Toner, toner container, image forming apparatus, image forming method, and printed material

Abstract

To provide a toner that reduces contamination of the photoreceptor, has excellent phosphorescence, and offers superior image intensity. [Solution] A toner containing a phosphorescent pigment comprising Al and Sr elements, wherein the number average particle size of the phosphorescent pigment is 2 μm or more, the content of the phosphorescent pigment is 20% by mass or more relative to the toner, the acid value of the toner is 5 mg KOH / g or more, and the toner contains a reaction product of a curing agent and a polyester resin, wherein the curing agent is β-hydroxyalkylamide.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to toner, toner container, image forming apparatus, image forming method, and printed material. [Background technology]

[0002] In the electrophotographic method, an electrostatic latent image is formed on an electrostatic latent image carrier, the electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer containing toner to form a toner image, the toner image is transferred to a transfer material such as paper, and then fixed by heating and pressurizing to form a fixed image.

[0003] Conventionally, phosphorescent toners have been proposed that contain at least a binder resin and a phosphorescent pigment, wherein the phosphorescent pigment is a metal aluminate salt (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, as a toner containing phosphorescent pigments, a toner mainly composed of a phosphorescent substance and a binder resin has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Furthermore, toners containing 20 parts by mass or less of pigment have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Furthermore, phosphorescent toners, developers, and sheets using the same have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 4). [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a toner that reduces contamination of the photoreceptor and has excellent phosphorescence properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The toner of the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, A toner containing a phosphorescent pigment containing Al and Sr elements, a curing agent, and a polyester resin having an acid value, The particle size of the phosphorescent pigment is 2 μm or larger. The content of the phosphorescent pigment is 20% by mass or more. The acid value of the aforementioned toner is 5 mg KOH / g or more. The reaction product of the aforementioned curing agent and polyester resin, The curing agent is a β-hydroxyalkylamide. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toner that reduces contamination of the photoreceptor, has excellent light-gathering properties, and exhibits superior image intensity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the main components of one embodiment of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the main components of another example of an image forming apparatus equipped with five developing means. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the embodiments are not limited by the following description and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in this specification, a tilde "~" indicating a numerical range means that the numbers before and after it are included as the lower and upper limits, respectively, unless otherwise specified.

[0009] (toner) The toner of the present invention contains a phosphorescent pigment, a polyester resin, and a curing agent, and preferably contains a release agent, a binder resin other than the polyester resin, and a static charge control agent, and further contains other components as needed.

[0010] To obtain high phosphorescence in images output by the electrophotographic process, it is necessary to include a large amount of phosphorescent pigment within the toner, and to ensure that these pigments are present as large particles as possible. However, because phosphorescent pigments tend to detach easily from the toner, if they exist independently or are excessively exposed on the toner surface, it can lead to contamination of components such as the photoreceptor and polishing scratches, resulting in problems that prevent proper image printing. Furthermore, when a large amount of phosphorescent pigment is dispersed and introduced into the toner, the phosphorescent pigment may detach from the toner matrix or be present in large quantities on the toner surface, making the photoreceptor more susceptible to scratches and abrasions. In addition, the presence of a large amount of phosphorescent pigment on the surface of the image where the toner has been fixed can lead to a problem of insufficient image intensity due to mechanical abrasion. Furthermore, because it is difficult to introduce more than a certain amount of pigment into the toner, there is a problem of insufficient phosphorescence.

[0011] As a result of diligent research by the inventors, it has become clear that by using a binder resin with a specific acid value, a curing agent, and a specific phosphorescent pigment, uniform dispersion and introduction of the phosphorescent pigment into the toner becomes possible, thereby ensuring image intensity. It was found that uniform dispersion and introduction of the phosphorescent pigment into the toner becomes possible, reducing the exposure and detachment of the hard phosphorescent pigment from the toner surface, and thus suppressing toner wear within the device. Furthermore, it was found that the reaction between the binder resin and the curing agent increases image intensity and protects the hard phosphorescent pigment.

[0012] The acid value of the toner is 5 mg KOH / g or higher, preferably 10 mg KOH / g to 20 mg KOH / g. When the acid value is 5 mg KOH / g or higher, uniform dispersion and introduction of the phosphorescent pigment into the toner becomes possible, and the proportion of the hard phosphorescent pigment exposed on the toner surface is suppressed, thereby suppressing toner wear within the device. Furthermore, by having an acid value of 5 mg KOH / g or higher, the number-average particle size of the phosphorescent pigment is increased, ensuring high phosphorescence, while even phosphorescent pigments with a large number-average particle size can be supported inside the toner.

[0013] As the method for measuring the acid value, there is no particular limitation, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, it can be measured by a method similar to the method conforming to JIS K0070 except that the measurement solvent is changed to a mixed solvent. (1) Weigh accurately 0.5 g to 2.0 g of toner as the sample, and let the weight of the toner be W g. (2) Put the sample into a 300 ml beaker, and add 150 ml of a toluene / ethanol (volume ratio 1 / 1) mixed solution to dissolve it. (3) Titrate using a potentiometric titrator with a 0.1 mol / l ethanol solution of KOH. (4) Let the amount of the KOH solution used at this time be S (ml), and at the same time measure the blank, and let the amount of the KOH solution used at this time be B (ml), and calculate using the following formula (1). Here, f is the factor of KOH. (Equation 1) Acid value (mgKOH / g) = [(S - B) × f × 5.61] / W ··· Equation (1)

[0014] By reacting the polyester resin having the acid value of the toner with the curing agent, the mechanical strength of the toner can be increased. By reacting the curing agent with the polyester resin, the photoluminescent pigment can be protected in the resin, and the wear of the toner in the apparatus can be suppressed. Also, by heating and pressurizing the toner for fixing, the toner particles are melted, and by reacting the polyester resin and the curing agent between the toner particles, the image strength of the printed matter can be increased, and an image excellent in rub resistance can be formed.

[0015] The curing agent of the toner is β-hydroxyalkylamide. When the acid value of the polyester resin is 5 mgKOH / g or more, the carboxyl group terminal of the polyester resin reacts with the curing agent, and an image having good strength can be obtained, and the deterioration (peeling, etc.) of the image can be suppressed.

[0016] <<Curing Agent>> The curing agent is a β-hydroxyalkylamide that can react with polyester resins having an acid value of 25 mg KOH / g or higher. When the curing agent contains a β-hydroxyalkylamide, the resin can be cured by a crosslinking reaction in a low-temperature environment of 160°C or below, thereby suppressing image degradation (peeling).

[0017] There are no particular restrictions on the content of the curing agent, and it can be set appropriately depending on the amount of carboxyl groups that can react, but it is preferably 2% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less of the total amount of toner.

[0018] There are no particular restrictions on the method for measuring the curing agent content in toner, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, it can be measured by the following method: Measurement is performed using derivatization pyrolysis by a GC / MS instrument. The sample is dissolved in THF and adjusted to 10 mg / mL, and a 25% methanol solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide is used as the derivatization reagent. The ester bonds in the sample are cleaved and methyl derivatized, and the spectral intensity of the methyl derivatized ester compound is obtained. The above process is applied to the toner before and after curing, and the spectral intensity of the methyl compound is measured to determine the presence or absence and content from the change in the amount of ester bonds due to the primide curing of β-hydroxyalkylamide.

[0019] As a hardening agent, you may use one that you have synthesized as appropriate, or you may use a commercially available product. Examples of commercially available hardening agents include PrimidXL-552 (manufactured by M-Scheme Co., Ltd.) under the trade name.

[0020] <Luminous pigment> The phosphorescent pigment includes Al and Sr elements, and may further include other components as needed. In the aforementioned phosphorescent pigment, "phosphorescence" refers to the property of gradually emitting light even after the light source has been removed, by storing energy from sunlight or artificial light and releasing the stored light over time. Specifically, it indicates that the phosphorescence luminance measured by the phosphorescence luminance test described below is 3 mcd / mc or higher. The phosphorescence luminance test can be performed by measuring the phosphorescence luminance under the following conditions and procedure. -Phosphorescent Brightness Test- The sample to be measured is stored in a dark room at a temperature of 23±2°C and relative humidity of (50±5)% as specified in JIS Z 8703, with external light blocked, for at least 48 hours. A xenon lamp as specified in JIS Z 8902 is used to measure ultraviolet intensity (measurement wavelength range 360nm~480nm) at 400 μW / cm². 2 The sample is irradiated with ultraviolet light for 60 minutes, and the phosphorescence intensity is measured 120 minutes after the irradiation is stopped.

