Polyester Toner Surface Composition for Fixability and Storage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toners face challenges in achieving both low temperature fixability and heat resistant storage stability, with previous solutions either compromising on one or the other, and issues with adhesion and cleaning failures persist.
Innovation Solution
A toner composition with controlled surface abundance of crystalline polyester resin (2.5% to 25%) and resin particle aggregates (1% to 70%) on the toner base particle surface, optimized by ultrasonic treatment, to enhance low temperature fixability and heat resistant storage stability while preventing filming and improving cleanability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the abundance ratio of crystalline polyester resin on the surface is increased to improve low temperature fixability, then low temperature fixability is improved, but heat resistant storage stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different resin compositions at different locations within the toner particle. The surface layer contains amorphous polyester resin with controlled crystalline polyester resin abundance (2.5-25%) for low temperature fixability, while the internal core contains crystalline polyester resin for heat resistant storage stability. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between surface-level fixability and bulk-level storage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining amorphous polyester resin and crystalline polyester resin in specific proportions and distributions. The amorphous resin provides low temperature fixability while the crystalline resin provides heat resistant storage stability. The controlled abundance ratio (2.5-25%) of crystalline polyester resin on the surface creates a composite structure that achieves both low temperature fixability and heat resistant storage stability simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If resin particles are deposited on the surface to improve cleanability and prevent filming, then cleanability is improved, but adhesion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the abundance ratio of crystalline polyester resin on the surface within a specific range (2.5-25%). This quantitative parameter control optimizes the balance between adhesion and cleanability. Additionally, the patent controls the aggregate ratio of resin particles on the surface (1-70%) to achieve optimal cleanability while maintaining sufficient adhesion. These parameter optimizations resolve the contradiction between cleanability and adhesion.
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 toner achieves excellent low temperature fixability, heat resistant storage stability, and cleanability by controlling the surface abundance of crystalline polyester resin and resin particle aggregates, ensuring optimal adhesion and heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
optimized by ultrasonic treatment
Implementation Method 2
low temperature fixability
Implementation Method 3
resin particles are deposited on a surface of each of the toner base particles
Data Source
AI summary
A toner includes toner base particles and external additives deposited on a surface of the toner base particle. The toner base particle includes an amorphous polyester resin, a crystalline polyester resin, a release agent, and resin particles. An abundance ratio of the crystalline polyester resin in the surface of the toner base particle as observed by TEM is 2.5% or greater but 25% or less. The resin particles are deposited at the surface of the toner base particle as observed by SEM. A ratio of aggregates of the resin particles occupying the surface of the toner base particle is 1% or greater but 70% or less, where R is a major axis of the minimum particle of the resin particles, and the resin particle having a major axis of 3R or greater is determined as the aggregate.