JP2005220317A - Conductive composition for electrophotographic instrument, method for producing the same, and conductive member for electrophotographic instrument by using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conductive composition for an electrophotographic instrument, excellent in dispersing property of a conductive filler, and having a small unevenness in electric resistance, and hardly receiving effects on electric resistance by environmental changes caused by temperature or humidity (having a small environmental dependence). <P>SOLUTION: This conductive composition for an electrophotographic instrument contains the following (A) to (C) as essential components. (A) A matrix polymer. (B) At least one conductive filler selected from a group consisting of a metal oxide, a metal carbonate and carbon black having ≥100 ml/100 g DBP adsorption. (C) An ionic liquid. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is used for electrophotographic apparatus members such as a developing roll, a charging roll, a transfer roll, a toner supply roll, a static elimination roll, a paper feeding roll, a transport roll, a cleaning roll, a developing blade, a charging blade, a cleaning blade, and a transfer belt. The present invention relates to a conductive composition for electrophotographic equipment, a method for producing the same, and a conductive member for electrophotographic equipment using the same.

  Conventionally, the following methods (1) and (2) are generally used as methods for controlling electrical resistance in the field of electrophotographic equipment.

(1) A method of dispersing an electronic conductive agent such as carbon black in a matrix polymer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

(2) A method of dispersing an ionic conductive agent such as a quaternary ammonium salt in a matrix polymer.
JP 2002-363427 A

  The method (1) has an advantage that it is not affected by temperature and humidity because electronic conductive agent particles such as carbon black are dispersed in the matrix polymer and the conduction is controlled by the conduction of electrons. However, uniform conductivity control is difficult due to the influence of the dispersion state of the electronic conductive agent particles, the influence of the material flow in the molding process, the influence of the coating and drying state, and the like. In particular, conductive carbon black having a large structure has a problem of large variation in electric resistance because of its strong cohesiveness and poor dispersibility.

  On the other hand, in the method (2), since the ionic conductive agent is dissolved in the matrix polymer, uniform conductivity control is possible, but even if it can be made conductive, it is easily affected by temperature and humidity. There is a tendency that the electric resistance tends to increase with energization and the image quality is not stable. In addition, there is a problem that a matrix polymer capable of exhibiting an effect is restricted from the viewpoint of compatibility with an ionic conductive agent.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is excellent in the dispersibility of the conductive filler, has a small variation in electric resistance, and is hardly affected by environmental changes due to temperature and humidity (environment). The object is to provide a conductive composition for electrophotographic equipment, a method for producing the same, and a conductive member for electrophotographic equipment using the same.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has as a first gist a conductive composition for electrophotographic equipment having the following (A) to (C) as essential components, and the conductive composition for electrophotographic equipment described above. A method for producing a conductive composition for electrophotographic equipment which is previously kneaded with the above (B) and (C) and then mixed with the above (A) is a second gist, and for the above electrophotographic equipment. The electroconductive member for electrophotographic equipment using the electroconductive composition as at least a part of the electroconductive member is a third gist.
(A) Matrix polymer.
(B) At least one conductive filler selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal carbides, and carbon black having a DBP adsorption amount of 100 ml / 100 g or more.
(C) Ionic liquid.

  In other words, this inventor is excellent in dispersibility of conductive fillers such as carbon black, has little variation in electrical resistance, and is not easily affected by environmental changes due to temperature and humidity (low environmental dependency). ) In order to obtain a conductive composition for electrophotographic equipment, earnest research was repeated. Then, paying attention to at least one conductive filler selected from the group consisting of metal oxide, metal carbide and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) adsorption amount of carbon black of 100 ml / 100 g or more, together with ionic liquid and matrix polymer When used in combination, the dispersibility of the specific conductive filler in the matrix polymer is improved, variation in electrical resistance is reduced, controllability of electrical resistance is improved, and electrical resistance is affected by environmental changes due to temperature and humidity. It has been found that it is difficult to be affected (small environmental dependency), and the present invention has been achieved.

