Conductive Polymer Surface Modification for Electrophotographic Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface treatment processes for polymer bodies in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses often result in unreacted organic compounds remaining on the surface, which hinders the development of surface functions and reduces long-term durability.
Innovation Solution
A modified polymer body is created by binding organic groups with functional groups both via an isocyanuric acid skeleton and directly to the surface, enhancing surface functionality and durability by forming first and second binding parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surface treatment liquid containing trichloroisocyanuric acid and organic compound is applied to polymer body surface, then organic group can be bound via isocyanuric acid skeleton to surface, but unreacted organic compound remains on surface which hinders surface function development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a polymerization initiator into the surface treatment liquid before application. This allows the organic compound to polymerize and become firmly bound to the polymer body surface during or after the treatment process, preventing unreacted components from remaining on the surface. The initiator is activated under treatment conditions to complete the reaction in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the surface treatment liquid by adding a polymerization initiator that transforms the organic compound from a reactive monomer state to a polymerized bound state. This parameter change ensures complete reaction and eliminates unreacted components that would otherwise hinder surface function development.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional surface treatment is applied to polymer body, then treatment process can be completed, but surface function durability deteriorates over long term
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a polymerization initiator into the surface treatment liquid that activates during the treatment process to polymerize and firmly anchor the organic compound to the polymer body surface. This preliminary polymerization action creates durable covalent bonds that maintain surface function over long periods, preventing degradation that would occur with conventional physical adsorption methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surface structure where the organic compound is chemically bonded to the polymer body through polymerization initiated by the initiator. This composite material approach combines the base polymer with the functional organic compound through strong chemical bonds, enhancing long-term durability compared to conventional surface treatments that rely on weaker physical interactions.
3Reliability
If organic compound is bound to polymer body surface, then surface function can be developed, but friction reduction and toner release properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively modifying only the surface region of the polymer body with the organic compound containing specific functional groups. The bulk polymer material retains its original friction and adhesion properties, while the surface layer gains enhanced surface functions such as chargeability or release properties. This localized modification maintains bulk mechanical properties while improving surface performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the surface layer by introducing organic compounds with specific functional groups that provide desired surface functions. By controlling the type and concentration of functional groups on the surface while maintaining the bulk polymer structure, the patent achieves improved surface function without compromising the friction and adhesion characteristics needed for toner handling.
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 modified polymer body effectively develops and maintains surface functions over a long term, improving durability and toner release properties while reducing friction and enhancing chargeability.
Implementation Method 1
first binding parts bound to the surface of the polymer body, the first binding parts being such that an organic group having a functional group is bound via an isocyanuric acid skeleton to the surface of the polymer body
Implementation Method 2
second binding parts bound to the surface of the polymer body, the second binding parts being such that an organic group having a functional group is directly bound to the surface of the polymer body without interposing an isocyanuric acid skeleton
Data Source
AI summary
A modified polymer body 1 has a polymer body 2 composed of a polymer material containing a carbon-carbon double bond and first binding parts 3 and second binding parts 4 bound to the surface of the polymer body 2. The first binding parts 3 are such that an organic group 6 having a functional group is bound via an isocyanuric acid skeleton 5 to the surface of the polymer body 2. The second binding parts 4 are such that an organic group 7 having a functional group is directly bound to the surface of the polymer body 2 without interposing an isocyanuric acid skeleton 5.