Method of preparing toner using micro-suspension particles and toner prepared using the method digital image data
A method of preparing a toner using a micro-suspension particle, includes preparing a mixture by mixing a resin having acidic groups, a master batch of coloring pigment, and at least one additive with an organic solvent, and then neutralizing the acid groups of the resin with a base; forming a micro-suspension by adding the prepared mixture to a dispersion medium; and forming a toner composition by removing the organic solvent from the prepared micro-suspension. Therefore, the method of preparing a toner using the disclosed micro-suspension particle and a toner prepared using the same can save manufacturing costs, and can improve charging ability and cleaning properties of the toner.
1. A method of preparing a toner, comprising:
preparing a mixture by mixing a resin having acidic groups, a master batch of coloring pigment, and at least one additive with an organic solvent, and then neutralizing the acid groups of the resin with a base;
forming a micro-suspension by adding the prepared mixture to a dispersion medium, the dispersion medium comprising a polar solvent that is not mixed with the organic solvent, and a surfactant;
forming a toner composition by removing the organic solvent from the prepared micro-suspension; and
aggregating the toner composition.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the resin having acidic groups comprises a polyester resin having a number average molecular weight of 2,000 to 10,000, PDI of 2 to 15, THF insoluble part of 1 wt % or less, and an acid value of 5 to 100 mg KOH/g.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the acid value of the polyester resin is 7 to 30 mg KOH/g.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the coloring pigment master batch consists of 60 to 80 wt % of the resin having acidic groups and 20 to 40 wt % of the coloring pigment.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, after aggregating the toner composition, melt-adhering the aggregated toner composition; and forming toner particles by washing and drying the melt-adhered toner composition.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the resin having acidic groups comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of carboxylic group, phosphoric acid group, and sulfonic acid group.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the additive comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a charge control agent and a releasing agent.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dispersion medium further comprises a thickener.