  The conductive composition for electrophotographic equipment of the present invention uses a specific conductive filler (component B) such as carbon black together with an ionic liquid (component C) and a matrix polymer (component A). Therefore, the dispersibility of the specific conductive filler (B component) in the matrix polymer (A component) is improved as compared with the case where the specific conductive filler (B component) is used alone, and the electrical resistance is increased. As a result, the effect of improving the controllability of electrical resistance can be obtained. In addition, an effect is obtained that the electrical resistance is not easily affected by environmental changes due to temperature and humidity (less dependent on the environment).

  In addition, by dispersing a specific conductive filler (B component) such as carbon black in an ionic liquid (C component) in advance, the specific conductive filler (B component) is dispersed in the matrix polymer. It becomes more improved.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  The electroconductive composition for electrophotographic equipment of the present invention can be obtained using a matrix polymer (component A), a specific conductive filler (component B), and an ionic liquid (component C).

  The matrix polymer (component A) is not particularly limited as long as it can disperse a specific conductive filler (component B) and is compatible with the ionic liquid (component C). Examples thereof include liquid polymers and solid polymers. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Examples of the liquid polymer include liquid silicone rubber, liquid polyoxyalkylene rubber, liquid polyisobutylene rubber, liquid butadiene rubber (BR), liquid isoprene rubber, liquid styrene-butadiene rubber, liquid ethylene-propylene-diene ternary copolymer. Examples thereof include polymer rubber (EPDM), a binder for ultraviolet crosslinking, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, liquid silicone rubber, liquid polyoxyalkylene rubber, and liquid butadiene rubber are preferably used because they can be crosslinked for a short time.

  In the present invention, the liquid rubber refers to rubber that is liquid at room temperature (about 20 ° C.) and that is plastically deformed by its own weight. In addition, in the two or more kinds of blended products, even if one or more of the blended products is not liquid, the blended product may be liquid.

  Examples of the ultraviolet crosslinking binder include oligomers such as epoxy acrylate, urethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, and acrylic acrylate having a molecular weight of 500 to 5500. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Examples of the solid polymer include synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, paint matrix polymer, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, a crosslinkable synthetic rubber and a coating matrix polymer are preferably used because they are highly flexible and have little sag.

  Examples of the synthetic rubber include ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR), nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrin rubber (ECO), and the like. . These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, EPDM and SBR are preferably used in that the B component is easily loosened and is soluble in a nonpolar solvent.

  Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer include urethane thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS), styrene-ethylene, Examples include butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) and styrene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, urethane-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPU) are preferably used because they are easy to dissolve and have flexibility.

  Examples of the matrix polymer for paint include urethane resin, acrylic resin, fluorine resin, silicone resin, imide resin, amideimide resin, epoxy resin, urea resin, alkyd resin, melamine resin, and the like. can give. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Of these, urethane resins and acrylic resins are preferably used in terms of ease of dissolution and flexibility.

  Solvents that can dissolve these solid polymers are not particularly limited. For example, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), hexane, heptane, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) ), Tetrahydrofuran (THF), diethyl ether, acetone, xylene and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Next, as the specific conductive filler (component B) used together with the matrix polymer (component A), carbon black having a metal oxide, metal carbide, and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) adsorption amount of 100 ml / 100 g or more is used. At least one selected from the group consisting of:

  The metal oxide is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include conductive zinc oxide, conductive titanium oxide, conductive tin oxide, conductive antimony oxide, conductive indium oxide, and conductive iron oxide. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The metal carbide is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include conductive titanium carbide and conductive zinc carbide. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The carbon black is not particularly limited as long as the DBP adsorption amount is 100 ml / 100 g or more. However, from the viewpoint of dispersibility and conductivity, the carbon black has a DBP adsorption amount in the range of 130 to 800 ml / 100 g. Preferably used. That is, when the DBP adsorption amount of carbon black is less than 100 ml / 100 g, the conductivity is deteriorated.

  The DBP adsorption amount of the carbon black can be measured according to JIS K6217-4.

  The blending ratio of the specific conductive filler (component B) is preferably in the range of 5 to 100 parts, particularly preferably 100 parts by weight (hereinafter referred to as “part”) of the matrix polymer (component A). Is in the range of 10 to 50 parts. That is, when the B component is less than 5 parts, there is a tendency that the conductivity cannot be imparted, and conversely, when the B component exceeds 100 parts, there is a tendency that an adverse effect on physical properties (sagging, increased hardness) occurs. Because it is.

