Electrophotographic Photosensitive Member Niobium-Doped Protective Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic photosensitive members experience a decline in charging ability during repeated use, despite the use of protective layers with titanium oxide.
Innovation Solution
The electrophotographic photosensitive member incorporates a protective layer with a binding resin and metal oxide particles, where the metal oxide particles have a core and a coating layer both containing titanium oxide, and the coating layer has a higher niobium abundance ratio compared to the core, or the oxygen deficiency rates of the core and coating layer follow a specific relationship.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a protective layer containing titanium oxide is added to improve mechanical durability, then wear resistance is improved, but charging ability deteriorates during repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is designed with non-uniform niobium distribution, concentrating niobium atoms at grain boundaries rather than uniformly throughout the material. This local concentration provides sufficient electrical conductivity at critical interfaces while maintaining the overall mechanical durability benefits of the protective layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer combines titanium oxide as the base material with niobium as a dopant element, creating a composite structure that leverages the wear resistance of titanium oxide while introducing niobium to enhance electrical conductivity and maintain charging ability during repeated use.
2Reliability
If niobium is added to the protective layer to improve charging ability, then electrical conductivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies a controlled niobium concentration range (0.01-5.0 wt%) and particular distribution patterns to optimize charging ability while avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity. By defining specific parameter ranges rather than requiring precise uniform distribution, the manufacturing process becomes more feasible.
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
This configuration enhances the electrical conductivity and connectivity of conductive paths in the protective layer, preventing charge retention and maintaining a stable charging ability during repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
the coating layer comprises titanium oxide and niobium, and the abundance ratio of the niobium based on the total mass of the coating layer is higher than the abundance ratio of the niobium based on the total mass of the core
Implementation Method 2
when the oxygen deficiency rate of the metal oxide particle is denoted by A (%), the oxygen deficiency rate of the core is denoted by B (%) and the oxygen deficiency rate of the coating layer is denoted by C (%)
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic photosensitive member capable of maintaining a charging ability during repeated use is provided. An electrophotographic photosensitive member having a support, a conductive layer, a photosensitive layer and a protective layer in this order, wherein the protective layer contains a binding resin and a metal oxide particle, the metal oxide particle has a core and a coating layer, the core and the coating layer each contain titanium oxide, and the coating layer further includes niobium.