Toner Binder Resin with 1,4-Butanediol for Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming processes, when the volatility of the fixing solution is low, toner can soften and transfer from one sheet to another, causing adhesion issues between sheets.
Innovation Solution
An image forming method and apparatus using a toner with a binder resin composed of a condensate of 1,4-butanediol and polyvalent carboxylic acid, where the molar ratio of 1,4-butanediol is at least 30% to prevent toner transfer and adhesion, along with a second binder resin and an ester-based softening agent in the fixing solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixing solution with low volatility is used, then the toner image can be fixed to the sheet, but the softened toner transfers to the second sheet and causes adhesion between sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder resin by specifying that it contains 1,4-butanediol in a molar ratio of not less than 30 mol% of the total alcohol component. This compositional parameter change modifies the toner's interaction with the fixing solution, enabling proper fixation while preventing excessive softening that causes transfer and adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite binder resin system combining 1,4-butanediol with other alcohol components and carboxylic acid components. This composite material approach creates a toner with optimized properties that balance fixation capability with resistance to transfer and adhesion, resolving the contradiction between effective fixation and preventing harmful effects.
2Reliability
If the toner is softened by the fixing solution, then the toner image is fixed to the sheet, but the softened toner becomes sticky and causes sheets to adhere together
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the binder resin's chemical structure by incorporating 1,4-butanediol at not less than 30 mol%, which changes the softening characteristics of the toner. This parameter change ensures the toner softens sufficiently for fixation but maintains appropriate viscosity and adhesion resistance to prevent sheet sticking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating specific functional zones within the binder resin structure through the 1,4-butanediol composition. This enables different regions of the toner to exhibit different properties: sufficient softening for fixation in contact with the fixing solution, while maintaining adhesion resistance in areas where sheets may contact each other.
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
Effectively suppresses toner transfer and adhesion between sheets, ensuring proper fixation of the toner image on the first sheet and preventing sticking when a second sheet is overlaid.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing solution capable of softening the first binder resin so as to fix the toner image to the sheet
Implementation Method 2
The first binder resin is a condensate of a first alcohol component and a first carboxylic acid component
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming method includes: forming a toner image on a sheet by using a toner including a first binder resin; and applying, to the toner image, a fixing solution capable of softening the first binder resin so as to fix the toner image to the sheet. The first binder resin is a condensate of a first alcohol component and a first carboxylic acid component. The first alcohol component contains 1,4-butanediol, and the first carboxylic acid component contains polyvalent carboxylic acid. A molar ratio of the 1,4-butanediol in the first alcohol component is not less than 30 mol %.