Photosensitive Member Surface Layer for Ghost Image Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic photosensitive members incorporating fluorine atom-containing resin particles suffer from insufficient dispersibility, leading to the occurrence of ghost images during repeated use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a polymer A, obtained by polymerizing specific compounds represented by formulas (1), (2), and (3), into the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to enhance dispersibility and suppress ghost image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fluorine atom-containing resin particles are incorporated into the surface layer to improve wear resistance, then friction between the surface layer and contact member is reduced, but ghost images occur during repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
A dispersant comprising a fluorinated (meth)acrylic polymer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the fluorine atom-containing resin particles and the binder resin. This dispersant has a fluorinated structure that interacts with the fluorine-containing particles while also being compatible with the binder resin, achieving both improved dispersion and suppression of ghost images through its specific molecular structure and properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical structure parameters of the dispersant by using a fluorinated (meth)acrylic polymer with specific fluorine content and molecular weight parameters. By optimizing these parameters (fluorine content: 1-20 mass%, weight-average molecular weight: 10,000-100,000), the invention achieves the right balance between particle dispersion, wear resistance, and ghost image suppression
2Duration of action of stationary object
If fluorine atom-containing resin particles are used to reduce friction, then mechanical durability is improved, but dispersibility of the particles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorinated (meth)acrylic polymer acts as a mediator that bridges the fluorine atom-containing resin particles and the binder resin matrix. Its dual compatibility - fluorinated groups that interact with particles and (meth)acrylic groups that interact with the binder resin - enables uniform dispersion while maintaining mechanical durability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite dispersant system combining fluorinated polymer chains with (meth)acrylic polymer backbone. This composite structure integrates the particle-interacting fluorinated segments with the matrix-compatible (meth)acrylic segments, achieving both good dispersibility and mechanical properties
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 polymer A improves the dispersibility of fluorine atom-containing resin particles, effectively preventing charge accumulation and reducing ghost image occurrences during repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer A improves the dispersibility of fluorine atom-containing resin particles
Implementation Method 2
effectively preventing charge accumulation and reducing ghost image occurrences during repeated use
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a surface layer which exhibits excellent dispersibility of fluorine atom-containing resin particles, and suppresses the occurrence of ghost images. The surface layer contains a fluorine atom-containing resin particle, a binder material, and a polymer A having specific structural units.