Rheological Properties of COC Toner Binder Resins (TOPAS~R)

摘要

This study describes the progress in toner binder design to achieve low fusing temperatures as required for new energy regulations like the ZESM (Zero Energy Stand-by Mode). Conventionally low temperature fusing is realized by reducing the molar mass of the binder polymer. In parallel with a reduced melt viscosity the glass transitions temperature Tg decreases as well resulting in a poor storage ability. This phenomenon is reviewed for typical toner binder resins like styrene acrylics and polyester and compared to cyclo-olefin-copolymers COC derived from ethylene and norbonene (trade name: Topas~R of Ticona, Germany). For these new materials the glass transition temperature is easily adjusted by incorporating different amounts of the cyclic olefin into the polymer meaning that the Tg of COC can be controlled independently of molar mass. Thus an optimum balance between high flowablity necessary for low temperature fusing and excellent anti blocking properties is obtained.