Isosorbide Polyester Binder Resin for Toner Pulverizability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional binder resins for toner exhibit insufficient pulverizability and durability, leading to poor performance in storage stability, low temperature fixability, and non-offset properties.
Innovation Solution
A binder resin composition comprising a polyester resin (A) with a constitutional unit derived from isosorbide and a polyester resin (B) with specific softening temperatures and monomer ratios, optimized for improved pulverizability and toner properties, including a method for producing the toner by melting, kneading, and pulverizing the resin mixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional binder resin is used, then the toner can be produced, but the pulverizability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite binder resin system comprising polyester resin (A) containing isosorbide units and polyester resin (B) without isosorbide units. This composite structure allows the resin (A) to provide excellent pulverizability while resin (B) contributes to durability and storage stability, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture (pulverizability) and reliability (durability).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention assigns different functional qualities to different resin components: polyester resin (A) with isosorbide is specifically designed to provide pulverizability, while polyester resin (B) without isosorbide is designed to provide durability and storage stability. This local quality differentiation allows each component to excel at its specific function without compromising the other.
2Loss of energy
If the fixing section temperature is decreased for energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but the toner fixability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical composition parameters of the binder resin by incorporating isosorbide units in specific amounts (5-50 mass%) in polyester resin (A). This parameter change lowers the softening point and improves low-temperature fixability, allowing effective toner fixation at reduced fixing section temperatures while maintaining energy savings.
3Reliability
If a binder resin with good storage stability is used, then the toner exhibits good storage stability, but the pulverizability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite binder resin system where polyester resin (A) containing isosorbide provides excellent pulverizability, while polyester resin (B) without isosorbide provides superior storage stability. The synergistic combination of these two resin types resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture (pulverizability) and reliability (storage stability).
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 solution provides a toner with enhanced pulverizability, storage stability, low temperature fixability, and durability, improving the productivity and performance of the toner in electrophotographic processes.
Implementation Method 1
a method for producing the toner, the method including a step of melting and kneading a mixture containing the polyester resin (A) and the polyester resin (B) and pulverizing a kneaded product thus obtained
Data Source
AI summary
A binder resin for toner of the present invention comprising: a polyester resin (A) which contains a constitutional unit derived from isosorbide and has a softening temperature of higher than 120° C.; and a polyester resin (B) different from the polyester resin (A), wherein the binder resin for toner has a pulverizability index of 25 or more.