Crosslinked PEEK Intermediate Transfer Member for Self-Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermediate transfer members face challenges such as brittleness, inadequate image transfer, high production costs due to separate release layers, and difficulty in achieving consistent resistivity and mechanical properties, especially in humid environments.
Innovation Solution
A crosslinked poly(ether ether ketone) (xPEEK) intermediate transfer member is developed, incorporating a conductive component and optional polysiloxane and internal release additives, allowing for self-release from substrates without external layers, and enabling effective solution casting and improved mechanical properties through specific crosslinking reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermoplastic polymers are used for intermediate transfer members, then cost is reduced, but solubility in organic solvents is lost making solution casting ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of PEEK by introducing sulfonate groups through sulfonation, transforming it from an insoluble thermoplastic to a soluble derivative. This parameter change in molecular structure enables solution casting while maintaining the base polymer's mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining sulfonated PEEK with crosslinking agents and conductive fillers. This composite approach achieves both solubility for processing and the desired mechanical/electrical properties after crosslinking.
2Reliability
If known thermoplastics are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but brittleness increases resulting in inadequate image transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies crosslinking modification to transform the molecular structure from linear chains to a three-dimensional network. This structural parameter change enhances mechanical toughness and elasticity while preventing brittleness, enabling effective image transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines sulfonated PEEK with crosslinking agents to create a composite material that exhibits both the processability of soluble polymers and the enhanced mechanical properties of crosslinked structures, achieving optimal image transfer capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate release layers are deposited on metal substrates, then intermediate transfer member preparation is achieved, but production cost and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the release layer function directly into the intermediate transfer member formulation by incorporating internal release additives into the polymer matrix. This eliminates the need for separate release layers, reducing both cost and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the intermediate transfer member to possess self-release properties through internal additives that provide release functionality inherently. The member serves its own release function without requiring external separate layers, achieving self-service capability.
4Reliability
If carbon black is used as conductive particles, then conductivity is achieved, but dispersion difficulty increases and resistivity consistency becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the sulfonated PEEK polymer matrix as an intermediary that facilitates uniform dispersion of conductive fillers. The polar sulfonate groups on the polymer chains interact with conductive particles, preventing aggregation and ensuring consistent distribution throughout the intermediate transfer member.
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 xPEEK intermediate transfer member achieves high resistivity, mechanical strength, and extended lifespan with minimal resolution issues, allowing for efficient and stable image transfer with rapid self-release from substrates, reducing production costs and environmental sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a crosslinked poly(ether ether ketone) generated from the reaction of a poly(ether ether ketone), a sulfur source, a carbonyldiimidazole, and a diamine
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate transfer member that includes a crosslinked poly(ether ether ketone) polymer, an optional conductive component, an optional polymer, and an optional release additive.