Method for producing pressure-sensitive adhesive, method for producing toner for developing electrostatic images, and composite resin particle dispersion

Abstract

To provide a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion which is excellent in adhesion force in crimping and storage property of a dispersion liquid.SOLUTION: A method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion includes a step of polymerizing a (meth)acrylate compound and obtaining a (meth)acrylate-based resin, and a step of polymerizing a styrene compound and other vinyl monomer in the presence of the (meth)acrylate-based resin, and obtaining composite resin particles containing a styrenic resin and the (meth)acrylate-based resin, wherein a mass ratio of the styrenic resin to the (meth)acrylate-based resin contained in the composite resin particles is 80:20 to 20:80, and a difference between a lowest glass transition temperature and a highest glass transition temperature included in the composite resin particles is 30°C or higher.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion, a method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a method for producing a pressure-responsive resin, a method for producing a toner for developing electrostatic images, and a composite resin particle dispersion. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a removable sheet that can be used to removably bond overlapping surfaces together, the removable sheet having a base sheet, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on at least one surface of the base sheet, and a surface layer provided on the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer contains an adhesive base including a natural rubber-based material, and the surface layer contains one or more selected from the group consisting of cellulose nanofibers, chitin nanofibers, and chitosan nanofibers.

[0003] Patent Document 2 also describes an adhesive material containing a styrene-based resin containing styrene and other vinyl monomers as polymerization components, and a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin containing at least two types of (meth)acrylic acid esters as polymerization components, with the mass ratio of the (meth)acrylic acid esters to the total polymerization components being 90 mass % or more, wherein the mass ratio of the styrene-based resin to the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin is 80:20 to 20:80, and the resin particles have at least two glass transition temperatures, the lowest of which is −30° C. or lower and the highest of which is 30° C. or higher. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-053220 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-017465 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid that has excellent adhesive strength during compression bonding and storage properties of the dispersion liquid, compared to a method that includes a step of obtaining composite resin particles by polymerizing a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound in the presence of a styrene-based resin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Means for solving the above problems include the following aspects. <1> A method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion, comprising: a step of polymerizing a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound to obtain a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin; and a step of polymerizing a styrene compound and other vinyl monomers in the presence of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin to obtain composite resin particles containing a styrene-based resin and the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin, wherein the mass ratio of the styrene-based resin to the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin contained in the composite resin particles is 80:20 to 20:80, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures contained in the composite resin particles is 30°C or more. <2> The (meth)acrylic acid ester compound contains at least two kinds of (meth)acrylic acid ester compounds. <1> 1. A method for producing the composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to claim 1. <3> The (meth)acrylic acid ester compound contains 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and n-butyl acrylate. <2> 1. A method for producing the composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to claim 1. <4> The mass ratio of the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound to all the polymerization components in the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin is 90 mass % or more. <1> ~ <3> 1. A method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to any one of the above. <5> The (meth)acrylic acid ester resin has a glass transition temperature of -30°C or lower. <1> ~ <4> 1. A method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to any one of the above. <6> The styrene compound is styrene. <1> ~ <5> 1. A method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to any one of the above. <7> The mass ratio of the styrene in the total polymerization components of the styrene-based resin is 60 mass % or more and 95 mass % or less. <6> 1. A method for producing the composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to claim 1. <8> The other vinyl monomer includes a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound. <1> ~ <7> 1. A method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to any one of the above. <9> The glass transition temperature of the styrene resin is 30°C or higher. <1> ~ <8> 1. A method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to any one of the above. <10> <1> ~ <9> 10. A method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to any one of the above items. <11> <1> ~ <9> 10. A method for producing a pressure-responsive resin, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to any one of the above items. <12> <1> ~ <9> 10. A method for producing a toner for developing electrostatic images, which uses a composite resin particle dispersion produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to any one of 1 to 8. <13> A composite resin particle dispersion liquid obtained by dispersing composite resin particles in a dispersion medium, the composite resin particles containing at least a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin in the interior, the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin containing a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound as a polymerization component, and at least a styrene-based resin in the surface, the styrene-based resin containing styrene and other vinyl monomers as polymerization components, in a mass ratio of 80:20 to 20:80, and the difference between the lowest glass transition temperature and the highest glass transition temperature contained in the composite resin particles is 30°C or more. <14> It is a pressure-sensitive adhesive <13> The composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to claim 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] <1> According to the present invention, a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid is provided, which has excellent adhesive strength during compression bonding and storage properties of the dispersion liquid, compared to a method that includes a step of polymerizing a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound in the presence of a styrene-based resin to obtain composite resin particles. <2> According to the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid in which the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin has superior adhesive strength during compression bonding and superior storage properties of the dispersion liquid compared to when the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin is a homopolymer of a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound. <3> According to the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid in which the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin is superior in adhesive strength during compression bonding and in storage stability of the dispersion liquid compared to when the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin is a homopolymer of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. <4> According to the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid which is superior in adhesive strength during compression bonding and in storage stability of the dispersion liquid compared to when the mass proportion of the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound in the total polymerization components of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin is less than 90 mass%. <5> According to the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid which is superior in adhesive strength during compression bonding and in storage stability of the dispersion liquid compared to when the glass transition temperature of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin is higher than −30°C. <6> According to the invention, there is provided a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid which is superior in adhesive strength during compression bonding and in storage stability of the dispersion liquid compared to when the styrene compound is vinylnaphthalene. <7> According to the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid which is superior in adhesive strength during compression bonding and in storage stability of the dispersion liquid compared to when the mass proportion of the styrene in the total polymerization components of the styrene-based resin is less than 60 mass% or more than 95 mass%. <8> According to the invention, a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid is provided which is superior in adhesive strength during compression bonding and in storage stability of the dispersion liquid compared to when the styrene-based polymer is a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer. <9> According to the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid that is superior in adhesive strength during compression bonding and in storage stability of the dispersion liquid compared to when the glass transition temperature of the styrene-based resin is lower than 30°C. <10> , <11> or <12> According to the invention, there is provided a method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a method for producing a pressure-responsive resin, or a method for producing a toner for developing electrostatic images, which are superior in adhesive strength during compression and in storage stability of the dispersion, compared to a method including a step of polymerizing a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound in the presence of a styrene-based resin to obtain composite resin particles. <13> or <14> According to the present invention, a composite resin particle dispersion liquid is provided which has excellent adhesive strength during compression bonding and excellent storage properties of the dispersion liquid compared to a dispersion liquid which contains a styrene-based resin inside and a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin on the surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present embodiment will be described below. These descriptions and examples are intended to illustrate the embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiment.

[0010] In this embodiment, a numerical range indicated using "to" indicates a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively.

[0011] In the numerical ranges described in this embodiment in stages, the upper or lower limit value described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in the numerical ranges described in this embodiment, the upper or lower limit value of the numerical range may be replaced with the value shown in the examples.

[0012] In this embodiment, the term "process" includes not only an independent process but also a process that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved.

[0013] When the present embodiment is described with reference to the drawings, the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the sizes of the components in each drawing are conceptual, and the relative size relationships between the components are not limited to these.

[0014] In this embodiment, each component may contain multiple types of corresponding substances. When referring to the amount of each component in the composition in this embodiment, if multiple types of substances corresponding to each component are present in the composition, the amount refers to the total amount of the multiple types of substances present in the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the composition may contain multiple types of particles corresponding to each component. When multiple types of particles corresponding to each component are present in the composition, the particle size of each component means the value for a mixture of the multiple types of particles present in the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0016] In this embodiment, the expression "(meth)acrylic" means that it can mean either "acrylic" or "methacrylic".

[0017] In this embodiment, the "toner for developing electrostatic images" is also referred to simply as "toner," and the "electrostatic image developer" is also referred to simply as "developer."

[0018] In this embodiment, a printed matter formed by folding a recording medium and adhering the opposing surfaces together, or a printed matter formed by overlapping two or more recording media and adhering the opposing surfaces together, is referred to as a "press-bonded printed matter."

[0019] (Method of manufacturing composite resin particle dispersion) The method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment includes the steps of polymerizing a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound to obtain a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin, and polymerizing a styrene compound and other vinyl monomers in the presence of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin to obtain composite resin particles containing a styrene-based resin and the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin, wherein the mass ratio of the styrene-based resin to the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin contained in the composite resin particles is 80:20 to 20:80, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures contained in the composite resin particles is 30°C or more.

[0020] Conventional composite resin particle dispersions containing composite resin particles that exhibit adhesiveness when pressed lose their adhesive strength over time, so the adhesive paper used for pressed postcards also has a short shelf life, making inventory management difficult. Moreover, in the composite resin particle dispersion, the composite resin particles may aggregate over time, increasing the average particle size and causing precipitation. The method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment includes a step of polymerizing a styrene compound and other vinyl monomers in the presence of a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin to obtain composite resin particles containing a styrene-based resin and the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin. This results in the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin, which is thought to be a resin with a low glass transition temperature, being present inside the particles, and the styrene-based resin, which is thought to be a resin with a high glass transition temperature, covering the surface. This is thought to inhibit the composite resin particles from aggregating, maintain adhesive strength when pressed, and result in excellent storage properties for the dispersion.

[0021] The method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the term "styrene-based resin" refers to a "styrene-based resin containing 50% by mass or more of a styrene-based compound as a polymerization component," and the term "(meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin" refers to a "(meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin containing 50% by mass or more of a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound as a polymerization component." The (meth)acrylic compound may be any compound having a (meth)acrylic group, and examples thereof include (meth)acrylate compounds, (meth)acrylamide compounds, (meth)acrylic acid, and (meth)acrylonitrile.

[0022] In the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment, the mass ratio of the styrene-based resin to the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin contained in the composite resin particles is 80:20 to 20:80, and from the viewpoints of adhesive strength during compression bonding and storage stability of the dispersion, it is preferably 70:30 to 30:70, and more preferably 60:40 to 40:60.

[0023] In the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment, the difference between the lowest glass transition temperature and the highest glass transition temperature contained in the composite resin particles is 30°C or more, and from the viewpoints of adhesive strength during compression bonding and storage stability of the dispersion, the difference is preferably 40°C or more, more preferably 60°C or more, even more preferably 60°C or more and 200°C or less, and particularly preferably 80°C or more and 150°C or less. The lowest glass transition temperature of the composite resin particles is preferably the glass transition temperature of the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin. Furthermore, it is preferable that the highest glass transition temperature contained in the composite resin particles is the glass transition temperature of the styrene-based resin, and it is more preferable that the lowest glass transition temperature contained in the composite resin particles is the glass transition temperature of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin and the highest glass transition temperature contained in the composite resin particles is the glass transition temperature of the styrene-based resin.