  Next, as the ionic liquid (C component) used together with the matrix polymer (A component) and the specific conductive filler (B component), the ionic liquid (C component) has conductivity and improves the dispersibility of the B component. There is no particular limitation as long as it is liquid at room temperature (10 to 40 ° C.). The ionic liquid (component C) is generally non-volatile and ionic, but has low viscosity and heat resistance, a wide liquid temperature range, and high ionic conductivity. . Examples of the element that becomes a cation of the ionic liquid (component C) include N, S, and P.

  Specific examples of the ionic liquid (component C) include 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate represented by the following chemical formula (1) and 1-hexyl represented by the following chemical formula (2). -3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate, such as 1-hexylpyridinium chloride represented by the following chemical formula (3), at least one of a 6-membered ring and a 5-membered ring as a cation, and a corresponding anion Those consisting of are preferred.

  The weight mixing ratio between the specific conductive filler (component B) and the ionic liquid (component C) is preferably in the range of component B / component C = 1 / 0.2 to 1/8, particularly preferably. Is in the range of B component / C component = 1/1 to 1/5. That is, if the weight mixing ratio of the C component is less than 0.2, the dispersibility of the B component tends to be inferior. Conversely, if the weight mixing ratio of the C component exceeds 8, the electrons that are characteristic of the B component This is because conductivity tends to be lost and it is likely to be affected by the same temperature and humidity as the ionic conductive agent.

  The conductive composition for electrophotographic equipment of the present invention includes the above-described components A to C, a crosslinking agent, a catalyst, a reactive diluent, a photoinitiator, a retarder, a foam stabilizer, a filler, a plasticizer, An anti-aging agent, a dispersant, an antifoaming agent, a coupling agent, a flame retardant, and the like can be appropriately blended as necessary.

  What is necessary is just to select the optimal said crosslinking agent according to the kind of said matrix polymer (A component), for example, urea resins, such as a hydrosilyl crosslinking agent and a melamine, an epoxy hardening agent, a polyamine hardening agent, a peroxide, sulfur And silanol group-containing compounds.

  The blending ratio of the crosslinking agent is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 40 parts, particularly preferably 1 to 10 parts, with respect to 100 parts of the matrix polymer (component A). Especially, the compounding ratio of the said hydrosilyl crosslinking agent has the preferable range of 0.5-8 parts with respect to 100 parts of said matrix polymers (A component), Most preferably, it is 1.5-3 parts. Moreover, the compounding ratio of the peroxide is preferably in the range of 1 to 10 parts, particularly preferably 2 to 5 parts with respect to 100 parts of the matrix polymer (component A).

  Examples of the catalyst include hydrosilylation catalysts, tertiary amine catalysts, and tin-based catalysts.

  Examples of the reactive diluent include monomers such as biacetyl and acetophenone.

  The electroconductive composition for electrophotographic equipment of the present invention can be produced, for example, as follows. That is, preliminarily disperse the specific conductive filler (component B) and the ionic liquid (component C) using a kneader, ball mill, planetary mixer, Banbury mixer, two rolls, three rolls, etc. Kneading) to prepare a master batch. Next, this master batch, matrix polymer (component A), and if necessary, a crosslinking agent, catalyst, reactive diluent, photoinitiator, retarder, foam stabilizer, filler, plasticizer, anti-aging agent , A dispersant, an antifoaming agent, a coupling agent, a flame retardant, and the like are appropriately blended and kneaded by blade stirring or the like. In this way, the intended electroconductive device conductive composition can be obtained.

  The preliminary dispersion (kneading) is preferably carried out at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the ionic liquid (component C) and at a viscosity of 10 Pa · s or higher.

  The conductive composition for an electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention includes, for example, a developing roll, a charging roll, a transfer roll, a fixing roll, a toner supply roll, a static elimination roll, a paper feeding roll, a transport roll, a cleaning roll, and other roll members, a developing blade , Used for members for electrophotographic equipment such as blade members such as charging blades and cleaning blades, belt members such as transfer belts and paper feed belts. In the case of a member having a multilayer structure, it may be used for any of the surface layer, the intermediate layer, and the base layer.

  Next, examples will be described together with comparative examples.

