JP2007132991A - Electrophotographic image receiving material - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrophotographic image receiving material which has satisfactory photo-like gloss and smoothness in a single fixation, reduces relief level difference, and ensures photo-like high image density. <P>SOLUTION: The electrophotographic image receiving material has at least one layer A containing hollow particles on a reflective support and at least one layer containing a thermoplastic resin in a position away from the layer A with respect to the reflective support. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a novel electrophotographic image receiving material used in electrophotographic image forming equipment such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine.

  At present, image forming apparatuses using an electrophotographic method are widely used in offices and the like. Plain paper has been used for this electrophotographic image forming equipment, but for electrophotography that forms high-quality full-color images with the spread and development of multicolor images and full-color image forming methods using electrophotography. Image receiving paper has been developed.

  In recent years, there has been a growing demand for photo-like prints comparable to silver halide photographic prints and inkjet output prints, but color output images by electrophotography are still satisfactory in quality compared to the former prints. The situation is not so far.

  These electrophotographic color prints use toner on the order of several μm as an image forming element. Therefore, the gloss is poor and the amount of toner applied is limited, which is necessary to achieve a photographic image. The current situation is that the density has not been realized, and these improvements are strongly desired for photo-like image output.

  One of the methods for expressing gloss in the formed color image is a support having high smoothness. For example, paper such as cast coated paper or RC paper in which both sides of a paper base are coated with a resin is mainly used. A support as a component has been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). However, since the paper support retains moisture in the paper, the moisture in the paper is vaporized by heat at the time of fixing and may cause a so-called Lister phenomenon by causing the paper to swell. This is remarkable for paper supports such as cast-coated paper and RC paper. When such a support is used, elimination of blisters is an important issue.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a method of fixing by cooling and peeling belt fixing is disclosed (Patent Documents 4 and 5). However, with such a fixing method, the apparatus becomes large, the apparatus cost increases, and the conveyance speed must be reduced, but a photo-like gloss cannot be obtained.

  Further, a method is disclosed in which after fixing is performed, the film is further embossed or subjected to cooling and peeling belt fixing to develop gloss (see Patent Documents 6 and 7). However, when such fixing process is performed twice or more, the device design becomes complicated as the number of processes increases, and there are problems such as poor versatility. There is a demand for a printing technique that can provide a photo-like image with a feeling.

  In addition, since the color toner transferred and fixed on the transfer medium is several μm in size, when it is fixed on the electrophotographic image receiving material, a step is generated between the toner-applied area and the non-image area, and a plurality of layers The step between the toner fixing portion and the toner non-fixing portion when transferred and fixed in the superposed state is 10 or more μm, and is recognized as a relief image. These phenomena are called relief steps. An image having such a relief step becomes a unique image that appears as if it is lifted up, and is a print that is far from a photo-like print.

Another problem is that the maximum density is low in an electrophotographic print aiming at a photo-like image. In full-color images, sufficient density does not come out due to insufficient toner transfer amount, etc., and in image receiving paper such as general copy paper, toner enters the paper fiber and the density decreases, and the image becomes difficult to see due to irregular reflection on the surface of the image As a result, it has not been possible to obtain a sufficient density necessary for a photo-like image.
JP 2000-3062 A JP 2000-10327 A JP-A-2005-43474 JP 2004-126427 A JP 2004-133324 A JP 2000-66466 A JP 2005-4038 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an electrophotographic glossiness and smoothness that can be satisfied by a single fixing operation, a relief step is reduced, and an electrophotographic image with a high photolike image density can be obtained. It is to provide an image receiving material.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following configurations.

  1. The reflective support is provided with a layer A containing at least one layer of hollow particles, and at least one layer containing a thermoplastic resin at a position away from the layer A with respect to the reflective support. An electrophotographic image receiving material.

  2. A layer B containing at least one layer of porous particles and a layer containing at least one thermoplastic resin at a position away from the layer B with respect to the reflection support on the reflective support. A characteristic electrophotographic image-receiving material.

  3. A void layer containing at least one layer of inorganic fine particles and a hydrophilic binder on the reflective support, and a layer containing at least one thermoplastic resin at a position away from the void layer with respect to the reflective support. An electrophotographic image receiving material comprising:

  4). The electrophotographic image-receiving material according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the thermoplastic resin is a water-dispersed resin.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrophotographic image-receiving material that has a photo-like gloss and smoothness that can be satisfied by a single fixing, has a reduced relief step, and provides a high photo-like image density.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail.

  As a result of intensive studies in view of the above problems, the present inventor 1) a layer A containing at least one hollow particle on the reflective support, and a position away from the layer A with respect to the reflective support An electrophotographic image-receiving material comprising a layer containing at least one thermoplastic resin, 2) a layer B containing at least one porous particle on the reflective support, and the reflective support An electrophotographic image receiving material having a layer containing at least one thermoplastic resin at a position away from the layer B relative to the body, or 3) at least one inorganic fine particle on the reflective support An electrophotographic image-receiving material comprising: a gap layer containing a hydrophilic binder; and a layer containing at least one thermoplastic resin at a position away from the gap layer with respect to the reflective support. , Copier, printer When used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, it has a photo-like glossiness and smoothness that can be satisfied with a single fixing, reduces relief steps, and provides a photo-like high image density. It has been found that an electrophotographic image-receiving material can be realized and has reached the present invention.

  The details of the electrophotographic image receiving material of the present invention will be described below.

  In the electrophotographic image-receiving material of the present invention, a layer A containing at least one hollow particle, a layer B containing porous particles, or a void layer containing inorganic fine particles and a hydrophilic binder on a reflective support. It is characterized by having either.

[Hollow particles]
The hollow particles contained in the layer A according to the present invention are those containing air or other gas in the shell and inside of the thermoplastic resin, and refer to hollow particles that are already in a foamed state.

  The shape of the hollow particles in the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be various shapes such as a true sphere, a flat shape, and an indeterminate shape, but is preferably spherical. In addition, the hollow particles in the present invention are preferably those that are not deformed or destroyed when the heat insulating layer coating solution is applied to the support and dried. The average particle diameter of the hollow particles is preferably 0.2 to 5 μm.

  The particle size referred to in the present invention can be determined by a known method, and can be measured using, for example, particle measurement using an electron microscope, a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring apparatus, or the like.

  The hollow particles according to the present invention preferably have a hollow ratio of 40 to 95% defined by the inner diameter of the hollow particles / the outer diameter of the hollow particles × 100 (%). The outer diameter and inner diameter of the hollow particles can be determined by particle measurement with an electron microscope.

