Poly-silicic-ferric Coagulant for Toner Yield Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coagulants for toner preparation in the emulsion aggregation method fail to control aggregating strength effectively, leading to the formation of either fine or coarse toner particles, which decreases the yield of toner particles with the desired size.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing a poly-silicic-ferric coagulant with controlled aggregating strength by polymerizing silicic acid in an aqueous solution with specific silicon content and pH, and mixing iron ions, where the polymerization time and silicon content satisfy a particular formula to optimize the aggregating strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional coagulant for water treatment is used to maximize aggregate size for water treatment efficiency, then the aggregating strength becomes too strong for toner preparation, but this results in formation of coarse particles and decreased yield of desired toner particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the polymerization conditions of silicic acid (pH range, temperature, time) to adjust the molecular weight and structure of polysilicic acid. This enables fine-tuning of the coagulant's aggregating strength to match the specific requirements of toner particle formation, preventing both fine and coarse particle formation while maximizing desired particle yield
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coagulant system by combining polysilicic acid with iron ions to form poly-silicic-ferric coagulant. This composite structure provides synergistic effects where the polysilicic acid backbone offers controlled aggregation while iron ions enhance coagulating efficiency, achieving the optimal balance between aggregating strength and particle size control for toner preparation
2Manufacturing precision
If the aggregating strength of coagulant is increased to reduce fine particles, then coarse particles are formed instead, but this also decreases the yield of toner particles with desired size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to optimize the polymerization degree of silicic acid by controlling pH (3.0-5.0), temperature (20-40°C), and polymerization time (0.5-4 hours). These parameter adjustments create a coagulant with moderate aggregating strength that effectively suppresses fine particle formation without causing excessive aggregation that would lead to coarse particles, thereby maintaining high yield of desired toner particles
3Strength
If a coagulant with strong aggregating strength is used to ensure effective aggregation of raw materials, then coarse particles are formed, but this reduces the yield of toner particles with desired size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the polymerization conditions to achieve a specific molecular weight distribution of polysilicic acid. The controlled polymerization at moderate pH (3.0-5.0) and temperature (20-40°C) for limited time (0.5-4 hours) produces a coagulant with optimized aggregating strength that is sufficient for effective aggregation but not so strong as to cause coarse particle formation, thus maintaining high 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 controlled aggregating strength of the poly-silicic-ferric coagulant minimizes the production of fine and coarse toner particles, thereby maximizing the yield of toner particles with the desired size and improving the stability of the toner preparation process.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing silicic acid in a silicic acid aqueous solution having a silicon content and a pH to form a polymerized silicic acid
Implementation Method 2
a coagulant is added to a dispersion including binder resin latex particles, colorant particles, and releasing agent particles. In this regard, the binder resin latex particles, colorant particles, and releasing agent particles aggregate and thus form toner particles
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of preparing a poly-silicic-ferric coagulant (PSFC) having a controlled aggregating strength. In particular, according to an embodiment, provided is a method of preparing a PSFC that may effectively suppress both formation of fine toner particles having a particle size that is smaller than a desired particle size and formation of coarse toner particles having a particle size that is greater than the desired particle size, wherein the PSFC for a toner is used in preparation of a toner by using an emulsion aggregation (EA) method. The PSFC for a toner prepared by using the method, according to an embodiment, significantly exhibits a controlled aggregating strength, and thus a viscosity of an emulsion aggregation solution for the toner preparation is appropriate, which results in suppressing production of fine toner particles and coarse toner particles. In this regard, a toner preparation yield may improve.