  First, prior to the examples and comparative examples, the following materials were prepared.

[Conductive carbon black A]
Ketjen Black International, Ketjen Black EC (DBP adsorption: 350ml / 100g)

[Conductive carbon black B]
Printex L (DBP adsorption amount: 114 ml / 100 g) manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.

[Conductive carbon black C]
SEAST SO (DBP adsorption: 68ml / 100g) manufactured by Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd.

[Metal oxide]
Conductive zinc oxide (manufactured by Hakusui Tec Co., Ltd., conductive zinc oxide 23K)

[Metal carbide]
Conductive titanium carbide (manufactured by Nippon Shin Metals, TIC-007)

[Ionic liquid A]
1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate represented by the chemical formula (1) (manufactured by Aldrich, melting point: 14.6 ° C.)

[Ionic liquid B]
1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate represented by the chemical formula (2) (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc., melting point: 20 ° C.)

[Ionic liquid C]
1-hexyl pyridium chloride represented by the chemical formula (3) (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd., melting point: 33 ° C.)

  Next, the above materials were blended at the blending ratios shown in Table 1 below, and these were predispersed by a predetermined kneading method to prepare a master batch (MB).

  In addition, materials such as a matrix polymer shown below were prepared.

[EPDM (matrix polymer)]
Esprene 505 manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

[Silicone polymer (matrix polymer)]
Made by Gelest, DMS-V33

[Liquid polyoxyalkylene rubber (matrix polymer)]
Polyalkylene oxide having vinyl groups at both ends (manufactured by Kaneka Chemical Co., Ltd., Silyl SAT200)

[Liquid butadiene rubber (matrix polymer)]
Kuraray LIR-30 manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.

[Urethane rubber A (matrix polymer)]
Made by Asahi Glass, Exenol 850

[Urethane rubber B (matrix polymer)]
Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. Exenol 2020

[Amine catalyst for urethane rubber]
TEDA (tetraethylenediamine)

[Isocyanate]
MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate)

[TPU (matrix polymer)]
Nipponporan 5230 (solid content: 30% by weight)

[Polyamideimide (Matrix polymer)]
Viromax HR16NN, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.

[Matrix for UV cross-linking (matrix polymer)]
Acrylic oligomer (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd., NK Oligo U-201PA-60)

[Peroxide crosslinking agent]
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di (t-butylperoxy) hexane (manufactured by NOF Corporation, Perhexa 25B40)

[Co-crosslinking agent]
Triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC)

[Hydrosilyl crosslinker A]
Phenyl-modified methyl H siloxane (manufactured by Azmax, HPM502)

[Hydrosilyl crosslinking agent B]
Hydrosilyl crosslinking agent represented by the following chemical formula (4)

(Reaction retarder)
Acetylene alcohol [3,5-dimethyl-1-hexyn-3-ol (DMHO)]

[Platinum catalyst]
SIP 6830.0, manufactured by Gelest

[Photoinitiator]
Darocur 1173, manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals

[Examples 1-15, Comparative Examples 1-6]
The materials shown in Table 2 to Table 4 below were blended in the proportions shown in the same table, and these were kneaded by a predetermined kneading method to prepare a conductive composition.

  Using the example product and the comparative product thus obtained, each characteristic was evaluated as follows. These results are shown in Tables 2 to 4 below.

[Particle size of aggregate]
Each conductive composition was diluted with a predetermined solvent, and the particle size was measured by a laser diffraction method using a measuring apparatus LA750 (manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.).

[Method for preparing sample for evaluation]
Using each conductive composition, an evaluation sample was prepared by the following method.

(Manufacturing method A)
A sample prepared by dissolving a conductive composition in a predetermined solvent was coated on a glass plate and crosslinked under predetermined conditions to prepare a sample for evaluation in which a coating layer having a thickness of 30 μm was formed.

(Manufacturing method B)
A sample for evaluation composed of a sheet having a thickness of 0.5 mm was prepared by casting a solution obtained by dissolving the conductive composition in a predetermined solvent into a predetermined mold for casting and then crosslinking under a predetermined condition. .

