Aluminum Photosensitive Member Surface Control for Stable Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic photosensitive members suffer from image defects and long-term potential fluctuations due to surface roughness of the support, which are not adequately addressed by existing surface treatments.
Innovation Solution
The surface of the support is treated to achieve an IR peak area ratio A ≥ 0.75, determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, to suppress image defects and reduce long-term potential fluctuations, using methods such as immersion in pure water at specific temperatures and times, and applying conductive and undercoat layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the surface of the support is treated to reduce roughness to suppress image defects, then image quality is improved, but long-term potential fluctuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the IR peak area ratio A to be 0.50 or more, which corresponds to specific surface treatment conditions (immersion in pure water at 91-98°C for 60-300 seconds). This parameter control optimizes the surface state to simultaneously achieve image defect suppression and long-term potential stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining the support surface with specific layers (conductive layer, undercoat layer, photosensitive layer) where each layer has specific compositional requirements. The support surface contains Al and/or Al alloy with controlled oxidation state, creating a multi-layer composite structure that balances image quality and electrical stability
2Manufacturing precision
If existing surface treatment methods are applied to the support, then image defects are suppressed, but long-term potential fluctuation becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new control parameter (IR peak area ratio A ≥ 0.50) that differs from conventional treatment methods. This parameter change represents a shift in the oxidation state control of the support surface, achieving a balance between surface uniformity for image quality and electrical stability for potential consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing specific surface treatment (immersion in pure water at 91-98°C for 60-300 seconds) before forming the photosensitive layer. This preliminary treatment establishes the optimal surface state (IR peak area ratio A ≥ 0.50) that prevents both image defects and long-term potential fluctuation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The treatment effectively suppresses image defects and reduces long-term potential fluctuations, enhancing the performance and reliability of the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
Implementation Method 1
an IR peak area ratio A of the surface of the support determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy satisfies the following condition: A≥0.50
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Provided is an electrophotographic photosensitive member that suppresses an image defect resulting from its support and is reduced in long-term potential fluctuation. The electrophotographic photosensitive member is an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a support having a cylindrical shape and a photosensitive layer formed on the support, wherein the support has a surface formed of Al and/or an Al alloy, and wherein the IR peak area ratio A of the surface of the support determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy satisfies the following condition: A≥0.50 where the IR peak area ratio A represents a ratio a/z of a peak area "a" in the range of from 1,016 cm-1 or more to 1,130 cm-1 or less to a peak area "z" in the range of from 650 cm-1 or more to 1,130 cm-1 or less.