Ferrite Carrier Core Uniform Coupling Agent Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing carrier core materials with ferrite particles face issues with uniform adhesion of coupling agents, leading to low adhesion of the resin coating layer, which results in separation and compromised image quality, especially in long-term use and high-speed image forming applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of a carrier core material with ferrite particles having a powder pH of 9 or higher, composed of Mn or Mn—Mg ferrite, and treated with a coupling agent containing reactive groups for uniform adhesion, enhancing the bonding between the ferrite particles and the resin coating layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a resin coating layer is applied on carrier core material, then the charging property is improved, but the resin coating layer separates due to insufficient adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging propertyVSAvoidadhesion between resin coating layer and carrier core material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A coupling agent layer is introduced as an intermediary between the carrier core material and the resin coating layer. The coupling agent contains both inorganic groups that bond to the carrier core material and organic groups that bond to the resin, creating a bridge that strengthens adhesion and prevents separation while maintaining charging properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure consisting of three layers: the carrier core material, the coupling agent layer, and the resin coating layer. This composite material approach combines the magnetic properties of the carrier core with the adhesive properties of the coupling agent and the functional properties of the resin coating, achieving both strong adhesion and reliable charging performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a coupling agent is used to enhance adhesion, then the adhesion between carrier core material and resin coating layer is improved, but the coupling agent cannot be uniformly adhered to the entire surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion between carrier core material and resin coating layerVSAvoiduniformity of coupling agent adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes parameters including the pH value of the coupling agent solution (maintained between 2-10), temperature (20-100°C), and the ratio of inorganic to organic groups in the coupling agent. These parameter controls ensure uniform hydrolysis and condensation reactions, leading to even distribution of the coupling agent across the entire carrier core material surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling agent is applied to the carrier core material surface before the resin coating layer is formed. This preliminary action allows the coupling agent to uniformly adhere to the entire surface first, creating a consistent foundation for subsequent resin coating application and ensuring uniform adhesion throughout

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution ensures uniform adhesion of the coupling agent on the ferrite particles, reducing resin coating layer separation and maintaining image quality stability even in long-term use and high-speed operations.

Implementation Method 1

the coupling agent is adhered to the surface of the ferrite particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10185238B2Carrier core material
Publication Date: 2019.01.22 DOWA ELECTRONICS MATERIALS CO LTD

AI summary

A carrier core material is provided that is formed with ferrite particles which can uniformly adhere a coupling agent to the entire surface. A carrier core material is formed with ferrite particles, and the powder pH of the ferrite particles is equal to or more than 9. Here, the ferrite particles are preferably formed of Mn ferrite or Mn—Mg ferrite. The ferrite particles preferably contain 45 wt % or more but 65 wt % or less of Fe, 15 wt % or more but 30 wt % or less of Mn and 5 wt % or less of Mg.