Polymerized Imide Undercoat Layer for Electrophotographic Photosensitive Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic photosensitive members suffer from initial positive ghost issues due to charge generation materials with high sensitivity, leading to increased charge retention in the photosensitive layer, which affects image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a polymerized imide compound with electron transport capabilities in the undercoat layer, which reduces electron transport moiety orientation and facilitates uniform electron injection, thereby reducing the occurrence of positive ghosts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If charge generation materials with higher sensitivity are used, then the sensitivity of the photosensitive member is improved, but the initial positive ghost increases due to increased charge retention in the photosensitive layer
Solution Approach 1:
An undercoat layer is introduced as an intermediary between the support and the photosensitive layer. This undercoat layer contains an electron transport material that facilitates uniform electron injection into the photosensitive layer, preventing charge accumulation that causes positive ghost while maintaining the high sensitivity of the charge generation materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The electron transport capability of the undercoat layer is optimized by selecting specific electron transport materials and controlling their concentration. This parameter adjustment ensures uniform electron distribution in the photosensitive layer, reducing positive ghost without compromising the sensitivity of the charge generation materials.
2Reliability
If an undercoat layer is provided between the support and the photosensitive layer, then charge injection is inhibited and image failure is prevented, but the properties of the electrophotographic photosensitive member are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The undercoat layer is designed with optimized thickness and electron transport material concentration to balance its dual functions: preventing charge injection from the support (improving reliability) while maintaining efficient electron transport to the photosensitive layer (preserving productivity).
Solution Approach 2:
The undercoat layer uses composite material composition combining electron transport materials with appropriate binders, creating a layer that simultaneously provides charge injection inhibition and efficient electron transport, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
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 use of a polymerized imide compound in the undercoat layer effectively inhibits initial positive ghosts by ensuring uniform electron transport and reducing charge retention, thereby enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the undercoat layer includes: a polymerized product of a compound represented by the following formula (1)... having an ability to transport electrons
Implementation Method 2
a polymerized product of a compound represented by the following formula (1)... where at least one of α, β, and γ is a group having a polymerizable functional group
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a support, an undercoat layer formed on the support, and a photosensitive layer formed on the undercoat layer, in which the undercoat layer contains a polymerized product of a compound represented by the formula (1) or a polymerized product of a composition containing a compound represented by the formula (1).