Toner processes utilizing washing aid
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsZhen Lai, Chieh-Min Cheng, Zhaoyang Ou, Christopher D. Blair
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Abstract
A process for making toner particles is provided. In embodiments, a suitable process includes adding a washing aid agent to toner particles at the time of washing the toner particles prior to their drying and recover. The washing aid agent assist in the removal of ionic species, including surfactants and ions that are part of the emulsion aggregation process, from the resulting toner particles. Utilization of the washing aid agent produces toner particles having improved charging characteristics.
Claims14
An emulsion aggregation method for producing toner comprising:
- contacting at least one resin with at least one surfactant, an optional wax, and an optional colorant to form a primary slurry;
- aggregating the at least one resin with an aggregating agent to form aggregated particles;
- coalescing the aggregated particles to form toner particles;
- contacting the toner particles with at least one washing aid agent, to swell the toner particle surface, wherein the washing aid agent comprises 2-phenoxy ethanol, propylene glycol, 1-(2-butoxyethoxy)-ethanol, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether;
- washing the toner panicles to remove surfactants and ions from the toner particle surface and inside an outer layer;
- and recovering the toner particles.
An emulsion aggregation method for producing toner comprising:
- contacting at least one amorphous polyester resin with at least one crystalline polyester resin, at least one surfactant, an optional wax, and an optional colorant to form a primary slurry;
- aggregating, the at least one amorphous polyester resin in combination with at least one crystalline polyester resin with an aggregating agent to form aggregated particles;
- coalescing the aggregated particles to form toner particles;
- contacting the toner particles with at least one washing aid agent, to swell the toner particle surface, wherein the washing aid agent comprises 2-phenoxy ethanol, propylene glycol, 1-(2-butoxyethoxy)-ethanol and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether;
- washing the toner particles to remove surfactants and ions from the toner particle surface and inside an outer layer;
- and
- recovering the toner particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.