Ester Compound Toner for Low-Temperature Fixing and Offset Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toners for electrostatic charge image development face challenges in maintaining adhesion at lower temperatures and durability during high-volume printing, with issues of offset and charge degradation.
Innovation Solution
A toner containing an ester compound with a specific structure, expressed by formula (1), which enhances adhesion and charge stability by orienting effectively with cellulose and water molecules, ensuring strong fixing capability and consistent charge rising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fixing is carried out at lower temperature, then energy consumption is reduced, but toner image adhesion deteriorates and peeling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the toner by incorporating a specific ester compound (formula 1) with controlled molecular structure and properties. This compound has a melting point of 80-120°C and specific functional groups that enable effective adhesion at lower fixing temperatures, allowing energy reduction while maintaining image reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite toner system combining the ester compound (formula 1) with binder resin, colorant, and charge control agents. The ester compound acts as a releasing agent and adhesion promoter within this composite structure, enabling the toner to achieve both low-temperature fixability and strong image adhesion through synergistic material interactions
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional ester compounds are used for releasing property, then offset resistance is improved, but adhesion to transfer material deteriorates and peeling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by designing the ester compound with distinct molecular regions: the long-chain hydrocarbon groups (R1-R3 with 10-30 carbon atoms) provide offset resistance through hydrophobic interactions, while the ester functional groups and shorter alkyl groups (R4 with 1-4 carbon atoms) provide adhesion to cellulose-based transfer materials through polar interactions and hydrogen bonding
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the releasing agent by specifying precise structural parameters in formula (1): R1-R3 as long-chain alkyl groups (10-30 carbons) for offset resistance, R4 as short-chain alkyl (1-4 carbons) for adhesion, and controlled melting point (80-120°C). These parameter optimizations enable simultaneous achievement of offset resistance and adhesion
3Productivity
If large amount of printing is continuously carried out, then productivity is improved, but charge rising capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ester compound (formula 1) provides self-service functionality by simultaneously acting as a releasing agent, adhesion promoter, and charge control agent. Its molecular structure enables it to maintain charge rising capability through continuous interaction with the photoconductor surface during repeated printing cycles, eliminating the need for separate charge control additives and ensuring consistent performance during high-volume printing
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 toner achieves excellent adhesion and durability, preventing peeling at lower temperatures and maintaining image quality throughout high-volume printing, with a broad fixable temperature range and reduced offset and fog.
Implementation Method 1
enhances adhesion and charge stability by orienting effectively with cellulose and water molecules
Implementation Method 2
expressing an excellent adhesion property relative to a transfer material, wherein a toner image does not peel from the transfer material when, for example, the fixing is carried out even at a lower temperature
Implementation Method 3
the charge rising capability of the toner was tend to be degraded, so that the durability with which the charge rising did not vary even when a large amount of image formation was repeated has been required
Data Source
AI summary
A toner for developing an electrostatic charge image comprising a compound represented by a following formula (1):wherein X represents H or —CO—R4; R4 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the alkyl group may have a substituent; R1 though R3 independently represent an alkyl group having 10 to 30 carbon atoms and the alkyl group may have a substituent; and R1 through R3 may be either the same or different.