[0021] The phosphorescent pigment is not particularly limited as long as it contains Al and Sr elements, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but metal aluminate salts are preferred. Examples of the aluminate metal salts include SrAl2O4 and Sr4Al 14 0 25 Examples include strontium aluminate. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0022] As the phosphorescent pigment containing strontium aluminate, commercially available products may be used. There are no particular restrictions on the commercially available products mentioned above, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, G-300C (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd.), G-300M (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd.), G-300F (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd.), G-300FF (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd.), BG-300M (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd.), BG-300F (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd.), GGL-300FF (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd., average particle size: 2.5 μm to 3.0 μm, composition: SrAl2O4;Eu,Dy, green or yellowish-green phosphorescent pigment), GLL-300FF (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd., average particle size: 2.5 μm to 3.0 μm), BGL-300FF (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd., average particle size: 2.5 μm to 3.0 μm, composition: Sr4Al 14 O 25 Examples include Eu, Dy, and blue phosphorescent pigments. When used in toner, the commercially available products GGL-300FF, GLL-300FF, and BGL-300FF, which have a number-average particle size adjusted to 2.5 μm to 3.0 μm, are preferred. Furthermore, as the phosphorescent pigment containing strontium aluminate, commercially available products can be used, either in smaller diameters or as classified products. For the aforementioned graded product, if grinding is performed to reduce particle size, a ball mill, bead mill, etc., may be used. When grinding with a ball mill, bead mill, etc., the particle size can be adjusted by controlling the grinding time. There are no particular restrictions on the grinding time, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably between 2 hours and 16 hours. Alternatively, the classification may be performed using an ultrafine particle classifier, such as the Donaserec (manufactured by Koei Sangyo Co., Ltd.), to classify the particles so that the number-average particle size is 0.5 μm or more and less than 1 μm. There are no particular restrictions on the number-average particle size of the reduced-diameter phosphorescent pigment or the classified graded product, depending on the application. However, when uniform dispersion is important for forming thin films or thin layers, or in low-viscosity media, a particle size of 0.5 μm or larger is preferred.

[0023] Other components included in the phosphorescent pigment are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include europium (Eu), dysprosium (Dy), and neodymium (Nd).

[0024] There are no particular restrictions on the number-average particle size of the phosphorescent pigment, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably 2 μm or more, more preferably 5 μm or less, and particularly preferably 2.5 μm to 4 μm. If the number-average particle size is 2 μm or more, sufficient phosphorescence can be obtained. If the number-average particle size is 5 μm or less, uniform dispersion and introduction of the phosphorescent pigment into the toner becomes possible, and the proportion of the hard phosphorescent pigment exposed on the toner surface is suppressed, so toner wear in the machine can be suppressed.

[0025] As for the phosphorescent pigment, the larger the particle size, the greater the phosphorescence and intensity, so it is preferable to use the largest possible individual particle size. Therefore, a particle size suitable for toner is selected based on the above. Furthermore, during pulverization, general pigment particles that tend to form the pulverization interface detach, resulting in a large amount of detached pigment remaining on the classified fine powder side after classification. This generally reduces the efficiency of introducing the pigment into the classified toner matrix and results in a higher pigment content on the classified fine powder side than in the toner matrix. However, in this invention, due to the good affinity with the binder resin, the pigment content on the classified fine powder side is less than that of the classified toner matrix. In other words, the detachment phenomenon is suppressed, and the pigment efficiently remains inside the toner matrix, significantly reducing pigment wear within the manufacturing equipment.

[0026] Generally, inorganic pigments contained in toner have an average particle size of approximately 0.2 μm or less, considering their color development and color reproduction properties. In this case, since the inorganic pigment is uniformly dispersed throughout the toner, the measurement results will be similar regardless of whether the classified fine powder, classified matrix, or classified coarse powder is measured with fluorescent X-rays during normal manufacturing. Furthermore, the same is true when the toner itself is classified. If it is introduced as a filler, the relationship between the volume of one toner particle and the dispersed particles tends to cause the content in the classified fine powder to increase when the particle size exceeds 1 μm. This is thought to be largely due to the effect of separation during grinding. Furthermore, if the particle size is 1 / 12 or less of the particle size of the toner matrix particles, good uniformity can be ensured. Also, if the particle size is between 1 / 12 and 1 / 4 of the particle size of the toner matrix particles, even if introduced particles detach and become more numerous on the classified fine powder side, the amount of detached particles (detached introduced particles) present individually in the classified toner matrix or toner can be kept to a minimum or to a small extent. Moreover, if the particle size is 1 / 4 or less of the particle size of the toner matrix particles, the amount of detached particles can be suppressed, and process contamination (scratches, etc.) by detached particles can be prevented.

[0027] The present invention relates to a toner D that is 1 μm or larger. 50 We found that by combining specific inorganic pigments with a particle size of 1 / 4 or more with a specific acid value of the binder resin, pigment detachment during pulverization and classification is minimized, even in regions with a large pigment content, allowing for successful introduction into the toner. We also confirmed that introduction is possible even with a particle size of around 1 / 2, but it was found that exceeding 1 / 2 significantly impairs abrasion resistance. Therefore, it is undesirable to have a large number of such particles, and it is important to set the dispersion particle size while considering the acceptable range within the process.

[0028] The content of the phosphorescent pigment is 20% by mass or more relative to the toner, and preferably 20% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less. When the content is 20% by mass or less, contamination of the photoreceptor by the toner can be suppressed.

[0029] The toner has an Al intensity of 180 kcps or more and 600 kcps or less when irradiated with fluorescent X-rays, preferably 180 kcps or more and 550 kcps or less. If the Al intensity is 180 kcps or more, a toner with excellent phosphorescence properties can be obtained. If the Al intensity is 600 kcps or less, the load on the process due to material contamination (scratches, etc.) can be reduced, and image formation and defects in the formed image can be prevented.

[0030] There are no particular restrictions on the method for measuring the Al intensity, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, it can be measured by the following method. <Method for measuring X-ray fluorescence> In this invention, the Al intensity (kcps) can be determined using the following apparatus and conditions. First, 3.00 g of toner is molded into pellets with a diameter of 3 mm and a thickness of 2 mm to be used as the measurement sample. During measurement, a standardized aluminum sample (manufactured by Rigaku Corporation) is used for correction, and the measurement sample is subjected to qualitative analysis using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer to calculate the net intensity of the Al-Kα rays as the Al intensity (kcps) value. • Measuring device: Rigaku Corporation, ZSX Primus IV ·X-ray tube: Rh • X-ray tube voltage: 50kV ·X-ray tube current: 10mA

[0031] The toner has a ratio (G / F) of 1.05 to 1.25, preferably 1.09 to 1.25, and more preferably 1.10 to 1.20. A ratio (G / F) of 1.05 to 1.25 is preferred for the Al intensity when fluorescent X-rays are irradiated onto particles (F) from P20 to P25 in the particle size distribution of the toner, and 1.10 to 1.20 is preferred. When the ratio (G / F) is 1.05 or higher, a toner with excellent phosphorescence can be obtained. When the ratio (G / F) is 1.25 or lower, the separation of the dispersion, which is incompatible with the resin and has a large particle size, from the toner is suppressed, so the amount introduced into the toner, i.e., the content in the toner, becomes sufficient. By classifying the toner to obtain particles (G) and particles (F), and then calculating the ratio of Al intensity when fluorescent X-rays are irradiated onto particles (G) and particles (F), it can be confirmed that the phosphorescent pigment has been sufficiently introduced into particles (F) in the toner (for pigments that are significantly smaller than the toner or external additives with small diameters, the ratio (G / F) will be very close to 1.0). Here, "particles (F) between P20 and P25" refers to particles obtained by classifying the target toner so that the P50 of particle (F) falls between P20 and P25 of the toner. "Particles (G) between P80 and P85" refers to particles obtained by classifying the target toner so that the P50 of particle (G) falls between P80 and P85 of the toner. P20, P25, P50, P80, and P85 refer to particle sizes that, in the cumulative particle size distribution based on the number of particles, account for 20%, 25%, 50%, 80%, and 85% of the total particle size, respectively, from smallest to largest. For example, if the toner has P20 of 4.0 μm, P25 of 4.5 μm, P80 of 7.0 μm, and P85 of 7.5 μm, then "particles (F) from P20 to P25" can be obtained by classifying the toner so that the P50 of particle (F) falls within the range of 4.0 μm to 4.5 μm (for example, so that the P50 of particle (F) is 4.2 μm). "Particles (G) from P80 to P85" can be obtained by classifying the toner so that the P50 of particle (G) falls within the range of 7.0 μm to 7.5 μm (for example, so that the P50 of particle (G) is 7.2 μm).

[0032] <Polyester resin> The polyester resin is preferably included as the main component. Polyester resin can generally be fixed at low temperatures while maintaining heat resistance, compared to other binder resins, and is therefore suitable for use as the binder resin for the toner according to one embodiment.

[0033] The polyester resin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include those obtained by condensation polymerization of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid.