  Examples of the material constituting the shell of the hollow particles according to the present invention include styrene-acrylic polymers such as styrene polymers, acrylic polymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, and the like. Examples thereof include a copolymer, a polypropylene resin, a polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyvinylidene chloride resin, a vinyl copolymer, and a urea formalin resin. Of these, styrene-acrylic copolymers are preferably used, but are not particularly limited thereto.

  The hollow particles used in the present invention are made of a thermoplastic resin as a shell and contain air or other gas inside, and are fine hollow particles already in a foamed state, with an average particle diameter of 0.2 to 5 μm. Is used.

  The thickness of the layer A containing hollow particles is 5 to 200 μm, preferably 10 to 100 μm.

  The binder for dispersing and holding the hollow particles is not particularly limited. For example, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-methyl methacrylate-butadiene rubber, acrylic resin, acrylic-styrene resin, acrylic-maleic resin, acrylic-acetic acid. Examples include vinyl resin, emulsion-type synthetic resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate resin, water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, starch, casein, and gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene oxide, and the like, particularly preferably gelatin and gelatin. Derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol derivatives are preferred.

  When gelatin or a gelatin derivative is used as a binder, it is preferable to use a gelatin cross-linking agent. The hardener that can be used is not particularly limited, and is known in the photographic industry, for example, aldehyde hardeners, active vinyl hardeners, active halogen hardeners, epoxy hardeners. Agents, ethyleneimine hardeners, methanesulfonate hardeners, carbodiimide hardeners, isoxazole hardeners, and polymer hardeners.

[Porous particles]
The porous particles contained in the layer B according to the present invention are porous particles having pores on the particle surface, and any of inorganic porous particles and organic porous particles can be used.

  What constitutes the inorganic porous particles include amorphous silica, anhydrous silica, aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, zinc silicate, calcium silicate, hydrotalcite, zeolite, satin white, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, Examples include magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, diatomaceous earth, kaolin, talc, acid clay, activated clay, bentonite and the like.

  Such inorganic porous particles may be used in the state of being uniformly dispersed in the binder as primary particles, or added in the state of being dispersed in the binder by forming secondary agglomerated particles. Also good.

  The organic porous particles used in the present invention may be those obtained by an emulsion polymerization method, a suspension polymerization method, a dispersion polymerization method, or other polymerization methods, or may be those obtained by pulverizing a massive porous resin. . The resin component is not particularly limited, for example, polyester resin, methacrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, styrene copolymer resin, vinyl chloride resin, polypropylene resin, and blends thereof. Further, the means for making the resin particles porous or obtaining a porous resin is not particularly limited, but organic porous particles obtained by emulsion polymerization are preferred. For example, JP-A-2-70741 The disclosed particle aggregate emulsion particles are preferred. Furthermore, multilayer structure emulsion particles in which the structure at the time of drying described in JP-A-5-222108 has one or more through-holes connecting from the surface layer portion to the inside of the particles and the particle diameter is 0.1 to 5.0 μm One of the preferred organic porous particles.

  The particle diameter of the organic porous particles is 0.05 to 50 μm, preferably 0.1 to 20 μm, more preferably 0.2 to 10 μm. If the particle diameter is less than 0.05 μm, it is difficult to make the particles porous.

  Whether or not the porous particles are made porous can be visually confirmed using an electron microscope or the like, but the degree of porosity should be confirmed by measuring the specific surface area with a mercury porosimeter. Can do. It can also be confirmed by measuring the oil absorption described in JIS K-5101. This utilizes the fact that a larger amount of oil is sucked than non-porous particles of the same component and the same particle size due to the capillary action of pores existing on and inside the particle.

  In the present invention, the thickness of the layer B having porous particles is preferably 15 to 200 μm, more preferably 20 to 100 μm.

  The binder for dispersing and holding the porous particles is not particularly limited. For example, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-methyl methacrylate-butadiene rubber, acrylic resin, acrylic-styrene resin, acrylic-maleic resin, acrylic- Examples include vinyl acetate resin, emulsion-type synthetic resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate resin, water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, starch, casein, and gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene oxide, and the like, particularly preferably gelatin, Gelatin derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl alcohol derivatives are preferred.

  When gelatin or a gelatin derivative is used as a binder, it is preferable to use a gelatin cross-linking agent. The hardener that can be used is not particularly limited, and is known in the photographic industry, such as aldehyde hardeners, active vinyl hardeners, active halogen hardeners, and epoxy hardeners. , Ethyleneimine hardener, methanesulfonate hardener, carbodiimide hardener, isoxazole hardener and polymer hardener.

(Gap layer)
Next, the void layer containing inorganic fine particles and a hydrophilic binder will be described.

  In general, as a method for forming a void layer having a void structure therein, solid particles having an average particle size of about 0.1 μm or less are aggregated at the time of preparing a coating solution or forming a film to form secondary particles or a three-dimensional structure. A void layer is formed by a method of forming voids by forming a void, or by applying a coating liquid containing porous solid fine particles and a hydrophilic binder on a support and forming voids in or between the porous fine particles. The present invention is characterized by a method of forming a void structure using the latter inorganic fine particles and a hydrophilic binder.

  Examples of inorganic fine particles include light calcium carbonate, heavy calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, kaolin, clay, talc, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc sulfide, zinc carbonate. , Hydrotalcite, aluminum silicate, diatomaceous earth, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, synthetic amorphous silica, colloidal silica, alumina, colloidal alumina, pseudoboehmite, aluminum hydroxide, lithopone, zeolite, magnesium hydroxide, etc. Etc.

  The inorganic fine particles may be used in a state of being uniformly dispersed in the binder as primary particles, or may be added in a state of being dispersed in the binder by forming secondary agglomerated particles, The latter is more preferred.

  The shape of the inorganic fine particles is not particularly limited in the present invention, and may be spherical, rod-like, needle-like, flat-plate-like, or bead-like. The inorganic fine particles preferably have an average particle size of 3 to 200 nm. When fine particles having an average particle diameter exceeding 200 nm are used, the gloss of the recording medium is lowered, or the maximum density is lowered due to light scattering on the surface, so that it is difficult to obtain a clear image. The lower limit of the average particle diameter is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 3 nm or more and 6 nm or more from the viewpoint of particle production. Particularly preferred inorganic fine particles have an average particle diameter of 10 to 100 nm.

