Fluoroelastomer-Perfluoropolyether Fuser Member Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuser members face challenges with toner offset and substrate degradation during thermal fusing, particularly when temperatures exceed 250°C, leading to undesirable hot offset and potential substrate discoloration or fire risks, necessitating the need for effective release agents to prevent toner transfer to the fuser member.
Innovation Solution
A fuser member with a surface layer composed of a fluoroelastomer-perfluoropolyether composite, which includes a reaction mixture of fluoroelastomer and perfluoropolyether compounds, optionally with terminal amino or oxysilane groups, and fillers like carbon black, providing enhanced release properties and resistance to toner offset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the temperature is increased to a point where toner particles liquefy for effective fusing, then the fusing efficiency is improved, but the substrate may discolor or convert into fire and toner offset onto the fuser member occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluoropolymer coating on the fuser member surface as an intermediary layer between the toner and the fuser roll. This coating has low surface energy that prevents toner offset while allowing effective heat transfer for fusing. The fluoropolymer acts as a mediator that enables high-temperature fusing without direct contact between molten toner and the fuser surface, thus preventing both substrate degradation and toner offset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface energy parameter of the fuser member by applying a fluoropolymer coating. This changes the surface properties to have extremely low surface energy, which fundamentally alters the interaction between the toner and fuser surface. The parameter change allows the system to operate at higher temperatures for improved fusing efficiency while maintaining release properties to prevent offset.
2Reliability
If release agents are applied to the fuser roll to prevent toner offset, then the release properties are improved, but the complexity of the fusing system increases and additional materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the release agent function directly into the fuser member surface by applying a fluoropolymer coating. This merges the release properties with the fuser roll structure itself, eliminating the need for separate release agent application systems. The fluoropolymer coating is applied as a thin film that becomes an integral part of the fuser surface, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable release properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluoropolymer coating on the fuser member provides self-service release properties without requiring external release agent application mechanisms. The low surface energy of the fluoropolymer inherently prevents toner offset, making the system self-sufficient for release functions. This eliminates the need for additional release agent reservoirs, application rolls, or maintenance procedures.
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 fluoroelastomer-perfluoropolyether composite surface layer effectively prevents toner offset and maintains substrate integrity by offering superior ink release and chemical resistance, reducing the risk of substrate degradation and improving overall fusing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
it is desired to provide a fusing surface, which has a low surface energy to provide the necessary release
Implementation Method 2
The use of thermal energy for fixing toner images onto a support member is known. To fuse electroscopic toner material onto a support surface permanently by heat, it is usually necessary to elevate the temperature of the toner material
Implementation Method 3
This heating causes the toner to flow to some extent into the fibers or pores of the support member
Implementation Method 4
Thereafter, as the toner material cools, solidification of the toner material causes the toner material to be firmly bonded to the support
Data Source
AI summary
A fuser member includes a surface layer comprising a fluoroelastomer-perfluoropolyether composite formed from a reaction mixture comprising a fluoroelastomer and a perfluoropolyether compound. Methods of manufacturing the fuser member and printing systems comprising the fuser member are also disclosed.