[0024] The composite resin particles produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment preferably have a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin inside and a styrene-based resin on the surface. Furthermore, from the viewpoints of adhesive strength during compression bonding and storage stability of the dispersion, the composite resin particles preferably contain 90% by mass or more of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin inside, more preferably 95% by mass or more of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin inside, and particularly preferably 99% by mass or more of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin inside.

[0025] <Step of Obtaining a (Meth)acrylic Acid Ester Resin> The method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment includes a step of polymerizing a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound to obtain a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin. The polymerization in the step of obtaining the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin is not particularly limited, but is preferably emulsion polymerization.

[0026] The step of obtaining the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin is preferably a step of obtaining (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin particles, and more preferably a step of obtaining a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin particle dispersion. Examples of a method for dispersing (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin particles in a dispersion medium include a method in which a styrene-based resin is mixed with a dispersion medium and stirred and dispersed using a rotary shear homogenizer, a ball mill with media, a sand mill, a dyno mill, or the like. Another method for dispersing (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin particles in a dispersion medium is emulsion polymerization. Specifically, after mixing the polymerization components of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin with a chain transfer agent or a polymerization initiator, an aqueous medium containing a surfactant is further added and stirred to prepare an emulsion, and a styrene-based resin is polymerized in the emulsion. In this case, it is preferable to use a thiol compound as the chain transfer agent, and it is more preferable to use dodecanethiol.

[0027] Examples of the dispersion medium include aqueous media such as water, alcohols, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0028] Examples of surfactants include anionic surfactants such as sulfate ester salts, sulfonate salts, phosphate esters, and soaps; cationic surfactants such as amine salts and quaternary ammonium salts; and nonionic surfactants such as polyethylene glycols, alkylphenol ethylene oxide adducts, and polyhydric alcohols. Nonionic surfactants may be used in combination with anionic surfactants or cationic surfactants. Among these, anionic surfactants are preferred. The surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0029] The polymerization initiator is not particularly limited, and known photopolymerization initiators and thermal polymerization initiators can be used. Among these, thermal polymerization initiators are preferred, peroxides are more preferred, and ammonium persulfate is particularly preferred. The polymerization temperature and polymerization time are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the monomers and polymerization initiators used.

[0030] The (meth)acrylic acid ester compound used in the step of obtaining the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin may be one type or two or more types, but it is preferable that at least two types of (meth)acrylic acid esters are contained in the polymerization components. Furthermore, the mass proportion of the (meth)acrylic acid ester in all the polymerization components of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin is preferably 90 mass% or more, more preferably 95 mass% or more, even more preferably 98 mass% or more, and particularly preferably 100 mass%.

[0031] Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound include (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds, (meth)acrylic acid carboxy-substituted alkyl ester compounds, (meth)acrylic acid hydroxy-substituted alkyl ester compounds, (meth)acrylic acid alkoxy-substituted alkyl ester compounds, and di(meth)acrylic acid ester compounds.

[0032] Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)methacrylate, n-hexyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentanyl (meth)acrylate, and isobornyl (meth)acrylate. Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid carboxy-substituted alkyl ester compound include 2-carboxyethyl (meth)acrylate. Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid hydroxy-substituted alkyl ester compound include 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, and 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate. Examples of the alkoxy-substituted alkyl (meth)acrylate ester compound include 2-methoxyethyl (meth)acrylate. Examples of the di(meth)acrylic acid ester compound include ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, butanediol di(meth)acrylate, pentanediol di(meth)acrylate, hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, and decanediol di(meth)acrylate.

[0033] In addition, examples of the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound include 2-(diethylamino)ethyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, and methoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate.

[0034] As the (meth)acrylic acid ester, from the viewpoint of forming pressure-responsive resin particles that easily undergo phase transition under pressure and have excellent adhesiveness, (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds are preferred, (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds in which the alkyl group has 2 to 10 carbon atoms are more preferred, (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds in which the alkyl group has 4 to 8 carbon atoms are even more preferred, and n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate are particularly preferred. From the viewpoint of forming composite resin particles that easily undergo phase transition under pressure, the styrene-based resin and the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin preferably contain the same (meth)acrylic acid ester compound as polymerization components. That is, from the viewpoint of forming composite resin particles that easily undergo phase transition under pressure, the styrene-based resin and the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin preferably each have a constituent unit derived from the same (meth)acrylic acid ester compound.

[0035] Of the at least two (meth)acrylic acid ester compounds contained as polymerization components in the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin, the two with the largest mass proportions are preferably (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds. The (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds here are preferably (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds having an alkyl group with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds having an alkyl group with 4 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0036] When the two (meth)acrylic acid ester compounds having the largest mass proportions among the at least two (meth)acrylic acid ester compounds contained as polymerization components in the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin are (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds, the difference in the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl groups of the two (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds is preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, more preferably 2 or more and 4 or less, and even more preferably 3 or 4, from the viewpoint of forming composite resin particles that are easily transferred under pressure and have excellent adhesive strength.

[0037] From the viewpoint of forming composite resin particles that are easily transferred by pressure and have excellent adhesive strength, the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin preferably contains n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate as polymerization components, and it is particularly preferred that the two (meth)acrylic acid ester compounds contained in the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin as polymerization components with the largest mass proportions be n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. The total amount of n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate in the total polymerization components of the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin is preferably 90 mass% or more, more preferably 95 mass% or more, even more preferably 98 mass% or more, and even more preferably 100 mass%.

[0038] The (meth)acrylic acid ester resin may contain a vinyl monomer other than a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound as a polymerization component. Examples of vinyl monomers other than (meth)acrylic acid esters include (meth)acrylic acid; styrene; styrene-based monomers other than styrene; (meth)acrylonitrile; vinyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether and vinyl isobutyl ether; vinyl ketones such as vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl ethyl ketone and vinyl isopropenyl ketone; and olefins such as isoprene, butene and butadiene. These vinyl monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0039] When the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin contains a vinyl monomer other than a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound as a polymerization component, the vinyl monomer other than a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound is preferably at least one of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and more preferably acrylic acid.

[0040] The weight average molecular weight of the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin is preferably 10,000 or more, more preferably 20,000 or more, and even more preferably 30,000 or more, from the viewpoint of preventing the pressure-responsive resin particles from fluidizing when no pressure is applied, and is preferably 200,000 or less, more preferably 150,000 or less, and even more preferably 100,000 or less, from the viewpoint of forming pressure-responsive resin particles that are prone to undergo phase transition when pressure is applied.

[0041] In this disclosure, the weight-average molecular weight of a resin is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Molecular weight measurement by GPC is performed using a Tosoh Corporation HLC-8120GPC GPC apparatus, a Tosoh Corporation TSKgel SuperHM-M (15 cm) column, and tetrahydrofuran as a solvent. The weight-average molecular weight of the resin is calculated using a molecular weight calibration curve prepared using monodisperse polystyrene standard samples.

[0042] The glass transition temperature of the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin is preferably 10°C or lower, more preferably 0°C or lower, and even more preferably -10°C or lower, from the viewpoint of forming pressure-responsive resin particles that easily undergo phase transition when subjected to pressure, and is preferably -90°C or higher, more preferably -80°C or higher, and even more preferably -70°C or higher, from the viewpoint of preventing the pressure-responsive resin particles from fluidizing when no pressure is applied.

[0043] In the present disclosure, the glass transition temperature of a resin is determined from a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve obtained by DSC measurement. More specifically, it is determined according to the "extrapolated glass transition onset temperature" described in JIS K7121:1987 "Method for measuring transition temperatures of plastics."

[0044] The volume average particle size of the styrene-based resin particles dispersed in the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin particle dispersion is preferably 100 nm or more and 250 nm or less, more preferably 120 nm or more and 220 nm or less, and even more preferably 150 nm or more and 200 nm or less. The volume average particle diameter of the resin particles contained in the resin particle dispersion is measured using a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring device (e.g., LA-700 manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.), and the particle diameter at the cumulative 50% in the volume-based particle size distribution calculated from the smallest diameter side is defined as the volume average particle diameter (D50v).

[0045] <Step of Obtaining Composite Resin Particles> The method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment includes a step of polymerizing a styrene compound and other vinyl monomers in the presence of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin to obtain composite resin particles containing the styrene-based resin and the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin.

[0046] The step of obtaining the composite resin particles is preferably a step of obtaining a composite resin particle dispersion. Examples of a method for dispersing the composite resin particles in a dispersion medium include mixing the styrene resin with the dispersion medium and stirring and dispersing the mixture using a rotary shear homogenizer, a ball mill with media, a sand mill, a dyno mill, or the like. Another method for dispersing composite resin particles in a dispersion medium involves adding a styrene-based resin polymerization component (a group of monomers including at least styrene and other vinyl monomers) to a (meth)acrylic ester-based resin particle dispersion, and optionally adding an aqueous medium. The dispersion is then heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the resulting styrene-based resin (e.g., a temperature 10°C to 30°C higher than the glass transition temperature of the styrene-based resin) while slowly stirring. Next, while maintaining the temperature, an aqueous medium containing a polymerization initiator is slowly added dropwise, and stirring is continued for a further long period of time, ranging from 1 hour to 15 hours. In this case, ammonium persulfate is preferably used as the polymerization initiator. Suitable examples of the dispersion medium and polymerization initiator include those described above. In the step of obtaining the composite resin particles, a surfactant may be used. Suitable examples of the surfactant include those described above. The polymerization temperature and polymerization time are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the monomers and polymerization initiators used.

[0047] The mass proportion of styrene in all the polymerization components of the styrene-based resin is preferably 60 mass% or more, more preferably 70 mass% or more, and even more preferably 75 mass% or more, from the viewpoint of suppressing fluidization of the composite resin particles in an unpressurized state, and is preferably 95 mass% or less, more preferably 90 mass% or less, and even more preferably 85 mass% or less, from the viewpoint of forming composite resin particles that are prone to phase transition under pressure.

[0048] Examples of styrene compounds other than styrene include vinylnaphthalene; alkyl-substituted styrenes such as α-methylstyrene, o-methylstyrene, m-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, p-ethylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, pn-butylstyrene, p-tert-butylstyrene, pn-hexylstyrene, pn-octylstyrene, pn-nonylstyrene, pn-decylstyrene, and pn-dodecylstyrene; aryl-substituted styrenes such as p-phenylstyrene; alkoxy-substituted styrenes such as p-methoxystyrene; halogen-substituted styrenes such as p-chlorostyrene, 3,4-dichlorostyrene, p-fluorostyrene, and 2,5-difluorostyrene; and nitro-substituted styrenes such as m-nitrostyrene, o-nitrostyrene, and p-nitrostyrene. One type of styrene compound may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0049] Examples of vinyl monomers other than the styrene compound that constitute the styrene-based resin include acrylic monomers.

