Toner Surface Organosilicon Polymer for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toner technologies face challenges in achieving high-definition full-color image output with stability across varying temperature and humidity environments, leading to issues such as color non-uniformity, poor fixability, and component soiling due to bleeding of release agents and insufficient cross-linkage of silane compounds on the toner surface.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing toner particles with a surface layer containing an organosilicon polymer, achieved by mixing an organosilicon compound with an aqueous medium and polymerizing it within a specific temperature range, which enhances hydrophobicity, cross-linking, and environmental stability, thereby reducing component soiling and improving storage and development endurance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic fine particles are adhered to the toner surface to improve storage stability, then high-temperature storage stability is improved, but release agent or resin components may bleed through spaces between particles and inorganic particles may detach due to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite inorganic layer comprising both inorganic fine particles and inorganic powder forming a continuous film. This composite structure combines the benefits of particle adhesion with the protective continuous film, preventing component bleeding while maintaining storage stability. The inorganic powder fills spaces between particles and forms a cohesive barrier layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention forms a thin continuous inorganic film on the toner surface that acts as a protective barrier. This film prevents release agents and resin components from bleeding to the surface while maintaining the structural integrity of the toner particles during storage and use.
2Reliability
If silane coupling agent is added to produce polymerized toner to improve environmental stability, then charge distribution is improved, but precipitation and hydrolytic polycondensation of silane compound are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the amount of inorganic powder added and the drying conditions to ensure complete precipitation and hydrolytic polycondensation of the silane coupling agent. By controlling these parameters, sufficient cross-linking is achieved, forming a stable inorganic layer that prevents component bleeding while maintaining environmental stability.
3Temperature
If binder resins suitable for low-temperature fixing are selected to meet high-speed printing demand, then low-temperature fixability is improved, but developability and endurance of color toners are greatly affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different properties to different regions of the toner particle. The core maintains binder resin for low-temperature fixing, while the surface layer comprises an inorganic compound that provides environmental stability and prevents component bleeding. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of low-temperature fixability and long-term endurance.
4Reliability
If toner surface is covered with resin to prevent component bleeding, then storage stability is improved, but variations in chargeability and surface properties occur due to temperature and humidity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from organic resin to inorganic compound for the surface covering layer. The inorganic compound forms a stable barrier that prevents component bleeding while being less sensitive to temperature and humidity variations, thereby maintaining consistent chargeability and surface properties across different environmental conditions.
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 method results in toners with improved environmental stability, reduced component soiling, and enhanced storage stability, ensuring consistent high-quality image output even in extreme environments.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing the organosilicon compound at a temperature of from 80.0° C. or more and 105.0° C. or less
Implementation Method 2
enhances hydrophobicity, cross-linking, and environmental stability
Implementation Method 3
precipitation and hydrolytic polycondensation of a silane compound on the toner surface
Implementation Method 4
precipitation and hydrolytic polycondensation of a silane compound on the toner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for producing toner particles containing an organosilicon polymer, produced by mixing an organosilicon compound and an aqueous medium containing base particles, and polymerizing the organosilicon compound. The organosilicon compound has a particular structure represented by formula (1) or (2). The organosilicon polymer is produced by polymerization at 80.0° C. or more and 105.0° C. or less.