Electrophotographic Photosensitive Member Surface Control for Stable Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic photosensitive members suffer from image defects and long-term potential fluctuations due to surface roughness variations in the support material, which are not adequately addressed by previous treatments.
Innovation Solution
The surface of the support is treated to achieve an IR peak area ratio A of 0.50 or greater, determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, using immersion in pure water at specific temperatures and times, and optionally combined with a conductive layer and undercoat layer to stabilize the surface composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the surface of the support is treated to reduce roughness, then image defects are suppressed, but long-term potential fluctuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the support surface by controlling the SiO2 content to 1.0-5.0 mass% and Al2O3 content to 2.0-8.0 mass%, and by controlling the ratio of SiO2 to Al2O3 to be 0.10-0.50. These parameter changes optimize both surface roughness and electrical stability, resolving the contradiction between image quality and potential stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite surface layer containing multiple oxides (SiO2, Al2O3, and other metal oxides) with specific compositional ratios. This composite material structure provides both smooth surface properties for defect-free imaging and stable electrical properties for reduced potential fluctuation, simultaneously addressing both requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If a surface treatment is applied to the support, then image defects are suppressed, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The desired surface composition (SiO2: 1.0-5.0 mass%, Al2O3: 2.0-8.0 mass%, ratio 0.10-0.50) is established during the support manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring subsequent surface treatment steps. This preliminary action integrates the surface treatment into the base manufacturing, avoiding additional process complexity while achieving the desired surface 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
This treatment effectively suppresses image defects and reduces long-term potential fluctuations, enhancing the stability and performance of the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting a cylindrical body formed of Al and/or an Al alloy to immersion treatment with pure water to provide the support, wherein the pure water has a temperature of 91° C. or more and 98° C. or less
Implementation Method 2
an IR peak area ratio A of the surface of the support determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electrophotographic photosensitive member that suppresses an image defect resulting from its support and is reduced in long-term potential fluctuation. The electrophotographic photosensitive member is an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a support having a cylindrical shape and a photosensitive layer formed on the support, wherein the support has a surface formed of Al and/or an Al alloy, and wherein the IR peak area ratio A of the surface of the support determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy satisfies the following condition: A≥0.50 where the IR peak area ratio A represents a ratio a/z of a peak area “a” in the range of from 1,016 cm−1 or more to 1,130 cm−1 or less to a peak area “z” in the range of from 650 cm−1 or more to 1,130 cm−1 or less.