[0050] The acrylic monomer is preferably at least one acrylic monomer selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic acid ester compounds. Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound include (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compounds, (meth)acrylic acid carboxy-substituted alkyl ester compounds, (meth)acrylic acid hydroxy-substituted alkyl ester compounds, (meth)acrylic acid alkoxy-substituted alkyl ester compounds, and di(meth)acrylic acid ester compounds. The acrylic monomer may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0051] Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)methacrylate, n-hexyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentanyl (meth)acrylate, and isobornyl (meth)acrylate. Examples of the carboxy-substituted alkyl (meth)acrylate include 2-carboxyethyl (meth)acrylate. Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid hydroxy-substituted alkyl ester compound include 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, and 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate. Examples of the alkoxy-substituted alkyl (meth)acrylate ester compound include 2-methoxyethyl (meth)acrylate. Examples of the di(meth)acrylic acid ester compound include ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, butanediol di(meth)acrylate, pentanediol di(meth)acrylate, hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, and decanediol di(meth)acrylate.

[0052] Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound include 2-(diethylamino)ethyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, and methoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate.

[0053] Other vinyl monomers that constitute styrene-based resins include, for example, (meth)acrylonitrile; vinyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether and vinyl isobutyl ether; vinyl ketones such as vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl ethyl ketone and vinyl isopropenyl ketone; and olefins such as isoprene, butene and butadiene.

[0054] From the viewpoint of forming composite resin particles that easily undergo phase transition under pressure, the styrene-based resin preferably contains a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound as a polymerization component, more preferably a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound, even more preferably a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound having an alkyl group with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, still more preferably a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound having an alkyl group with 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably at least one of n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

[0055] Among the vinyl monomers other than styrene, the vinyl monomer that accounts for the largest mass proportion in the styrene-based resin is preferably a (meth)acrylic acid ester, more preferably a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound, even more preferably a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound having an alkyl group with 2 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, and even more preferably n-butyl acrylate or 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, from the viewpoint of forming composite resin particles that are prone to phase transition under pressure.

[0056] The mass proportion of the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound in all the polymerization components of the styrene-based resin is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 25% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing fluidization of the composite resin particles in an unpressurized state, and is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 15% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of facilitating phase transition of the composite resin particles under pressure. As the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound here, a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound is preferred, more preferably a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound having an alkyl group with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester compound having an alkyl group with 4 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0057] It is particularly preferable that the styrene-based resin contains at least one of n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate as a polymerization component, and the total amount of n-butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate in all polymerization components of the styrene-based resin is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 25% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing fluidization of the composite resin particles in an unpressurized state, and is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 15% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of forming composite resin particles that are prone to phase transition under pressure.

[0058] The glass transition temperature of the styrene-based resin is preferably 30°C or higher, more preferably 40°C or higher, and even more preferably 50°C or higher, from the viewpoint of preventing the composite resin particles from fluidizing when no pressure is applied; and is preferably 110°C or lower, more preferably 100°C or lower, and even more preferably 90°C or lower, from the viewpoint of forming composite resin particles that are prone to phase transition when subjected to pressure.

[0059] The weight average molecular weight of the resin in the composite resin particles is preferably 20,000 or more, more preferably 30,000 or more, and even more preferably 50,000 or more, from the viewpoint of preventing the composite resin particles from fluidizing when no pressure is applied, and is preferably 250,000 or less, more preferably 200,000 or less, and even more preferably 150,000 or less, from the viewpoint of forming composite resin particles that are prone to phase transition when pressure is applied.

[0060] In this embodiment, the total amount of the styrene-based resin and (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin contained in the composite resin particles is preferably 70 mass% or more, more preferably 80 mass% or more, even more preferably 90 mass% or more, even more preferably 95 mass% or more, and even more preferably 100 mass% based on the total amount of the composite resin particles.

[0061] -Other resins- The composite resin particles may contain, for example, polystyrene, or non-vinyl resins such as epoxy resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, cellulose resin, polyether resin, and modified rosin. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0062] -Various additives- The composite resin particles may contain, as necessary, colorants (e.g., pigments, dyes), release agents (e.g., hydrocarbon waxes; natural waxes such as carnauba wax, rice wax, and candelilla wax; synthetic or mineral / petroleum waxes such as montan wax; ester waxes such as fatty acid esters and montan acid esters), charge control agents, etc.

[0063] When the composite resin particles are transparent resin particles, the amount of colorant in the composite resin particles is preferably 1.0 mass % or less relative to the entire composite resin particles, and the lower the amount the better from the viewpoint of increasing the transparency of the composite resin particles.

[0064] The volume average particle size of the composite resin particles dispersed in the composite resin particle dispersion is preferably 140 nm or more and 300 nm or less, more preferably 150 nm or more and 280 nm or less, and even more preferably 160 nm or more and 250 nm or less.

[0065] The content of the composite resin particles in the composite resin particle dispersion is not particularly limited, but is preferably from 10% by mass to 80% by mass, more preferably from 20% by mass to 70% by mass, and particularly preferably from 30% by mass to 60% by mass, based on the total amount of the composite resin particle dispersion.

[0066] The composite resin particles produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment are preferably pressure-responsive particles that undergo a phase transition due to pressure, and more preferably satisfy the following formula 1. Formula 1...10℃≦T1-T2 In Equation 1, T1 is the temperature at which the viscosity is 10,000 Pa·s under a pressure of 1 MPa, and T2 is the temperature at which the viscosity is 10,000 Pa·s under a pressure of 10 MPa.

[0067] The temperature difference (T1-T2) is 10°C or more, preferably 15°C or more, and more preferably 20°C or more, from the viewpoint of facilitating phase transition of the pressure-responsive particles due to pressure, and is preferably 120°C or less, more preferably 100°C or less, and even more preferably 80°C or less, from the viewpoint of preventing the pressure-responsive particles from fluidizing when no pressure is applied.

[0068] The value of the temperature T1 is preferably 140° C. or less, more preferably 130° C. or less, even more preferably 120° C. or less, and still more preferably 115° C. or less. The lower limit of the temperature T1 is preferably 80° C. or more, more preferably 85° C. or more. The value of the temperature T2 is preferably 40° C. or higher, more preferably 50° C. or higher, and even more preferably 60° C. or higher. The upper limit of the temperature T2 is preferably 85° C. or lower.

[0069] An index showing that pressure-responsive particles are susceptible to pressure-induced phase transition is the temperature difference (T1-T3) between the temperature T1 at which they exhibit a viscosity of 10,000 Pa s under a pressure of 1 MPa and the temperature T3 at which they exhibit a viscosity of 10,000 Pa s under a pressure of 4 MPa, and the temperature difference (T1-T3) is preferably 5°C or greater. From the perspective of susceptibility to pressure-induced phase transition, the pressure-responsive particles according to this embodiment preferably have a temperature difference (T1-T3) of 5°C or greater, and more preferably 10°C or greater. The temperature difference (T1-T3) is generally less than 25°C.

[0070] In order to ensure that the temperature difference (T1-T3) of the pressure-responsive particles according to this embodiment is 5°C or more, the temperature T3 at which the pressure of the particles shows a viscosity of 10,000 Pa s under a pressure of 4 MPa is preferably 90°C or less, more preferably 85°C or less, and even more preferably 80°C or less. The lower limit of the temperature T3 is preferably 60°C or more.

[0071] The temperature T1, the temperature T2, and the temperature T3 are determined as follows. The pressure-responsive particles are compressed to prepare a pellet-shaped sample. The pellet-shaped sample is set in a flow tester (Shimadzu Corporation, CFT-500), and the applied pressure is fixed at 1 MPa, and the viscosity at 1 MPa versus temperature is measured. From the obtained viscosity graph, it is found that the viscosity is 10 4 Determine the temperature T1 when the pressure becomes Pa·s. Determine the temperature T2 in the same way as for temperature T1, except that the applied pressure is changed from 1 MPa to 10 MPa. Determine the temperature T3 in the same way as for temperature T1, except that the applied pressure is changed from 1 MPa to 4 MPa. Calculate the temperature difference (T1-T2) from temperatures T1 and T2. Calculate the temperature difference (T1-T3) from temperatures T1 and T3.

[0072] <Applications of composite resin particles> The applications of the composite resin particles and the composite resin particle dispersion produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to the present embodiment are not particularly limited, but are suitably used as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a pressure-responsive resin, a binder resin for a toner for developing an electrostatic image, and the like. The composite resin particles according to this embodiment are composite resin particles produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment. Furthermore, for example, the method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive according to this embodiment includes the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment. The pressure-sensitive adhesive according to this embodiment contains composite resin particles produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment. The method for producing a pressure responsive resin according to this embodiment includes the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment. The pressure-responsive resin according to this embodiment includes composite resin particles produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment, or a resin obtained by aggregating and coalescing the composite resin particles. The method for producing the electrostatic image developing toner according to this embodiment uses a composite resin particle dispersion produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment. The toner for developing electrostatic images according to this embodiment contains a resin obtained by aggregating and coalescing composite resin particles produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment.

[0073] <<Pressure-sensitive adhesive>> The pressure-sensitive adhesive according to this embodiment contains composite resin particles produced by the method for producing composite resin particles according to this embodiment.

[0074] When the pressure-sensitive adhesive according to this embodiment is a liquid composition, the pressure-sensitive adhesive according to this embodiment preferably contains a dispersion medium. Examples of the dispersion medium include aqueous media such as water and alcohols such as propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, and diethylene glycol. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0075] When the pressure-sensitive adhesive according to this embodiment is a liquid composition, the content of the composite resin particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less based on the total pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0076] The pressure-sensitive adhesive according to this embodiment may also contain additives such as surfactants, dispersion stabilizers, viscosity adjusters, pH adjusters, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, preservatives, and anti-fungal agents.

[0077] <<Cartridge>> The cartridge according to this embodiment contains the composite resin particles or the pressure-sensitive adhesive according to this embodiment and is detachably attached to a printing production device. When the cartridge is attached to the printing production device, a supply pipe connects the cartridge to a placement means of the printing production device that places the pressure-responsive particles on a recording medium. Composite resin particles are supplied from the cartridge to the placement means, and when the amount of composite particles contained in the cartridge becomes low, the cartridge is replaced.

