Toner Binder Resin Domain-Matrix Structure for Fixability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner formulations using crystalline resins face challenges with low-temperature fixability and hot offset resistance, particularly in high-temperature high-humidity environments, where crystalline vinyl resins exhibit viscosity issues and narrow temperature ranges for fixing, while amorphous resins improve stability but compromise on fixability and resistance.
Innovation Solution
A toner composition featuring a binder resin blend of crystalline and amorphous resins, with specific monomer units and a domain-matrix structure, where the crystalline resin forms the matrix and amorphous resin forms domains, optimizing the number average diameter and content ratios to enhance low-temperature fixability and hot offset resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a crystalline vinyl resin is used as a binder resin to achieve low-temperature fixability, then low-temperature fixability is improved, but viscosity becomes too low in high-temperature regions causing hot offset and wrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite binder resin system combining crystalline vinyl resin (providing low-temperature fixability) with amorphous resin (providing high-temperature viscosity). This composite approach allows the toner to achieve both low-temperature fixability and hot offset resistance by leveraging the complementary properties of different resin types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the binder resin composition by controlling the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the amorphous resin to be -50°C to 0°C and the melting point of the crystalline vinyl resin to be 70°C to 90°C. These parameter adjustments ensure appropriate viscosity characteristics across different temperature ranges, preventing hot offset while maintaining low-temperature fixability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If amorphous resin is added to increase viscosity in high-temperature regions, then hot offset resistance is improved, but the temperature range for fixing becomes narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The invention carefully controls the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the amorphous resin within -50°C to 0°C and the melting point of the crystalline vinyl resin within 70°C to 90°C. By optimizing these parameters, the toner maintains appropriate viscosity across a broad temperature range, achieving both hot offset resistance and wide fixing temperature adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates distinct functional zones within the binder resin: the crystalline vinyl resin domains provide low-temperature melting and fixability, while the amorphous resin matrix provides high-temperature viscosity control. This local differentiation of resin functions allows simultaneous achievement of hot offset resistance and broad temperature range adaptability.
3Temperature
If crystalline polyester resin is used to achieve low-temperature fixability, then low-temperature fixability is improved, but charging stability deteriorates in high-temperature high-humidity environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces crystalline polyester resin with a composite system of crystalline vinyl resin and amorphous resin. This substitution maintains low-temperature fixability through the crystalline vinyl resin's melting properties while significantly improving charging stability in high-temperature high-humidity environments, as the vinyl-based system exhibits better moisture resistance and charge retention.
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 fixability and resistance to hot offset and winding, maintaining performance across a broader temperature range and improving charging stability in high-humidity conditions.
Implementation Method 1
crystalline resin having sharp melt properties
Implementation Method 2
charging stability
Data Source
AI summary
A toner has a toner particle containing a binder resin having a first resin and a second resin. The first resin is a crystalline resin, the second resin is an amorphous resin, and the first resin has a first monomer unit, a second monomer unit and a third monomer unit, each having a specific structure. A content of the first monomer unit a content of the third monomer unit in the first resin, and an SP value of the second monomer unit all satisfy a specific ranges, and the second resin contains at least one vinyl-based resin and/or specific hybrid resin, with a cross section of the toner having a domain-matrix structure formed of a matrix including the first resin and domains including the second resin, a number average diameter of the domains being 0.10 to 2.00 μm.