Toner Surface Nitrogen Control for Humidity Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high humidity environments, electrostatic charge image developing toners experience variations in charging, leading to image defects such as decreased image density and in-plane unevenness due to temperature changes, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The electrostatic charge image developing toner incorporates a specific range of nitrogen atoms on its surface (0.8-5.0 atomic %) and limited depth (0.4 atomic % or less at 10 nm) to maintain humidity and prevent charging variations, using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for measurement and surface treatment methods like Ar etching and ultrasonic vibration for additive removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If toner particles are used in high humidity environments, then image formation can be performed, but charging variations occur leading to image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating nitrogen-containing groups specifically on the surface of toner particles rather than throughout the bulk material. This creates a localized functional layer that moderates moisture absorption and stabilizes charging in high humidity environments without affecting the overall toner composition and image formation properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface chemical composition parameter by introducing nitrogen-containing groups with specific content (0.8-5.0 atomic% on surface, 0.4 atomic% or less at 10nm depth). This parameter modification alters the moisture absorption characteristics and electrical properties of the toner surface, enabling stable charging behavior in high humidity conditions.
2Reliability
If nitrogen-containing groups are added to stabilize charging, then image quality improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating nitrogen-containing groups into the toner particle surface during or before the image formation process. This pre-prepared surface modification ensures that the toner is ready to maintain stable charging from the outset, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments during manufacturing or operation.
3Reliability
If surface treatment is applied to control nitrogen content, then charging stability improves, but measurement and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex surface treatment and measurement systems with a more straightforward approach using nitrogen-containing polymerization initiators during the toner formation process itself. This substitution simplifies both the manufacturing process and the subsequent measurement requirements while achieving the same charging stability effect.
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
This approach stabilizes the charging process, preventing image defects like fogging and maintaining image quality even in high humidity conditions by controlling moisture adsorption and electrical properties.
Implementation Method 1
a content of nitrogen atoms on the surfaces of the toner particles is from 0.8 atomic % to 5.0 atomic %, and a content of nitrogen atoms at a depth of 10 nm inside from the surfaces of the toner particles is 0.4 atomic % or less when measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
a content of nitrogen atoms on the surfaces of the toner particles is from 0.8 atomic % to 5.0 atomic %, and a content of nitrogen atoms at a depth of 10 nm inside from the surfaces of the toner particles is 0.4 atomic % or less when measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles; and an external additive that is externally added to surfaces of the toner particles, in which a content of nitrogen atoms on the surfaces of the toner particles is from 0.8 atomic % to 5.0 atomic % and a content of nitrogen atoms at a depth of 10 nm inside from the surfaces of the toner particles is 0.4 atomic % or less when measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.