[0078] <<Printed matter manufacturing device, printed matter manufacturing method, printed matter>> The printed matter manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment includes a placement means that contains the composite resin particles or the pressure-sensitive adhesive of this embodiment and places the composite resin particles on a recording medium, and a pressing means that folds and presses the recording medium, or that stacks and presses the recording medium and another recording medium together. The printed matter according to this embodiment may be any printed matter that is bonded with the composite resin particles or the pressure-sensitive adhesive according to this embodiment. Suitable examples of printed matter according to this embodiment include printed matter in which overlapping recording media are bonded together on their opposing surfaces by the composite resin particles, and printed matter in which multiple overlapping recording media are bonded together on their opposing surfaces by the composite resin particles.

[0079] The placement means may include, for example, an application device that applies the composite resin particles onto the recording medium, and may further include a fixing device that fixes the composite resin particles applied onto the recording medium onto the recording medium.

[0080] The pressing means includes, for example, a folding device that folds the recording medium on which the composite resin particles are arranged, or a stacking device that stacks the recording medium on which the composite resin particles are arranged with another recording medium, and a pressure device that applies pressure to the stacked recording media.

[0081] The pressure device provided in the pressure bonding means applies pressure to the recording medium on which the composite resin particles are arranged, thereby causing the composite resin particles to flow on the recording medium and exhibit adhesive properties.

[0082] The method for producing a printed matter according to the present embodiment is carried out by the apparatus for producing a printed matter according to the present embodiment. The method for producing a printed matter according to the present embodiment includes a step of using the composite resin particles or the pressure-sensitive adhesive according to the present embodiment and arranging the composite resin particles on a recording medium, and a step of folding and pressing the recording medium or placing and pressing the recording medium and another recording medium together.

[0083] The disposing step may include, for example, a step of applying pressure-responsive particles onto the recording medium, and may further include a step of fixing the pressure-responsive particles applied onto the recording medium onto the recording medium.

[0084] The pressing step includes, for example, a folding step of folding the recording medium or a stacking step of stacking the recording medium and another recording medium, and a pressurizing step of applying pressure to the stacked recording media.

[0085] The composite resin particles or the pressure-sensitive adhesive may be disposed over the entire surface of the recording medium, or may be disposed over a portion of the recording medium. The composite resin particles are disposed on the recording medium in one or more layers. The layer of composite resin particles may be a continuous layer in the surface direction of the recording medium, or a discontinuous layer in the surface direction of the recording medium. The layer of composite resin particles may be a layer in which the composite resin particles are arranged as particles, or a layer in which adjacent composite resin particles are fused together and arranged.

[0086] The amount of the composite resin particles (preferably transparent composite resin particles) on the recording medium is, for example, 0.5 g / m in the area where the composite resin particles are disposed. 2 More than 50g / m 2 less than 1 g / m 2 More than 40g / m 2 less than or equal to 1.5 g / m 2 More than 30g / m 2 The layer thickness of the composite resin particles (preferably transparent composite resin particles) on the recording medium is, for example, 0.2 μm to 25 μm, 0.4 μm to 20 μm, or 0.6 μm to 15 μm.

[0087] Examples of recording media that can be used with the printed matter production device according to this embodiment include paper, coated paper in which the surface of paper is coated with a resin or the like, cloth, nonwoven fabric, resin film, resin sheet, etc. The recording media may have an image on one or both sides.

[0088] An example of a printed matter production apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0089] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printed matter production apparatus according to the present embodiment. The printed matter production apparatus shown in Fig. 1 includes a placement means 100 and a pressing means 200 arranged downstream of the placement means 100. The arrow indicates the transport direction of the recording medium.

[0090] The placement means 100 is a device that uses the pressure-sensitive adhesive to place the pressure-sensitive adhesive on a recording medium P. The recording medium P has an image formed on one or both sides thereof in advance.

[0091] The placement means 100 includes an application device 110 and a fixing device 120 arranged downstream of the application device 110 .

[0092] The application device 110 applies the composite resin particles M onto a recording medium P. Examples of application methods that the application device 110 employs include spraying, bar coating, die coating, knife coating, roll coating, reverse roll coating, gravure coating, screen printing, inkjet printing, lamination, and electrophotography. Depending on the application method, the composite resin particles M may be dispersed in a dispersion medium to prepare a liquid composition, and the liquid composition may be applied to the application device 110.

[0093] The recording medium P to which the composite resin particles M have been applied by the application device 110 is transported to a fixing device 120 .

[0094] The fixing device 120 is, for example, a heating device that has a heat source and heats the composite resin particles M on the recording medium P that passes through, thereby fixing the composite resin particles M onto the recording medium P; a pressure device that has a pair of pressure members (roll / roll, belt / roll) and pressurizes the recording medium P that passes through, thereby fixing the composite resin particles M onto the recording medium P; a pressure and heating device that has a pair of pressure members (roll / roll, belt / roll) that has a heat source inside, and pressurizes and heats the recording medium P that passes through, thereby fixing the composite resin particles M onto the recording medium P; etc.

[0095] When the fixing device 120 has a heating source, the surface temperature of the recording medium P when heated by the fixing device 120 is preferably 10°C or higher and 80°C or lower, more preferably 20°C or higher and 60°C or lower, and even more preferably 30°C or higher and 50°C or lower.

[0096] When the fixing device 120 has a pressure member, the pressure applied by the pressure member to the recording medium P may be lower than the pressure applied by the pressure device 230 to the recording medium P2.

[0097] The recording medium P becomes a recording medium P1 having the composite resin particles M applied onto the image by passing through the placement means 100. The recording medium P1 is transported toward the pressure bonding means 200.

[0098] In the printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the placement means 100 and the pressing means 200 may be located close to each other or may be located apart from each other. When the placement means 100 and the pressing means 200 are located apart from each other, the placement means 100 and the pressing means 200 are connected by, for example, a conveying means (for example, a belt conveyor) that conveys the recording medium P1.

[0099] The pressing means 200 includes a folding device 220 and a pressure device 230, and is a means for folding and pressing the recording medium P1.

[0100] The folding device 220 folds the recording medium P1 passing through the device to produce a folded recording medium P2. The recording medium P2 may be folded in half, in thirds, or in fourths, for example, and may be folded only partially. The recording medium P2 has the composite resin particles M disposed on at least a portion of at least one of two opposing surfaces.

[0101] The folding device 220 may have a pair of pressure members (for example, roll / roll, belt / roll) that apply pressure to the recording medium P2. The pressure applied by the pressure members of the folding device 220 to the recording medium P2 may be lower than the pressure applied by the pressure device 230 to the recording medium P2.

[0102] The pressing means 200 may be provided with a stacking device that stacks the recording medium P1 and another recording medium instead of the folding device 220. The recording medium P1 and the other recording medium may be stacked, for example, in a form in which one sheet of the other recording medium is stacked on the recording medium P1, or in a form in which one sheet of the other recording medium is stacked at each of multiple locations on the recording medium P1. The other recording medium may be a recording medium with an image formed on one or both sides, a recording medium without an image formed on it, or a pre-prepared press-bonded printed material.

[0103] The recording medium P2 that has left the folding device 220 (or the overlapping device) is conveyed toward the pressure device 230.

[0104] The pressure device 230 includes a pair of pressure members (i.e., pressure rolls 231 and 232). The pressure rolls 231 and 232 come into contact with each other at their outer circumferential surfaces and press against each other, applying pressure to the recording medium P2 passing through. The pair of pressure members included in the pressure device 230 is not limited to a combination of pressure rolls, but may also be a combination of a pressure roll and a pressure belt, or a combination of a pressure belt and a pressure belt.

[0105] When pressure is applied to the recording medium P2 passing through the pressure device 230, the composite resin particles M on the recording medium P2 become fluidized by the pressure and exhibit adhesive properties.

[0106] The pressure applying device 230 may or may not have an internal heat source (e.g., a halogen heater) for heating the recording medium P2. However, the fact that the pressure applying device 230 does not have an internal heat source does not exclude the possibility that the temperature inside the pressure applying device 230 may become equal to or higher than the ambient temperature due to heat generated by a motor or the like provided in the pressure applying device 230.

[0107] As the recording medium P2 passes through the pressure device 230, the overlapping surfaces are bonded together by the fluidized composite resin particles M, producing a pressure-bonded printed matter P3. In the pressure-bonded printed matter P3, two opposing surfaces are partially or entirely bonded together.

[0108] The completed pressure-bonded printed matter P3 is carried out from the pressure device 230.

[0109] The first form of the laminated printed matter P3 is a laminated printed matter in which two folded recording media are bonded on their opposing surfaces by the composite resin particles M. The laminated printed matter P3 of this form is produced by a printed matter production apparatus equipped with a folding device 220.

[0110] A second form of the laminated printed matter P3 is a laminated printed matter in which a plurality of overlapping recording media are bonded on their opposing surfaces by the composite resin particles M. The laminated printed matter P3 of this form is manufactured by a manufacturing apparatus for a laminated printed matter that is equipped with a layering device.

[0111] The printed matter production device according to this embodiment is not limited to a device that continuously transports the recording medium P2 from the folding device 220 (or the overlapping device) to the pressure device 230. The printed matter production device according to this embodiment may also be a device that stores the recording medium P2 that has left the folding device 220 (or the overlapping device), and transports the recording medium P2 to the pressure device 230 after the amount of stored recording medium P2 reaches a predetermined amount.

[0112] In the printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the folding device 220 (or overlapping device) and the pressing and pressuring device 230 may be located close to each other or may be located apart from each other. When the folding device 220 (or overlapping device) and the pressing and pressuring device 230 are located apart from each other, the folding device 220 (or overlapping device) and the pressing and pressuring device 230 are connected by, for example, a conveying means (for example, a belt conveyor) that conveys the recording medium P2.

[0113] The printed matter production apparatus according to this embodiment may include a cutting means for cutting the recording medium to a predetermined size. The cutting means may be, for example, a cutting means disposed between the arrangement means 100 and the pressing means 200, which cuts off a part of the recording medium P1 in an area where the composite resin particles M are not disposed; a cutting means disposed between the folding device 220 and the pressure device 230, which cuts off a part of the recording medium P2 in an area where the composite resin particles M are not disposed; or a cutting means disposed downstream of the pressing means 200, which cuts off a part of the pressed printed matter P3 in an area where the composite resin particles M are not bonded.

[0114] The printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to a sheet-fed type apparatus, but may be an apparatus that performs a placement process and a pressing process on a long recording medium to form a long, pressed-on printed matter, and then cuts the long, pressed-on printed matter to predetermined dimensions.

