'Functionalized inorganic polymer salts' as Charge Control Agents

摘要

The new class of "functionalized inorganic polymer salts" (FIP) provides Charge Control Agents (CCAs) that are synthesized from natural raw materials and that are heavy metal free. The concept of FIP will be described by the example of hydrophobically modified layered metal oxides (HMLM). HMLM-based charge control agents are colorless and consist of an inorganic backbone that is treated with organic counter ions. By variation of the counter ions these products can be modified for different toner systems. These can be classical physically prepared toners but also various chemically prepared toners. An overview of the chemistry of HMLM is provided and examples of HMLM-CCAs and their properties in the solid state and in dispersion are discussed.