Intermediate transfer members comprised of hydrophobic carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide intermediate transfer members that can be used in electrostatographic devices and methods for using them in forming an image. The disclosed intermediate transfer members can include a plurality of nanotubes with high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, and/or low humidity sensitivity. The hydrophobicity of the nanotubes can be controlled by covalently grafting hydrophobic components onto one or more nanotubes; surface treating one or more nanotubes; and encapsulating one or more nanotubes with hydrophobic components. In an exemplary embodiment, the nanotubes can be dispersed in polymer matrices and/or formed on the surface of polymer matrices of the intermediate transfer members. The intermediate transfer members can take various forms of belts, sheets, webs, films, rolls, tubes or any shape that can provide a smooth surface and rotatable function.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.