Toner Master Batch Stabilizing Release Agent Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner performance variations occur due to poor production stability, leading to deteriorated dispersibility of release agents and high-temperature elasticity in existing toner technologies.
Innovation Solution
A master batch for toners comprising an acrylic polymer and a polyester resin, with a mass ratio of polyester resin to acrylic polymer of 2.5 or more, where the acrylic polymer has specific units such as methyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, and isobutyl methacrylate, and a glycidyl (meth)acrylate unit, is used to stabilize toner performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a release agent such as a wax is blended with the toner to improve low-temperature fixability, then low-temperature fixability is improved, but dispersibility of the release agent deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a master batch as an intermediary carrier that contains pre-dispersed release agent particles. This master batch mediates between the release agent and the toner, allowing the release agent to be uniformly distributed throughout the toner without direct blending issues. The master batch acts as a vehicle that stabilizes the release agent dispersion and prevents aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the binder resin, specifically using a polyester resin with a glass transition temperature of 40°C or lower. This parameter change in the binder resin's thermal properties enables better compatibility and dispersion with the release agent in the master batch, resolving the dispersibility issue while maintaining low-temperature fixability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high-temperature elasticity is increased to improve hot offset resistance, then hot offset resistance is improved, but production stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system consisting of a polyester resin binder with specific thermal properties (glass transition temperature ≤40°C) combined with a master batch containing colorant and release agent. This composite structure provides stable high-temperature elasticity for hot offset resistance while the standardized master batch formulation ensures production stability and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the polyester resin, including glass transition temperature of 40°C or lower and specific softening temperature ranges. These parameter controls ensure consistent high-temperature elasticity across production batches, improving both hot offset resistance and production stability simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If material dispersibility is improved for oil-less fixing, then dispersibility is improved, but hot offset resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thermal parameters of the polyester resin binder, specifically setting the glass transition temperature to 40°C or lower. This parameter adjustment creates a balance where the resin remains sufficiently soft at fixing temperatures for good material dispersibility but maintains adequate elasticity at higher temperatures to prevent hot offset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different local properties within the toner system by using a master batch with specific composition for dispersibility and a polyester resin binder optimized for thermal stability. The master batch provides local dispersibility enhancement while the binder resin provides local hot offset resistance, achieving both requirements simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a master batch for toners, said master batch containing an acrylic polymer (A) and a polyester resin (B1) in a specific mass ratio. A toner disclosed herein contains the master batch and a polyester resin (B2), and has a content of the acrylic polymer (A) of 5% by mass or less. Methods for producing a master batch for toners are also disclosed herein and include a step of mixing an acrylic polymer (A) and a polyester resin (B1) in a specific mass ratio. Methods for producing a toner are also disclosed herein and include a step of mixing the master batch and a polyester resin (B2) so that a content of the acrylic polymer (A) is at a specific amount.