Resin Particle Toner with Plant-Derived Cross-Linked Polymer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to develop a resin particle for toner that reduces manufacturing energy consumption and uses plant-derived materials while maintaining strength and achieving excellent low-temperature fixability without adverse effects on the toner's properties.

Innovation Solution

A resin particle is created with a tetrahydrofuran insoluble portion containing a non-linear polymer cross-linked with a metal ion, having a carbon-14 concentration of 5.4 pMC or greater and a glass transition temperature of −60 to lower than 0 degrees C., utilizing a combination of amorphous and crystalline polyester resins to enhance low-temperature fixability and reduce energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plant-derived resin is used as binder resin, then environmental sustainability is improved and manufacturing energy consumption is reduced, but toner strength deteriorates causing filming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidtoner strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite resin system combining plant-derived resin (amorphous polyester resin with Tg of -60 to lower than 0°C) and conventional resin (crystalline polyester resin) to achieve both environmental sustainability and adequate toner strength. The specific Tg range of the plant-derived amorphous resin compensates for strength loss while maintaining low-temperature fixability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention specifies precise parameter ranges for the amorphous polyester resin (Tg of -60 to lower than 0°C) to optimize the balance between using plant-derived materials and maintaining toner performance. This parameter control ensures that the plant-derived resin provides low-temperature fixability without excessive strength reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If plant-derived resin is used as binder resin, then environmental sustainability is improved, but low-temperature fixability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidlow-temperature fixability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies the glass transition temperature of the amorphous polyester resin from plant-derived materials to be in the range of -60 to lower than 0°C. This specific Tg range enables the resin to provide excellent low-temperature fixability while maintaining environmental sustainability through plant-derived content of 5.4 pMC or more.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention differentiates the functional roles of different resin components: the amorphous polyester resin from plant-derived materials (with specific Tg) provides low-temperature fixability, while the crystalline polyester resin provides structural integrity and strength. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between environmental sustainability and low-temperature fixability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If conventional resin is used to maintain toner strength, then toner strength is improved, but manufacturing energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite resin system where plant-derived amorphous polyester resin (requiring less manufacturing energy) is combined with crystalline polyester resin (providing strength). This composite approach reduces overall manufacturing energy consumption while maintaining adequate toner strength through the synergistic combination of resin types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes the manufacturing energy efficiency by specifying the Tg range of the amorphous polyester resin component, which enables processing at lower temperatures compared to conventional resins. This parameter specification reduces the energy required for toner manufacturing while maintaining toner strength through the combined resin system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively minimizes energy use during manufacturing, maintains toner strength, and achieves excellent low-temperature fixability, ensuring high performance and environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

a non-linear polymer in which a non-linear prepolymer is cross-linked with a metal ion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the tetrahydrofuran insoluble portion has a glass transition temperature of from −60 to lower than 0 degrees C. as measured by differential scanning calorimetry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGlass transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20230185209A1Resin particle, toner, toner accommodating unit

Publication Date: 2023.06.15 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A resin particle contains resin containing a tetrahydrofuran insoluble portion containing a non-linear polymer in which a non-linear prepolymer is cross-linked with a metal ion,wherein the resin particle has a carbon-14 concentration of 5.4 pMC or greater,wherein the tetrahydrofuran insoluble portion has a glass transition temperature of from −60 to lower than 0 degrees C. as measured by differential scanning calorimetry.