  The average particle size of the inorganic fine particles can be obtained as a simple average value (number average) by observing the particle itself or the cross section or surface of the void layer with an electron microscope and determining the particle size of a large number of arbitrary particles. Here, each particle size is represented by a diameter assuming a circle equal to the projected area.

  As the inorganic fine particles according to the present invention, composite particles composed of inorganic fine particles and a small amount of an organic substance (which may be a low molecular compound or a high molecular compound) are substantially regarded as inorganic fine particles. In this case, the particle diameter of the highest order particle observed in the dry film is defined as the particle diameter of the inorganic fine particle.

  The mass ratio of the organic matter / inorganic fine particle in the composite particle of the inorganic fine particle and a small amount of organic substance is approximately 1/100 to 1/4.

  The inorganic fine particles according to the present invention are preferably fine particles having a low refractive index from the viewpoint of low cost and high reflection density, and silica, particularly silica synthesized by a gas phase method or colloidal silica is more preferable. preferable. Further, cation surface-treated gas phase method silica, cation surface-treated colloidal silica and alumina, colloidal alumina, pseudoboehmite and the like can also be used.

  Further, as the hydrophilic binder used in the void layer according to the present invention, various conventionally known hydrophilic binders can be used, for example, gelatin (preferably acid-treated gelatin), polyvinylpyrrolidone (average molecular weight of about 200,000 or more). Preferred), pullulan, polyvinyl alcohol and derivatives thereof, polyethylene glycol (average molecular weight is preferably 100,000 or more), hydroxyethyl cellulose, dextran, dextrin, and water-soluble polyvinyl butyral. These hydrophilic binders can be used alone. Alternatively, two or more kinds may be used in combination. A particularly preferred hydrophilic binder is polyvinyl alcohol or a derivative thereof.

  Polyvinyl alcohol or a derivative thereof preferably used is preferable because the average degree of polymerization is in the range of 300 to 5,000, and the fragility of the film from which the average molecular weight is 2000 to 5,000 is particularly good. The saponification degree of polyvinyl alcohol or its derivative is preferably 70 to 100%, particularly preferably 80 to 100%.

  The amount of the hydrophilic binder used is a relatively small amount with respect to the inorganic fine particles so that it becomes a void layer, and it is used as little as possible within a range where the film is stably formed and the adhesiveness with the support can be sufficiently maintained. Is preferred.

The amount of inorganic fine particles used in the void layer depends largely on the required ink absorption capacity, the void ratio of the void layer, the type of inorganic fine particles, and the type of hydrophilic binder, but is generally 3 to 1 m ^2. 30 g, preferably 5 to 25 g. The ratio of the inorganic fine particles and polyvinyl alcohol used in the gap layer is usually 2: 1 to 20: 1 by mass ratio, and preferably 3: 1 to 10: 1.

[Thermoplastic resin-containing layer]
In the electrophotographic image-receiving material of the present invention, the reflective support is separated from the above-described layer A containing hollow particles, layer B containing porous particles, or a void layer containing inorganic fine particles and a hydrophilic binder. And at least one layer containing a thermoplastic resin.

  Examples of the thermoplastic resin applicable to the layer containing the thermoplastic resin according to the present invention include the following thermoplastic resins.

(A) Polyolefin resins such as polyethylene resins and polypropylene resins, copolymer resins of olefins such as ethylene and propylene and other vinyl monomers, acrylic resins, etc.
(B) Those having an ester bond For example, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, phthalic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid, abietic acid, succinic acid, trimellitic acid, pyromellitic acid, etc. An acid component (these dicarboxylic acid components may be substituted with a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group, etc.) and a diether derivative of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, bisphenol A, bisphenol A (for example, ethylene of bisphenol A) Alcohol components such as oxide 2 adducts, bisphenol A propylene oxide 2 adducts, etc.), bisphenol S, 2-ethylcyclohexyldimethanol, neopentyl glycol, cyclohexyldimethanol, glycerin, etc. Polyester resin or polymethacrylic acid resin such as polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, polymethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, etc. obtained by condensation with a hydroxyl group etc. may be substituted in the alcohol component of Ester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, styrene acrylate resin, styrene-methacrylic acid ester copolymer resin, vinyl toluene acrylate resin and the like. Specific examples include those described in JP-A Nos. 59-101395, 63-7971, 63-7972, 63-7773, and 60-294862. Commercially available products include Byron 290, Byron 200, Byron 280, Byron 300, Byron 103, Byron GK-140, Byron GK-130, etc. manufactured by Toyobo, Kao's Tufton NE-382, Tufton U-5, ATR- 2009, ATR-2010, etc., Unitika Eritel UE3500, UE3210, XA-8153, etc., Nippon Synthetic Chemical Polyester TP-220, R-188, etc. can be mentioned.

(C) Polyurethane resin, etc.
(D) Polyamide resin, urea resin, etc.
(E) Polysulfone resin, etc.
(F) Polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl propionate copolymer resin, etc.
(G) Polyvinyl butyral, etc., polyol resin, ethyl cellulose resin, cellulose resin such as cellulose acetate resin, etc.
(H) Polycaprolactone resin, styrene-maleic anhydride resin, polyacrylonitrile resin, polyether resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin and the like.

  Each of the above thermoplastic resins may be used alone, or two or more of these thermoplastic resins may be mixed and used.

  The layer containing the thermoplastic resin may be a single layer or may be composed of two or more layers. The film thickness of the thermoplastic resin is generally 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 0.5 to 20 μm. It is.

  The glass transition point of the thermoplastic resin according to the present invention is 0 ° C. or higher, preferably 20 ° C. or higher.

  As the thermoplastic resin according to the present invention, a water dispersible resin is preferably used. Water-dispersible resins include polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, styrene / butadiene copolymer, acrylonitrile / butadiene copolymer, polyacrylate, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer and polybutyl methacrylate, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer. Polymers, styrene / butadiene / acrylic copolymers, and latexes such as polyvinylidene chloride.

  As the thermoplastic resin according to the present invention, it is preferable to select a resin having high compatibility with the binder resin that constitutes the image receiving toner from the viewpoint of more exerting the effects of the present invention.

  To be compatible with the toner binder resin in the present invention means that the thermoplastic resin of the toner receiving layer and the toner binder resin do not form a boundary in the image after fixing. As a method for evaluating the compatibility of the toner with the binder resin, for example, a method in which the solubility parameter described in JP-A-2-263642 is used for measurement is described. A method for measuring the toner inclination angle can be mentioned.