[0034] The aforementioned alcohols are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include glycols such as ethylene glycol, diene glycol, triethylene glycol, and propylene glycol; etherified bisphenols such as 1,4-bis(hydroxymeta)cyclohexane and bisphenol A; other dihydric alcohol monomers; and trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol monomers.

[0035] The carboxylic acid is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include divalent organic acid monomers such as maleic acid, fumaric acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, succinic acid, and malonic acid, and trivalent or higher polyvalent carboxylic acid monomers such as 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,4-cyclohexanetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,4-naphthalentricarboxylic acid, 1,2,5-hexanetricarboxylic acid, 1,3-dicarboxyl-2-methylenecarboxypropane, and 1,2,7,8-octanetetracarboxylic acid.

[0036] <Binding resin> There are no particular restrictions on the binder resin, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include low-acid-value resins with an acid value of less than 5 mgKOH / g, and high-acid-value resins with an acid value of 15 mgKOH / g or more. As for the low-acid-value resin, there are no particular restrictions as long as the acid value is less than 5 mgKOH / g, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, RN-300 (acid value: 4 mgKOH / g, manufactured by Kao Corporation) is one example. The aforementioned high acid value resin is not particularly limited as long as its acid value is 15 mg KOH / g or higher, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, RN-290 (acid value: 28 mg KOH / g, manufactured by Kao Corporation) is one such example.

[0037] There are no particular restrictions on the content of the low-acid value resin, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably 10% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and more preferably 25% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

[0038] There are no particular restrictions on the content of the high-acid value resin, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably 10% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and more preferably 15% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less.

[0039] The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the binder resin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably 50°C to 75°C. There are no particular restrictions on the method for measuring the glass transition temperature Tg, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, it can be measured by DSC.

[0040] There are no particular limitations on the method for producing the binder resin, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, known production methods such as bulk polymerization, solution polymerization, emulsion polymerization, and suspension polymerization can be used.

[0041] <Release agent> There are no particular restrictions on the mold release agent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include low molecular weight polyolefin waxes such as low molecular weight polyethylene and low molecular weight polypropylene, synthetic hydrocarbon waxes such as Fischer-Tropsch wax, natural waxes such as beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, rice wax, and montan wax, petroleum waxes such as paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax, higher fatty acids such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, and myristic acid, metal salts of higher fatty acids, higher fatty acid amides, synthetic ester waxes, and various modified waxes thereof. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, carnauba wax and its modified waxes, polyethylene wax, and synthetic ester waxes are preferred.

[0042] There are no particular restrictions on the content of the release agent, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but it is preferably 2% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less relative to the binder resin of the toner, and more preferably 2.5% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. If the content is 2% by mass or more, hot offset can be prevented, and if it is 15% by mass or less, a decrease in transferability and durability can be prevented. There are no particular restrictions on the melting point of the release agent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably 60°C to 150°C, and more preferably 65°C to 120°C. If the melting point is 60°C or higher, a decrease in the heat resistance of the toner can be prevented. If the melting point is 150°C or lower, the release effect can be achieved.

[0043] <Static control agent> There are no particular limitations on the charge control agent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include modified products with nigrosine and fatty acid metal salts, onium salts such as phosphonium salts and their lake pigments, triphenylmethane dyes and their lake pigments, metal salts of higher fatty acids; diorganostin oxides such as dibutyltin oxide, dioctyltin oxide, and dicyclohexyltin oxide; diorganostin borates such as dibutyltin borate, dioctyltin borate, and dicyclohexyltin borate; organometallic complexes, chelate compounds, monoazometallic complexes, acetylacetone metal complexes, aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids, aromatic dicarboxylic acid-based metal complexes, quaternary ammonium salts, salicylic acid metal compounds, aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids, aromatic mono and polycarboxylic acids and their metal salts, anhydrides, esters, and phenol derivatives such as bisphenol.

[0044] There are no particular restrictions on the content of the charge control agent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, relative to the binder resin of the toner.

[0045] <Other ingredients> The aforementioned other components are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include colorants, external additives, fluidity improvers, cleaning properties improvers, magnetic materials, and the like.

[0046] -Colorants- There are no particular restrictions on the coloring agents used; any commonly used coloring agents can be selected and used as appropriate.

[0047] For the black toner, carbon black alone or a mixture of carbon black as the main component with copper phthalocyanine or the like, with the hue and brightness adjusted, is preferred.

[0048] As the cyan toner, copper phthalocyanine in a 15:3 ratio with pigment blue, or a mixture of copper phthalocyanine and aluminum phthalocyanine, is preferred.

[0049] For magenta toner, pigment red 53:1, pigment red 81, pigment red 122, pigment red 269, etc. can be used. One type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0050] As yellow toner, Pigment Yellow 74, Pigment Yellow 155, Pigment Yellow 180, Pigment Yellow 185, etc., can be used. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, Pigment Yellow 185, or a mixture of Pigment Yellow 74 and Pigment Yellow 185, is preferred in terms of saturation and preservation.

[0051] As a white pigment, titanium dioxide that has been surface-treated with silicon, zirconia, aluminum, polyol, etc., can be used.

[0052] Pigment Green 7 and other similar products can be used as green toners, but safety considerations must be taken into account.

[0053] For blue toner, pigment blue 15:1, pigment violet 23, etc. can be used.

[0054] The aforementioned toner is preferably white or colorless (without coloring agents) from the viewpoint of not impairing the color of the toner layered on top. When the toner according to one embodiment is used as the base layer (the layer on which the image is formed closest to the recording medium) and a color toner layer is formed on top of it, the impairment of the color of the color toner can be reduced.

[0055] -External additives- There are no particular restrictions on the aforementioned external additives, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include inorganic fine particles.

[0056] The inorganic fine particles are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include silica, alumina, titanium oxide, barium titanate, magnesium titanate, calcium titanate, strontium titanate, zinc oxide, silica sand, clay, mica, wollastonite, diatomaceous earth, chromium oxide, cerium oxide, red iron oxide, antimony trioxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, barium sulfate, barium carbonate, calcium carbonate, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, etc. Among these, silica, alumina, and titanium oxide are preferred.

[0057] Furthermore, inorganic fine particles may be used that have been surface-treated with a hydrophobic treatment agent. Preferred hydrophobic treatment agents include, for example, silane coupling agents, silylation agents, silane coupling agents having alkyl fluoride compounds, organic titanate coupling agents, and aluminum coupling agents. Sufficient effects can also be obtained by using silicone oil as a hydrophobic treatment agent.

[0058] - Fluidity improver - The aforementioned fluidity improver is not particularly limited as long as it can be surface-treated to increase its hydrophobicity and prevent deterioration of fluidity and electrostatic properties even under high humidity conditions. It can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, and examples include silane coupling agents, silylation agents, silane coupling agents having alkyl fluoride, organic titanate coupling agents, aluminum coupling agents, silicone oil, and modified silicone oil. It is preferable to surface-treat the silica and titanium oxide with such a fluidity improver and use them as hydrophobic silica and hydrophobic titanium oxide.

[0059] -Cleaning performance enhancer- The cleaning agent is not particularly limited as long as it is added to the toner to remove any residual developer after transfer from the photoreceptor or primary transfer medium, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The cleaning agent is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include fatty acid metal salts such as zinc stearate, calcium stearate, and stearic acid, polymer fine particles produced by soap-free emulsion polymerization such as polymethyl methacrylate fine particles and polystyrene fine particles. There are no particular restrictions on the volume-average particle size of the polymer fine particles, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, a particle size of 0.01 μm to 1 μm is preferred due to the relatively narrow particle size distribution.

[0060] -Magnetic materials- The magnetic material is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include iron powder, magnetite, and ferrite. Among these, white is preferred in terms of color.

[0061] <Toner manufacturing method> A method for manufacturing the toner described above will now be explained. One embodiment of the method for manufacturing the toner includes the steps of obtaining a binder resin mixture (mixing step), obtaining a kneaded mixture (melt kneading step), obtaining a solid of the kneaded mixture (solidification step), obtaining a pulverized solid (fine grinding step), and classifying and recovering the pulverized solid (classification step).

[0062] First, a binder resin, colorant, release agent, and, if necessary, an antistatic agent are mixed using a mixer such as a Henschel mixer or super mixer to obtain a mixture (mixing step).

[0063] Next, the mixture is melt-kneaded using a hot-melt kneader such as a heated roll, kneader, or extruder to obtain a kneaded product (melt-kneading process).

[0064] Next, the kneaded mixture is cooled and solidified to obtain a solid (solidification step). The cooling method and solidification method are not particularly limited, and any method can be used as appropriate.

