Modified Paraffin Wax Toner for Gloss and Blocking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High gloss emulsion aggregation toners are prone to blocking issues and have wax protrusions on the surface, and existing methods lack efficient control over toner particle charging and production time.
Innovation Solution
The development of toners using a modified paraffin wax with branched and linear carbons, combined with a resin and optional colorants, where the wax is aggregated with a low amount of aggregating agent to form particles with high circularity and smooth surfaces, reducing production time and preventing wax protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high gloss EA toners use resins with core-shell configuration and waxes, then gloss is improved, but blocking issues occur and wax protrusions form on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the wax molecular structure by controlling the ratio of branched to linear carbons (1:4 to 1:6 ratio) and adjusting molecular weight (500-700 g/mol), which changes the physical properties of the wax to prevent blocking while maintaining gloss. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between achieving high gloss and preventing blocking issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite approach by combining specifically modified paraffin wax with core-shell resin structures, where the wax is engineered with precise branching patterns. This composite material system achieves both high gloss from the shell structure and blocking prevention from the optimized wax properties.
2Productivity
If existing emulsion aggregation methods are used, then toner production is achieved, but production time is excessive and control over charging is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary modification of the paraffin wax structure before the emulsion aggregation process, optimizing its molecular weight and branching pattern in advance. This preliminary preparation enables faster aggregation and coalescence during production, reducing overall production time while maintaining charging control.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the molecular parameters of the wax (molecular weight 500-700 g/mol, specific carbon ratio), the patent optimizes the aggregation and coalescence kinetics, significantly reducing production time from conventional processes while improving charging uniformity.
3Shape
If conventional paraffin wax is used, then toner is formed, but wax protrusions appear on the surface and circularity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the molecular parameters of paraffin wax, including molecular weight (500-700 g/mol) and the ratio of branched to linear carbons (1:4 to 1:6), which optimizes the wax's melting and coalescence behavior. This results in smooth particle surfaces with high circularity (0.982-0.995) and eliminates wax protrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces local structural variation in the wax molecules by controlling the distribution and position of branched carbons relative to chain ends. This local structural quality control ensures uniform wax distribution and smooth surface formation without protrusions.
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 process results in toners with improved gloss, reduced production time, and enhanced control over particle charging, leading to increased productivity and reduced manufacturing costs by minimizing surface wax and toner defects.
Implementation Method 1
aggregating the particles by contacting the particles with from about 0.1 parts per hundred to about 0.18 parts per hundred of an aggregating agent such as aluminum sulfate, polyaluminum chloride, polyaluminum bromide, polyaluminum fluoride, polyaluminum iodide, polyaluminum silicate, polyaluminum sulfosilicate, aluminum chloride, aluminum nitrite, aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate
Implementation Method 2
Emulsion aggregation (EA) is one such method. These toners are within the purview of those skilled in the art and toners may be formed by aggregating a colorant with a latex polymer formed by emulsion polymerization
Implementation Method 3
coalescing the aggregated particles for a period of time of from about 1 hour to about 3 hours minutes to form toner particles
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides toners and methods for their production. In embodiments, the amount of coagulant utilized in producing those toners may be less than amounts currently in use, which may have a beneficial effect by reducing the time for coalescence. Modified waxes may also be utilized which provide excellent gloss and charging characteristics.