  As a method for measuring the melted toner inclination angle, after forming a toner disk, the toner receiving layer composed of a thermoplastic resin set to a predetermined temperature is closely contacted with the toner disk, and the toner disk is melted. Rapid cooling and solidification. Using this contact angle measuring device manufactured by Kyowa Interface Chemical Co., Ltd., the angle of the bottom of the toner after the toner is solidified is measured twice, and the average value is taken as the molten toner inclination angle.

  When the thermoplastic resin is selected from the viewpoint of the molten toner inclination angle, it is preferable to use a resin having a toner inclination angle of 40 degrees or less between the toner used for color image formation and the thermoplastic resin. The resin of the transparent resin layer having a molten toner inclination angle of 40 degrees or less includes polyester resin, styrene-acrylic ester resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, polymethyl methacrylate resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer. And other thermoplastic resins. Particularly preferred is a resin of the same type as the main resin of the toner (a resin containing 50% by mass or more based on the binder resin). That is, if the main resin of the toner is a polyester resin, a polyester resin is used as the resin of the toner receiving layer, and if the main resin of the toner is a styrene-acrylic ester resin, a styrene-acrylic ester resin is used as the resin of the toner receiving layer. Is preferred.

[Other additives for each component layer]
In addition to the above-described additives, various additives are used for the layer A, the layer B, the void layer or the thermoplastic resin-containing layer according to the present invention in order to improve the thermodynamic characteristics. be able to.

  Such additives can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, for example, plasticizers, fillers, crosslinking agents, charge control agents, conductive agents, pigments, surfactants, dyes, humidity control agents, Matting agents and the like can be mentioned.

  The plasticizer has a function of adjusting the flow or softening of the toner receiving layer by heat or pressure when fixing the toner. Plasticizers include "Chemical Handbook" (edited by the Chemical Society of Japan, Maruzen), "Plasticizers-Theory and Applications-" (written by Koichi Murai, Koshobo), "Research on plasticizers" It can be selected with reference to "Research" (edited by Polymer Chemistry Association) and "Handbook Rubber / Plastic Compounded Chemicals" (edited by Rubber Digest).

  Moreover, as a filler, a well-known thing can be used as a reinforcing agent for resin, a filler, and a reinforcing material, An organic and inorganic filler are preferable. The filler can be selected with reference to "Handbook Rubber / Plastic Compounding Chemicals" (edited by Rubber Digest Co., Ltd.), "New Edition Plastic Compounding Agent Basics and Applications" (Taiseisha), "Filler Handbook" (Taiseisha), etc. it can.

  Examples of the crosslinking agent include an epoxy group, an isocyanate group, an aldehyde group, an active halogen group, an active methylene group, an acetylene group, and other compounds having two or more known reactive groups in the molecule as a reactive group. Further, a compound having two or more groups capable of forming a bond by ionic bond, coordinate bond, or the like is also included. Examples of the crosslinking agent also include known compounds such as coupling agents for resins, curing agents, polymerization agents, polymerization accelerators, coagulants, film-forming agents, film-forming aids, and the like.

  The charge adjusting agent can be used for the purpose of adjusting toner transfer, adhesion, etc., and preventing charging adhesion of electrophotographic receiving paper. As the charge control agent, any of conventionally known antistatic agents and charge control agents can be used. Surfactants such as cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and nonionic surfactants In addition, a polymer electrolyte, a conductive metal oxide, and the like can be used.

Examples of the conductive agent include metal oxides such as ZnO, TiO ₂ , SnO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , In ₂ O ₃ , SiO ₂ , MgO, BaO, and MoO ₃ . These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Examples of the pigment include fluorescent whitening agents, white pigments, colored pigments, and dyes for the purpose of improving image quality, particularly whiteness. The fluorescent whitening agent is a compound that has absorption in the near ultraviolet region and emits fluorescence at 400 to 500 nm. Examples of the fluorescent brightener include stilbene compounds, coumarin compounds, biphenyl compounds, benzoxazoline compounds, naphthalimide compounds, pyrazoline compounds, carbostyril compounds, and the like.

  Various known dyes can be used as the dye, and examples thereof include oil-soluble dyes. Examples of oil-soluble dyes include anthraquinone compounds and azo compounds.

The whiteness of the layer containing the thermoplastic resin according to the present invention is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but is preferably higher. The whiteness, L ^* value is preferably 80 or more in ^{CIE 1976 (L * a * b} *) color space, and more preferably 85 or more, particularly preferably 90 or more. The white color is preferably as neutral as possible. As a white color, the value of (a ^* ) ² + (b ^* ) ^{2 in} the L ^* a ^* b ^* space is preferably 50 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and particularly preferably 5 or less.

  The smoothness of the layer containing the thermoplastic resin according to the present invention is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but is preferably higher. Further, the smoothness is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but is preferably higher. As the smoothness, the arithmetic average roughness (Ra) is preferably 3 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or less, and more preferably 0.5 μm or less in the entire region from white without toner to black having the maximum density. It is particularly preferred. The arithmetic average roughness can be measured based on JIS B 0601, B 0651, and B 0652.

The surface electrical resistance of the layer containing the thermoplastic resin according to the present invention is preferably 1 × 10 ⁶ to 1 × 10 ¹⁵ Ω (25 ° C., 65% RH), and the toner receiving layer according to the present invention. The surface electrical resistance in other layers other than the above is preferably 1 × 10 ⁶ to 1 × 10 ¹⁵ Ω (25 ° C., 65% RH condition).

  A matting agent can be added to the layer containing the thermoplastic resin according to the present invention. There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a mat agent, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a solid particle etc. are mentioned. The solid particles can be classified into inorganic particles and organic particles.

  A slipping agent can be added to the layer containing the thermoplastic resin according to the present invention. Examples of the slip agent include various known ones such as higher alkyl sulfate, higher fatty acid higher alcohol ester, carbowax, higher alkyl phosphate ester, silicone compound, modified silicone, curable silicone, and the like. Polyolefin wax, fluorine oil, fluorine wax, carnauba wax, microcrystalline wax, silane compound, and the like.

(Reflective support)
The reflective support according to the present invention (hereinafter also simply referred to as a support) can withstand the fixing temperature, and has such points as smoothness, whiteness, slipperiness, friction, antistatic properties, and dents after fixing. As long as the requirements can be satisfied, there is no particular limitation, and it can be selected appropriately according to the purpose. Examples include papers described in Corona Publishing (Showa 54) (pages 223) to (240), and photographic supports such as synthetic polymers (films).