[0065] Next, the solid material is finely pulverized to obtain a pulverized material (fine pulverization step). The solid material can be pulverized using known pulverization methods. Examples of pulverization methods include a jet mill method, which pulverizes the solid material using the energy generated when the toner is encapsulated in a high-speed airflow and collides with an impact plate; an interparticle collision method, which causes toner particles to collide with each other in an airflow; and a mechanical pulverization method, which pulverizes the material by supplying toner between a high-speed rotating rotor and a narrow gap.

[0066] Next, the pulverized material is classified to recover pulverized material having a predetermined volume-average particle size. This allows to obtain toner (classification step). The classification method is not particularly limited, and any method can be used as appropriate.

[0067] Furthermore, the toner according to one embodiment can be manufactured using a dissolution-suspension method. When manufacturing toner using the dissolution-suspension method, an oil phase is obtained by dissolving or dispersing toner materials such as a binder resin, colorant, release agent, and optionally a charge control agent in an organic solvent, and this oil phase is dispersed in an aqueous medium (aqueous phase), and the binder resin is reacted. This yields a dispersion containing a dispersion (oil droplets) that includes a prepolymer in which the toner materials have been emulsified or dispersed. Subsequently, the organic solvent is removed from the dispersion, and the material is filtered, washed, and dried, and further classification is performed as necessary to produce toner matrix particles. The toner according to one embodiment can be obtained by granulating the matrix particles obtained using the dissolution-suspension method.

[0068] There are no particular restrictions on the organic solvent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but an organic solvent with a boiling point of less than 150°C is preferred because it is easy to remove.

[0069] The organic solvent having a boiling point of less than 150°C is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include toluene, xylene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, chloroform, monochlorobenzene, dichloroethylidene, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, ethyl acetate, toluene, xylene, benzene, methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride are preferred, with ethyl acetate being more preferred.

[0070] The aqueous medium is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include water, a solvent miscible with water, and mixtures thereof. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, water is preferred.

[0071] As a solvent miscible with water, it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples include alcohols, lower ketones, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, cellosolves, etc. There are no particular restrictions on alcohols, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples include methanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, etc. As a lower ketone, it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.

[0072] There are no particular restrictions on the method for removing organic solvents from a dispersion, and a suitable method can be selected depending on the purpose. Examples include gradually raising the temperature of the entire reaction system to evaporate the organic solvent in the oil droplets, or spraying the dispersion into a dry atmosphere to remove the organic solvent from the oil droplets.

[0073] The classification may be carried out by removing the fine particles in the liquid using a cyclone, decanter, centrifugation, or other means, or the classification operation may be performed after drying.

[0074] Furthermore, the toner according to one embodiment has a low melting point and is less prone to crystallization, thus possessing excellent heat-resistant storage stability. Heat-resistant storage stability can be evaluated from the amount of aggregates formed in the toner after it has been stored for a long period (e.g., 14 days) in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment (e.g., 40°C, 70RH%).

[0075] <Developer> A developer according to one embodiment includes a toner according to one embodiment and may optionally include other components such as a carrier, as appropriate.

[0076] The developer may be a one-component developer or a two-component developer, but when used in high-speed printers and the like to accommodate the recent increase in information processing speed, a two-component developer is preferable from the standpoint of extending its lifespan.

[0077] When toner according to one embodiment is used as a one-component developer, even when toner is balanced, there is little variation in toner particle size, less toner filming onto the developing roller, and less toner fusion to components such as blades that thin the toner layer. As a result, good and stable developability and images can be obtained even with long-term agitation in the developing apparatus.

[0078] When the developer according to one embodiment is used in a two-component developer, it can be used as a developer after being mixed with a carrier. When the toner according to one embodiment is used in a two-component developer, even if the toner is balanced over a long period of time, the toner particle size does not fluctuate much, and good and stable developability and images can be obtained even with long-term agitation in the developing device.

[0079] The carrier content in the two-component developer can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but 90 to 98 parts by mass and more preferably 93 to 97 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the two-component developer is preferred.

[0080] The developer according to one embodiment can be suitably used for image formation by various known electrophotographic methods, such as magnetic one-component development methods, non-magnetic one-component development methods, and two-component development methods.

[0081] [Career] Magnetic nanoparticles can be used as carriers. Examples of magnetic nanoparticles include magnetite, spinel ferrite such as gamma iron oxide, spinel ferrite containing one or more metals other than iron (Mn, Ni, Zn, Mg, Cu, etc.), magnetoplanbite-type ferrites such as barium ferrite, and particles of iron or alloys having an oxide layer on their surface. Considering chemical stability, it is preferable to use magnetite, spinel ferrite containing gamma iron oxide, or magnetoplanbite-type ferrites such as barium ferrite. Specifically, examples include MFL-35S, MFL-35HS (manufactured by Powdertech Co., Ltd.), DFC-400M, DFC-410M, and SM-350NV (manufactured by Dowa Iron Powder Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0082] In particular, when high magnetization is required for the carrier, it is preferable to use ferromagnetic nanoparticles such as iron as the carrier.

[0083] The carrier may be granular, spherical, or needle-shaped.

[0084] By appropriately selecting the type and content of the carrier, a resin carrier having the desired magnetization can be used. In this case, the magnetic properties of the resin carrier are preferably such that the magnetization strength at 1,000 oorsted is 30 emu / g to 150 emu / g.

[0085] Such resin carriers can be manufactured by spraying a molten mixture of a carrier and an insulating binder resin using a spray dryer, or by reacting a monomer or prepolymer in an aqueous medium in the presence of the carrier and curing the mixture, thereby producing a resin carrier in which the carrier is dispersed in a condensation-type binder.

[0086] The charge properties can be controlled by fixing positively or negatively charged fine particles or conductive fine particles to the surface of the carrier, or by coating it with a resin.

[0087] As the surface coating material (resin), silicone resin, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, fluororesin, etc., can be used. Furthermore, the coating can include positively charged or negatively charged fine particles or conductive fine particles, but among these, silicone resin and acrylic resin are preferred.

[0088] The weight ratio of carriers in the developer contained within the developing device is preferably 85% by mass or more and less than 98% by mass. A weight ratio of 85% by mass or more and less than 98% by mass makes it easier to suppress toner scattering from the developing device, thereby reducing the occurrence of defective images. Furthermore, it prevents excessive increases in the charge level of the electrophotographic developing toner and prevents insufficient supply of electrophotographic developing toner, thus reducing the decrease in image density and the occurrence of defective images.

[0089] <Developer container> A developer container according to one embodiment contains the developer according to one embodiment. The developer container is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from known containers, but examples include those having a container body and a cap.

[0090] Furthermore, the size, shape, structure, and material of the container body are not particularly limited. Preferably, the container body is cylindrical, such as a tube, and has spirally formed irregularities on its inner surface. Rotating the container body makes it easier to transfer the developer contents to the outlet side. It is even more preferable that some or all of the irregularities are formed in a bellows shape. This makes it even easier to transfer the developer to the outlet side. Furthermore, although the material is not particularly limited, it is preferable that it has good dimensional accuracy. Examples of resin materials include polyester resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyacrylic acid, polycarbonate resin, ABS resin, and polyacetal resin.

[0091] The developer container is easy to store and transport, and offers excellent handling, so it can be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, process cartridge, etc., described later, and used for replenishing the developer.

[0092] <Toner Set> A toner set according to one embodiment may include a color toner containing a binder resin and a coloring agent, and a toner according to one embodiment.

[0093] There are no particular restrictions on the color toner, and any known color toner can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. There are no particular restrictions on the binder resin, and any appropriate resin can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose; for example, it can be the same as the binder resin included in the toner according to one embodiment. There are no particular restrictions on the colorant, and any known colorant can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0094] By mounting the toner set according to one embodiment into an image forming apparatus and performing image formation, image formation is carried out using the toner according to one embodiment, thus enabling image formation that takes advantage of the toner's characteristic of having excellent adhesion to fabric.

[0095] <Toner storage unit> A toner storage unit according to one embodiment can store toner according to one embodiment. A toner storage unit according to one embodiment refers to a unit having the function of storing toner, in which toner is stored. Here, examples of the form of the toner storage unit include a toner storage container, a developer, and a process cartridge.

[0096] A toner container refers to a container that holds toner.

[0097] A developing unit refers to a device that has the means to store toner and develop it.

[0098] A process cartridge is defined as an integrated device comprising at least an electrostatic latent image carrier (also called an image carrier) and a developing means, containing toner, and being detachable from an image forming apparatus. The process cartridge may further include at least one selected from a charging means, an exposure means, a cleaning means, etc.

[0099] A toner storage unit according to one embodiment stores the toner according to one embodiment. By attaching the toner storage unit according to one embodiment to an image forming apparatus and performing image formation, image formation is performed using the toner according to one embodiment, thereby enabling image formation that takes advantage of the toner's characteristic of having excellent adhesion to fabric.

