Electrophotographic Toner Wax Dispersion and Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic toner-based printing systems, the robustness of toner images is limited by the scratch and smear resistance of binder components, and existing waxes and compatibilizers can contaminate the printing system, leading to frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A toner composition comprising a binder resin, a colorant, a first wax with a low viscosity and melting transition, and a second wax compatibilizer with a melting transition between 110°C and 140°C, which improves wax dispersion and prevents system contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If waxes are added to improve print robustness and reduce smearing, then the robustness of the toner image is improved, but the wax contaminates the printing system components requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the melting temperature parameter of the compatibilizer wax to a specific range (110-140°C) that is higher than conventional waxes. This parameter change ensures the compatibilizer remains solid during image development (below 50°C) and does not migrate to contaminate system components, while still providing effective wax dispersion and print robustness improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The compatibilizer wax acts as an intermediary substance between the binder resin and the first wax. It improves the dispersion and distribution of the first wax in the toner composition without itself migrating to contaminate the printing system, thus mediating between the need for print robustness and system cleanliness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a compatibilizer is added to improve wax dispersion in the toner composition, then the wax is finely dispersed throughout the toner, but the printing system components are contaminated requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the melting temperature parameter of the compatibilizer to 110-140°C, which is sufficiently high to prevent migration and contamination of printing system components, while still low enough to allow effective dispersion of the first wax during the fusing process. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between achieving good dispersion and preventing contamination.
3Use of energy by moving object
If waxes with low melting temperature are used to minimize energy consumption during fixing, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the wax migrates during image development affecting developing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the melting temperature parameter of the first wax to be above 50°C, which prevents wax migration during image development and maintains developing performance. Simultaneously, the wax melting point is kept relatively low to minimize energy consumption during the fixing process, achieving a balance between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wax functions into two distinct components: the first wax (melting point >50°C) that provides print robustness without affecting development, and the compatibilizer wax (melting point 110-140°C) that ensures proper dispersion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other process stages.
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 enhanced print robustness and smearing resistance with improved wax dispersion, reducing contamination and maintenance needs in the printing system.
Implementation Method 1
it may be advantageous to provide a compatibilizer to the toner composition. A compatibilizer is a component that improves the dispersion of the wax in the toner composition
Implementation Method 2
the wax may migrate to the surface of the toner particle, thereby increasing the concentration of the release wax on the surface of the toner particles
Implementation Method 3
the wax in the toner is at least partly melted and transported to the surface of the toner image
Implementation Method 4
the wax in the toner is at least partly melted and transported to the surface of the toner image
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a toner for developing a toner image, the toner comprising a binder resin, a colorant, a first wax and a compatibilizer. The wax is finely dispersed within the toner. The compatibilizer has a melting transition , wherein the lower temperature limit of the melting transition is between 110 °C and 140 °C at the time of temperature rise in the DSC curve measured using a differential scanning calorimeter. The invention further relates to a printing system for applying the toner according to the present invention on an image receiving medium. The invention further relates to a method for preparing the toner according to the present invention.