Bio-Based Toner Particle Size for Hot Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toner technologies rely on fossil fuels, leading to environmental issues and a need for sustainable, bio-based alternatives that excel in high-speed printing with reduced toner usage, improved flow, and minimized drum contamination.
Innovation Solution
Development of sustainable toner particles with a size range of 180 nm to 250 nm, produced using a method involving solvent distillation, aggregation, and coalescence, utilizing bio-based polymers such as rosin-derived materials and optional additives for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fossil fuel-based polymers are used in toners, then current toner performance is achieved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates and greenhouse gas emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer from fossil fuel-based to bio-based materials, specifically using plant-derived polymers to replace petroleum-based polymers while maintaining the functional performance requirements for toner operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable polymers that can naturally decompose after use, replacing persistent fossil fuel-based materials. This allows the toner to fulfill its functional life cycle and then degrade environmentally, eliminating the accumulation of non-degradable materials
2Ease of manufacture
If latex particle size is not optimized, then production is simpler, but hot offset temperature and fusing performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the latex particle size parameter to a specific range (180-250 nm) which fundamentally changes the thermal properties and surface area characteristics of the toner particles, enabling improved hot offset temperature and fusing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary emulsification and particle size control during the polymer synthesis stage, creating latex particles of the optimal size range before subsequent toner formulation steps. This preliminary sizing ensures the final toner achieves the required hot offset temperature without requiring complex post-processing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bio-based polymers are used to achieve sustainability, then environmental performance improves, but toner performance for high-speed printing may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts multiple parameters of the bio-based polymer including molecular weight, glass transition temperature, and particle size distribution to match the performance characteristics required for high-speed printing applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite toner system combining bio-based polymer particles with carefully selected additives and colorants, where the synergistic interaction between components compensates for any inherent limitations of the bio-based polymer while maintaining sustainability
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 sustainable toner composition achieves high hot offset temperatures, improved fusing performance, and reduced mottle, ensuring effective and environmentally friendly high-speed printing with lower toner consumption and reduced drum contamination.
Implementation Method 1
removing the solvents from the particles by distillation at a temperature from about 80° C. to about 90° C.
Implementation Method 2
The aggregated latex particles may be heated to allow coalescence/fusing, thereby achieving spherical aggregated, fused toner particles.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides sustainable toner particles of from about 180 nm to about 250 nm in a sustainable toner composition having a hot offset temperature of from about 190° C. to about 220° C.