[0100] (Toner set) The toner set of the present invention comprises a color toner containing a binder resin and a coloring agent, and the toner of the present invention.

[0101] There are no particular restrictions on the aforementioned color toner; any known color toner can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. The binder resin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, it can be the same as the binder resin contained in the toner according to one embodiment. There are no particular restrictions on the coloring agent, and any known coloring agent can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0102] By mounting the toner set in the image forming apparatus described later and performing image formation, image formation is carried out using the toner according to one embodiment, and thus image formation can be performed taking advantage of the toner's characteristic of having excellent adhesion to fabric.

[0103] (Toner storage unit) In the present invention, a toner storage unit refers to a unit having the function of storing toner, in which the toner of the present invention is stored. Here, examples of the toner storage unit include a toner storage container, a developer, a process cartridge, and the like.

[0104] The aforementioned toner container refers to a container that holds toner. Furthermore, when the toner is used as a developer, the toner container may be referred to as a developer container. The developer container is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from known containers, but examples include those having a container body and a cap.

[0105] The size, structure, and material of the container body of the toner container and the developer container are not particularly limited. The shape of the container body of the developer container is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but it is preferable that it be cylindrical, such as a tube, and have spirally formed irregularities on the inner circumference. By rotating the container body, the developer contents can be easily transferred to the discharge port side. Furthermore, it is more preferable that part or all of the irregularities are formed in a bellows shape. This makes it even easier to transfer the developer to the discharge port side. The material of the toner container and the developer container is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but it is preferable that it has good dimensional accuracy, and examples of resin materials include polyester resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyacrylic acid, polycarbonate resin, ABS resin, polyacetal resin, etc.

[0106] The toner container and the developer container are easy to store, transport, and handle, and can be detachably attached to an image forming apparatus, process cartridge, etc., as described later, and used for replenishing toner and developer.

[0107] The aforementioned developing unit refers to one that has means for storing and developing toner. The aforementioned process cartridge refers to a cartridge that integrates at least an electrostatic latent image carrier (also called an image carrier) and a developing means, contains toner, and is detachable from the image forming apparatus. The process cartridge may further include at least one selected from a charging unit, an exposure unit, a cleaning unit, etc.

[0108] A toner storage unit according to one embodiment stores the toner according to one embodiment. By attaching the toner storage unit according to one embodiment to an image forming apparatus and performing image formation, image formation is performed using the toner according to one embodiment, thereby enabling image formation that takes advantage of the toner's characteristic of having excellent adhesion to fabric.

[0109] (Image forming apparatus and image forming method) The image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises an electrostatic latent image carrier, an electrostatic latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier, a developing unit that forms a toner image by developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier using toner, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image to a recording medium, and a fixing unit that fixes the transferred image on the recording medium, and may further have other units as needed. The image forming method of the present invention comprises an electrostatic latent image forming step of forming an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier, a developing step of developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, a transfer step of transferring the toner image to a recording medium, and a fixing step of fixing the transferred image on the recording medium, wherein the toner image is formed by the toner of the present invention, and may optionally include other steps. The image forming method can be suitably carried out by the image forming apparatus, the electrostatic latent image formation step can be suitably carried out by the electrostatic latent image formation unit, the development step can be suitably carried out by the development unit, the transfer step can be suitably carried out by the transfer unit, the fixing step can be suitably carried out by the fixing unit, and the other steps can be suitably carried out by the other units.

[0110] <Electrostatic latent image carrier> There are no particular restrictions on the material, structure, or size of the electrostatic latent image carrier (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "photoreceptor"), and they can be appropriately selected from known materials. Examples of materials for the electrostatic latent image carrier include inorganic photoreceptors and organic photoreceptors. Examples of the inorganic photoreceptor include amorphous silicon or selenium. Examples of the organic photoreceptor include a laminated photoreceptor having a laminated structure in which a layer (charge generation layer) in which a charge generation material such as metal-free phthalocyanine or titanylphthalocyanine is dispersed in a binder resin and a layer (charge transport layer) in which a charge transport material is dispersed in a binder resin are stacked on a support such as an aluminum drum, and a single-layer photoreceptor having a single-layer photosensitive layer in which both a charge generation material and a charge transport material are dispersed in a binder resin on a support. In the single-layer photoreceptor, a hole transporter and an electron transporter may also be added to the photosensitive layer as charge transport materials. Furthermore, an undercoat layer may be provided between the support and the laminated charge generation layer or the single-layer photosensitive layer.

[0111] There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the electrostatic latent image carrier, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but a cylindrical shape is preferred. There are no particular restrictions on the outer diameter of the cylindrical electrostatic latent image carrier, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably 3 mm to 100 mm, more preferably 5 mm to 50 mm, and even more preferably 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0112] <Electrostatic latent image formation section and electrostatic latent image formation process> The electrostatic latent image forming unit in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a means for forming an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The electrostatic latent image forming unit comprises, for example, a charging device (charger) for uniformly charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier, and an exposure device (exposure unit) for exposing the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier to an image. The electrostatic latent image formation step in the image forming method of the present invention is a step of forming an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier, and includes a charging step of charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier and an exposure step of exposing the charged surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier to form an electrostatic latent image. Charging can be performed, for example, by applying a voltage to the surface of an electrostatic latent image carrier using a charging device (charger). Exposure can be performed, for example, by exposing the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier in an image-like manner using an exposure apparatus (exposure unit). The formation of an electrostatic latent image can be performed, for example, by uniformly charging the surface of an electrostatic latent image carrier and then exposing it to an image, and this can be done by an electrostatic latent image forming unit.

[0113] -Charging device (charger)- The aforementioned charger is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but examples include a contact charger equipped with conductive or semiconductive rolls, brushes, films, rubber blades, etc., and a non-contact charger that utilizes corona discharge such as a Corotron or Scorotron.

[0114] The shape of the charger can be any form other than a roller, such as a magnetic brush or a fur brush, and can be selected according to the specifications and form of the image forming apparatus.

[0115] Preferably, the charger is positioned in contact with or without contact with the electrostatic latent image carrier, and charges the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by superimposing DC and AC voltages. Alternatively, it is preferable that the charger is a charging roller positioned in close proximity to the electrostatic latent image carrier via a gap tape, and charges the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier by superimposing DC and AC voltages on the charging roller.

[0116] The aforementioned charger is not limited to a contact-type charger, but it is preferable to use a contact-type charger because it allows for the creation of an image forming apparatus with reduced ozone generation from the charger.

[0117] - Exposure equipment (exposure chamber) - The exposure device is not particularly limited as long as it can expose the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier charged by the charger in the manner of the image to be formed, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples of such exposure devices include copying optical systems, rod lens array systems, laser optical systems, and liquid crystal shutter optical systems.

[0118] There are no particular restrictions on the light source used in the exposure unit, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include fluorescent lamps, tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, mercury lamps, sodium lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), semiconductor lasers (LDs), electroluminescent devices (ELs), and other light-emitting materials in general. Furthermore, various filters such as sharp-cut filters, band-pass filters, near-infrared cut filters, dichroic filters, interference filters, and color temperature conversion filters can be used to illuminate only the desired wavelength range.

[0119] Alternatively, a back-facing method may be employed in which the electrostatic latent image carrier is exposed in an image-like manner from the back side.

[0120] <Developing section and developing process> The developing unit in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier to form a toner image, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The developing unit can preferably be one that includes a developer that contains toner and can apply toner to the electrostatic latent image by contact or non-contact, and a developer equipped with a toner container is preferred. The development step in the image forming method of the present invention is a step of sequentially developing an electrostatic latent image with multiple colors of toner to form a toner image. The formation of the toner image can be performed, for example, by developing the electrostatic latent image using the toner, and can be done using a developing unit.

[0121] In the developing unit and the developing process, a toner according to one embodiment is used. Preferably, a toner image may be formed by using a developer that contains the toner according to one embodiment and, if necessary, also contains other components such as a carrier.

[0122] The developer may be a single-color developer or a multi-color developer. A preferred developer device has, for example, an agitator that frictionally agitates and charges the toner, a magnetic field generating unit fixed inside, and a rotatable developer carrier on which a developer containing toner is carried.

[0123] Inside the developing unit, for example, toner and carrier are mixed and stirred, and the friction during this process causes the toner to become charged. This charge is then held in a pile-like state on the surface of the rotating magnetic roller, forming a magnetic brush. Since the magnetic roller is positioned near the electrostatic latent image carrier (photoreceptor), some of the toner that makes up the magnetic brush formed on the surface of the magnetic roller moves to the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier (photoreceptor) due to electrical attraction. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the toner, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier (photoreceptor).