  Specific examples of the support include synthetic paper (polyolefin-based, polystyrene-based synthetic paper), high-quality paper, art paper, (double-sided) coated paper, (double-sided) cast-coated paper, and synthetic resin pulp such as polyethylene and natural pulp. Mixed paper, Yankee paper, baryta paper, wallpaper, backing paper, synthetic resin or emulsion impregnated paper, synthetic rubber latex impregnated paper, synthetic resin internal paper, paperboard, cellulose fiber paper, polyolefin coated paper (especially polyethylene) Paper coated with both sides), polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene methacrylate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyimide, celluloses (eg triacetyl cellulose), etc. Various plastics Click film or sheet to impart white reflection treated film or sheet was subjected to (e.g., processing such as to contain a pigment such as titanium oxide into the film), cloth, metal, glasses, and the like.

  These may be used individually by 1 type and may be used together as a laminated body using 2 or more types. Among these, it is preferable to select from a base paper (also referred to as RC base paper) formed by coating one side or both sides of a base paper with a resin film (polyethylene or the like).

As thickness of a support body, it is 25-300 micrometers normally, 50-260 micrometers is preferable and 75-220 micrometers is more preferable. The stiffness and smoothness of the support are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, for a photographic image receiving paper, a support close to a color silver salt photograph is preferable. The density of the support is preferably 0.7 g / cm ³ or more from the viewpoint of fixing performance.

  The thermal conductivity of the support is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. From the viewpoint of fixing performance, it is 2.1 kW / under 20 ° C. and 65% relative humidity. It is preferably m · h · ° C. or higher. The thermal conductivity can be measured by a method described in JP-A-53-66279 using a transfer paper conditioned according to JIS P8111.

  Various additives appropriately selected according to the purpose can be added to the support according to the present invention within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of additives include whitening agents, conductive agents, fillers, pigments such as titanium oxide, ultramarine blue, and carbon black, and dyes.

  In addition, one or both surfaces of the support according to the present invention can be subjected to various surface treatments and undercoating treatments for the purpose of improving the adhesion with a layer provided thereon. Examples of the surface treatment include a glossy surface, or a fine surface, mat surface, or silk surface surface forming treatment, corona discharge treatment, flame treatment, glow discharge treatment, and plasma treatment described in JP-A-55-26507. An activation process etc. are mentioned. Examples of the undercoating treatment include the method described in JP-A No. 61-84443. These treatments may be performed alone, or may be subjected to an activation treatment after performing the above-described molding treatment or the like, and may further be subjected to a primer treatment after a surface treatment such as an activation treatment, Each of these means can be arbitrarily combined.

  A hydrophilic binder, a semiconductive metal oxide such as alumina sol or tin oxide, and carbon black or other antistatic agent may be applied to the support, the front surface or the back surface of the support, or a combination thereof. . Specific examples of such a support include those described in JP-A No. 63-220246.

[Other component layers]
In the electrophotographic image-receiving material of the present invention, other constituent layers can be provided in addition to the layer A, the layer B, the void layer and the layer containing a thermoplastic resin as described above. The other constituent layers are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include a surface protective layer, an intermediate layer, an undercoat layer, a cushion layer, a charge control (prevention) layer, a reflective layer, and a color. Examples include a taste preparation layer, a storage stability improving layer, an adhesion preventing layer, an anti-curl layer, and a smoothing layer. These may have a single layer structure or a laminated structure. When the support is a reflective support and is a reflective electrophotographic image receiving material in which the toner receiving layer according to the present invention is provided on the support, each layer provided on the support needs to be transparent. Rather, it is preferably white.

  As the opacity of the electrophotographic image-receiving material of the present invention, the value measured by the method defined in JIS P 8138 is preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more.

  In the electrophotographic image-receiving material of the present invention, for the purpose of imparting backside output suitability, improving backside output image quality, improving curl balance, imparting writing properties, inkjet, other print suitability, improving device passability, etc. A back layer can be provided on the side opposite to the side on which the image receiving layer is provided. The back layer may have the same configuration as the image receiving layer side in order to improve the double-sided output suitability. In the back layer, the above-mentioned various additives can be used, and it is particularly preferable to use the above-mentioned matting agent, slip agent, charge adjusting agent and the like. The back layer may be a single layer or two or more layers. In addition, when releasing oil is used for a fixing roller or the like to prevent offset at the time of fixing, it is preferable that the back surface has oil absorbability.

  In the electrophotographic image-receiving material of the present invention, an adhesion improving layer can be provided for the purpose of improving the adhesion between the support, the heat insulating layer, the toner receiving layer, and other constituent layers.

  In the electrophotographic image-receiving material of the present invention, various additives can be used for the purpose of improving the stability of the output image and improving the stability of the image-receiving layer itself. Examples of such additives include various known antioxidants, anti-aging agents, ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers, deterioration inhibitors, ozone deterioration inhibitors, preservatives, and antifungal agents.

  The electrophotographic image-receiving paper of the present invention can be used for image formation with an electrophotographic toner by an electrophotographic method, and can be suitably used for color image formation with an electrophotographic color toner.

[Electrophotographic toner]
The toner used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a known electrophotographic toner, and the toner production method is not particularly limited as long as it is a known production method such as a pulverization method or a polymerization method. In order to produce the effect of the above, a monomer is emulsion-polymerized in a suspension polymerization method or a liquid obtained by adding an emulsion of necessary additives to produce fine polymer particles, and then an organic solvent, A production method in which an aggregating agent or the like is added to associate is preferable. At the time of association, a method of preparing by mixing with a dispersion liquid such as a release agent or a colorant necessary for the composition of the toner and making it associate, or a toner component such as a release agent or a colorant in the monomer A method of emulsion polymerization after dispersion is preferred. Here, the association means that a plurality of resin particles and colorant particles are fused.

  Although it does not specifically limit as a manufacturing method of a suspension polymerization method, The following manufacturing methods can be raised.

  That is, various constituent materials such as a colorant and, if necessary, a release agent, a charge control agent, and a polymerization initiator are added to the polymerizable monomer, and then a homogenizer, a sand mill, a sand grinder, an ultrasonic disperser, etc. Various constituent materials are dissolved or dispersed in the polymerizable monomer. The polymerizable monomer in which these various constituent materials are dissolved or dispersed is dispersed in oil droplets having a desired size as a toner in an aqueous medium containing a dispersion stabilizer using a homomixer or a homogenizer. Thereafter, the stirring mechanism is transferred to the reaction apparatus which is the aforementioned stirring blade, and the polymerization reaction is advanced by heating. After completion of the reaction, the dispersion stabilizer is removed, filtered, washed, and dried to prepare the toner of the present invention.

