remove coarse particles. The slurry that had passed through the mesh was then filtered under reduced pressure using a suction device. The remaining solids on the filter paper were manually crushed as finely as possible and added to 10 times the volume of ion-exchanged water (30°C), and stirred for 30 minutes. Next, the slurry was filtered under reduced pressure again using a suction device. The remaining solids on the filter paper were then manually crushed as finely as possible and added to 10 times the volume of ion-exchanged water (30°C), and stirred for 30 minutes. The slurry was then filtered under reduced pressure again using a suction device, and the conductivity of the filtrate was measured. This process was repeated until the conductivity of the filtrate reached below 10 μS / cm, at which point the solids were washed away.

[0490] The cleaned solid components were finely pulverized using a wet-dry granulator (Comil) and vacuum dried in an oven at 25°C for 36 hours to obtain master particles (1). The volume average particle size of master particles (1) was 8.0 μm.

[0491] 100 parts of master particles (1) and 1.5 parts of hydrophobic silica (manufactured by AEROSIL Co., Ltd., Japan, RY50) were mixed and mixed for 30 seconds at a rotation speed of 13,000 rpm using a sample mill. The mixture was then sieved using a vibrating sieve with a mesh size of 45 μm to obtain specific particles (1).

[0492] Using a specific particle (1) as a sample, the thermal behavior of the sample was analyzed using a differential scanning calorimeter (Shimadzu DSC-60A) in the range of -150°C to 100°C. Two glass transition temperatures were observed. The glass transition temperatures are shown in Table 3.

[0493] The temperatures T1 and T2 of a specific particle (1) were determined using the above measurement method. The results showed that the specific particle (1) satisfied Equation 1, “10℃≤T1-T2”.

[0494] Cross-sections of a specific particle (1) were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), revealing an island structure. The specific particle (1) had a core containing an island phase and a shell without an island phase. The island phase contained styrene-based resin, and the island phase contained (meth)acrylate-based resin. The average diameter of the island phase was determined using the methods described above. The average diameter of the island phase is shown in Table 3.

[0495] A color image with an area density of 30% consisting of black text and full-color photographic images is formed on a single side of the recording medium by an inkjet recording device on the entire surface of the image forming surface of the recording medium.

[0496] Next, leaving a 3mm margin from the end of the recording medium paper, apply a specific particle (A1) parallel to the end at a width of 1cm from one end of the short side to the other, achieving a coating strength of 2.5g / m².2 In a roller-type fuser, pressure-responsive particles are fixed onto the image-forming surface of the recording medium, forming a layer of pressure-responsive particles.

[0497] In the lamination process, a laminate obtained by overlapping 30 images with particles adhered to the recording medium was laminated using a modified PRESSLE LEADA (manufactured by Toppan Forms Co., Ltd.) lamination machine to produce a printed material. The resulting printed material was cut along a direction parallel to the short side to produce a rectangular sample with a width of 15 mm. The peel force of the 1st, 10th, and 20th sheets of this sample was confirmed, and the results all exceeded 1 N.

[0498] Ten parts of specific particles (1) and 100 parts of the resin-coated carrier described below were added to a V-type mixer and stirred for 20 minutes. Then, the mixture was sieved using a vibrating sieve with a mesh size of 212 μm to obtain the developer (1).

[0499] • Mn-Mg-Sr ferrite particles (average particle size 40 μm): 100 parts

[0500] Toluene: 14 parts

[0501] • Polymethyl methacrylate: 2 parts

[0502] • Carbon black (VXC72: manufactured by Cabot): 0.12 parts

[0503] The above-mentioned materials, excluding ferrite particles, were mixed with glass microspheres (1 mm in diameter, in equal amounts to toluene) and stirred at 1200 rpm for 30 minutes using a sand mill manufactured by Kansai Paint Co., Ltd., to obtain a dispersion. This dispersion and ferrite particles were then added to a vacuum degassing kneader and dried under reduced pressure while stirring, thereby obtaining a resin-coated carrier.

[0504] [Preparation of specific particles (2) to (27) and developer (2) to (27)]

[0505] The same procedure was followed as for the preparation of specific particles (1), but the composite resin particle dispersion and the styrene-based resin particle dispersion were changed to those described in Table 3 to prepare specific particles (2) to (27) and developer (2) to (27).

[0506] The temperatures T1 and T2 of specific particles (2) to (27) were determined by the above measurement method. The results showed that the specific particles (2) to (27) all satisfied Equation 1 "10℃≤T1-T2".