[0124] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may comprise a total of five developing units: a developing unit for color toners (for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) and a developing unit for the toner of the present invention. The toner of the present invention may be of any color, but is preferably colorless or white. The developing unit may contain some or all of the black, cyan, magenta, and yellow color toners as toners according to one embodiment.

[0125] <Transfer section and transfer process> In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a transfer unit having a first transfer unit that transfers a toner image onto an intermediate transfer unit to form a composite transfer image, and a second transfer unit that transfers the composite transfer image onto a recording medium is preferred. The intermediate transfer unit is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from known transfer units depending on the purpose, for example, a transfer belt is a suitable example. The transfer step in the image forming apparatus of the present invention is a step of transferring a toner image to a recording medium. In this transfer step, it is preferable to use an intermediate transfer body and first transfer the toner image onto the intermediate transfer body, and then secondarily transfer the toner image onto the recording medium. The transfer process more preferably includes a first transfer step in which two or more toners, preferably full-color toners, are used to transfer a toner image onto an intermediate transfer body to form a composite transfer image, and a second transfer step in which the composite transfer image is transferred onto a recording medium. Transfer can be performed, for example, by charging an electrostatic latent image carrier (photoreceptor) with a toner image using a transfer charger, and can be carried out by the transfer unit.

[0126] The transfer section (first transfer section and second transfer section) preferably includes at least a transfer device that exfoliates and charges the toner image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier (photoreceptor) toward the recording medium. The transfer section may be one or two or more.

[0127] Examples of the aforementioned transfer devices include corona discharge transfer devices, transfer belts, transfer rollers, pressure transfer rollers, and adhesive transfer devices.

[0128] While plain paper is a typical recording medium, there are no particular restrictions as long as it can transfer the unfixed image after development. It can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, and release paper and PET bases for OHPs can also be used.

[0129] <Fixing section and fixing process> The fixing section in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but a known heating and pressing section is preferred. Examples of such heating and pressing sections include a combination of a heating roller and a pressing roller, and a combination of a heating roller, a pressing roller and an endless belt. The fixing step in the image forming apparatus of the present invention is a step of fixing the toner image transferred to the recording medium using a fixing device, and this may be performed for each color developer after the transfer to the recording medium, or it may be performed simultaneously for each color developer in a stacked state.

[0130] Preferably, the fixing unit is a heating and pressing unit that includes a heating element equipped with a heating element, paper or release paper in contact with the heating element, and a pressing member that presses against the heating element via the paper or release paper, and can heat and fix a recording medium on which an unfixed image has been formed between the film and the pressing member. The heating temperature in the heating and pressurizing section is usually preferably between 80°C and 200°C. There are no particular restrictions on the surface pressure in the heating and pressurizing section, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but 10 N / cm is recommended. 2 More than 80N / cm 2 The following is preferable:

[0131] In this embodiment, depending on the purpose, a known optical fuser may be used together with or in place of the fuser unit.

[0132] <Other parts and other processes> In addition to the above configuration, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may include other parts as needed, such as a static elimination unit, a cleaning unit, a recycling unit, a control unit, and so on. In addition to the above configuration, the image forming method of the present invention may include other steps as appropriate, such as a static elimination step, a cleaning step, a recycling step, etc.

[0133] <<Static elimination unit and static elimination process>> The static elimination unit is not particularly limited, as long as it can apply a static elimination bias to the electrostatic latent image carrier, and can be appropriately selected from known static eliminators. For example, a static elimination lamp is a suitable example. The static elimination step is a step of removing static electricity by applying a static elimination bias to the electrostatic latent image carrier, and can be suitably performed by the static elimination unit.

[0134] <<Cleaning Section and Cleaning Process>> The cleaning unit is not particularly limited as long as it can remove toner remaining on the electrostatic latent image carrier, and can be appropriately selected from known cleaners. Examples of such cleaning units include magnetic brush cleaners, electrostatic brush cleaners, magnetic roller cleaners, blade cleaners, brush cleaners, and web cleaners. The cleaning step is a step of removing the toner remaining on the electrostatic latent image carrier, and can be suitably performed by the cleaning unit.

[0135] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention can improve cleaning performance by having the cleaning section. Specifically, by controlling the adhesion force between toners, the fluidity of the toner can be controlled, thereby improving cleaning performance. Furthermore, by controlling the characteristics of the toner after degradation, excellent cleaning quality can be maintained even under harsh conditions such as extended lifespan and high temperature and humidity. In addition, since the external additive can be sufficiently released from the toner on the photoreceptor, a deposit layer (dam layer) of the external additive can be formed in the cleaning blade nip section, thereby achieving high cleaning performance.

[0136] <<Recycling Department and Recycling Process>> The recycling unit is not particularly limited and may include known means of transport. The recycling process involves recycling the toner removed in the cleaning process into the developing unit, and can be performed more effectively by the recycling unit.

[0137] <<Control Panel>> The control unit can control the movement of each of the above-mentioned parts. The control unit is not particularly limited as long as it can control the movement of each of the above-mentioned parts, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include control devices such as sequencers and computers.

[0138] The image forming apparatus according to one embodiment can perform image formation using the toner according to one embodiment, and therefore has excellent fixation properties to fabric, can reduce power consumption, and can stably provide high-quality images.

[0139] Herein, one embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. However, the applications of the present invention are not limited in any way to these embodiments. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in each drawing, and redundant explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components described below are not limited to this embodiment, and can be set to a number, position, shape, etc. that is preferable for carrying out the present invention.

[0140] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. The image forming apparatus shown in Figure 1 is a so-called tandem-type image forming apparatus in which four toner image forming units 120Y, 120C, 120M, and 120K for yellow, cyan, magenta, and black are arranged in parallel, and the toner images of each color (yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K)) formed by each toner image forming unit are superimposed to form a full-color image. There are no particular restrictions on the arrangement of the toner image forming units for each color.

[0141] Each toner image forming unit 120Y, 120C, 120M, and 120K is equipped with a photoreceptor drum 104Y, 104C, 104M, and 104K, respectively, which is rotated to act as an image carrier. An exposure device 45 is also provided for each photoreceptor drum 104Y, 104C, 104M, and 104K, which is exposed to laser light or LED light based on image information for each color to form a latent image.

[0142] Furthermore, an intermediate transfer belt 60, acting as an intermediate transfer body, is arranged to be surface-movable so as to face each toner image forming section 120Y, 120C, 120M, and 120K. Primary transfer rollers 61Y, 61C, 61M, and 61K are positioned opposite the photoreceptor drums 104Y, 104C, 104M, and 104K via the intermediate transfer belt 60, and transfer the toner images of each color formed on the photoreceptor drums 104Y, 104C, 104M, and 104K to the intermediate transfer belt 60.

[0143] The primary transfer rollers 61Y, 61C, 61M, and 61K sequentially transfer the toner images of each color formed by the respective toner image forming units 120Y, 120C, 120M, and 120K (described later) onto the intermediate transfer belt 60, and superimpose them to form a full-color image.

[0144] At the bottom of the image forming apparatus is a paper feeding section 70 consisting of a paper feed cassette 71, a paper feed roller 72, etc., which feeds the transfer paper toward the register roller 73. The register roller 73 feeds the transfer paper toward the opposing section between the intermediate transfer belt 60 and the secondary transfer device 65 in accordance with the timing of toner image formation. The full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 60 is transferred onto the transfer paper by the secondary transfer device 65, fixed by the fuser device 90, and then discharged outside the machine.

[0145] Next, we will describe each toner image forming unit 120Y, 120C, 120M, and 120K. Since each toner image forming unit 120Y, 120C, 120M, and 120K has almost the same configuration and operation except for the color of the toner it contains, the subscripts Y, C, M, and K used for color differentiation will be omitted in the following description, and the configuration and operation of the toner image forming unit 120 will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the main components of one embodiment of the image forming apparatus.

[0146] Around the photoreceptor drum 104 of the toner image forming unit 120, various means for performing the electrophotographic process, such as a charging device 140, a developing device 50, and a cleaning device 130, are arranged, and toner images of each color are formed on the photoreceptor drum 104 by known operation. Such a toner image forming unit 120 may be an integrally formed process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0147] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the main components of another example of an image forming apparatus equipped with five developing means. Explanations of aspects similar to those of the image forming apparatus described above are omitted.

[0148] The imaging apparatus of this embodiment includes a photoreceptor (photoreceptor 5, photoreceptor 11, photoreceptor 17, photoreceptor 23, photoreceptor 29), and surrounding the photoreceptor are a charger (charger 6, charger 12, charger 18, charger 24, charger 30), a developing means (developing means 8, developing means 14, developing means 20, developing means 26, developing means 32), a transfer unit (transfer unit 10, transfer unit 16, transfer unit 22, transfer unit 28, transfer unit 34), and a cleaning device (cleaning device 9, cleaning device 15, cleaning device 21, cleaning device 27, cleaning device 33), and the photoreceptor is irradiated with exposure light (exposure light 7, exposure light 13, exposure light 19, exposure light 25, exposure light 31).

