Porous PFA Fixing Member for Long-Life Toner Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing members struggle to maintain high toner releasing properties over a long period, especially when used with thin paper, due to limited retention and supply of perfluoropolyether (PFPE) in the surface layer, leading to toner adhesion and wrapping of paper around the fixing member.
Innovation Solution
A fixing member with a surface layer containing tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA) and pores, impregnated with perfluoropolyether (PFPE) and fluoropolymer, which forms a gelled composition to stabilize PFPE retention and supply, preventing excessive migration during deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surface layer contains fluorine oil without phase separation, then toner releasing properties are improved, but the amount of fluorine oil is limited and cannot be retained sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The surface layer is designed with a porous structure where pores are formed by removing fluorine oil from the bulk. These pores are then filled with a composition containing perfluoropolyether and fluoropolymer. The porous structure allows the composition to be retained within the surface layer while maintaining toner releasing properties, solving the contradiction between limiting fluorine oil content and ensuring sufficient retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system combining perfluoropolyether (PFPE) and fluoropolymer with specific repeating units (including siloxane T and Q units). This composite composition is contained within the porous surface layer, creating a synergistic effect where the fluoropolymer network stabilizes the PFPE retention while maintaining the toner releasing properties needed for excellent performance.
2Reliability
If more PFPE is contained in the surface layer to improve toner releasing properties, then toner releasing properties are enhanced, but PFPE migrates excessively during deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the fluoropolymer by incorporating specific repeating units with siloxane T and Q units. This parameter change in the polymer structure creates a network that effectively traps PFPE, preventing excessive migration during deformation while maintaining sufficient PFPE for toner releasing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluoropolymer acts as an intermediary substance between the PFPE and the surface layer matrix. It mediates the interaction by forming a network structure that holds PFPE in place, preventing migration while allowing the PFPE to remain available for toner releasing functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fixing member is used with thin paper, then processing is simple, but toner adheres to fixing member surface and paper wraps around
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality modification by creating a surface layer with specific porous structure and composition different from the bulk material. The surface layer contains the PFPE-fluoropolymer composition that provides excellent toner releasing properties, while the bulk material maintains structural integrity. This localized improvement prevents toner adhesion and paper wrapping without complicating overall processing.
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 fixing member maintains excellent toner releasing properties over a longer period by suppressing PFPE migration and deformation, ensuring stable image fixation on thin paper.
Implementation Method 1
A composition containing perfluoropolyether and a fluoropolymer is contained in at least a part of the at least one pore. The fluoropolymer has a repeating unit represented by the following structural formula (1), and at least one structure selected from the group consisting of a T unit of siloxane and a Q unit of siloxane
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing member having a base layer and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer includes a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, and having at least one pore communicating with an opening on an outer surface thereof. A composition containing perfluoropolyether and a fluoropolymer is contained in at least a part of the at least one pore. The fluoropolymer has a particular repeating unit composed of perfluoropolyether, and at least one structure selected from the group consisting of a T unit of siloxane and a Q unit of siloxane.