Transfer Member Surface Layer Durability via Composite Resin
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing intermediate transfer members in electrophotographic systems face issues with durability and surface layer cracking, leading to poor image quality and reduced lifespan due to the inability to maintain high transfer functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A transfer member with an endless belt shape, comprising an elastic body layer and a surface layer formed using a cured resin containing metal oxide fine particles subjected to surface treatment, along with a multifunctional (meth)acrylate, polyurethane acrylate, and a polymerizable component with low surface energy groups, enhancing durability and transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surface layer is formed on the elastic body to prevent foreign substance attachment, then the transfer function is improved, but the surface layer cracks or peels due to poor adhesion, reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple resin components (polyurethane acrylate, multifunctional (meth)acrylate, and polymerizable component with low surface energy group) with metal oxide fine particles to create a surface layer that simultaneously achieves excellent adhesion to the elastic body, high durability, and superior transfer function. This composite structure prevents both cracking and peeling while maintaining reliable transfer performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by carefully controlling the molecular weight, elongation, and tensile strength of the polyurethane acrylate, as well as the particle size and surface treatment of metal oxide fine particles. These parameter optimizations ensure the surface layer has both sufficient flexibility to prevent cracking and strong adhesion to prevent peeling, thereby improving durability while maintaining transfer function.
2Reliability
If the surface layer is made rigid to improve transfer function, then transfer performance is enhanced, but the surface layer cracks under mechanical stress, reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the molecular weight (not less than 10,000), elongation (not less than 250%), and tensile strength (not less than 200 kg/cm²) of the polyurethane acrylate. These parameter adjustments create a surface layer with balanced mechanical properties that is rigid enough for good transfer function but flexible enough to resist cracking under stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a surface layer with spatially distributed metal oxide fine particles throughout the resin matrix. This distribution provides localized reinforcement that prevents crack propagation while maintaining overall structural integrity and transfer performance.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the surface layer is made flexible to prevent cracking, then durability is improved, but the transfer function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the flexible polyurethane acrylate base resin with rigid metal oxide fine particles and cross-linking agents. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for durability and the rigidity required for excellent transfer function, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a surface layer that simultaneously provides adhesion to the elastic body, resistance to cracking, foreign substance release properties, and excellent transfer function. The combination of multiple resin components and metal oxide particles enables the surface layer to perform multiple functions that would be impossible with a single material.
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 solution provides a transfer member with high durability and excellent transfer functions, enabling the formation of high-quality images for an extended period by preventing surface layer cracking and improving mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
a cured resin obtained by curing an active energy ray-curable composition that contains three ingredients of a multifunctional (meth)acrylate, a polyurethane acrylate and a polymerizable component having a low surface energy group
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer member having high durability while having an excellent transfer function is provided. An image formation apparatus in which high quality images can be obtained for an extended period of time is also provided. A transfer member having an endless belt shape and constituting an image formation apparatus of an electrophotographic system includes an elastic body layer and a surface layer formed thereon. The surface layer contains metal oxide fine particles subjected to a surface treatment, in a cured resin obtained by curing an active energy ray-curable composition that contains three ingredients of a multifunctional (meth)acrylate, a polyurethane acrylate and a polymerizable component having a low surface energy group.