Polyester Resin Surface Layer for Electrophotographic Photosensitive Member Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic photosensitive members do not meet the required durability for high-volume and high-speed printing, as they are prone to wear and damage from contact with various components, affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
A highly durable electrophotographic photosensitive member is developed with a surface layer containing a polyester resin structure represented by general formulas (I) and (II), which includes a combination of rigid and flexible materials to enhance scratch resistance and mobility, comprising structures like naphthalene and diphenyl ether derivatives, and is integrated into a process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polyester resin surface layers are used, then the photosensitive member can withstand conventional printing volumes, but the durability is insufficient for high-volume and high-speed printing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite polyester resin system combining three specific components: a naphthalene derivative dicarboxylic acid (providing rigidity and strength), a diphenyl ether derivative (enhancing flexibility and charge mobility), and a divalent phenol derivative (contributing to mechanical strength). This multi-component composite approach creates a synergistic effect that achieves the required durability for high-volume printing while maintaining operational reliability
2Strength
If the surface layer material is made more rigid to improve scratch resistance, then durability improves, but charge mobility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular structure parameters of the polyester resin by selecting specific compounds with defined chemical properties. The naphthalene derivative provides rigid aromatic structures for scratch resistance, while the diphenyl ether derivative introduces flexible ether linkages that maintain charge mobility. The balanced composition (0.1-10 mmol/g naphthalene, 0.1-10 mmol/g diphenyl ether) fine-tunes the parameter balance between mechanical strength and electrical properties
3Reliability
If the surface layer is made thicker to improve durability, then wear resistance improves, but surface roughness increases affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a surface layer with non-uniform molecular distribution and localized structural characteristics. The specific polyester resin composition forms a layer where the naphthalene and diphenyl ether derivatives create localized rigid and flexible domains respectively, providing wear resistance at the surface while maintaining overall surface smoothness. This local quality differentiation allows the surface to withstand mechanical contact without developing excessive roughness
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic photosensitive member including a surface layer containing a specific polyester resin is provided. The polyester resin contains specific structures.