Toner Binder Resin Composite for Fixing and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toners face challenges in achieving a balance between low temperature fixability and heat-resistant storage properties, with existing solutions either compromising on crush resistance or leading to background fogging due to fine toner adhesion and charge defects.
Innovation Solution
A toner formulation incorporating a binder resin composed of specific acrylic-based polymers and copolymers, formed by polymerizing monomers represented by general formulas (1) and (2), which are copolymerized with butyl acrylate, providing a glass transition temperature of 40 to 80°C and optimal molecular weight distribution for improved heat-resistant storage and crush resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a resin material having a low glass transition temperature and low molecular weight is employed to achieve low temperature fixability, then the fixing temperature can be reduced, but the heat-resistant storage properties (blocking resistance) deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite resin material comprising a crystalline resin component and a non-crystalline resin component in specific proportions (crystalline resin 20-80 wt%, non-crystalline resin 80-20 wt%). The crystalline resin provides heat resistance and blocking resistance, while the non-crystalline resin enables low-temperature fixability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention carefully controls the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the non-crystalline resin component to be within 60°C to 100°C, and adjusts the molecular weight and composition ratios of both resin components. By optimizing these parameters, the invention achieves a balance where the toner can be fixed at lower temperatures while maintaining adequate heat-resistant storage properties.
2Reliability
If a crystalline polyester resin is used to improve heat-resistant storage properties, then blocking resistance is enhanced, but the crush resistance deteriorates due to the hard and brittle nature of crystalline resin
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite system where a ductile non-crystalline resin (providing crush resistance and flexibility) is combined with a crystalline resin (providing heat resistance). The non-crystalline resin acts as a matrix that prevents the crystalline resin from being too brittle, while the crystalline resin reinforces the structure for heat resistance. This resolves the contradiction between heat resistance and crush resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the local properties by controlling the distribution and morphology of the crystalline and non-crystalline phases within the toner particles. The non-crystalline resin provides local flexibility and impact absorption, while the crystalline resin provides local thermal stability, creating a balanced overall structure.
3Temperature
If a low molecular weight vinyl-based resin is used to achieve low temperature fixability, then the fixing temperature is reduced, but the crush resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines a low molecular weight non-crystalline resin (enabling low-temperature fixing) with a crystalline resin (providing structural strength). The crystalline resin component compensates for the low crush resistance of the low molecular weight resin, while the non-crystalline resin ensures low-temperature fixability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between low-temperature fixability and crush resistance.
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 heat-resistant storage properties and crush resistance while maintaining sufficient low temperature fixability, reducing the likelihood of background fogging and charge defects.
Implementation Method 1
a binder resin containing a polymer prepared by polymerizing a polymerizable monomer... The toner preferably has a glass transition temperature of 40 to 80°C
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a toner for developing an electrostatic image. The toner has excellent heat-resistant storage properties and crush resistance while having sufficient low temperature fixability. The toner for developing an electrostatic image includes toner particles that contain at least a binder resin. The binder resin contains a polymer prepared by polymerizing a polymerizable monomer represented by a following general formula (1). In the general formula (1), R1 and R2 each independently represent an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 60 carbon atoms, an aliphatic group wherein some of carbon atoms of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group are substituted with an oxygen atom, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group optionally having the aliphatic hydrocarbon group or the aliphatic group as a substituent; and R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group.