Process for reducing image defects in an electrostatographic apparatus containing particulate contaminants

A process for reducing image defects in an electrostatographic image resulting from particulate contamination, said process comprising:

• uniformly charging a primary imaging member included in an electrostatographic imaging apparatus subject to particulate contamination, said apparatus further including a charging station, an exposing station, at least one developing station, a transfer station having an electrically biased roller transfer assembly, a charge erasing station, and a developed image fusing station, said primary imaging member including a photoconductive element and an outermost layer of silicon carbide, said silicon carbide in said outermost layer having a Young's modulus of at least about 10 gigapascals;
• imagewise exposing said primary imaging member at said exposing station, thereby forming a latent image on said imaging member;
• developing said latent image with toner contained at said developing station, thereby forming a developed image on said primary imaging member;
• passing said primary imaging member bearing said developed image past said charge erasing station, thereby removing residual surface charge from said imaging member;
• contacting said primary imaging member bearing said developed image with a receiver by said electrically biased roller transfer assembly, causing said developed image to transfer to said receiver;
• and
• passing said receiver bearing said developed image through said fusing station, causing said developed image to be fused to said receiver;
• wherein, during the transfer step by said electrically biased roller, said silicon carbide layer serves to protect said photoconductive element against damage by contaminant particles present in said apparatus.