Gallic Acid Polyester Resin for Biodegradable Toner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toner technologies have a negative environmental impact due to their non-biodegradable nature, derived from fossil fuels, and there is a need for biobased alternatives that reduce environmental burden and health risks.
Innovation Solution
Development of polyester resins using gallic acid and its derivatives, such as gallic diol and gallic tetraol, which serve as branching agents in toner particles for imaging devices, derived through reactions with glycerol carbonate, ethylene carbonate, and potassium carbonate, enabling the creation of biodegradable toner particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional toner materials from fossil fuels are used, then toner performance and reliability are maintained, but environmental impact and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of toner materials by using gallic acid and its derivatives as polyols in polyester resin synthesis. This parameter change transforms the material from non-biodegradable fossil fuel-based to biodegradable bio-based, improving environmental compatibility while maintaining toner functionality through controlled molecular weight and composition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polyester resin materials combining gallic acid derivatives with conventional polyester components. This composite approach allows the biodegradable gallic acid-based polymer to integrate with existing toner formulation systems, achieving both environmental improvement and functional reliability through material composition
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biobased materials are used to replace fossil fuel polymers, then environmental burden is reduced, but material availability and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters of gallic acid derivatives through controlled esterification reactions, adjusting molecular weight and degree of polymerization to match conventional polyester specifications. This parameter optimization enables biobased materials to replace fossil fuel polymers in existing manufacturing processes without requiring complete process redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gallic acid and its derivatives as intermediary substances that bridge biobased chemistry and conventional polyester manufacturing. These intermediaries can be synthesized from renewable resources and integrated into existing polyester production workflows, facilitating the transition from fossil fuel-based to biobased materials through chemical mediation
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 gallic acid-based polyester resins in toner particles provides a biodegradable and environmentally friendly solution for imaging devices, reducing the environmental impact and health risks associated with traditional toner materials.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosure also provides a method of derivatizing gallic acid comprising exposing gallic acid to glycerol carbonate, ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate, and potassium carbonate and recovering the derivatized gallic acid
Implementation Method 2
Gallic acid, found in oak species, such as, North American white oak and European red oak, is used as a polyol in esterifcation reactions to produce polyester polymer for use in toner
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a polyester toner resin comprising gallic acid for use in manufacturing an emulsion aggregation (EA) toner for imaging devices.