  Further, as a method for producing the toner according to the present invention, a method of preparing by fusing resin particles in an aqueous medium can also be mentioned. The method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include methods described in JP-A-5-265252, JP-A-6-329947, and JP-A-9-15904. That is, a method of associating a plurality of dispersed particles of constituent materials such as resin particles and a colorant, or a plurality of fine particles composed of a resin and a colorant, particularly after dispersing them in water using an emulsifier, the critical aggregation concentration The toner of the present invention is prepared by adding the above flocculant and salting out, and simultaneously heat-melting the formed polymer itself at a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature and heat-drying the particles in a fluid state while containing water. Can be formed. Here, an organic solvent that is infinitely soluble in water may be added simultaneously with the flocculant.

  As the resin component of the toner, a known resin can be used, but generally, a polyester resin, a styrene-acrylic resin, or the like can be mainly used. When an image is formed on the coating layer, it is preferable to select a resin having high compatibility with a resin component such as an adhesive contained in the coating layer as the resin component of the toner. From this point of view, as the resin component of the toner, one or a mixture of two or more of polyester resin, styrene-acrylic ester resin, styrene-methacrylic ester resin, etc. may be used depending on the purpose. Is preferred.

  The volume average particle diameter of the toner is preferably in the range of 2 to 10 μm, and more preferably in the range of 3 to 9 μm. When the volume average particle diameter of the toner is less than 2 μm, the chargeability tends to be insufficient and the developability may be deteriorated. On the other hand, when it exceeds 10 μm, the resolution of the image may be deteriorated. Therefore, it is not preferable respectively.

  The electrophotographic toner used for image formation on the electrophotographic image-receiving material of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Any of a pulverization method, a suspension granulation method, etc. An electrophotographic toner obtained by a suspension granulation method is preferable for obtaining the effects of the present invention.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, although the display of "part" or "%" is used in an Example, unless otherwise indicated, "part by mass" or "mass%" is represented.

Example 1
<Production of reflective support>
[Preparation of Reflective Support A]
A white base paper 1 having a basis weight of 160 g / m ² composed of 50% by mass sulfate method bleached hardwood pulp (LBKP) and 50% by mass sulfate method bleached softwood pulp (NBSP) was prepared.

On the back surface of this white base paper 1, polyethylene as a back surface resin layer was melt-extruded and laminated at 300 ° C. to cover the back laminate layer 1 of 20 g / m ² .

Next, 91% by mass of polyethylene and 9% by mass of rutile-type titanium oxide were kneaded as a surface resin layer on the surface side, and then 15 g / m ² of the water-resistant resin layer 1 was coated by melt extrusion lamination at 300 ° C. A reflective support A having a resin coating layer was prepared.

[Preparation of Reflective Support B]
Sulfate method bleached hardwood pulp (LBKP) 90% by weight, sulfate method bleached softwood pulp (NBSP) 10% by weight, with respect to the pulp, 0.7% cationic starch, 0.07% alkenyl succinic anhydride, A raw material prepared by adding 20% heavy calcium carbonate and 1% band is made with a long paper machine, and an aqueous solution containing polyacrylamide and alkyl ketene dimer as a surface sizing agent is dried on both sides in a size press. treated so as to be 0.9 g / m ² to give a white base paper 2 after drying basis weight 170 g / m ^2.

Separately, 0.1% by mass of sodium polyacrylate was added to a blend of 70% by mass of kaolin and 30% by mass of light calcium carbonate, and a 65% by mass pigment slurry was prepared with a courseless disperser. To this slurry, 10% by mass of casein and 10% by mass of styrene-butadiene copolymer latex were added, and water was further added to prepare a coating solution having a solid content concentration of 50%. The coating solution is applied to the surface side of the white base paper 2 with a reverse roll coater so that the dry mass becomes 20 g / m ^2, and then pressure-dried to a cast dryer at 100 ° C. to provide a reflective support as cast-coated paper. B was produced.

<Production of electrophotographic image receiving material>
[Production of Sample 101: Comparative Example]
A polyester resin (Byron 200 manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.) and 10% by mass of Cystat-SN (manufactured by Cytec Co., Ltd.) with respect to the polyester resin are dissolved in a mixed solvent of toluene and methyl ethyl ketone. Using a wire bar, the coating was performed under the condition that the film thickness after drying was 8.0 μm, and the sample 101 was manufactured.

[Production of Sample 102: Comparative Example]
In the production of the sample 101, a sample 102 was produced in the same manner except that the reflective support B was used instead of the reflective support A.

[Preparation of Sample 103: Present Invention]
On the prepared reflective support A, a lower layer coating solution 1, an intermediate layer coating solution 1 and an upper layer coating solution 1 having the following composition are used to form a lower layer (dry film thickness: 1 μm), an intermediate layer (dry film) from the reflective support surface. (Thickness: 65 μm), coating using a slide hopper type coating device so as to have an upper layer (dry film thickness: 5 μm), passing through a cooling zone maintained at 4 ° C. for 20 seconds, and then 30 The sample 103 was produced by drying in a wind of 60 ° C. for 60 seconds, in a wind of 45 ° C. for 60 seconds, and in a wind of 50 ° C. for 60 seconds.

(Lower layer coating solution 1)
Acrylic resin aqueous dispersion (Mobile 745, made by Nichigo Mobile) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Gelatin aqueous solution (solid concentration 8%) 15% by mass
25% by weight of water
(Middle layer coating solution 1)
Hollow particle dispersion (Ropeke HP-433J, manufactured by Rohm & Haas) 40% by mass
Gelatin 5% by mass
2,4-dichloro-6-hydroxy-s-triazine sodium aqueous solution (solid content concentration 4%) 2% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 8% by mass
45% by weight of water
(Upper layer coating solution 1)
Acrylic resin aqueous dispersion (Mobile 743, made by Nichigo Mobile) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Gelatin aqueous solution (solid concentration 8%) 15% by mass
2,4-dichloro-6-hydroxy-s-triazine / sodium aqueous solution (solid content 4%) 1% by mass
24% by weight of water
[Preparation of Sample 104: Present Invention]
A sample 104 was prepared in the same manner as in the preparation of the sample 103 except that the reflective support B was used instead of the reflective support A.

