Bio-based Polyester Toner Resin Using Camphoric Acid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polyester-based toners rely on fossil fuels and contain carcinogenic/endocrine-disrupting monomers, leading to environmental concerns and the need for more sustainable, cost-effective alternatives.
Innovation Solution
Development of bio-based amorphous polyester resins incorporating camphoric acid, along with other renewable monomers like D-isosorbide and naphthalene dicarboxylate, to create environmentally friendly toners with improved electrophotographic properties, using emulsion aggregation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fossil fuel-based polyester monomers are used in toner production, then production costs are reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but environmental harm increases due to greenhouse gas emissions and accumulation of non-degradable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polyester resin by incorporating bio-based monomers (camphoric acid, D-isosorbide, naphthalene dicarboxylate) to replace a portion of the fossil fuel-based monomers. This substitution maintains the resin's functional properties while reducing environmental harm, demonstrating how parameter changes can resolve contradictions between ease of manufacture and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polyester resin system that combines bio-based monomers with traditional polyester components. The resin includes camphoric acid (1-60 wt%), D-isosorbide (1-60 wt%), naphthalene dicarboxylate (1-60 wt%), and additional monomers to achieve 45-100% bio-based content. This composite approach allows the material to maintain its toner-forming properties while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving biodegradability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bio-based monomers are used to replace petroleum-derived monomers, then environmental friendliness improves, but production cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of bio-based monomers to achieve the minimum effective threshold (45% bio-based content) required to qualify as environmentally friendly while controlling production costs. By precisely controlling the ratios of camphoric acid, D-isosorbide, and naphthalene dicarboxylate, the formulation achieves environmental benefits without excessive cost increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a cost-effective composite formulation that combines multiple bio-based monomers with complementary properties. The synergistic effects of these monomers allow achieving the desired performance and environmental credentials at lower overall cost than using single expensive bio-based alternatives.
3Reliability
If high glass transition temperature is achieved in bio-based resin, then charging and fusing properties improve, but selection of compatible monomers becomes more restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the glass transition temperature parameter of the polyester resin by selecting and combining specific monomers with appropriate Tg contributions. Camphoric acid, D-isosorbide, and naphthalene dicarboxylate provide structural rigidity and aromatic content that elevate the Tg to the required range (80-150°C), ensuring optimal charging and fusing properties for electrophotographic toners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite monomer system where camphoric acid, D-isosorbide, and naphthalene dicarboxylate work synergistically to achieve the target glass transition temperature. The combination of these monomers with different structural characteristics allows fine-tuning of the resin's thermal properties while maintaining versatility in formulation options.
Data Source
AI summary
Environmentally friendly toner particles are provided which may include a bio-based amorphous polyester resin including camphoric acid, optionally in combination with a crystalline resin. Methods for providing these toners are also provided.