Toner with Plasticizing Compound for Low-Temperature Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner used in electrophotography faces challenges in achieving low-temperature fixability, resisting contamination of the fixing member, and preventing halftone non-uniformity, especially in high-temperature, high-humidity environments, as existing solutions either compromise on durability or fail to maintain consistent charging performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a binder resin, colorant, and a specific compound represented by a general formula into the toner, which exhibits high compatibility and plasticizing effects, allowing for better low-temperature fixability and resistance to contamination and halftone non-uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the melt viscosity of the binder resin is adjusted downward to achieve lower fixation temperature, then low-temperature fixability is improved, but toner durability is reduced leading to charge fluctuations and halftone non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder resin by incorporating specific compounds (carboxylic acids, hydroxyl compounds, or amine compounds) in controlled amounts (0.1-10 mass% per 100 mass% binder resin). This compositional parameter change allows the resin to maintain lower melt viscosity at fixation temperatures while preserving toner durability and charge stability through the functional groups that enhance interparticle bonding and reduce deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite binder resin system by combining the base binder resin with specific functional compounds (carboxylic acids, hydroxyl compounds, or amine compounds). This composite material approach allows the functional compounds to modify the resin's thermal and rheological properties for low-temperature fixability while the synergistic interaction maintains long-term durability and charge stability.
2Temperature
If low melting point wax is added to improve low-temperature fixability, then fixation temperature is reduced, but microdispersion uniformity deteriorates and fixing member contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition of the binder resin by incorporating specific functional compounds that modify the resin's interaction with colorant and other toner components. This compositional change ensures uniform microdispersion of colorant particles within the binder matrix while maintaining low-temperature fixability, preventing the phase separation and aggregation that occur with conventional wax additives.
3Temperature
If low melting point wax is used to achieve low-temperature fixability, then fixation temperature is reduced, but charging performance deteriorates after long-term use in high-temperature high-humidity environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition of the binder resin by incorporating specific functional compounds (carboxylic acids, hydroxyl compounds, or amine compounds) that provide hygroscopic properties and enhanced interparticle bonding. These compositional changes allow the toner to maintain stable charging performance in high-temperature, high-humidity environments while achieving low-temperature fixability, as the functional groups resist moisture-induced deterioration and maintain charge stability.
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 improved low-temperature fixability, prevents contamination of the fixing member, and reduces halftone non-uniformity, maintaining consistent charging performance even after long-term use in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a binder resin, colorant, and a specific compound represented by a general formula into the toner, which exhibits high compatibility and plasticizing effects, allowing for better low-temperature fixability
Implementation Method 2
toner that melts at lower temperatures is thus required
Data Source
AI summary
A toner comprises a binder resin, a colorant, and a compound represented by the following general formula [1]:(in the formula, R1 to R8 each independently represent a group selected from the hydrogen atom, fluorine atom, bromine atom, iodine atom, hydroxy group, acetyl group, aldehyde group, C1 to C6 hydrocarbon groups, and amino group; X represents a group selected from the oxygen atom, sulfur atom, carbonyl group, and —CR9R10—; and R9 and R10 each independently represent a group selected from the hydrogen atom, bromine atom, C1 to C3 hydroxyalkyl groups, hydroxy group, phenyl group, and C1 to C6 hydrocarbon groups).