Siloxane Polymer Bonding Layer for Fixing Member Delamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fixing members with a polyimide resin base and silicone rubber elastic layer experience low durability due to delamination at the interface, especially in high-temperature high-humidity environments, as the limited functional groups on the polyimide resin surface result in insufficient bonding with conventional adhesives.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a bonding layer made from a cured product of a siloxane polymer with glycidyl groups between the polyimide resin base and the silicone rubber elastic layer, which increases adhesion by enhancing the reactivity of the glycidyl groups during thermal curing, improving the bond durability in harsh conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional adhesive is used to bond the polyimide resin base and silicone rubber elastic layer, then the bonding process is simple, but the bond durability is low due to delamination in high-temperature high-humidity environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond durabilityVSAvoidbonding layer composition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the bonding layer by using a siloxane polymer with specific functional groups (glycidyl groups, vinyl groups, or hydroxyl groups) instead of conventional adhesives. This chemical parameter change enables the bonding layer to form strong chemical bonds with both the polyimide resin base and silicone rubber elastic layer, significantly improving bond durability in high-temperature high-humidity environments while preventing delamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite bonding layer material by combining siloxane polymer with specific functional groups that can chemically interact with both the polyimide resin base and silicone rubber elastic layer. This composite material approach allows the bonding layer to serve multiple functions: chemical bonding with both substrates, thermal stability, and moisture resistance, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the polyimide resin base surface has limited functional groups, then the base material properties are maintained, but the adhesion with conventional adhesives is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidbonding process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The siloxane polymer bonding layer acts as an intermediary between the polyimide resin base and silicone rubber elastic layer. The bonding layer contains functional groups that can chemically interact with both materials, effectively bridging the adhesion gap. This intermediary approach enables strong bonding without requiring modification of the original base material or elastic layer, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving adhesion strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If repeated fixing operations are performed, then the fixing function is maintained, but delamination occurs at the interface between base and elastic layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidinterface bonding stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a bonding layer with specific chemical functional groups before assembling the fixing member. This bonding layer is designed to withstand repeated fixing operations and high-temperature high-humidity conditions from the outset. By preparing the bonding interface in advance with appropriate chemical properties, the service life and reliability of the fixing member are significantly extended without delamination issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 use of a glycidyl group-containing siloxane polymer as a bonding layer significantly enhances the durability of the bond between the polyimide resin base and the silicone rubber elastic layer in high-temperature high-humidity environments, preventing delamination and improving the overall performance of the fixing member.

Implementation Method 1

a bonding layer that is disposed between the base and the elastic layer and is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane polymer having a glycidyl group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the reactivity of the glycidyl groups during thermal curing, improving the bond durability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal curing:

Data Source

PatentUS10732552B2Fixing member, fixing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus adopting bonding layer containing siloxane polymer having glycidyl group

Publication Date: 2020.08.04 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A fixing member including a base, an elastic layer and a bonding layer is provided. The base contains a polyimide resin. The elastic layer is disposed on the base and contains silicone rubber. The bonding layer is disposed between the base and the elastic layer and is a cured product of a composition containing a siloxane polymer having a glycidyl group.