[0115] The apparatus for producing a printed matter according to the present embodiment may further include a color image forming unit that forms a color image on a recording medium using a coloring material. Examples of the color image forming unit include a unit that forms a color ink image on a recording medium by an inkjet method using colored ink as a coloring material, and a unit that forms a color image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic method using a colored electrostatic image developer.

[0116] The manufacturing apparatus having the above-described configuration is used to carry out the method for manufacturing a printed matter according to the present embodiment, which further includes a color image forming step of forming a color image on a recording medium using a coloring material. Specific examples of the color image forming step include a step of forming a color ink image on a recording medium by an inkjet method using colored ink as a coloring material, and a step of forming a color image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic method using a colored electrostatic image developer.

[0117] <Sheet for producing printed matter, and method for manufacturing sheet for producing printed matter> The sheet for producing printed matter according to this embodiment has a substrate and pressure-responsive particles according to this embodiment arranged on the substrate, and preferably has a substrate and an adhesive material according to this embodiment arranged on the substrate. The sheet for producing printed matter according to this embodiment is produced using the pressure-responsive particles according to this embodiment. The pressure-responsive particles on the substrate may or may not retain the particle shape they had before being placed on the substrate.

[0118] The sheet for producing printed matter according to this embodiment is used, for example, as a masking sheet that is placed on top of a recording medium and adhered to the recording medium when it is desired to conceal information recorded on the recording medium; a release sheet that is used to provide an adhesive layer on the recording medium when recording media are placed on top of each other and adhered to each other; and the like.

[0119] Examples of substrates that can be used in the sheet for producing printed matter according to this embodiment include paper, coated paper in which the surface of paper is coated with a resin or the like, cloth, nonwoven fabric, resin film, resin sheet, etc. An image may be formed on one or both sides of the substrate.

[0120] In the sheet for producing printed matter according to this embodiment, the pressure-responsive particles may be disposed over the entire surface of the substrate, or may be disposed on a portion of the substrate. The pressure-responsive particles are disposed in one layer or multiple layers on the substrate. The layer of pressure-responsive particles may be a layer that is continuous in the surface direction of the substrate, or may be a layer that is discontinuous in the surface direction of the substrate. The layer of pressure-responsive particles may be a layer in which the pressure-responsive particles are aligned as particles, or a layer in which adjacent pressure-responsive particles are fused together and aligned.

[0121] The amount of pressure-responsive particles on the substrate is, for example, 0.5 g / m in the area where they are disposed. 2 More than 50g / m 2 less than 1 g / m 2 More than 40g / m 2 less than or equal to 1.5 g / m 2 More than 30g / m 2The layer thickness of the pressure-responsive particles on the substrate is, for example, 0.2 μm to 25 μm, 0.4 μm to 20 μm, or 0.6 μm to 15 μm.

[0122] The sheet for producing printed matter according to this embodiment is produced, for example, by using the pressure-responsive particles according to this embodiment and by a production method including a step of arranging the pressure-responsive particles on a substrate.

[0123] The disposing step may include, for example, an applying step of applying pressure-responsive particles onto a substrate, and may further include a fixing step of fixing the pressure-responsive particles applied onto the substrate.

[0124] The application step is realized by an application method such as, for example, a spray method, a bar coating method, a die coating method, a knife coating method, a roll coating method, a reverse roll coating method, a gravure coating method, a screen printing method, an inkjet method, a lamination method, an electrophotography method, etc. Depending on the application method in the application step, the pressure-responsive particles may be dispersed in a dispersion medium to prepare a liquid composition, and the liquid composition may be applied to the application step.

[0125] The fixing process includes, for example, a heating process in which the pressure-responsive particles on the substrate are heated with a heat source to fix the pressure-responsive particles on the substrate; a pressurizing process in which the substrate to which the pressure-responsive particles have been applied is pressed with a pair of pressure members (roll / roll, belt / roll) to fix the pressure-responsive particles on the substrate; and a pressurizing and heating process in which the substrate to which the pressure-responsive particles have been applied is pressed and heated with a pair of pressure members (roll / roll, belt / roll) equipped with a heat source inside to fix the pressure-responsive particles on the substrate.

[0126] <<Pressure-responsive resin>> The method for producing a pressure responsive resin according to this embodiment includes the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment. The pressure-responsive resin according to this embodiment may be the composite resin particles themselves produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment, or a resin formed by aggregating and coalescing the composite resin particles. The aggregation and coalescence method is not particularly limited, and any known aggregation and coalescence method can be used.

[0127] <<Production of printed materials using electrophotography>> An embodiment in which the composite resin particles are applied to an electrophotographic system will be described below: In the electrophotographic system, the composite resin particles are preferably used as a binder resin for a toner for developing an electrostatic image. The method for producing the electrostatic image developing toner according to this embodiment uses a composite resin particle dispersion produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment. The toner for developing electrostatic images according to this embodiment contains a resin obtained by aggregating and coalescing composite resin particles produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment. By forming toner particles by aggregating and coalescing the composite resin particles, a pressure-responsive toner can be easily obtained. The method for producing the toner for developing electrostatic images according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited except that the composite resin particle dispersion produced by the method for producing the composite resin particle dispersion is used, and other known steps may be included.

[0128] [Electrostatic Image Developer] The electrostatic image developer according to this embodiment includes a toner containing a resin obtained by aggregating and coalescing composite resin particles produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment. The electrostatic image developer according to this embodiment may be a one-component developer containing only toner, or may be a two-component developer containing a mixture of toner and carrier.

[0129] The carrier is not particularly limited, and known carriers can be used. Examples of the carrier include a coated carrier in which the surface of a core material made of magnetic powder is coated with a resin; a magnetic powder dispersion type carrier in which magnetic powder is dispersed and mixed in a matrix resin; and a resin impregnated type carrier in which porous magnetic powder is impregnated with a resin. The magnetic powder dispersion type carrier and the resin impregnated type carrier may be a carrier in which the constituent particles of the carrier are used as a core material and the surface of this is coated with a resin.

[0130] Examples of magnetic powder include magnetic metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt; and magnetic oxides such as ferrite and magnetite.

[0131] Examples of coating resins and matrix resins include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl ether, polyvinyl ketone, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene-acrylic acid ester copolymer, straight silicone resins containing organosiloxane bonds or modified products thereof, fluororesin, polyester, polycarbonate, phenolic resin, and epoxy resin. The coating resin and matrix resin may contain other additives such as conductive particles. Examples of conductive particles include particles of metals such as gold, silver, and copper, carbon black, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, barium sulfate, aluminum borate, and potassium titanate.

[0132] To coat the surface of the core material with a resin, a method of coating with a coating layer-forming solution prepared by dissolving the coating resin and various additives (used as needed) in an appropriate solvent can be used. The solvent is not particularly limited and may be selected taking into consideration the type of resin used, its suitability for application, etc. Specific resin coating methods include an immersion method in which the core material is immersed in a solution for forming a coating layer; a spray method in which the solution for forming a coating layer is sprayed onto the surface of the core material; a fluidized bed method in which the solution for forming a coating layer is sprayed onto the core material while it is suspended in flowing air; and a kneader coater method in which the core material of the carrier and the solution for forming a coating layer are mixed in a kneader coater and then the solvent is removed.

[0133] The mixing ratio (mass ratio) of pressure responsive particles to carrier in the two-component developer is preferably pressure responsive particles:carrier=1:100 to 30:100, more preferably 3:100 to 20:100.

[0134] [Printed matter manufacturing apparatus and printed matter manufacturing method] The apparatus for producing printed matter using an electrophotographic method includes a placement means for storing a developer containing the toner and placing the toner on a recording medium using an electrophotographic method, and a pressing means for folding and pressing the recording medium, or for stacking and pressing the recording medium and another recording medium together.

[0135] The apparatus for producing printed matter according to the present embodiment implements a method for producing printed matter by electrophotography. The method for producing printed matter according to the present embodiment includes a disposing step of disposing the toner on a recording medium by electrophotography using a developer containing the toner, and a pressing step of folding and pressing the recording medium or placing and pressing the recording medium and another recording medium together.

[0136] The arrangement unit included in the printed matter manufacturing device according to the present embodiment includes, for example, A photoreceptor; a charging means for charging the surface of the photoreceptor; an electrostatic image forming means for forming an electrostatic image on the charged surface of the photoreceptor; a developing unit that contains the electrostatic image developer according to the present embodiment and develops the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member using the electrostatic image developer as a toner application unit; a transfer means for transferring the toner application portion formed on the surface of the photoreceptor onto the surface of a recording medium; Equipped with. It is preferable that the arrangement means further comprises fixing means for fixing the toner application portion transferred onto the surface of the recording medium.

[0137] The arrangement step included in the method for producing a printed matter according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a charging step of charging the surface of the photoreceptor; an electrostatic image forming step of forming an electrostatic image on the charged surface of the photoreceptor; a developing step of developing the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member as a toner application portion using the electrostatic image developer according to the present embodiment; a transfer step of transferring the toner application portion formed on the surface of the photoreceptor onto the surface of a recording medium; Includes: It is preferable that the positioning step further includes a fixing step of fixing the toner application portion transferred to the surface of the recording medium.

[0138] The arrangement means may be, for example, a direct transfer type device that directly transfers a toner application portion formed on the surface of a photoreceptor to a recording medium; an intermediate transfer type device that primarily transfers a toner application portion formed on the surface of a photoreceptor to the surface of an intermediate transfer body and then secondarily transfers the toner application portion transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of a recording medium; a device equipped with a cleaning means that cleans the surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer of the toner application portion and before charging; or a device equipped with a charge removal means that irradiates the surface of the photoreceptor with charge removal light to remove charge after the transfer of the toner application portion and before charging. When the arrangement means is an intermediate transfer type device, the transfer means has, for example, an intermediate transfer body onto whose surface the toner application portion is transferred, a primary transfer means that primarily transfers the toner application portion formed on the surface of the photoreceptor to the surface of the intermediate transfer body, and a secondary transfer means that secondarily transfers the toner application portion transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of a recording medium.

[0139] The arrangement means may have a cartridge structure (so-called process cartridge) in which a portion including the developing means is detachably attached to the arrangement means. As the process cartridge, for example, a process cartridge that contains the electrostatic image developer according to the present embodiment and is equipped with the developing means is preferably used.

[0140] The pressure-bonding unit included in the apparatus for producing printed matter according to this embodiment applies pressure to the recording medium on which the toner has been placed. This causes the toner to fluidize and exhibit adhesiveness on the recording medium. The pressure applied by the pressure-bonding unit to the recording medium in order to fluidize the toner is preferably 3 MPa or more and 300 MPa or less, more preferably 10 MPa or more and 200 MPa or less, and even more preferably 30 MPa or more and 150 MPa or less.