(Manufacturing method C)
After the conductive composition was placed on a glass plate, ultraviolet rays (condition: Ga-based metal halide lamp 160W) were irradiated for 2 minutes at a distance of 10 cm to produce a sample for evaluation in which an ultraviolet cured layer having a thickness of 5 μm was formed.

[Electric resistance]
Using the evaluation sample, the electrical resistance (Rv1) when a voltage of 1 V was applied in an environment of 20 ° C. × 50% RH was measured according to SRIS 2304.

(Environment dependency)
Using the above sample for evaluation, electric resistance (Rv = 15 ° C. × 10% RH) at low temperature and low humidity (15 ° C. × 10% RH) and high temperature and high humidity (35 ° C. × 85% RH) under the condition of applied voltage 1V ) Electrical resistance (Rv = 35 ° C. × 85% RH) was measured according to SRIS 2304. Then, the environmental dependency of the electrical resistance was displayed by the number of fluctuation digits by Log (Rv = 15 ° C. × 10% RH / Rv = 35 ° C. × 85% RH).

[Number of fluctuation digits after energization deterioration]
Using the sample for evaluation, the electrical resistance (Rv2) after energizing a voltage of 100 V for 10 minutes in an environment of 20 ° C. × 50% RH was measured according to SRIS 2304. Then, the number of fluctuation digits after the deterioration of energization was determined by Log (Rv2 / Rv1).

[Hardness (JIS type A)]
The hardness (JIS type A) was measured according to JIS K 6253 using the sample for evaluation.

  From the above results, all of the Example products had a small aggregate particle size and excellent dispersibility, and the environmental dependency of the electrical resistance was small, and the number of fluctuation digits after the current deterioration was small.

  On the other hand, the product of Comparative Example 1 does not use a specific conductive filler and uses only an ionic liquid, so that the electrical resistance is highly dependent on the environment, and the number of fluctuation digits after the deterioration of energization is also large. It was big. Since the comparative example 2 product and the comparative example 3 product do not use an ionic liquid and use only carbon black, the particle size of the agglomerates is large, the dispersibility is inferior, and leakage occurs after deterioration of energization. . Since the product of Comparative Example 4 did not use an ionic liquid but only carbon black, the particle size of the aggregate was large and the dispersibility was inferior. Since the product of Comparative Example 5 uses only conductive zinc oxide as a conductive agent, the aggregate has a large particle size and is inferior in dispersibility. Since the product of Comparative Example 6 uses carbon black having a DBP adsorption amount of less than 100 ml / 100 g, the dependence on the environment is large, and the fluctuation after deterioration due to energization is large.

  Next, using the conductive composition, a developing roll was produced as follows.

Example 16
Base layer materials shown in Table 5 below were prepared. Then, the base layer material is poured into an injection mold in which a shaft (core 16 mm, made of SUS304) as a shaft is set, heated at 150 ° C. for 45 minutes, and then demolded. Thus, a single-layer developing roll having a base layer formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body was produced.

Example 17
Base layer materials and surface layer materials shown in Table 5 below were prepared. Then, the base layer material is poured into an injection mold in which a shaft (core 16 mm, made of SUS304) as a shaft is set, and heated under conditions of 150 ° C. × 45 minutes, and then demolded. A base layer was formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body. Next, the surface layer material was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the base rubber layer to form a surface layer. In this manner, a developing roll having a two-layer structure in which the base rubber layer was formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body and the surface layer was formed on the outer peripheral surface was produced.

[Comparative Example 7]
The base layer material was changed to that shown in Table 5 below. Other than that was carried out similarly to Example 16, and produced the developing roll of single layer structure.

[Comparative Example 8]
The base layer material and the surface layer material were changed to those shown in Table 5 below. Other than that was carried out similarly to Example 17, and produced the image development roll of 2 layer structure.

  Each characteristic was evaluated according to the following reference | standard using the developing roll of the Example goods and comparative example goods which were obtained in this way. These results are also shown in Table 5 below.

[Electric resistance median]
The median electrical resistance of each developing roll was measured according to SRIS 2304 at a voltage of 1 V using an electrode of 1 mm ² .

[Electric resistance variation]
The variation of electrical resistance is shown by the number of fluctuation digits. If the number of fluctuation digits is within 1.5 digits, the electrical resistance variation is good.