[0507] [Preparation of particles (c1) to (c3) and developers (c1) to (c3) for comparison]

[0508] The same procedure was followed as for the preparation of specific particles (1), but the composite resin particle dispersion and the styrene-based resin particle dispersion were changed to those described in Table 3 to prepare particles (c1) to (c3) and developers (c1) to (c3).

[0509] [Evaluation of pressure-responsive phase transitions]

[0510] The temperature difference (T1-T3) was determined as an indicator of how easily particles undergo a phase transition due to pressure. Each particle was used as a sample, and temperatures T1 and T3 were measured using a flow meter (Shimadzu CFT-500). The temperature difference (T1-T3) was calculated. Table 3 shows the temperature difference (T1-T3).

[0511] [Evaluation of adhesive strength at the binding section]

[0512] As a printing production apparatus, a printing production apparatus (manufactured by Fuji Xerox Corporation, Color1000 Press modified machine) is prepared as follows. The production apparatus includes a printing unit and a pressing unit. The printing unit is a printing unit that performs the formation of a colored image and the application of specific particles on a recording medium in a five-series manner with intermediate transfer. The pressing unit includes a lamination forming device and a pressure device.

[0513] The five developers of the printing unit are respectively loaded with the specific particles of this embodiment (or particles for comparison), yellow toner, magenta toner, blue-green toner, and black toner. The yellow toner, magenta toner, blue-green toner, and black toner are commercially available products manufactured by Fuji Xerox.

[0514] Recording paper (C2 paper, manufactured by Fuji Xerox Corporation) was prepared as the recording medium.

[0515] The colored image formed on the recording medium is defined as an image with an area density of 30% that contains both black text and full-color photographic images, formed on one side of the recording medium.

[0516] The specific particles (or particles for comparison) in this embodiment are provided as follows: In a specific region along the short side of the image forming surface of the recording medium, a range of less than 3 mm from the end is designated as blank space, and a particle with a loading of 2.5 g / m is formed parallel to the end and with a width of 1 cm from one end of the short side to the other. 2 A solid image.

[0517] In the bonding process, the particles are heated to 170℃ and a pressure of 4.0 kg / cm is applied. 2 Under certain conditions, particles are bonded to the recording medium.

[0518] In the lamination process, a laminate obtained by overlapping 30 images with particles adhered to the recording medium is laminationd using a modified PRESSLE LEADA (manufactured by Toppan Forms Co., Ltd.) lamination machine to produce a printed material. The resulting printed material is cut along a direction parallel to the short side to produce a rectangular sample with a width of 15 mm. The peel force of the 1st, 10th, and 20th sheets of this sample is measured using a known method (90-degree peel method), and the average value is calculated. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0519] It should be noted that the pressure setting in the crimping process is 90 MPa.

[0520] [Table 3]

[0521]

[0522] As can be clearly seen from Table 3 above, the adhesive strength at the binding section of the example using specific particles is higher compared to the example using particles c1 to c3.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing printed matter, comprising: The pressure phase change particle application process applies pressure phase change particles to a portion of the edge or bend of the recording medium. The bonding process involves bonding the pressure-sensitive phase-change particles to the recording medium. as well as The pressing process involves pressing together a laminate consisting of two or more recording media, each containing the pressure-sensitive phase-change particles bonded to it. The pressure-sensitive phase change particles contain styrene-based resin and (meth)acrylate-based resin. The styrene-based resin contains styrene and other vinyl monomers in its polymerization component. The (meth)acrylate-based resin contains at least two (meth)acrylates in its polymerization component, and the (meth)acrylates account for more than 90% by mass of the total polymerization component. The mass ratio of the two (meth)acrylates with the highest mass proportion among the at least two (meth)acrylates contained in the (meth)acrylate-based resin of the pressure-sensitive phase change particles is in the range of 80:20 to 20:

80. The pressure phase change particles have at least two glass transition temperatures, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures shown by the pressure phase change particles is more than 30°C.

2. A method for manufacturing printed matter, comprising: The pressure phase change particle application process applies pressure phase change particles to a portion of the edge or bend of the recording medium. The bonding process involves bonding the pressure-sensitive phase-change particles to the recording medium. as well as The pressing process involves pressing together a laminate consisting of two or more recording media, each containing the pressure-sensitive phase-change particles bonded to it. The pressure-sensitive phase change particles contain styrene-based resin and (meth)acrylate-based resin. The styrene-based resin contains styrene and other vinyl monomers in its polymerization component. The (meth)acrylate-based resin contains at least two types of (meth)acrylates in its polymerization component, and the (meth)acrylates account for more than 90% by mass of the total polymerization component. Among the at least two types of (meth)acrylates contained in the (meth)acrylate-based resin of the pressure-sensitive phase change particles, the two types with the highest mass proportion as polymerization components are (meth)acrylate alkyl esters, and the difference in the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl groups of these two (meth)acrylate alkyl esters is in the range of 1 to 4. The pressure phase change particles have at least two glass transition temperatures, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures shown by the pressure phase change particles is more than 30°C.

