Toner Binder Resin Network for Low-Temperature Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toners face challenges in achieving good low-temperature fixability while minimizing discharge adhesion, especially during double-sided continuous printing, and require improvements in storage stability and curl resistance.
Innovation Solution
A toner with a specific composition and structure, including a binder resin with a softening point of 100° C to 150° C, where the glass transition temperatures of the tetrahydrofuran-insoluble and -soluble matters are optimized to form a physically integrated network structure, enhancing miscibility and entanglement between the linear and crosslinked components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If softer binder resins are used to improve low-temperature fixability, then the toner melts more easily within the fixing nip, but discharge adhesion increases because images stick together when stacked while still hot
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the glass transition temperature parameter of the binder resin to a specific range (35-70°C) to achieve optimal low-temperature fixability while controlling discharge adhesion. This parameter optimization allows the toner to melt sufficiently at lower fixing temperatures without becoming too soft and causing image sticking during stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite binder resin system comprising both linear and crosslinked components. The linear component provides low-temperature fixability with a lower glass transition temperature, while the crosslinked component provides structural integrity and reduces discharge adhesion with a higher glass transition temperature. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between easy melting and resistance to image sticking.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If cooling fans are installed to promote cooling of fixed paper and reduce discharge adhesion, then discharge adhesion decreases, but energy consumption increases and printer size grows
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the toner itself responsible for preventing discharge adhesion through its optimized binder resin composition and glass transition temperature. The toner's inherent properties (controlled melting and solidification behavior) enable it to resist sticking without requiring external cooling systems, thus eliminating the need for additional cooling fans and reducing printer complexity and energy consumption.
3Temperature
If linear component with low glass transition temperature is used to improve low-temperature fixability, then fixability improves, but discharge adhesion increases due to low viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines a linear component (提供低玻璃化转变温度以改善低温定影性) with a crosslinked component (提供高玻璃化转变温度和结构强度以减少放电粘连). The linear component ensures the toner melts at low temperatures, while the crosslinked component maintains structural integrity and reduces viscosity-related discharge adhesion, resolving the contradiction between fixability and adhesion resistance.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If crosslinked component with high glass transition temperature is used to reduce discharge adhesion, then discharge adhesion decreases, but low-temperature fixability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite binder resin system where the linear component (with lower glass transition temperature) provides low-temperature fixability, while the crosslinked component (with higher glass transition temperature) provides structural integrity and reduces discharge adhesion. The synergistic effect of these two components resolves the contradiction between discharge adhesion resistance and low-temperature fixability.
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 improves low-temperature fixability, reduces discharge adhesion, and enhances storage stability and curl resistance, ensuring better image quality and durability under various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Tgt represents a glass transition temperature (° C.) of the toner during a second temperature rise as measured with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), Tgf represents a glass transition temperature (° C.) of a tetrahydrofuran-insoluble matter of the binder resin during a second temperature rise as measured with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and Tgk represents a glass transition temperature (° C.) of a tetrahydrofuran-soluble matter of the binder resin during a second temperature rise as measured with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC)
Implementation Method 2
the toner has a softening point of at least 100° C. and not more than 150° C.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a toner having a toner particle including a binder resin and a colorant, wherein the toner has a softening point of at least 100° C. and not more than 150° C., and when Tgt represents a glass transition temperature (° C.) of the toner during a second temperature rise as measured with a DSC, Tgf represents a glass transition temperature (° C.) of a tetrahydrofuran-insoluble matter of the binder resin during a second temperature rise as measured with a DSC, and Tgk represents a glass transition temperature (° C.) of a tetrahydrofuran-soluble matter of the binder resin during a second temperature rise as measured with a DSC, the toner satisfies Tgt>Tgf (1), Tgt>Tgk (2), and 35° C.≤Tgf≤70° C. (3).