Characterization of Electrophotographic Printing Toner: Thermomechanical Point of View

Digital printing is affected by several parameters therefore, Process changes aimed at improving printer engine performance must take into consideration not only the process variables, but also the melt rheological variables. The thermo-mechanical properties of Konica Minolta BizHub C350 toners (in four colors) have been investigated with TGA, DSC and rheometer, as well as the physical and optical properties that have been evaluated using optical microscope, laser scattering particle size analyzer and spectrophotometer. The thermo-rheological evolution of the electrophotographic printing toners in the fusing stage of the image development has been investigated thoroughly. It was found that by increasing the temperature, the toner particles undergo initial surface fusing at around 70 °C which is followed by reduction in viscosity. However, the melting of the particles takes place at 155-172 °C which is resulted in completely merged particles. The melting temperature of the fur colors are occurred at a specific order that matches the standard printing sequence of four-color printing.