3. The method for manufacturing printed matter as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The pressure-phase-change particles are applied to one edge of the recording medium.

4. The method for manufacturing printed matter as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, It also has a bending process.

5. The method for manufacturing printed matter as described in claim 4, wherein, The bending process is followed by a pressing process.

6. The method for manufacturing printed matter as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The bent portion of the recording medium is located in the center of the recording medium.

7. The method for manufacturing printed matter as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The mass percentage of styrene in the total polymeric component of the styrene-based resin in the pressure phase change particles ranges from 60% to 95% by mass.

8. The method for manufacturing printed matter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The other vinyl monomers contained in the styrene-based resin of the pressure phase change particles as polymerizing components include (meth)acrylates.

9. The method for manufacturing printed matter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The other vinyl monomers contained in the styrene-based resin of the pressure phase change particles as polymerizing components are selected from n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

10. The method for manufacturing printed matter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The styrene-based resin of the pressure phase change particles and the (meth)acrylate-based resin contain the same (meth)acrylate as a polymerization component.

11. The method for manufacturing printed matter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The pressure phase change particles contain (meth)acrylate resins comprising 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and n-butyl acrylate as polymerizing components.

12. The method for manufacturing printed matter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, In the pressure phase change particles, the content of the styrene-based resin is greater than the content of the (meth)acrylate-based resin.

13. The method for manufacturing printed matter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The pressure phase change particles comprise: a marine phase containing the styrene-based resin and an island phase containing the (meth)acrylate-based resin dispersed in the marine phase.

14. The method for manufacturing printed matter as described in claim 13, wherein, The average diameter of the island phase ranges from 200 nm to 500 nm.

15. The method for manufacturing printed matter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The pressure phase change particles have: a core containing the styrene-based resin and the (meth)acrylate-based resin, and a shell covering the core.

16. The method for manufacturing printed matter as described in claim 15, wherein, The shell contains the styrene-based resin.

17. The method for manufacturing printed matter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The pressure-phase change particles exhibited [something] under a pressure of 4 MPa. The viscosity is below 90℃.

18. A system for manufacturing printed materials, comprising: A pressure phase change particle delivery section that contains pressure phase change particles, and delivers the pressure phase change particles to a portion of the edge or bend of the recording medium. An adhesive portion that bonds the pressure-sensitive phase-change particles to the recording medium; as well as The crimping section is used to crimp together a laminate consisting of two or more recording media containing the pressure-sensitive phase-change particles bonded together. The pressure phase change particles contain styrene-based resin and (meth)acrylate-based resin. The styrene-based resin contains styrene and other vinyl monomers in its polymerization composition. The (meth)acrylate-based resin contains at least two (meth)acrylates in its polymerization composition, and the (meth)acrylates account for more than 90% by mass of the total polymerization composition. The mass ratio of the two (meth)acrylates with the highest mass proportion among the at least two (meth)acrylates contained in the (meth)acrylate-based resin of the pressure phase change particles is in the range of 80:20 to 20:

80. The pressure phase change particles have at least two glass transition temperatures, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures shown by the pressure phase change particles is more than 30°C.

19. A system for manufacturing printed materials, comprising: A pressure phase change particle delivery section that contains pressure phase change particles, and delivers the pressure phase change particles to a portion of the edge or bend of the recording medium. An adhesive portion that bonds the pressure-sensitive phase-change particles to the recording medium; as well as The crimping section is used to crimp together a laminate consisting of two or more recording media containing the pressure-sensitive phase-change particles bonded together. The pressure phase change particles contain styrene-based resin and (meth)acrylate-based resin. The styrene-based resin contains styrene and other vinyl monomers in its polymerization component. The (meth)acrylate-based resin contains at least two (meth)acrylates in its polymerization component, and the (meth)acrylates account for more than 90% by mass of the total polymerization component. Among the at least two (meth)acrylates contained in the (meth)acrylate-based resin of the pressure phase change particles as a polymerization component, the two with the largest mass proportion are (meth)acrylate alkyl esters. The difference in the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl groups of the two (meth)acrylate alkyl esters is in the range of 1 to 4. The pressure phase change particles have at least two glass transition temperatures, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures shown by the pressure phase change particles is more than 30°C.

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