[0141] The toner may be disposed over the entire surface of the recording medium, or may be disposed on a portion of the recording medium. The toner may be disposed in one or more layers on the recording medium. The toner layer may be a continuous layer in the surface direction of the recording medium, or may be a discontinuous layer in the surface direction of the recording medium. The toner layer may be a layer in which pressure-responsive particles are aligned as particles, or a layer in which adjacent toner particles are fused and aligned.

[0142] The amount of the toner on the recording medium is, for example, 0.5 g / m 2 More than 50g / m 2 less than 1 g / m 2 More than 40g / m 2 less than or equal to 1.5 g / m 2 More than 30g / m 2 The layer thickness of the pressure-responsive particles (preferably transparent pressure-responsive particles) according to this embodiment on the recording medium is, for example, 0.2 μm to 25 μm, 0.4 μm to 20 μm, or 0.6 μm to 15 μm.

[0143] Examples of recording media that can be used with the printed matter production device according to this embodiment include paper, coated paper in which the surface of paper is coated with a resin or the like, cloth, nonwoven fabric, resin film, resin sheet, etc. The recording media may have an image on one or both sides.

[0144] An example of a printed matter production apparatus according to this embodiment that employs an electrophotographic method will be described below, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0145] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printed matter production apparatus according to the present embodiment. The printed matter production apparatus shown in Fig. 2 includes a placement unit 100 and a pressing unit 200 disposed downstream of the placement unit 100. The arrows indicate the rotation direction of the photosensitive member or the transport direction of the recording medium.

[0146] The placement means 100 is a direct transfer type device that uses a developer containing the toner to place the toner on a recording medium P by an electrophotographic method. An image has been formed on one or both sides of the recording medium P in advance.

[0147] Arrangement means 100 has a photoreceptor 101. Around the photoreceptor 101, there are arranged in this order: a charging roll (an example of a charging means) 102 that charges the surface of the photoreceptor 101; an exposure device (an example of an electrostatic image forming means) 103 that exposes the surface of the charged photoreceptor 101 to a laser beam to form an electrostatic image; a developing device (an example of a developing means) 104 that supplies toner to the electrostatic image to develop it; a transfer roll (an example of a transfer means) 105 that transfers the developed toner application portion onto a recording medium P; and a photoreceptor cleaning device (an example of a cleaning means) 106 that removes toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 101 after transfer.

[0148] The operation of the placement means 100 for placing toner on the recording medium P will be described. First, the surface of the photoconductor 101 is charged by the charging roll 102. The exposure device 103 irradiates the charged surface of the photoconductor 101 with a laser beam in accordance with image data sent from a control unit (not shown). As a result, an electrostatic charge image of the toner arrangement pattern is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 101.

[0149] The electrostatic image formed on the photoconductor 101 rotates to the development position as the photoconductor 101 travels. At the development position, the electrostatic image on the photoconductor 101 is developed by the developing device 104 and becomes a toner application portion.

[0150] The developing device 104 contains a developer containing at least toner and carrier. The toner is frictionally charged by being stirred together with the carrier inside the developing device 104, and is held on a developer roll. As the surface of the photoconductor 101 passes through the developing device 104, the toner electrostatically adheres to the electrostatic image on the surface of the photoconductor 101, and the electrostatic image is developed with the toner. The photoconductor 101, on which the toner application portion has been formed, continues to travel, and the toner application portion on the photoconductor 101 is transported to the transfer position.

[0151] When the toner application portion on the photosensitive member 101 is transported to the transfer position, a transfer bias is applied to the transfer roll 105, and an electrostatic force from the photosensitive member 101 toward the transfer roll 105 acts on the toner application portion, causing the toner application portion on the photosensitive member 101 to be transferred onto the recording medium P.

[0152] Toner remaining on the photoconductor 101 is removed and collected by the photoconductor cleaning device 106. The photoconductor cleaning device 106 is, for example, a cleaning blade, a cleaning brush, etc. The photoconductor cleaning device 106 is preferably a cleaning brush, from the viewpoint of suppressing the phenomenon in which the toner according to the present embodiment remaining on the surface of the photoconductor is fluidized by pressure and adheres to the surface of the photoconductor in the form of a film.

[0153] The recording medium P onto which the toner application portion has been transferred is transported to a fixing device (an example of a fixing means) 107. The fixing device 107 is, for example, a pair of fixing members (roll / roll, belt / roll). The placement means 100 does not necessarily have to include the fixing device 107, but it is preferable that the fixing device 107 be included from the viewpoint of preventing the toner according to this embodiment from falling off from the recording medium P. The pressure applied by the fixing device 107 to the recording medium P may be lower than the pressure applied by the pressure device 230 to the recording medium P2, and specifically, it is preferable that the pressure be 0.2 MPa or more and 1 MPa or less.

[0154] The fixing device 107 may or may not have an internal heat source (e.g., a halogen heater) for heating the recording medium P. If the fixing device 107 has an internal heat source, the surface temperature of the recording medium P when heated by the heat source is preferably 150°C or higher and 220°C or lower, more preferably 155°C or higher and 210°C or lower, and even more preferably 160°C or higher and 200°C or lower. Note that the fact that the fixing device 107 does not have an internal heat source does not exclude the possibility that the temperature inside the fixing device 107 will become equal to or higher than the ambient temperature due to heat generated by a motor or the like provided in the placement means 100.

[0155] The recording medium P becomes a recording medium P1 having an image on which the toner according to this embodiment is applied by passing through the placement means 100. The recording medium P1 is transported toward the pressing means 200.

[0156] In the printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the placement means 100 and the pressing means 200 may be located close to each other or may be located apart from each other. When the placement means 100 and the pressing means 200 are located apart from each other, the placement means 100 and the pressing means 200 are connected by, for example, a conveying means (for example, a belt conveyor) that conveys the recording medium P1.

[0157] The pressing means 200 includes a folding device 220 and a pressure device 230, and is a means for folding and pressing the recording medium P1.

[0158] The folding device 220 folds the recording medium P1 that passes through the device to create a folded recording medium P2. The recording medium P2 may be folded in half, in thirds, or in fourths, for example, or may be folded only partially. The recording medium P2 has toner disposed on at least a portion of at least one of two opposing surfaces.

[0159] The folding device 220 may have a pair of pressure members (for example, roll / roll, belt / roll) that apply pressure to the recording medium P2. The pressure applied by the pressure members of the folding device 220 to the recording medium P2 may be lower than the pressure applied by the pressure device 230 to the recording medium P2, and specifically, is preferably 1 MPa or more and 10 MPa or less.

[0160] The pressing means 200 may be provided with a stacking device that stacks the recording medium P1 and another recording medium instead of the folding device 220. The recording medium P1 and the other recording medium may be stacked, for example, in a form in which one sheet of the other recording medium is stacked on the recording medium P1, or in a form in which one sheet of the other recording medium is stacked at each of multiple locations on the recording medium P1. The other recording medium may be a recording medium with an image formed on one or both sides, a recording medium without an image formed on it, or a pre-prepared press-bonded printed material.

[0161] The recording medium P2 that has left the folding device 220 (or the overlapping device) is conveyed toward the pressure device 230.

[0162] The pressure device 230 includes a pair of pressure members (i.e., pressure rolls 231 and 232). The pressure rolls 231 and 232 come into contact with each other at their outer circumferential surfaces and press against each other, applying pressure to the recording medium P2 passing through. The pair of pressure members included in the pressure device 230 is not limited to a combination of pressure rolls, but may also be a combination of a pressure roll and a pressure belt, or a combination of a pressure belt and a pressure belt.

[0163] When pressure is applied to the recording medium P2 passing through the pressure device 230, the toner on the recording medium P2 becomes fluidized by the pressure and exhibits adhesiveness. The pressure applied to the recording medium P2 by the pressure device 230 is preferably 3 MPa or more and 300 MPa or less, more preferably 10 MPa or more and 200 MPa or less, and even more preferably 30 MPa or more and 150 MPa or less.

[0164] The pressure applying device 230 may or may not have an internal heat source (e.g., a halogen heater) for heating the recording medium P2. If the pressure applying device 230 has an internal heat source, the surface temperature of the recording medium P2 when heated by the heat source is preferably 30°C or higher and 120°C or lower, more preferably 40°C or higher and 100°C or lower, and even more preferably 50°C or higher and 90°C or lower. Note that the fact that the pressure applying device 230 does not have an internal heat source does not exclude the possibility that the temperature inside the pressure applying device 230 will become higher than the ambient temperature due to heat generated by a motor or the like provided in the pressure applying device 230.

[0165] As the recording medium P2 passes through the pressure device 230, the overlapping surfaces are adhered together by the fluidized toner, and a pressure-bonded printed matter P3 is produced. In the pressure-bonded printed matter P3, the opposing surfaces are partially or entirely adhered together.

[0166] The completed pressure-bonded printed matter P3 is carried out from the pressure device 230.

[0167] The first form of the laminated printed matter P3 is a laminated printed matter in which two folded recording media are adhered to each other on their opposing surfaces by the toner. The laminated printed matter P3 of this form is produced by a printed matter production apparatus equipped with a folding device 220.

[0168] The second form of the laminated printed matter P3 is a laminated printed matter in which a plurality of overlapping recording media are adhered to each other on their opposing surfaces by the toner. The laminated printed matter P3 of this form is manufactured by a manufacturing apparatus for a laminated printed matter that includes a stacking device.

[0169] The printed matter production device according to this embodiment is not limited to a device that continuously transports the recording medium P2 from the folding device 220 (or the overlapping device) to the pressure device 230. The printed matter production device according to this embodiment may also be a device that stores the recording medium P2 that has left the folding device 220 (or the overlapping device), and transports the recording medium P2 to the pressure device 230 after the amount of stored recording medium P2 reaches a predetermined amount.

[0170] In the printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the folding device 220 (or overlapping device) and the pressing and pressuring device 230 may be located close to each other or may be located apart from each other. When the folding device 220 (or overlapping device) and the pressing and pressuring device 230 are located apart from each other, the folding device 220 (or overlapping device) and the pressing and pressuring device 230 are connected by, for example, a conveying means (for example, a belt conveyor) that conveys the recording medium P2.

[0171] The printed matter production apparatus according to this embodiment may include a cutting means for cutting the recording medium to a predetermined size. The cutting means may be, for example, a cutting means disposed between the arrangement means 100 and the pressing means 200, which cuts off a part of the recording medium P1 where no toner is disposed; a cutting means disposed between the folding device 220 and the pressure device 230, which cuts off a part of the recording medium P2 where no toner is disposed; or a cutting means disposed downstream of the pressing means 200, which cuts off a part of the pressed printed matter P3 where no toner is adhered.

