Fluorine-Modified Toner Adhesion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the non-magnetic one-component development process, toner tends to adhere to the layer-thickness limiting member, leading to image defects such as streaks, and excessive toner adhesion can result in fogging and other image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A toner with toner particles that include a binder resin and external additive particles, specifically fluorine-containing particles with a fluorine atom in their surface layers, is used. The amount of fluorine-containing particles is between 0.10 and 0.50 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the toner mother particles, and they exhibit a residual amount ratio of remaining fluorine-containing particles after ultrasonication of no greater than 20% by mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a layer-thickness limiting member is provided in contact with the surface of the toner bearing member, then the thickness of the developer layer can be limited, but toner readily adheres to the layer-thickness limiting member causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluorine-containing particles as an intermediary substance between the toner and the layer-thickness limiting member. These particles have low friction coefficients and reduce the adhesion between toner and the limiting member surface, preventing toner buildup while maintaining effective thickness control. The fluorine-containing particles are applied to the layer-thickness limiting member surface to create a non-stick interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the layer-thickness limiting member by changing the friction coefficient through fluorine-containing particle coating. This parameter change reduces the adhesion force between toner and the limiting member, allowing the toner to be effectively limited in thickness without adhering to the limiting member surface.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If fluorine-containing particles are used as external additive, then toner adhesion to layer-thickness limiting member is reduced, but excessive fluorine-containing particles may affect fixability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the amount of fluorine-containing particles within the range of 0.10 to 0.50 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of toner mother particles. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient reduction of toner adhesion to the layer-thickness limiting member while maintaining adequate fixability. The controlled quantity prevents excessive fluorine content that would interfere with the fixing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies fluorine-containing particles in a controlled partial amount rather than excessive quantities. This partial action approach provides just enough fluorine-containing particles to reduce toner adhesion to the limiting member while avoiding the negative effects of excessive fluorine content on fixability and image quality.
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 use of this toner inhibits the production of image defects by reducing toner adhesion to the layer-thickness limiting member and maintaining low-temperature fixability, while also preventing excessive toner layer formation that could cause fogging.
Implementation Method 1
The external additive includes fluorine-containing particles. The fluorine-containing particles include a fluorine atom at least in surface layers thereof.
Implementation Method 2
When ultrasonication is performed, a residual amount ratio of remaining fluorine-containing particles is at least 0% by mass and no greater than 20% by mass relative to the amount of the fluorine-containing particles attached to the toner mother particles before the ultrasonication. The ultrasonication is application of ultrasonic oscillation at an output of 200 W, a frequency of 28 kHz, and an amplitude of 25 μm for 5 minutes
Data Source
AI summary
A toner includes toner particles. The toner particles each include a toner mother particle containing a binder resin and an external additive attached to a surface of the toner mother particle. The external additive includes fluorine-containing particles. The fluorine-containing particles include a fluorine atom at least in surface layers thereof. The amount of the fluorine-containing particles is at least 0.10 parts by mass and no greater than 0.50 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the toner mother particles. When ultrasonication is performed, a residual amount ratio of remaining fluorine-containing particles is at least 0% by mass and no greater than 20% by mass relative to the amount of the fluorine-containing particles attached to the toner mother particles before the ultrasonication.