Polycarbonate Charge Transport Layer for Photosensitive Member Potential Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic photosensitive members with protective layers containing cured materials of polymerizable functional groups exhibit insufficient potential variation-suppressing effects, leading to mechanical and electric force-induced issues such as abrasion and image defects.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a polycarbonate resin with specific structures in the charge transport layer and a protective layer containing cured materials with chain-polymerizable and sequential polymerizable functional groups, which enhances the abrasion resistance and potential variation-suppressing effect by preventing stress accumulation and ensuring homogeneous charge transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a protective layer containing a cured material of a composition having a polymerizable functional group is used to enhance abrasion resistance, then abrasion resistance is improved, but potential variation increases leading to image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical structure parameters of the polycarbonate resin by introducing specific substituents (R211-R217 groups) at controlled positions in the molecular structure. This structural modification alters the physical and electrical properties of the charge transport layer, enabling it to suppress potential variation while maintaining the protective layer's abrasion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by combining the modified polycarbonate resin with charge transporting materials in the charge transport layer. This composite material approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve the charge transport function, potential variation suppression, and compatibility with the protective layer containing polymerizable functional groups.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a protective layer is provided on the charge transport layer to enhance abrasion resistance, then mechanical durability is improved, but cracks may generate between the protective layer and photosensitive layer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the polycarbonate resin structure by introducing specific substituent groups (R211-R217) that change the molecular packing, flexibility, and adhesive properties of the charge transport layer. These parameter changes improve interlayer bonding strength, preventing crack generation between the protective layer and photosensitive layer while maintaining mechanical durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified polycarbonate resin structure acts as a cushioning layer that absorbs and distributes mechanical stress before it can propagate as cracks between layers. The specific molecular structure provides flexibility and stress distribution capability, preventing crack initiation and propagation at the interface between the protective layer and photosensitive layer.
3Reliability
If existing polycarbonate resins are used in the charge transport layer, then charge transport function is maintained, but potential variation suppression is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention systematically changes the chemical parameters of the polycarbonate resin by defining specific substituent groups (R211-R217) at controlled positions in the molecular structure. These parameter changes optimize the electrical properties of the charge transport layer, significantly improving potential variation suppression and image density stability compared to conventional polycarbonate resins.
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 proposed solution effectively suppresses potential variation and maintains high image density stability even after long-term use, preventing mechanical and electric force-induced defects in electrophotographic photosensitive members.
Implementation Method 1
a cured material of a composition having a polymerizable functional group which is polymerized through external energy such as heat, light (e.g., ultraviolet rays) and radiation (e.g., electron beams)
Implementation Method 2
a charge transport layer containing a charge transporting material
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic photosensitive member with suppressed potential variation even in the case that a protective layer including a cured material of a composition having a polymerizable functional group is used is provided. An electrophotographic photosensitive member including a support, a charge generation layer, a charge transport layer containing a charge transporting material, and a protective layer, in the order presented, wherein the charge transport layer contains a polycarbonate resin having a structure selected from a group A and a structure selected from a group B, and the protective layer includes a cured material of a composition containing a compound having at least a functional group selected from chain-polymerizable functional groups and sequential polymerizable functional groups.