Intermediate Transfer Member with POSS Shell Conductive Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intermediate transfer members in image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining stable resistivity in high humidity environments and achieving robust manufacturing processes, particularly with carbon black, which has a narrow working window, and conductive metal oxides that absorb water, leading to resistivity changes.

Innovation Solution

A core-shell structure is created using conductive metal oxide core particles coated with a polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS) shell, dispersed in a polymer, which provides a stable resistivity and hydrophobic surface with a contact angle greater than 80°, enhancing toner transfer and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive metal oxides are used in the surface layer, then electrical conductivity is improved, but resistivity stability deteriorates in high humidity environments due to water absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistivity stabilityVSAvoidwater absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A hydrophobic coating layer is applied over the conductive metal oxide particles to act as an intermediary barrier. This coating prevents direct contact between the metal oxide and water molecules, blocking the harmful water absorption while preserving the electrical conductivity pathway through the metal oxide particles. The coating serves as a protective mediator that reconciles the contradiction between conductivity and humidity resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A thin hydrophobic film or coating is formed on the surface of the conductive metal oxide particles or on the intermediate transfer member surface. This flexible thin film provides a water-repellent barrier that prevents water absorption by the metal oxide while allowing electrical conduction to occur through the conductive particles. The film thickness is optimized to provide sufficient protection without compromising conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If carbon black is used for conductivity, then manufacturing is simplified, but process control becomes difficult due to narrow working window

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidprocess control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter from carbon black to conductive metal oxide particles. This parameter change expands the working window for manufacturing by providing a material with more tolerant conductivity characteristics. The metal oxide particles maintain adequate conductivity over a broader range of formulation variations and processing conditions, reducing the sensitivity to manufacturing parameter fluctuations while still achieving the desired electrical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If surface contact angle is increased to improve toner transfer, then toner transfer efficiency is improved, but surface conductivity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsurface conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The surface is designed with local quality variations where hydrophobic regions (high contact angle) and conductive regions (metal oxide particle clusters) coexist. The hydrophobic coating is applied in a manner that creates localized water-repellent zones for improved toner transfer, while conductive metal oxide particles are distributed to maintain electrical pathways. This spatial differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both toner transfer and conductivity properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The surface layer is formulated as a composite material combining hydrophobic polymers or coatings with conductive metal oxide particles. This composite structure integrates the water-repellent properties of the polymer matrix (providing high contact angle) with the electrical conductivity of the metal oxide dispersed phase. The synergistic combination allows the surface to simultaneously achieve high toner transfer efficiency and adequate electrical conductivity for the electrostatic transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 core-shell conductive particles achieve stable resistivity in humid environments and improve mechanical properties, ensuring consistent performance and improved toner transfer and cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a surface contact angle of greater than 80°

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobicity: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

conductive particles having a shell comprising a polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS) dispersed in a polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8435632B2Intermediate transfer member

Publication Date: 2013.05.07 XEROX CORP

AI summary

There is provided herein an intermediate transfer member. This intermediate transfer member includes a substrate layer. A surface layer is disposed on the substrate layer is disposed on the substrate layer and includes conductive particles having thereon a shell comprising a polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane dispersed in a polymer. A method of manufacturing and intermediate transfer member is also disclosed.