Toner Composition with Multi-Resin System for Fixing Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toner production methods, such as kneading and pulverizing, face challenges in achieving small particle size, uniform particle shape, and high low temperature fixing ability while maintaining heat-resistant storage stability and preventing toner deposition on equipment.
Innovation Solution
A toner composition comprising non-crystalline polyester resin A with a low glass transition temperature, non-crystalline polyester resin B, and crystalline polyester resin C, where resin A is obtained through a reaction between a non-linear chain reactive precursor and a curing agent, enhancing low temperature fixing ability and heat-resistant storage stability without causing filming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a toner is produced by the kneading and pulverizing method, then it is easy to manufacture, but the particle size cannot be reduced, particle shapes are uneven, and particle diameter distribution is broad
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental production parameter from mechanical pulverization to chemical polymerization. By using polymerization methods with controlled reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, catalysts), the invention achieves uniform small particle sizes (3-7 μm) with narrow diameter distribution, eliminating the particle size control limitations of the kneading and pulverizing method.
2Temperature
If wax is added to improve fixing ability, then low temperature fixing ability is improved, but toner deposition on carrier and photoconductor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a core-shell structure where the releasing agent (wax) is encapsulated only in the core portion of the toner particle, while the shell consists of resin material that prevents deposition. This localized distribution allows the wax to provide low-temperature fixing ability without causing toner deposition on carriers and photoconductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the nesting principle by placing the releasing agent (wax) inside the toner particle core, surrounded by a resin shell. This nested structure allows the internal wax to melt and provide releasing effect during fixing, while the external resin shell maintains particle integrity and prevents unwanted deposition on equipment surfaces.
3Temperature
If crystalline polyester resin is used for low temperature fixing, then fixing ability is improved, but hot offset resistance and heat resistant storage stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining crystalline polyester resin (for low-temperature fixing due to its sharp melting point) with non-crystalline polyester resin and other additives. This composite resin system leverages the low melting point of crystalline resin for easy fixing while the non-crystalline resin and crosslinked structure provide high-temperature stability, hot offset resistance, and heat resistant storage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating distinct functional zones within the resin system: the crystalline polyester resin components provide low-temperature melting for fixing, while the non-crystalline polyester resin and crosslinked network structures provide high-temperature stability. This spatial and functional differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of low fixing temperature and high hot offset resistance.
4Manufacturing precision
If particle size is reduced for high quality output, then image quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pulverization system with a chemical polymerization system. Instead of using mechanical energy to break down large particles (which creates uneven shapes and broad size distribution), the invention uses controlled chemical reactions to build uniform small particles from monomers, achieving precise particle size control (3-7 μm) with narrow distribution without complex mechanical processing equipment.
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 toner achieves excellent low temperature fixing ability, hot offset resistance, and heat-resistant storage stability, ensuring high-quality image output without toner deposition on equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a non-crystalline polyester resin A obtained through a reaction between a non-linear chain reactive precursor and a curing agent
Implementation Method 2
the crystalline polyester resin is rapidly melted, compared to a non-crystalline polyester resin
Implementation Method 3
the crystalline polyester resin, which forms islands in the sea-island phase separation structure, is melted
Implementation Method 4
as measured with first heating in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a toner, which contains: a non-crystalline polyester resin A obtained through a reaction between a non-linear chain reactive precursor and a curing agent, and having a glass transition temperature of −60° C. to 0° C.; a non-crystalline polyester resin B having a glass transition temperature of 40° C. to 70° C.; and a crystalline polyester resin C, wherein the toner has a glass transition temperature Tg1st of 20° C. to 40° C. as measured with first heating in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).