Fluorescent Metallic Toner Core-Shell Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metallic toners struggle to achieve high brightness and reflectance due to fluorescence quenching when fluorescent agents are incorporated, resulting in toners with little to no fluorescence.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluorescent metallic toners involves forming core-shell particles with a core comprising fluorescent agents, aluminum flakes, and specific amorphous polyester resins, and a shell made of the same resins, ensuring homogeneous distribution and encapsulation to prevent fluorescence quenching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluorescent agents are incorporated into metallic toners, then fluorescence brightness is improved, but fluorescence quenching occurs resulting in little to no fluorescence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (resin matrix) that mediates between the fluorescent agent and aluminum flakes. The resin acts as a buffer that prevents direct harmful interactions while allowing the fluorescent agent to maintain its optical properties and emit fluorescence without quenching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the toner system by controlling the ratio of amorphous to crystalline resin (specifically 2:3 to 3:2 ratio), adjusting particle size distribution, and optimizing the dispersion state of fluorescent agents and aluminum flakes. These parameter changes create optimal conditions for fluorescence while preventing quenching.
2Illumination intensity
If aluminum flakes are added to achieve metallic effect, then reflectance is improved, but fluorescence quenching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct zones within the toner particle structure. The fluorescent agents and aluminum flakes are distributed in specific local regions with controlled concentrations, ensuring that areas with high aluminum content (for reflectance) do not directly contact or quench the fluorescent agents (for fluorescence brightness).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining fluorescent agents, aluminum flakes, amorphous resin, and crystalline resin. This composite structure allows the simultaneous presence of components with opposing properties (fluorescent and reflective) while their interactions are controlled to prevent harmful effects like quenching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluorescent agents and aluminum flakes are combined, then both fluorescence and metallic effect are achieved, but fluorescence quenching occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the toner particle into distinct functional components with specific roles. The amorphous resin provides a protective matrix for fluorescent agents, while the crystalline resin provides structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without interfering with others, preventing quenching while maintaining both fluorescence and metallic effects.
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 approach results in fluorescent metallic toners with high lightness L* values and high reflectance, effectively preventing fluorescence quenching and maintaining the optical properties of the fluorescent agents.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescent metallic toners with high lightness L* values and high reflectance, effectively preventing fluorescence quenching and maintaining the optical properties of the fluorescent agents
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of making fluorescent metallic toners are provided which comprise 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 aluminum flakes 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 metallic toner. Fluorescent metallic toners and methods of using such toners are also provided.