Toner Surface Property Index Control for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic charge image developing toners face issues with image deletion, gloss unevenness, and color difference due to inadequate surface property index values and specific surface area calculations, particularly in high humidity and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrostatic charge image developing toner with a surface property index value between 2.0 and 2.8, calculated using a specific formula, which ensures appropriate irregularities on the toner surface for improved additive transfer and fixing behavior, and a specific surface area range to enhance rub resistance and color consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the surface property index value is less than 2.0 or more than 2.8, then the toner may have easier manufacturing or different surface properties, but image deletion and gloss unevenness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the surface property index value within the range of 2.0 to 2.8. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by establishing a specific numerical range that prevents image deletion and gloss unevenness while maintaining manufacturability. The surface property index is calculated using measured specific surface area divided by calculated specific surface area, and keeping this ratio within the specified range ensures reliable image quality without excessive manufacturing difficulty.
2Strength
If the surface property index value is 2.8 or less or more than 3.5, then the toner may have different surface characteristics, but image rub resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to optimize the surface property index value range for improving image rub resistance. By setting the surface property index between 2.0 and 2.8, the invention achieves enhanced adhesion between toner particles and the substrate, thereby improving rub resistance. This precise parameter control balances manufacturing feasibility with the desired strength improvement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the surface property index value is 1.0 or less or 2.0 or more, then the toner may have different surface properties, but color difference variation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the surface property index value within the range of 2.0 to 2.8 to maintain color consistency. This parameter optimization ensures uniform color reproduction by preventing excessive color difference variation. The controlled surface property index affects how light interacts with the toner surface, thereby stabilizing the perceived color and preventing unwanted color shifts during imaging.
4Reliability
If the calculated specific surface area is less than 0.70 or more than 1.3, then the toner may have different particle characteristics, but image quality uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by controlling the calculated specific surface area within the range of 0.70 to 1.3 to ensure image quality uniformity. This parameter optimization affects particle packing, adhesion, and light scattering properties, all of which contribute to consistent image quality. By maintaining the specific surface area within this range, the invention achieves uniform image characteristics while keeping manufacturing requirements reasonable.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatic charge image developing toner has a surface property index value represented by Formula S of 2.0 to 2.8, an electrostatic charge image developing toner has a surface property index value represented by Formula S of more than 2.8 and 3.5 or less, and an electrostatic charge image developing toner has a surface property index value represented by Formula S of more than 1.0 and less than 2.0 and a calculated value of a specific surface area in Formula S of 0.70 to 1.3:(Surface property index value)=(Measured value of specific surface area)/(Calculated value of specific surface area) Formula Swherein (Calculated value of specific surface area)=(Sum of surface areas calculated from equivalent circle diameters of 4,500 toner particles in flow particle image analysis)/{(Specific gravity of toner)×(Sum of volumes calculated from equivalent circle diameters of 4,500 toner particles in flow particle image analysis)}.