[Production of Sample 105: Present Invention]
On the prepared reflective support A, a lower layer coating solution 2, an intermediate layer coating solution 2, and an upper layer coating solution 2 having the following composition are used to form a lower layer (dry film thickness: 1 μm), an intermediate layer (dry film) from the reflective support surface. (Thickness: 45 μm), coating using a slide hopper type coating device so as to have an upper layer (dry film thickness: 5 μm), passing through a cooling zone maintained at 4 ° C. for 20 seconds, and then 30 A sample 105 was produced by drying in a wind of 60 ° C. for 60 seconds, in a wind of 45 ° C. for 60 seconds, and in a wind of 50 ° C. for 60 seconds.

(Lower layer coating solution 2)
Acrylic resin water dispersion (Movinyl 74, made by Nichigo Movinyl) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Gelatin aqueous solution (solid concentration 8%) 15% by mass
25% by weight of water
(Middle layer coating solution 2)
Hollow particle dispersion (Ropeke HP-1501, manufactured by Rohm & Haas) 50% by mass
Gelatin 5% by mass
2,4-dichloro-6-hydroxy-s-triazine sodium aqueous solution (solid content concentration 4%) 2% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 8% by mass
35% by weight of water
(Upper layer coating solution 2)
Acrylic resin aqueous dispersion (Mobile 749E, Nichigo Mobile) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Gelatin aqueous solution (solid concentration 8%) 15% by mass
2,4-dichloro-6-hydroxy-s-triazine / sodium aqueous solution (solid content 4%) 1% by mass
24% by weight of water
[Production of Sample 106: Present Invention]
A sample 106 was produced in the same manner as in the production of the sample 105 except that the reflective support B was used instead of the reflective support A.

[Preparation of Sample 107: Present Invention]
On the reflection support A produced above, a lower layer coating solution 3, an intermediate layer coating solution 3, and an upper layer coating solution 3 having the following composition were used to form a lower layer (dry film thickness: 1 μm), an intermediate layer (dry film) from the reflective support surface. (Thickness: 45 μm), coating using a slide hopper type coating device so as to have an upper layer (dry film thickness: 5 μm), passing through a cooling zone maintained at 4 ° C. for 20 seconds, and then 30 The sample 107 was produced by drying in a wind of 60 ° C. for 60 seconds, in a wind of 45 ° C. for 60 seconds, and in a wind of 50 ° C. for 60 seconds.

(Lower layer coating solution 3)
Acrylic resin aqueous dispersion (Mobile 745, made by Nichigo Mobile) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Gelatin aqueous solution (solid concentration 8%) 15% by mass
25% by weight of water
(Middle layer coating solution 3)
Hollow particle dispersion (SX8782 (D), manufactured by JSR Corporation) 50% by mass
Gelatin 5% by mass
2,4-dichloro-6-hydroxy-s-triazine sodium aqueous solution (solid content concentration 4%) 2% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 8% by mass
35% by weight of water
(Upper layer coating solution 3)
Acrylic resin aqueous dispersion (Mobile 743, made by Nichigo Mobile) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution (solid content concentration 8%) 15% by mass
25% by weight of water
[Preparation of Sample 108: Present Invention]
A sample 108 was produced in the same manner as in the production of the sample 107 except that the reflective support B was used instead of the reflective support A.

[Preparation of Samples 109 to 114: Comparative Example]
Samples 109 to 114 were prepared in the same manner as in the preparation of the samples 103 to 108 except that each upper layer was removed.

<Evaluation of electrophotographic image receiving materials>
(Image formation)
By appropriately adjusting the fixing conditions of a commercially available full-color copier “8050” (manufactured by Konica Minolta Business Technology), each electrophotographic image receiving material and plain paper (Konica Minolta) under the conditions of a fixing temperature of 90 ° C. and a fixing speed of 67 mm / sec. A photographic image, a gray solid image, and a black solid image were output to First Class paper manufactured by Business Technology Co., Ltd., and each of the following evaluations was performed on each image.

[Evaluation of surface smoothness]
The surface smoothness (micro unevenness: 1 mm or less) of the created photographic image was visually observed, and the surface smoothness was evaluated according to the following criteria.

A: Extremely excellent smoothness and usable as a high-quality recording material B: Excellent smoothness and usable as a high-quality recording material C: With an image slightly inferior in smoothness Yes, it exceeds the allowable limit as a high-quality recording material D: Inferior smoothness and not suitable for use as a high-quality recording material E: Obviously inferior in smoothness and cannot be used as a high-quality recording material [Glossiness evaluation]
Glossiness was determined by measuring the 20-degree glossiness of each gray solid density created by a digital variable angle glossiness meter (manufactured by Suga Test Instruments, UGV-5D) according to JIS Z 8741.

[Evaluation of relief (image step) resistance]
Regarding the image level difference (relief) of the created photographic image, the level difference at the boundary between the part having the toner image and the part not having the toner image was measured. This image step is measured using a stylus type roughness meter (KLA, Alpha step manufactured by Tencor). In the present invention, the image step is preferably 3.0 μm or less, and more preferably 2.0 μm or less. did.

(Measurement of image density)
Each created black solid image was measured with an X-Rite 967 densitometer (manufactured by X-Rite).

  The results obtained as described above are shown in Table 1.

  As is clear from the results shown in Table 1, it can be seen that the sample having the structure defined in the present invention has higher smoothness, higher gloss, higher density and improved relief step resistance than the comparative example. .

Example 2
<Production of electrophotographic image receiving material>
[Preparation of Sample 201: Present Invention]
On the reflective support A produced in Example 1, the lower layer coating solution 4, the middle layer coating solution 4 and the upper layer coating solution 4 having the following composition were used to form the lower layer (dry film thickness: 1 μm), middle layer from the reflective support surface. (Dry film thickness: 25 μm) After coating using a slide hopper type coating device so as to have an upper layer (dry film thickness: 5 μm), a cooling zone maintained at 4 ° C. was passed for 20 seconds. Thereafter, the sample 201 was produced by drying in a wind of 30 ° C. for 60 seconds, in a wind of 45 ° C. for 60 seconds, and in a wind of 50 ° C. for 60 seconds.

