Core-Shell Fluorescent White Toner to Prevent Quenching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional white toners lack brightness and fluorescence is easily quenched when combined with other components, making it challenging to develop fluorescent white toners with optimal optical properties.
Innovation Solution
A core-shell structure is developed with a fluorescent agent and white colorant encapsulated within a polymeric resin matrix, using specific ratios of amorphous and crystalline resins to prevent fluorescence quenching and achieve high lightness under UV light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorescent agents are combined with white colorant and resin components, then the toner achieves white color and proper flow properties, but the fluorescence is quenched and optical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The toner is divided into distinct functional components: a core containing the fluorescent agent and white colorant, and a shell containing the resin components. This segmentation isolates the fluorescent agent from components that cause quenching, allowing fluorescence to be maintained while still achieving proper toner functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell acts as an intermediary layer between the fluorescent agent in the core and the resin components. This intermediate structure protects the fluorescent agent from direct contact with quenching components while still allowing the toner to achieve proper flow and adhesion properties through the shell's interaction with the resin.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional white toner compositions are used, then the toner achieves proper flow and adhesion properties, but the brightness and fluorescence are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the toner from a homogeneous composition to a core-shell structure with specific phase separation. This parameter change allows the fluorescent agent to be positioned in a environment that maintains its optical properties while the shell provides the necessary flow and adhesion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner is formulated as a composite material system with distinct phases: a core phase containing the fluorescent agent and white colorant, and a shell phase containing the resin components. This composite structure allows each phase to optimize its function - the core provides brightness and fluorescence while the shell provides flow and adhesion properties.
3Quantity of substance
If fluorescent agents are incorporated into the toner matrix, then the toner achieves color and coverage, but the fluorescence emission is suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The toner is divided into distinct functional components: a core containing the fluorescent agent and white colorant, and a shell containing the resin components. This segmentation isolates the fluorescent agent from components that cause quenching, allowing fluorescence to be maintained while still achieving proper toner functionality.
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 process results in fluorescent white toners that emit fluorescence under UV light with high lightness values, maintaining the optical properties of both the fluorescent agent and white colorant.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescent white toners that emit fluorescence under UV light with high lightness values
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of making a fluorescent white toner are provided. In embodiments, such a method comprises forming one or more fluorescent latexes which comprise a fluorescent agent, a first type of amorphous resin, and a second type of amorphous resin, wherein the first and second types of amorphous resins are present at a ratio in a range of from 2:3 to 3:2; forming a mixture comprising the one or more fluorescent latexes; a dispersion comprising a white colorant and a surfactant; one or more emulsions which comprise a crystalline resin, the first type of amorphous resin, the second type of amorphous resin; and optionally, a wax dispersion; aggregating the mixture to form particles of a predetermined size; forming a shell over the particles of the predetermined size to form core-shell particles; and coalescing the core-shell particles to form a fluorescent white toner. The fluorescent white toners and methods of using such toners are also provided.