[Hardness (JIS type A)]
The hardness of each developing roll was measured according to JIS K 6253.

(Compression set)
The compression set of each developing roll was measured according to JIS K 6301 under conditions of a temperature of 70 ° C., a test time of 22 hours, and a compression rate of 25%.

[Image unevenness]
Each developing roll was incorporated into a commercially available color printer and image evaluation was performed. In the evaluation, a case where there was no density unevenness in a halftone image and no thin line breaks or color misregistration was given as ◯, and a case where it was not, was given as x.

  From the results in the above table, all of the development rolls of the examples had small variations in electrical resistance, low hardness, small compression set, and no image unevenness.

  On the other hand, the development roll of the comparative example product had a large variation in electric resistance and image unevenness.

  Next, using the conductive composition, a charging roll was produced as follows.

Example 18
Base layer materials shown in Table 6 below were prepared. Then, the base layer material is poured into an injection mold having a shaft core (diameter 12 mm, made of SUS304), heated under conditions of 150 ° C. × 45 minutes, and then demolded. Then, a charging roll having a single layer structure in which a base layer was formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body was produced.

Example 19
Base layer materials and surface layer materials shown in Table 6 below were prepared. Then, the base layer material is poured into an injection mold in which a shaft (core 12 mm, made of SUS304) as a shaft is set, heated under conditions of 150 ° C. × 45 minutes, and then demolded. A base layer was formed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body. Next, the surface layer material was applied to the outer peripheral surface of the base rubber layer to form a surface layer. Thus, a charging roll having a two-layer structure in which a base rubber layer was formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body and a surface layer was formed on the outer peripheral surface was produced.

[Comparative Example 9]
The base layer material was changed to that shown in Table 6 below. Other than that was carried out similarly to Example 18, and produced the charging roll of single layer structure.

  Using the charging rolls of Examples and Comparative Examples thus obtained, each characteristic was evaluated in accordance with the developing roll evaluation method described above. These results are also shown in Table 6 below.

  From the results in the above table, all of the charging rolls of the examples had small variations in electrical resistance, low hardness, small compression set, and no image unevenness.

  On the other hand, the charging roll of the comparative example product had a large variation in electric resistance and image unevenness.

  Next, using the conductive composition, a transfer belt was produced as follows.

Example 20
Base layer materials shown in Table 7 below were prepared. Then, using this base layer material, centrifugal molding was carried out so as to have an outer diameter of 300 mm, followed by drying at 230 ° C. for 1 hour, thereby producing a transfer belt having a single layer structure.

[Comparative Example 10]
The base layer material was changed to that shown in Table 7 below. Other than that was carried out similarly to Example 20, and produced the transfer belt of single layer structure.

  Using the transfer belts of Examples and Comparative Examples thus obtained, each characteristic was evaluated in accordance with the above-described developing roll evaluation method. These results are also shown in Table 7 below.

  From the results in the above table, all of the transfer belts of the examples had small variations in electrical resistance and no image unevenness.

  On the other hand, the transfer belt of the comparative example product had a large variation in electric resistance and image unevenness.

  The conductive composition for an electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention includes, for example, a developing roll, a charging roll, a transfer roll, a fixing roll, a toner supply roll, a static elimination roll, a paper feeding roll, a transport roll, a cleaning roll, and other roll members, a developing blade , Used for members for electrophotographic equipment such as blade members such as charging blades and cleaning blades, belt members such as transfer belts and paper feed belts.

Claims (4)

A conductive composition for electrophotographic equipment, comprising the following (A) to (C) as essential components.
(A) Matrix polymer.
(B) At least one conductive filler selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal carbides, and carbon black having a DBP adsorption amount of 100 ml / 100 g or more.
(C) Ionic liquid.   The electroconductive composition for electrophotographic equipment according to claim 1, wherein the ionic liquid (C) comprises at least one of a 6-membered ring and a 5-membered ring as a cation and a corresponding anion.   3. A method for producing a conductive composition for an electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the (B) and (C) are previously kneaded and then mixed with the (A). The manufacturing method of the electrically conductive composition for apparatuses.   An electroconductive member for electrophotographic equipment, wherein the electroconductive composition for electrophotographic equipment according to claim 1 or 2 is used for at least a part of the electroconductive member.