[0149] Each developing unit for each color is equipped with a photoreceptor, a charger, a developing means, a cleaning device, etc. Developing unit 35 uses white or transparent toner, developing unit 36 ​​uses black toner, developing unit 37 uses cyan toner, developing unit 38 uses magenta toner, and developing unit 39 uses yellow toner to create an image, which is then transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40 for further image formation. The image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 40 is transferred to a recording medium by a transfer device 41 and fixed by a fixing device 43. A paper feed cassette 1 and a paper feed roller 2 are provided at the bottom of the developing unit, which feed the transfer paper toward the registration rollers 3 and 4. The registration rollers 3 and 4 feed the transfer paper toward the opposing part between the intermediate transfer belt 40 and the transfer device 41 in accordance with the timing of toner image formation.

[0150] (Image formation method and printed material) The image forming method of the present invention includes an image forming step of forming an image on a recording medium using the toner of the present invention, and a thermal transfer step of thermally transferring the image to an object to be transferred, and may include other steps as needed. The substrate according to the present invention comprises an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium using the toner of the present invention, and a thermal transfer means for thermally transferring the image to the substrate, and may optionally include other means. The printing method can be suitably carried out by a printing device.

[0151] <Thermal transfer process, thermal transfer means, and curing process> The thermal transfer process is the process of thermally transferring the image obtained in the image formation process onto the object to be transferred. The thermal transfer means is a means for thermally transferring an image obtained by the image formation process onto an object to be transferred. There are no particular restrictions on the thermal transfer means, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose; for example, an iron press machine can be used. The curing process is a process in which the printed material obtained by the heat transfer process is cured by heating it.

[0152] There are no particular restrictions on the material to be printed on, and it can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose. However, from the viewpoint of further suppressing image peeling, it is preferable to use nighttime evacuation guidance signs, phosphorescent displays or stickers, or ceramic substrates. [Examples]

[0153] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited in any way to these examples. In the following examples and comparative examples, unless otherwise specified, "parts" refers to "parts by mass" and "%" refers to "percentage by mass".

[0154] (Example 1) <Toner production> Polyester resin 1 (RN-300, manufactured by Kao Corporation) 80 parts by mass as a binder resin, polyester resin 2 (RN-290, manufactured by Kao Corporation) 120 parts by mass, curing agent (PrimidXL-552, manufactured by M-Scheme Co., Ltd.) 7 parts by mass, monoester wax (melting point 70.5℃) as a release agent 8 parts by mass, zinc salicylate (E-304, manufactured by Orient Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 1 part by mass as a static charge control agent, phosphorescent pigment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "coloring agent" or "phosphorescent agent") 80 parts by mass of GGL-300FF (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd.) were pre-mixed using a Henschel mixer (FM20B, manufactured by Nippon Coke Industries Co., Ltd.), and then melted and kneaded in a single-screw kneader (Buss Conida kneader "MDK46-11D", manufactured by Buss) at a raw material supply rate to the barrel of 16 kg / h, a screw temperature of 40°C, and a kneading temperature of 100°C to 130°C (zone barrel temperature: Z1 zone 130°C, Z2 and Z3 zones 100°C) to obtain a kneaded product. After the resulting mixture was cooled to room temperature, it was coarsely ground to 200 μm to 300 μm using a Rotoplex. Next, it was finely ground using a counterjet mill (100AFG, manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation) while appropriately adjusting the grinding air pressure so that the mass-average particle size was (8.7 ± 5) μm. Subsequently, the finely ground mixture was classified using an airflow classifier (EJ-LABO, manufactured by Matsubo Co., Ltd.) while appropriately adjusting the louver opening so that the number-average particle size: P50 was (5.8 ± 0.3) μm, thereby obtaining toner matrix particles. Next, 1.0 part by mass of HDK-2000 (registered trademark) (manufactured by Clariant Co., Ltd.) and 1.0 part by mass of H05TD (registered trademark) (manufactured by Clariant Co., Ltd.) were added to 100 parts by mass of the toner matrix particles, and the mixture was stirred and mixed using a Henschel mixer. This prepared toner 1. At this time, the toner particle size P50 was 5.8 μm, the pigment content in the toner was 27% by mass, and the toner acid value was 13.2 mgKOH / g. The toner 1 was classified using an airflow classifier (EJ-LABO, manufactured by Matsubo Co., Ltd.) to separate it into large-diameter G powder, medium-diameter M powder, and small-diameter F powder, while appropriately adjusting the louver opening so that the G powder falls between P80-P85 and the F powder falls between P20-P25 of the toner 1 particle size. When the particle sizes of the recovered G powder and F powder were measured, the toner particle size of P20-25 was 4.2 μm to 4.5 μm, while the F powder was 4.4 μm. The toner particle size of P80-85 was 7.1 μm to 7.4 μm, while the G powder was 7.3 μm.

[0155] 3g of the obtained toner 1 was weighed and pressurized in a molding machine to produce 3cm diameter pellets, and the intensity of Al was measured using qualitative X-ray fluorescence (EZ mode). The obtained Al intensities were toner 1: 295kcps, G powder: 340kcps, and F powder: 290kcps.

[0156] (Examples 2-8 and Comparative Examples 1-6) In Examples 2 to 7, toner was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the toner raw materials were changed to the combinations shown in Tables 1 and 2 below. The intensities of the fluorescent X-rays are shown in Tables 1 and 2. In Comparative Examples 1-6, no reaction products between the curing agent and the polyester resin were observed. [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0157] The materials used in the compositions shown in Tables 1 and 2 are as follows: <Binding resin> • Polyester resin 1 (RN-300, manufactured by Kao Corporation, low acid value resin, acid value: 4 mg KOH / g) • Polyester resin 2 (RN-290, manufactured by Kao Corporation, high acid value resin, acid value: 28 mg KOH / g) <Synthesis of monoester waxes> A 1-liter four-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, nitrogen inlet tube, stirrer, and condenser was charged with 50 parts by mass of cerotic acid and 50 parts by mass of palmitic acid as fatty acid components, and 100 parts by mass of ceryl alcohol as an alcohol component, totaling 500 g. The reaction was carried out at atmospheric pressure for more than 15 hours at 220°C under a nitrogen stream, while distilling off the reactants, to obtain a monoester wax with a melting point of 70.5°C. <Hardening agent> • PrimidXL-552 (manufactured by M-Scheme, β-hydroxyalkylamide) • Blonate 2304 (manufactured by Blonate Co., Ltd., polyisocyanate-based curing agent) <Static control agent> • Zinc salicylate (E-304, manufactured by Orient Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) <Luminous pigment> GGL-300FF (manufactured by Nemoto Special Chemicals Co., Ltd., average particle size: 2.5 μm to 3.0 μm, metal aluminate salt, composition: SrAl2O4;Eu,Dy, green or yellowish-green phosphorescent pigment) · GGL-300FF Graded Product (Number Average Particle Size: 0.4 μm) <Fluorescent Pigment> · D-1165 (manufactured by Negoro Special Chemical Co., Ltd., number average particle size: 2.0 μm to 2.5 μm, green fluorescent pigment, constituent elements: BaMgAl 10 O 17 : EU, Mn)

[0158] <Preparation of Two-Component Developer> [Preparation of Carrier] The following mixture of carrier raw materials was dispersed with a homomixer for 20 minutes to prepare a coating layer forming solution. Using Mn ferrite particles with a mass average particle size of 40 μm as the core material, this coating layer forming solution was applied using a fluidized bed coating apparatus while controlling the temperature in the fluidized bath to 70°C each so that the average film thickness became 0.20 μm on the surface of the core material, and then dried. The obtained carrier was fired in an electric furnace at 180°C for 2 hours to obtain Carrier A. (Carrier Raw Materials) · Silicone Resin (Organostraight Silicone): 100 parts by mass · Toluene: 100 parts by mass · γ-(2-Aminoethyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane: 5 parts by mass · Carbon Black: 10 parts by mass [Preparation of Two-Component Developer] Each toner prepared in Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 and Carrier A were uniformly mixed and charged at 48 rpm for minutes using a Turbler Mixer (manufactured by Willy E. Bachofen (WAB)) to prepare two-component developers respectively. The mixing ratio of the toner and Carrier A was adjusted to the toner concentration (7% by mass) of the initial developer of the evaluation machine to obtain the developer.

[0159] Using the developers containing each toner prepared in Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6, "Scratches on the Photoconductor", "Phosphorescence", and "Image Strength" were evaluated. The evaluation results are shown in Table 3.

