Fluorescent Pink Toner Core-Shell Structure for Quenching Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional xerographic printing systems face challenges in incorporating fluorescent agents into toners without quenching their fluorescence, which affects the optical properties of the toners.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluorescent pink toners involves forming core-shell particles with a red and yellow fluorescent agent incorporated into specific amorphous polyester resins, using a separate fluorescent latex and a controlled ratio of amorphous resins to prevent fluorescence quenching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluorescent agents are incorporated into conventional toners, then the toners can exhibit fluorescence, but the fluorescence is quenched and optical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The toner is divided into core-shell structure with fluorescent latex particles segregated in the core region, isolated from quenching interactions with toner components. This spatial segmentation prevents fluorescence quenching while maintaining fluorescence intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluorescent latex intermediate is used as a carrier vehicle to encapsulate fluorescent agents and deliver them to the toner matrix. The latex shell acts as a protective intermediary that prevents direct contact between fluorescent agents and quenching substances in the toner.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluorescent agents are combined to achieve pink fluorescence, then the color gamut is extended, but fluorescence quenching increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different fluorescent agents (red and yellow) are segregated into separate fluorescent latex particles within the toner composition. This segmentation prevents intermolecular quenching interactions between different fluorescent agents while maintaining their individual fluorescence properties and achieving pink color through spatial combination.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the toner contain different fluorescent agents encapsulated in their own latex particles, allowing each fluorescent agent to maintain its optimal local environment and fluorescence characteristics while contributing to the overall pink color gamut.
3Illumination intensity
If fluorescent latex with specific resin ratio is used, then fluorescence is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process controls the ratio of amorphous resin to crystalline resin in the fluorescent latex within a specific range (2:3 to 3:2). This parameter optimization ensures proper latex stability and fluorescence maintenance while providing a clear, quantifiable manufacturing target that simplifies process control.
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 toners with high lightness L* values, significant color channel a* and b* values, and minimal fluorescence quenching, achieving desired optical properties.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescent pink toners... comprising a red fluorescent agent and a yellow fluorescent agent... resulting in toners with high lightness L* values, significant color channel a* and b* values
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of making fluorescent pink toners are provided which comprise forming one or more fluorescent latexes which comprise a red fluorescent agent, a yellow 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; 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 pink toner. Fluorescent pink toners and methods of using such toners are also provided.