Self-Assembling Polyester Toner via Segmented Carboxylic Acid Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polyester resins used in imaging systems, particularly those with sulphonated diol or diacid monomers, face limitations in controlling the size and distribution of nanoparticles formed during the emulsion aggregation process, leading to inconsistent toner particle sizes and properties.
Innovation Solution
The development of self-assembling polyester polymer chains with specific configurations of adjacent pendant carboxylic acid or acid salt moieties, where functionalized polymeric repeat units are strategically positioned within the polymer chain, allowing for controlled micelle formation and particle size manipulation through molecular modeling and simulation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sulphonated polyester resins are used with 4-20 mole % sulphonated diol or diacid monomer, then nanoparticles self-assemble into micelles on cooling, but the size and distribution of nanoparticles cannot be precisely controlled, leading to inconsistent toner particle sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer chain into distinct segments: functionalized polymeric repeat units containing carboxylic acid or acid salt groups, and non-functionalized polymeric repeat units. This segmentation allows the functionalized units to self-assemble into micelles with controlled sizes (30-50 nm) while the non-functionalized units form the bulk polymer matrix, enabling precise control over nanoparticle size and distribution without requiring complex overall polymer structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the self-assembly functionality specifically in adjacent functionalized polymeric repeat units (dimers, trimers, or tetramers of carboxylic acid groups) rather than distributing it uniformly throughout the polymer chain. This localized functionalization enables precise control over micelle formation and size while keeping the rest of the polymer chain simple and manageable.
2Reliability
If adjacent functionalized polymeric repeat units are positioned throughout the polymer chain, then micelle formation is enhanced, but the polymer chain configuration becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjacent functionalized polymeric repeat units (containing 2-4 carboxylic acid or acid salt groups) as predetermined sequences within the polymer chain during synthesis. These pre-positioned functionalized segments serve as ready-made nucleation sites for micelle formation, ensuring consistent and reliable self-assembly behavior without requiring complex post-synthesis modifications or sophisticated manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls micelle formation by adjusting specific parameters: the number of adjacent functionalized repeat units (dimers, trimers, tetramers), their position within the polymer chain, and the overall composition ratio. By varying these parameters, the invention achieves reliable micelle formation with consistent sizes while maintaining relatively simple polymer synthesis procedures.
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
This approach enables precise control over the size and interfacial tension of micelles and particles, improving the consistency and performance of toner particles in imaging devices by optimizing polymer chain configuration and temperature-dependent parameters.
Implementation Method 1
the resulting polymer chains in an aqueous medium at elevated temperatures demonstrate chain association and assemble into nanoparticles ranging in size from about 30 to about 50 nm on cooling
Implementation Method 2
self-assembling polyester polymer chains comprising at least one of, two or more adjacent functionalized polymeric repeat units, wherein each unit comprises an esterified acid and alcohol, and wherein a polymeric repeat unit comprises a pendant carboxylic acid or acid salt
Implementation Method 3
the resulting polymer chains in an aqueous medium at elevated temperatures demonstrate chain association and assemble into nanoparticles ranging in size from about 30 to about 50 nm on cooling
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a polyester that contains plural pendant adjacent carboxylic acid or acid salt side groups for use in making a toner for use in imaging devices.