Transfer member and manufacturing method thereof, and image forming apparatus using the same

A method of producing a transfer member comprising:

• dividing a poly(amic acid) resin solution containing carbon black into plural portions;
• mixing the divided solutions by allowing the solutions to collide with each other at a pressure of at least 150 MPa;
• and
• forming a transfer member containing the polyimide resin using the poly(amic acid) resin solution, which has the carbon black mixed therein;
• wherein the carbon black has a pH value of no more than 5 and a volatile component of at least 3.5 wt %;
• and
• wherein the transfer member has a surface resistivity of 1×108 Ω/□ to 1×1015 Ω/□ and a volume resistivity of 1×106 Ω/·cm to 1×1013 Ω·cm.

An image forming apparatus comprising a transfer member containing a polyimide resin and carbon black,

• the carbon black having a pH value of no more than 5 and a volatile component of at least 3.5%,
• the content of the carbon black being 22 to 30 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the polyimide resin;
• wherein the carbon black is dispersed by colliding under a pressure of 150 MPa or more;
• and
• wherein the transfer member has a surface resistivity of 1×108 Ω/□ to 1×1015 Ω/□ and a volume resistivity of 1×106 Ω/·cm to 1×1013 Ω·cm.