(Lower layer coating solution 4)
Acrylic resin aqueous dispersion (Mobile 745, made by Nichigo Mobile) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Gelatin aqueous solution (solid concentration 8%) 15% by mass
25% by weight of water
(Middle layer coating solution 4)
Spherical porous silica particles (Sunsphere H33, manufactured by Dokai Chemical) 20% by mass
Gelatin 5% by mass
2,4-dichloro-6-hydroxy-s-triazine sodium aqueous solution (solid content concentration 4%) 2% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 3% by mass
70% by weight of water
(Upper layer coating solution 4)
Acrylic resin aqueous dispersion (Mobile 743, made by Nichigo Mobile) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Gelatin aqueous solution (solid concentration 8%) 15% by mass
2,4-dichloro-6-hydroxy-s-triazine / sodium aqueous solution (solid content 4%) 1% by mass
24% by weight of water
[Preparation of Sample 202: Present Invention]
In the production of the sample 201, a sample 202 was produced in the same manner except that the reflective support B produced in Example 1 was used instead of the reflective support A.

[Preparation of Sample 203: Present Invention]
On the reflective support A produced in Example 1, the lower layer coating solution 5, the middle layer coating solution 5 and the upper layer coating solution 5 having the following composition were used to form the lower layer (dry film thickness: 1 μm), middle layer from the reflective support surface. (Dry film thickness: 35 μm), coating was performed using a slide hopper type coating device so as to have an upper layer (dry film thickness: 5 μm), and then a cooling zone maintained at 4 ° C. was passed for 20 seconds. Then, the sample 203 was produced by drying for 60 seconds with a wind of 30 ° C., 60 seconds with a wind of 45 ° C., and 60 seconds with a wind of 50 degrees.

(Lower layer coating solution 5)
Acrylic resin aqueous dispersion (Mobile 745, made by Nichigo Mobile) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Gelatin aqueous solution (solid concentration 8%) 15% by mass
25% by weight of water
(Middle layer coating solution 5)
Spherical porous silica particles (MBP-8, Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.) 20% by mass
Gelatin 5% by mass
2,4-dichloro-6-hydroxy-s-triazine sodium aqueous solution (solid content concentration 4%) 2% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 3% by mass
70% by weight of water
(Upper layer coating solution 5)
Acrylic resin aqueous dispersion (Mobile 743, made by Nichigo Mobile) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Polyethylene oxide aqueous solution (Aqueous solution in which Alcox E30 (manufactured by Meisei Chemical Co., Ltd.) is dissolved in water at a solid content concentration of 3%) 30% by mass
10% by weight of water
[Production of Sample 204: Present Invention]
In the production of the sample 203, a sample 204 was produced in the same manner except that the reflective support B produced in Example 1 was used instead of the reflective support A.

[Production of Samples 205 to 208: Comparative Example]
Samples 205 to 208 were prepared in the same manner as in the preparation of Samples 201 to 204 except that each upper layer was removed.

<Evaluation of electrophotographic image receiving materials>
(Image formation)
By adjusting the fixing conditions of a commercially available full-color copying machine “8050” (manufactured by Konica Minolta Business Technology Co., Ltd.) as appropriate, under the conditions of a fixing temperature of 90 ° C. and a fixing speed of 67 mm / sec, photographic images and gray solid images A black solid image was output, and the surface smoothness, glossiness, relief (image level difference) resistance and image density were measured for each image in the same manner as described in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 2.

  As is apparent from the results shown in Table 2, it can be seen that the sample having the structure defined in the present invention has higher smoothness, higher gloss, higher density and improved relief step resistance than the comparative example. .

Example 3
<Production of electrophotographic image receiving material>
[Production of Sample 301: Present Invention]
Example 3
<Production of electrophotographic image receiving material>
[Production of Sample 301: Present Invention]
On the reflective support A produced in Example 1, a lower layer coating solution 6 having the following composition was applied with a wire bar, rapidly cooled within 30 seconds so that the coating temperature was 15 ° C. or lower, and 50 ° C. After forming a lower layer (dry film thickness: 35 μm) with a wind of 3 minutes, apply the upper layer coating liquid 6 with a wire bar and rapidly cool within 30 seconds so that the film temperature is 15 ° C. or lower. Then, it was dried for 3 minutes with wind at 50 ° C. to form an upper layer (dry film thickness: 5 μm), and a sample 301 was produced.

(Lower layer coating solution 6)
Particulate silica dispersion (1) 450ml
Cationic polymer (average molecular weight: 10,000) 12 g
Ethanol 35ml
10 ml of n-propanol
5 ml of ethyl acetate
Polyvinyl alcohol (Kuraray Co., Ltd., PVA235) 12g
Boric acid 2g
1g of borax
The above additives were sequentially mixed and the total amount was finished to 1 L with pure water to prepare a lower layer coating solution 6.

  Here, the fine particle silica dispersion (1) was obtained by adding 80 g of Aerosil 200 (gas phase method silica having an average primary particle size of 12 nm) manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd. to 400 ml of pure water and dispersing with a disperser. The whole amount is made up to 450 ml with pure water.

(Upper layer coating solution 6)
Acrylic resin aqueous dispersion (Mobile 743, made by Nichigo Mobile) 40% by mass
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate aqueous solution (solid content 1%) 20% by mass
Gelatin aqueous solution (solid concentration 8%) 15% by mass
2,4-dichloro-6-hydroxy-s-triazine / sodium aqueous solution (solid content 4%) 1% by mass
24% by weight of water
<Evaluation of electrophotographic image receiving materials>
(Image formation)
By adjusting the fixing conditions of a commercially available full-color copying machine “8050” (manufactured by Konica Minolta Business Technology Co., Ltd.) as appropriate, under the conditions of a fixing temperature of 90 ° C. and a fixing speed of 67 mm / sec, photographic images and gray solid images A black solid image was output, and the surface smoothness, glossiness, relief (image level difference) resistance and image density were measured for each image in the same manner as described in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 3.

  As is apparent from the results shown in Table 3, it can be seen that the sample having the structure defined in the present invention has high smoothness, high gloss, high concentration, and excellent relief step resistance.

Claims (4)

The reflective support is provided with a layer A containing at least one layer of hollow particles, and at least one layer containing a thermoplastic resin at a position away from the layer A with respect to the reflective support. An electrophotographic image receiving material. A layer B containing at least one layer of porous particles and a layer containing at least one thermoplastic resin at a position away from the layer B with respect to the reflection support on the reflective support. A characteristic electrophotographic image-receiving material. A gap layer containing at least one layer of inorganic fine particles and a hydrophilic binder on the reflective support, and a layer containing at least one thermoplastic resin at a position away from the gap layer with respect to the reflective support. An electrophotographic image receiving material comprising: The electrophotographic image-receiving material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thermoplastic resin is a water-dispersed resin.