[0172] The printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to a sheet-fed type apparatus, but may be an apparatus that performs a placement process and a pressing process on a long recording medium to form a long, pressed-on printed matter, and then cuts the long, pressed-on printed matter to predetermined dimensions.

[0173] The apparatus for producing a printed matter according to the present embodiment may further include a color image forming unit that forms a color image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic method using a color electrostatic image developer. A photoreceptor; a charging means for charging the surface of the photoreceptor; an electrostatic image forming means for forming an electrostatic image on the charged surface of the photoreceptor; a developing means containing a color electrostatic image developer and developing the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor into a color toner image by using the color electrostatic image developer; a transfer means for transferring the color toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor to the surface of a recording medium; and a thermal fixing means for thermally fixing the color toner image transferred onto the surface of the recording medium.

[0174] The manufacturing apparatus having the above-described configuration is used to carry out a method for manufacturing a printed matter according to the present embodiment, which further includes a color image forming step of forming a color image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic method using a color electrostatic image developer. a charging step of charging the surface of the photoreceptor; an electrostatic image forming step of forming an electrostatic image on the charged surface of the photoreceptor; a developing step of developing the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor into a color toner image using a color electrostatic image developer; a transfer step of transferring the color toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor to the surface of a recording medium; and a heat fixing step of heat fixing the color toner image transferred onto the surface of the recording medium.

[0175] The color image forming means included in the printed matter production apparatus according to this embodiment may be, for example, a direct transfer type device that directly transfers a color toner image formed on the surface of a photoreceptor to a recording medium; an intermediate transfer type device that primarily transfers a color toner image formed on the surface of a photoreceptor to the surface of an intermediate transfer body and then secondarily transfers the color toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of a recording medium; a device equipped with a cleaning unit that cleans the surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer of the color toner image and before charging; or a device equipped with a charge eliminating unit that irradiates the surface of the photoreceptor with charge eliminating light to eliminate charge after the transfer of the color toner image and before charging. When the color image forming means is an intermediate transfer type device, the transfer unit may include, for example, an intermediate transfer body onto whose surface the color toner image is transferred, a primary transfer unit that primarily transfers the color toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor to the surface of the intermediate transfer body, and a secondary transfer unit that secondarily transfers the color toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer body to the surface of a recording medium.

[0176] In the printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, if the developer placement means containing the toner and the color image forming means employ an intermediate transfer system, the placement means and the color image forming means may share the intermediate transfer body and secondary transfer means.

[0177] In the apparatus for producing printed matter according to the present embodiment, the means for arranging the image developer containing the toner and the color image forming means may share the thermal fixing means.

[0178] An example of a printed matter production apparatus according to the present embodiment, which is equipped with a color image forming unit, will be described below, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. In the following description, the main parts shown in the drawings will be described, and descriptions of the rest will be omitted.

[0179] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printed matter production apparatus according to the present embodiment, which employs an electrophotographic method. The printed matter production apparatus shown in FIG. 3 includes a printing unit 300 that simultaneously performs toner deposition on a recording medium and color image formation, and a pressing unit 200 that is disposed downstream of the printing unit 300.

[0180] The printing means 300 is a five-tandem type intermediate transfer type printing means. The printing means 300 includes a unit 10T that deposits pressure-responsive particles (T) according to this embodiment, and units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K that form images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors. The unit 10T is a depositing means that deposits toner on the recording medium P using a developer containing the toner. The units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are means that form color images on the recording medium P using developers containing color toner, respectively. The units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K employ an electrophotographic system.

[0181] The units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged side by side and spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction. The units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K may be process cartridges that are detachably attached to the printing means 300.

[0182] An intermediate transfer belt (an example of an intermediate transfer body) 20 is provided below units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K and extends through each unit. The intermediate transfer belt 20 is provided wrapped around a drive roll 22, a support roll 23, and an opposing roll 24, which are in contact with the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20, and runs in a direction from unit 10T to unit 10K. An intermediate transfer body cleaning device 21 is provided on the image bearing surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 20, facing the drive roll 22.

[0183] Units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are respectively equipped with developing devices (examples of developing means) 4T, 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K. Developing devices 4T, 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K are supplied with the toner contained in toner cartridge 8T, or yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner contained in toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K.

[0184] Since the units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C and 10K have the same configuration and operation, the unit 10T that places the toner on the recording medium will be described as a representative.

[0185] The unit 10T has a photoreceptor 1T. Around the photoreceptor 1T, there are arranged in this order: a charging roll (an example of a charging means) 2T that charges the surface of the photoreceptor 1T; an exposure device (an example of an electrostatic image forming means) 3T that exposes the surface of the charged photoreceptor 1T to a laser beam to form an electrostatic image; a developing device (an example of a developing means) 4T that supplies toner to the electrostatic image to develop it; a primary transfer roll (an example of a primary transfer means) 5T that transfers the developed toner application portion onto the intermediate transfer belt 20; and a photoreceptor cleaning device (an example of a cleaning means) 6T that removes toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 1T after the primary transfer. The primary transfer roll 5T is arranged inside the intermediate transfer belt 20, facing the photoreceptor 1T.

[0186] Hereinafter, the operation of the unit 10T will be described, taking as an example the operation of the unit 10T, for arranging toner on the recording medium P and forming a color image. First, the surface of the photoreceptor 1T is charged by the charging roll 2T. The exposed surface of the photoreceptor 1T is irradiated with a laser beam by the exposure device 3T in accordance with image data sent from a control unit (not shown). As a result, an electrostatic charge image of the toner arrangement pattern is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1T.

[0187] The electrostatic image formed on the photoreceptor 1T rotates to the development position as the photoreceptor 1T moves. At the development position, the electrostatic image on the photoreceptor 1T is developed by the developing device 4T and becomes a toner application portion.

[0188] The developing device 4T contains a developer containing at least the toner and a carrier. The toner is frictionally charged by being stirred together with the carrier inside the developing device 4T and is held on a developer roll. As the surface of the photoreceptor 1T passes through the developing device 4T, the toner electrostatically adheres to the electrostatic image on the surface of the photoreceptor 1T, and the electrostatic image is developed with the toner. The photoreceptor 1T with the toner application portion formed thereon continues to travel, and the toner application portion on the photoreceptor 1T is transported to the primary transfer position.

[0189] When the toner application portion on the photoreceptor 1T is transported to the primary transfer position, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roll 5T, and an electrostatic force from the photoreceptor 1T toward the primary transfer roll 5T acts on the toner application portion, causing the toner application portion on the photoreceptor 1T to be transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20. Toner remaining on the photoreceptor 1T is removed and collected by the photoreceptor cleaning device 6T. The photoreceptor cleaning device 6T is, for example, a cleaning blade or a cleaning brush, and is preferably a cleaning brush.

[0190] In units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, the same operation as in unit 10T is performed using a developer containing color toner. The intermediate transfer belt 20, to which the toner application portion has been transferred in unit 10T, passes through units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K in sequence, and toner images of each color are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 in multiple layers.

[0191] The intermediate transfer belt 20, onto which the toner application portion and the toner image have been multiply transferred through units 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, reaches a secondary transfer portion composed of the intermediate transfer belt 20, an opposing roll 24 in contact with the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt, and a secondary transfer roll (an example of a secondary transfer means) 26 arranged on the image bearing surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 20. Meanwhile, a recording medium P is fed via a supply mechanism into the gap where the secondary transfer roll 26 and the intermediate transfer belt 20 are in contact, and a secondary transfer bias is applied to the opposing roll 24. At this time, an electrostatic force directed from the intermediate transfer belt 20 toward the recording medium P acts on the toner application portion and the toner image, and the toner application portion and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 are transferred onto the recording medium P.

[0192] The recording medium P, having the toner application unit and the toner image transferred thereto, is transported to a thermal fixing device (an example of a thermal fixing means) 28. The thermal fixing device 28 is equipped with a heat source such as a halogen heater and heats the recording medium P. The surface temperature of the recording medium P when heated by the thermal fixing device 28 is preferably 150°C or higher and 220°C or lower, more preferably 155°C or higher and 210°C or lower, and even more preferably 160°C or higher and 200°C or lower. By passing through the thermal fixing device 28, the colored toner image is thermally fixed onto the recording medium P.

[0193] From the viewpoint of preventing toner from falling off from the recording medium P and improving the fixability of the color image to the recording medium P, the thermal fixing device 28 is preferably a device that applies pressure as well as heat, and may be, for example, a pair of fixing members (roll / roll, belt / roll) equipped with an internal heat source. When the thermal fixing device 28 applies pressure, the pressure that the thermal fixing device 28 applies to the recording medium P may be lower than the pressure that the pressure device 230 applies to the recording medium P2, and specifically, is preferably 0.2 MPa or more and 1 MPa or less.

[0194] The recording medium P becomes a recording medium P1 to which a color image and the toner are applied by passing through the printing means 300. The recording medium P1 is transported toward the pressing means 200.

[0195] The configuration of the crimping means 200 in FIG. 3 may be the same as that of the crimping means 200 in FIG. 2, and detailed description of the configuration and operation of the crimping means 200 will be omitted.

[0196] In the printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the printing means 300 and the pressing means 200 may be located close to each other or may be located apart from each other. When the printing means 300 and the pressing means 200 are located apart from each other, the printing means 300 and the pressing means 200 are connected by, for example, a conveying means (for example, a belt conveyor) that conveys the recording medium P1.

[0197] The printed matter production apparatus according to this embodiment may include a cutting means for cutting the recording medium to a predetermined size. The cutting means may be, for example, a cutting means disposed between the printing means 300 and the bonding means 200 for cutting off a part of the recording medium P1 where the toner is not applied; a cutting means disposed between the folding device 220 and the pressure device 230 for cutting off a part of the recording medium P2 where the toner is not applied; or a cutting means disposed downstream of the bonding means 200 for cutting off a part of the bonded printed matter P3 where the toner is not applied.

[0198] The printed matter manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to a sheet-fed type apparatus, but may be an apparatus that performs a color image forming process, a positioning process, and a pressing process on a long recording medium to form a long, pressed-on printed matter, and then cuts the long, pressed-on printed matter to predetermined dimensions.

[0199] [Process Cartridge] A process cartridge applied to an electrophotographic printing device will be described. The process cartridge according to this embodiment contains the electrostatic image developer according to this embodiment, and is equipped with a developing means that uses the electrostatic image developer to develop an electrostatic image formed on the surface of a photosensitive member as a toner application section, and is a process cartridge that is detachably attached to a printed matter manufacturing device.

