Fixing Member Adhesion Using Allyl Silane Coupling Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

The adhesion strength between a silicone rubber elastic layer containing titanium oxide particles with an anatase crystal structure and a substrate in heat fixing devices for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses decreases over time, leading to reduced performance in high-temperature environments.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a silane coupling agent with an allyl group bound to a silicon atom at the interface between the substrate and the elastic layer, and baking the primer at a temperature between 50°C and 120°C to maintain adhesion strength, while using a silicone rubber composition with anatase titanium oxide particles for the elastic layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a silane coupling agent with an unsaturated aliphatic group is used to bond the substrate and elastic layer, then adhesion strength is improved, but the adhesion decreases over time in high-temperature environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion strength between substrate and elastic layerVSAvoidstability of adhesion in high-temperature environments

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical structure of the silane coupling agent from containing an unsaturated aliphatic group to containing an allyl group bound to a silicon atom. This parameter change in the molecular structure provides both strong initial adhesion and long-term stability in high-temperature environments, resolving the contradiction between initial adhesion strength and temporal stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite primer system containing both the specific silane coupling agent with allyl group and titanium oxide particles with anatase crystal structure. This composite material approach provides synergistic effects where the silane coupling agent ensures strong adhesion and the anatase titanium oxide provides heat resistance, together maintaining adhesion strength in high-temperature environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the primer is baked at a high temperature of higher than 120°C to ensure sufficient reaction of the silane coupling agent, then adhesion is improved, but the heat resistance of the fixing member decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion between substrate and elastic layerVSAvoidheat resistance of the fixing member

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the baking temperature parameter from high temperature (>120°C) to a lower range (50-120°C). This parameter change is made possible by using the improved silane coupling agent with allyl group that can achieve sufficient reaction and adhesion at lower temperatures, thereby preserving the heat resistance of the fixing member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by using anatase titanium oxide particles specifically in the elastic layer to provide heat resistance at the high-temperature exposure area, while the silane coupling agent provides adhesion function at the substrate interface. This localized functional distribution allows lower baking temperatures without compromising overall heat resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If titanium oxide particles with anatase crystal structure are added to the silicone rubber elastic layer to increase heat resistance, then heat resistance is improved, but adhesion between the elastic layer and substrate decreases over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat resistance of the elastic layerVSAvoidadhesion strength between substrate and elastic layer

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution effectively prevents a decrease in adhesion strength between the substrate and the elastic layer, ensuring stable performance and high-quality image formation even in high-temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a silane coupling agent having an allyl group bound to a silicon atom... the unsaturated aliphatic group of the silane coupling agent reacts with the hydrosilyl group of the crosslinking agent in the addition-curable silicone rubber, thus bonding the substrate and the elastic layer together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

addition-curable silicone rubber... the unsaturated aliphatic group of the silane coupling agent reacts with the hydrosilyl group of the crosslinking agent in the addition-curable silicone rubber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

titanium oxide particles having an anatase crystal structure... are added as a heat-resistant filler to the silicone rubber elastic layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Resistance:

Data Source

PatentUS9436138B2Electrophotographic image forming fixing member, method for manufacturing said fixing member, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 CANON KK

AI summary

A fixing member includes a substrate and an elastic layer on the substrate. The elastic layer comprises a cured product of a silicone rubber composition containing an anatase titanium oxide particle and an addition-curable silicone rubber, and undergoes cohesive failure in 90° peel test specified in JIS K6854-1: 1999. In the fixing member, an allyl group bound to a silicon atom is present at the interface between the substrate and the elastic layer.