Toner with Polyester-Polyolefin Resins for Low-Temp Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toners face challenges in achieving low-temperature fixation and reducing variations in gloss after postprocessing, due to issues with the leaching behavior of release agents and the compatibility of binder resins.
Innovation Solution
A toner formulation incorporating toner particles with amorphous and crystalline polyester resins, an ester-based release agent, and a polycondensate of styrene-acrylic and polyolefin resins, which meets specific storage modulus ranges and solubility parameter conditions to ensure uniform dispersion and leaching of the release agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional toner formulations are used, then fixation can be achieved, but fixation temperature is high and gloss variation occurs after postprocessing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the binder resin, specifically using a polyester resin with controlled glass transition temperature (50-80°C) and melting temperature (60-90°C), along with a polyolefin resin in specific ratios, to achieve low-temperature fixation while maintaining gloss uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite binder resin system combining polyester resin and polyolefin resin with specific compatibility characteristics, where the solubility parameter difference between the two resins is controlled to be 1.0-2.0 (cal/cm³)¹/², creating a synergistic effect that enables low-temperature fixation without gloss variation
2Temperature
If release agent is added to facilitate low-temperature fixation, then fixation temperature decreases, but release agent leaching causes gloss variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compatibility controller substance that acts as an intermediary between the binder resin and release agent, preventing direct harmful interactions while maintaining the benefits of low-temperature fixation. This intermediary substance controls the compatibility relationship to prevent release agent leaching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the concentration and molecular weight parameters of the release agent within specific ranges, and adjusts the compatibility relationship between release agent and binder resin by controlling solubility parameters, to achieve low-temperature fixation without gloss variation
3Temperature
If binder resin compatibility is improved for low-temperature fixation, then fixation temperature decreases, but viscosity loss rate increases causing gloss variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight and glass transition temperature parameters of the polyester resin, and the melting temperature and molecular weight of the polyolefin resin, to achieve a balance where low-temperature fixation is enabled while viscosity loss rate is controlled within acceptable ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite binder resin system where polyester resin and polyolefin resin work synergistically, with their compatibility controlled through solubility parameter matching, to provide both low-temperature fixation capability and controlled viscosity stability during the fixation process
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 fixability at low temperatures and reduces variations in gloss after postprocessing, by ensuring a moderate rate of viscosity loss for the polycondensate and maintaining the dispersion of the ester-based release agent.
Implementation Method 1
the polycondensate of styrene-acrylic and polyolefin resins has a storage modulus G′SP (70) at 70° C. of 1×104 Pa or more and 1×107 Pa or less and a storage modulus G′SP (90) at 90° C. of 1×103 Pa or more and 1×106 Pa or less
Implementation Method 2
ensuring a moderate rate of viscosity loss for the polycondensate
Implementation Method 3
maintaining the dispersion of the ester-based release agent
Implementation Method 4
an ester-based release agent
Data Source
AI summary
A toner for developing an electrostatic charge image incorporates toner particles that contain binder resins including an amorphous polyester resin and a crystalline polyester resin, an ester-based release agent, and a polycondensate of a styrene-acrylic resin and a polyolefin resin. The polycondensate of styrene-acrylic and polyolefin resins has a storage modulus G′SP (70) at 70° C. of 1×104 Pa or more and 1×107 Pa or less and a storage modulus G′SP (90) at 90° C. of 1×103 Pa or more and 1×106 Pa or less in dynamic rheometry. The toner particles have a storage modulus G′T (70) at 70° C. of 1×104 Pa or more and 1×106 Pa or less and a storage modulus G′T (90) at 90° C. of 1×103 Pa or more and 1×105 Pa or less in dynamic rheometry.