Electrophotographic Photoreceptor Protective Layer Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrophotographic photoreceptors with protective layers formed from cured charge transporting compounds having radically polymerizable groups experience increased rotational torque, which worsens over time, leading to reduced lifespan and frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A photoreceptor configuration with a conductive support, photosensitive layers, and a protective layer composed of a cured product containing a charge transporting compound with radically polymerizable groups and surface-treated metal oxide particles, where the metal oxide particles have a silicone chain in their side chain to reduce friction and enhance compatibility, dispersion, and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a cured layer obtained by curing a charge transporting compound having a radically polymerizable group is used as a protective layer, then abrasion resistance is improved, but rotational torque increases and increases further during long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is formed as a composite material containing both the charge transporting compound with radically polymerizable group and metal oxide particles. This composite structure combines the abrasion resistance of the cured polymer network with the low-friction properties of metal oxide particles, achieving both high abrasion resistance and low rotational torque. The metal oxide particles act as solid lubricants within the cured matrix, reducing friction with the cleaning blade while maintaining structural integrity for abrasion resistance.
2Strength
If a cured layer obtained by curing a charge transporting compound having a radically polymerizable group is used as a protective layer, then abrasion resistance is improved, but the frequency of replacement increases due to increased rotational torque
Solution Approach 1:
The composite protective layer combining charge transporting compound and metal oxide particles achieves superior durability by balancing abrasion resistance and friction reduction. The metal oxide particles prevent excessive torque buildup that would otherwise limit service life, allowing the photoreceptor to maintain optimal performance throughout its operational lifespan while resisting wear from cleaning operations.
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 effectively decreases the rotational torque of the photoreceptor and prevents its increase over long-term use, enhancing the photoreceptor's durability and reducing the frequency of replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the metal oxide particle being surface-treated with a surface treating agent having a silicone chain in a side chain thereof
Implementation Method 2
a cured layer obtained by subjecting a charge transporting compound having a radically polymerizable group to a cure reaction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electrophotographic photoreceptor capable of reducing the rotational torque of the photoreceptor and also reducing the increase in the rotational torque during long-term use when a cured layer obtained by curing a charge transporting compound having a radically polymerizable group is used as a protective layer. In the electrophotographic photoreceptor, a conductive support, a photosensitive layer, and a protective layer are laminated in this order. The protective layer is formed of a cured product of a composition containing the following: a charge transporting compound having a radically polymerizable functional group; and metal oxide particles surface-treated with a surface treating agent having a silicone chain in a side chain thereof.