[0200] The process cartridge according to this embodiment may be configured to include a developing unit, and, if necessary, at least one selected from a photosensitive member, a charging unit, an electrostatic image forming unit, a transfer unit, and the like.

[0201] An example of an embodiment of a process cartridge is a cartridge in which a photosensitive member, a charging roll (an example of a charging means) provided around the photosensitive member, a developing device (an example of a developing means), and a photosensitive member cleaning device (an example of a cleaning means) are integrated into a housing. The housing has an opening for exposure. The housing has mounting rails, and the process cartridge is attached to a printing product production device via the mounting rails.

[0202] 1 is an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which toner cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K can be attached and detached, and developing devices 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K are connected to the toner cartridges corresponding to each developing device (color) by toner supply pipes (not shown). When the toner stored in a toner cartridge runs low, the toner cartridge is replaced.

[0203] (Composite resin particle dispersion) The composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment is prepared by dispersing composite resin particles in a dispersion medium, the composite resin particles containing at least a (meth)acrylic ester-based resin, the polymerizable component of which is a (meth)acrylic ester compound, inside the particles and at least a styrene-based resin, the polymerizable component of which is styrene and other vinyl monomers, on the surface of the particles. The mass ratio of the styrene-based resin to the (meth)acrylic ester-based resin contained in the composite resin particles is 80:20 to 20:80, and the difference between the lowest and highest glass transition temperatures contained in the composite resin particles is 30°C or more. The composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to this embodiment is preferably a composite resin particle dispersion liquid produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid according to this embodiment. The composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment is also suitable for use as a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0204] Preferred aspects of the composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment are the same as the preferred aspects of the composite resin particle dispersion produced by the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment described above, except as described below.

[0205] The composite resin particle dispersion according to this embodiment is prepared by dispersing composite resin particles in a dispersion medium, the composite resin particles containing at least a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin, the polymerization component of which is a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound, inside the particles and containing at least a styrene-based resin, the polymerization component of which is styrene and other vinyl monomers, on the surface of the particles. Furthermore, from the viewpoints of adhesive strength during compression bonding and storage stability of the dispersion, the composite resin particles preferably contain 90% by mass or more of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin inside, more preferably 95% by mass or more of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin inside, and particularly preferably 99% by mass or more of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin inside. [Example]

[0206] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present embodiment is not limited to these examples. Note that "parts" and "%" indicating amounts are based on mass unless otherwise specified.

[0207] Example 1 <Preparation of Dispersion Containing (Meth)acrylic Acid Ester-Based Resin Particles> n-Butyl acrylate (BA): 20 parts 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate (2EHA): 340 parts Dodecanethiol: 0.4 parts The above materials were mixed and dissolved to prepare a monomer solution. Eight parts of an anionic surfactant (DOWFAX2A1, manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company) was dissolved in 222 parts of ion-exchanged water, and the monomer solution was added and dispersed to obtain an emulsion. 0.6 parts of the above anionic surfactant was dissolved in 295 parts of ion-exchanged water, and the solution was charged into a polymerization flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer, a reflux condenser, and a nitrogen gas inlet tube, and the mixture was heated to 73°C with stirring and maintained at that temperature. 3.5 parts of ammonium persulfate was dissolved in 18 parts of ion-exchanged water, and the solution was added dropwise to the polymerization flask via a metering pump over 15 minutes, and then the emulsion was added dropwise via a metering pump over 160 minutes. The polymerization flask was then maintained at 75°C for 3 hours with slow stirring, and then allowed to cool to room temperature. This resulted in a (meth)acrylic ester-based resin particle dispersion (M1) having a volume average particle size (D50v) of 170 nm, a weight average molecular weight of 40,000 as determined by GPC (UV detection), a glass transition temperature of -50°C, and a solid content of 40%.

[0208] <Preparation of MS1 dispersion liquid containing composite resin particles> (Meth)acrylic ester resin particle dispersion (M1): 360 parts (solids) n-Butyl acrylate (BA): 80 parts Styrene (St): 280 parts Acrylic acid (AA): 15 parts Dodecanethiol: 5 parts Ion-exchanged water: 500 parts Anionic surfactant: 8 parts The above materials were placed in a polymerization flask and stirred at 25°C for 1 hour, then heated to 70°C. 3.5 parts of ammonium persulfate were dissolved in 20 parts of ion-exchanged water and added dropwise to the polymerization flask over 60 minutes using a metering pump. The polymerization flask was then maintained at 70°C for 3 hours with slow stirring and then returned to room temperature. This yielded a composite resin particle dispersion (pressure-sensitive adhesive, MS1) with a volume average particle size (D50v) of 230 nm, a weight average molecular weight (measured by GPC with UV detection) of 66,000, and a solids content of 41%.

[0209] (Comparative Example 1) The (meth)acrylic ester-based resin particle dispersion (M1) was used as a composite resin particle dispersion (pressure-sensitive adhesive) as it was.

[0210] (Examples 2 to 14 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3) Each composite resin particle dispersion (pressure-sensitive adhesive) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the total amount of resin was not changed and the ratio of raw material monomers used for the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin particle dispersion and the styrene-based resin was changed as shown in Table 1.

[0211] <Adhesion strength evaluation> A character image was printed using an electrophotographic printer, and the resulting pressure-sensitive adhesive was applied to paper cut to the size of a V-folded postcard using a bar coater at 8 g / m 2 After applying and drying the amount, the film was folded in half and passed through a sealer (Pressle multi2, manufactured by Toppan Forms Co., Ltd.) to apply pressure (Gap 25). After leaving it overnight, it was cut into a width of 15 mm and subjected to a 90-degree peel test to measure and evaluate the peel strength (unit: N / 15 mm). The evaluation criteria are shown below. A:≧0.8N / 15mm B: Over 0.4N / 15mm and under 0.8N / 15mm C:≦0.4N / 15mm A rating of A or B is preferred, and a rating of A is more preferred.

[0212] <Evaluation of storage stability of dispersion liquid> The obtained composite particle dispersion was stored in a sealed chamber at 30°C for one month, after which the particle size distribution was measured using an LS Coulter. If agglomerated particles were generated, the measurement result for the volume-average particle size distribution would show a two-peak distribution with a peak on the coarse particle side, so the evaluation criteria are as follows: A: The particle size distribution is the same as the initial one, showing one peak. B: Two peaks with a peak on the coarse powder side appear, but after re-mixing, the peak returns to a single peak. C: Two peaks with a peak on the coarse powder side appear, and the peak does not return to a single peak even after re-mixing. A rating of A or B is preferred, and a rating of A is more preferred.

[0213] The evaluation results are summarized in Table 1.

[0214] [Table 1]

[0215] In Table 1, "Ac-based resin" represents a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin, and "St-based resin" represents a styrene-based resin. In Table 1, the monomers are represented by the following abbreviations. Styrene: St, n-butyl acrylate: BA, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate: 2EHA, ethyl acrylate: EA, 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate: 4HBA, acrylic acid: AA, methacrylic acid: MAA, hexyl acrylate: HA, propyl acrylate: PA

[0216] From the above results, it can be seen that the present example is superior in adhesive strength and storage stability as a dispersion liquid compared to the comparative example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0217] 100 Placement means 110 Applicator 120 Fixation device 200 Crimping means 220 Folding device 230 Pressure Device 231, 232 Pressure roll M Toner P Recording medium P1: Recording medium with toner applied to the image P2 Folded recording media P3 Pressed Printed Material

[0218] 101 Photoreceptor 102 Charging roll (an example of charging means) 103 Exposure device (an example of electrostatic image forming means) 104 Developing device (an example of developing means) 105 Transfer roll (an example of transfer means) 106 Photosensitive member cleaning device (an example of cleaning means) 107 Fixing device (an example of fixing means)

[0219] 300 Printing means 1T, 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K photoconductor 2T, 2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K Charging roll (an example of charging means) 3T, 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K exposure equipment (an example of electrostatic image forming means) 4T, 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K developing device (an example of developing means) 5T, 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K Primary transfer roll (an example of a primary transfer means) 6T, 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K Photoconductor cleaning device (an example of a cleaning means) 8T Toner Cartridge 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K toner cartridges 10T, 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K units 20 Intermediate transfer belt (an example of an intermediate transfer body) 21 Intermediate transfer body cleaning device 22 Drive Roll 23 Support Roll 24 opposing roll 26 Secondary transfer roll (an example of a secondary transfer means) 28 Thermal fixing device (an example of thermal fixing means)

Claims

1. A step of polymerizing a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound to obtain a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin; and a step of polymerizing a styrene compound and other vinyl monomers in the presence of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin to obtain composite resin particles containing the styrene-based resin and the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin, a mass ratio of the styrene-based resin to the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin contained in the composite resin particles is 80:20 to 20:80; The difference between the lowest glass transition temperature and the highest glass transition temperature of the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin and the styrene resin contained in the composite resin particles is 30° C. or more. A method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion.

2. 2. A method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to claim 1, wherein the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound comprises at least two kinds of (meth)acrylic acid ester compounds.

3. 3. A method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to claim 2, wherein the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound comprises 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and n-butyl acrylate.

4. 4. A method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion liquid described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mass ratio of the (meth)acrylic acid ester compound to all polymerization components in the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin is 90 mass% or more.

5. 5. A method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to claim 1, wherein the (meth)acrylic acid ester resin has a glass transition temperature of −30° C. or lower.

6. A method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the styrene compound is styrene.

7. 7. A method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to claim 6, wherein the mass ratio of the styrene in all polymerization components of the styrene-based resin is 60 mass % or more and 95 mass % or less.

8. A method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the other vinyl monomer comprises a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound.

9. 9. A method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising the method for producing a composite resin particle dispersion according to claim 1, wherein the styrene-based resin has a glass transition temperature of 30°C or higher.

10. A method for producing a toner for developing electrostatic images, using a pressure-sensitive adhesive produced by a method for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the method including the method for producing the composite resin particle dispersion according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A composite resin particle containing only a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin containing a (meth)acrylic acid ester compound as a polymerizable component as a resin, and containing at least a styrene-based resin containing styrene and other vinyl monomers as a polymerizable component as a surface layer, dispersed in a dispersion medium, a mass ratio of the styrene-based resin to the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin contained in the composite resin particles is 80:20 to 20:80; the difference between the lowest glass transition temperature and the highest glass transition temperature of the (meth)acrylic acid ester-based resin and the styrene-based resin contained in the composite resin particles is 30° C. or more; Composite resin particle dispersion that is a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

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