Resin Fine Particle Dye Distribution for Toner Color Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resin fine particles containing polyester resin and basic dyes in existing technologies often exhibit low color developing density due to insufficient dispersibility and uneven dye distribution, leading to suboptimal performance in toners and image formation.
Innovation Solution
The development of resin fine particles with a volume average particle diameter of 0.05 μm to 1 μm and a concentration ratio of basic dye in the center of gravity to the surface layer of 0.8 or more, ensuring uniform dye distribution and enhanced dispersibility, along with a specific average distance between basic dye-containing domains in the thermoplastic resin particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the volume average particle diameter of resin fine particles is less than 0.05 μm or more than 1 μm, then the particles can be produced with easier process control, but the color developing density becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a precise particle diameter range of 0.05 μm to 1 μm for resin fine particles to achieve both manufacturability and high color developing density. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by identifying the optimal size window where particles are small enough for good dispersibility but large enough to maintain sufficient dye concentration and color density.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the concentration ratio of basic dye in center of gravity to surface layer is less than 0.8, then the dye can be distributed more uniformly throughout the particle, but the color developing density becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires a concentration ratio of at least 0.8, indicating that the dye should be concentrated in the center of gravity portion rather than uniformly distributed. This local quality approach allows the core region to have high dye concentration for color density while the surface layer maintains adequate dispersibility, resolving the contradiction between uniformity and density.
3Ease of operation
If resin fine particles have poor dispersibility, then the particle size can be larger and easier to handle, but the color developing density and image quality become suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the resin particle system into fine particles with diameter of 0.05 μm to 1 μm, creating a segmented structure that improves dispersibility while maintaining handling characteristics. This segmentation into appropriately sized fine particles resolves the contradiction between ease of handling and color developing performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a resin fine particle includes dissolving or melting an oily mixture containing at least a polyester resin, a base, and a basic dye while applying a shearing force to the oily mixture, and emulsifying the dissolved or molten oily mixture by adding a surfactant and an aqueous medium while applying a shearing force to the dissolved or molten oily mixture to prepare a dispersion liquid of the resin fine particle. The resin fine particle includes the polyester resin and the basic dye, has a volume average particle diameter of 0.05 μm or more and 1 μm or less, and has a ratio of a concentration of the basic dye in a center of gravity portion of the resin fine particle to a concentration of the basic dye in a surface layer portion having a depth of 10 nm or less from a surface of the resin fine particle of 0.8 or more.