[0160] <Scratches on the Photoconductor> Using the obtained two-component developer, development was performed on a modified copy machine (imagioMF7070, manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.). In an MM environment (temperature: 23°C, humidity: 50%RH), at a rate of 5,000 sheets / day, after initial and 100,000 sheets (100,000 sheets) runs, solid white and solid black images were continuously fed on A4 size paper (brand: RICOH MyPaper, manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) in 40% print mode, in A4 landscape orientation. After continuous paper feeding, the surface of the photoreceptor was observed with an optical microscope to check for any scratches on the photoreceptor that would result in or be likely to result in image defects. Based on the observation results, the following criteria were used for evaluation. Note that a rating of "△" or higher indicates that the device is usable. [Evaluation Criteria] ○: The photoreceptor surface is in very good condition. △: Fewer than three scratches or white or black deposits are observed that are less than 10 mm in length and less than 0.5 mm in width, and no scratches or white or black deposits are observed that are 10 mm or longer or 0.5 mm or wider. ×: Three or more scratches or white or black deposits are observed that are less than 10 mm in length and less than 0.5 mm in width, or scratches or white or black deposits are observed that are 10 mm or longer or 0.5 mm or wider.

[0161] <Luminous> Using the obtained two-component developer, development was performed using a modified copy machine (imagioMF7070, manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.). A solid image with an adhesion amount of 1.2 mg / cm2 was created on A4 size paper in an MM environment (temperature: 23°C, humidity: 50%RH), left for 5 minutes under a 2,000 lux fluorescent lamp, and then the phosphorescence was evaluated visually in a darkroom based on the evaluation criteria below. [Evaluation Criteria] ○: Fluorescence can be visually observed at both 30 seconds and 10 minutes, and the fluorescence can also be observed 10 seconds after the fluorescent lamp is turned on. △: Fluorescence was visible at both 30 seconds and 10 minutes. Although the color was fainter, fluorescence was still visible 10 seconds after the fluorescent light was turned on, so there were no problems in practical use. ×: Neither the fluorescence can be visually detected after 30 seconds or 10 minutes, or there is a faint glow, but the difference from the white paper at the edge after 10 seconds of the fluorescent light being turned on is not clearly visible.

[0162] <Image Intensity> Using the obtained two-component developer, development was performed using a modified copy machine (imagioMF7070, manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.). A solid image with an adhesion amount of 1.2 mg / cm² was created on A4 size paper in an MM environment (temperature: 23°C, humidity: 50%RH), fixed at a temperature of 160°C or higher, and a white cotton cloth (JIS L0803 Cotton No. 3) of approximately 25 x 25 mm was attached to the friction element of a smear tester (Friction Tester Type I, JIS L0823, friction element diameter: 15φ) with double-sided tape so that the fiber direction was horizontal to the direction of movement of the friction element. After that, the solid image was rubbed back and forth 30 times in continuous motion, left for 5 minutes under a 2,000 lux fluorescent lamp, and then the image intensity was evaluated visually in a darkroom according to the evaluation criteria below. -Evaluation Criteria- At both 30 seconds and 10 minutes, fluorescence was visible to the naked eye, and even 10 seconds after the fluorescent light was turned on, the fluorescence was still discernible, and there was no change in the appearance of the image. △: Fluorescence was visible to the naked eye at both 30 seconds and 10 minutes. Although the color was fainter, fluorescence was still visible 10 seconds after the fluorescent light was turned on, but scratches were visible in the rubbed area. ×: Neither the fluorescence can be visually detected after 30 seconds or 10 minutes, or both emit a faint light, but the difference from the white paper at the edge is not clearly discernible after 10 seconds of the fluorescent light being turned on, and obvious image peeling such as image gaps is observed.

[0163] [Table 3]

[0164] As described above, embodiments have been explained, but these embodiments are presented as examples only, and the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0165] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A toner containing a phosphorescent pigment containing Al and Sr elements, The number-average particle size of the phosphorescent pigment is 2 μm or more. The content of the phosphorescent pigment is 20% by mass or more relative to the toner. The acid value of the aforementioned toner is 5 mg KOH / g or more. It contains a reaction product of a curing agent and polyester resin, A toner characterized in that the curing agent is a β-hydroxyalkylamide. <2> The phosphorescent pigment is a metal aluminate salt. <1> The toner listed. <3> The aluminate metal salts mentioned above are SrAl2O4 and Sr4Al 14 0 25 It is one of the following: <2> The toner listed. <4> The Al intensity when the toner is irradiated with fluorescent X-rays is 180 kcps or more and 600 kcps or less. The ratio (G / F) of the Al intensity when fluorescent X-rays are irradiated onto particles (F) from P20 to P25 in the particle size distribution of the toner, to the Al intensity when fluorescent X-rays are irradiated onto particles (G) from P80 to P85 in the particle size distribution of the toner, is 1.05 or more and 1.25 or less. <1> from <3> Toner as specified in any one of the items. <5> The content of the phosphorescent pigment is 20% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less relative to the toner. <1> from <4> Toner as specified in any one of the items. <6> The acid value of the toner is 10 mg KOH / g or more and 20 mg KOH / g or less. <1> from <5> Toner as specified in any one of the items. <7> <1> from <6> A toner container characterized by containing the toner described in any one of the items. <8> <7> The toner container described above, An electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier, A developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image using the toner and forming a toner image, A transfer means for transferring the toner image onto a recording medium, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising fixing means for fixing a transferred image transferred to the recording medium. <9> An electrostatic latent image formation step in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on an electrostatic latent image carrier, <1> from <6> A developing step of developing the electrostatic latent image using the toner described in any one of the items and forming a toner image, A transfer step of transferring the toner image onto a recording medium, An image forming method characterized by comprising a fixing step of fixing the transferred image transferred to the recording medium. <10> <9> A printed substrate obtained by the image forming method described above, A substrate characterized by being obtained by a fixing step of fixing the transferred image transferred to the recording medium. <11> The process includes a step of curing the printed material by heating it. <9> The image formation method described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0166] 1.71 Paper feed cassette 2.72 Paper feed roller 3, 4, 73 Registrola 5, 11, 17, 23, 29 Photoreceptor 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 Chargers 7, 13, 19, 25, 31 Exposure light 8, 14, 20, 26, 32 Developing methods 9, 15, 21, 27, 33, 130 Cleaning devices 10, 16, 22, 28, 34 Transfer device 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 Developing Unit 40, 60 intermediate transfer belt 41 Transfer device 43, 90 Fixing device 45 Exposure equipment 50 Developing device 65 Secondary transfer device 61Y, 61C, 61M, 61K Primary Transfer Rollers 70 Paper feed section 104Y, 104C, 104M, 104K Photoconductor Drum 120Y, 120C, 120M, 120K Toner Image Forming Unit 140 Charging Devices [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0167] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-323798 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-057703 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-101628 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-061975

Claims

1. A toner containing a phosphorescent pigment containing Al and Sr elements, The number-average particle size of the phosphorescent pigment is 2 μm or more. The content of the phosphorescent pigment is 20% by mass or more relative to the toner. The acid value of the toner is 5 mg KOH / g or more. It contains a reaction product of a curing agent and polyester resin, A toner characterized in that the curing agent is a β-hydroxyalkylamide.

2. The toner according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorescent pigment is a metal aluminate salt.

3. The aluminate metal salt is SrAl ２ 0 ４ and Sr ４ Al １４ 0 ２５ The toner according to claim 2, which is one of the following.

4. The Al intensity when the toner is irradiated with fluorescent X-rays is 180 kcps or more and 600 kcps or less. The toner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio (G / F) of the Al intensity when fluorescent X-rays are irradiated onto particles (F) from P20 to P25 in the particle size distribution of the toner to the Al intensity when fluorescent X-rays are irradiated onto particles (G) from P80 to P85 in the particle size distribution of the toner is 1.05 or more and 1.25 or less.

5. The toner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content of the phosphorescent pigment is 20% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less relative to the toner.

6. The toner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acid value of the toner is 10 mg KOH / g or more and 20 mg KOH / g or less.

7. A toner container characterized by containing the toner described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The toner container according to claim 7, An electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier, A developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image using the toner and forming a toner image, A transfer means for transferring the toner image onto a recording medium, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising fixing means for fixing a transferred image transferred to the recording medium.

9. An electrostatic latent image formation step in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on an electrostatic latent image carrier, A developing step of developing the electrostatic latent image using the toner described in any one of claims 1 to 3 to form a toner image, A transfer step of transferring the toner image onto a recording medium, An image forming method characterized by comprising a fixing step of fixing the transferred image transferred to the recording medium.

10. A substrate obtained by the image forming method described in claim 9, A substrate characterized by being obtained by a fixing step of fixing the transferred image transferred to the recording medium.

11. The image forming method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of hardening the material to be printed by heating it.

Images