JP2020180177A - Photoresponsive high-molecular compound - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a high-molecular compound that has high toughness, is reversibly fluidized and non-fluidized when irradiated with light, and does not undergo noticeable coloration.SOLUTION: A high-molecular compound represented by the general formula (1) in the figure is reversibly fluidized and non-fluidized by being irradiated with light. In the general formula (1), A is a polymer block including a structural unit derived from a prescribed azomethine derivative; and B represents a polymer block that does not include the structure derived from the azomethine derivative.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

The present invention relates to photoresponsive polymeric compounds. Specifically, it is a polymer compound that is reversibly fluidized and non-fluidized by light irradiation, and is a photoresponsive polymer compound that can be applied to toners, image forming methods using the same, and photosensitive adhesives. Regarding.

A photoresponsive liquid crystal material is known as a material whose fluidity changes with light irradiation. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 propose a polymer liquid crystal material using an azobenzene derivative. They undergo a cis-trans isomerization reaction of the azobenzene moiety in response to light. It is believed that this change in molecular structure induces a phase transition from the solid state to the fluid state. Further, by re-irradiating with different wavelengths, heating, or leaving in a dark place at room temperature, a reverse reaction occurs and the solidification occurs again.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-256155 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-256291

However, the azobenzene derivatives described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are all colored yellow to orange, and have a problem that a desired color cannot be reproduced when applied to industrial products such as toners and adhesives. .. Furthermore, according to the study by the present inventors, by changing the substituent of the azobenzene derivative, the coloration of yellow to orange can be adjusted to some extent, but it is basically colorless or almost colorless. It also turned out to be impossible to do. Further, since the compounds described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a relatively low molecular weight, there is also a problem that the toughness as a material is low.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a polymer compound having high toughness, which is reversibly fluidized / immobilized by light irradiation and which is not significantly colored.

The present inventors have accumulated extensive research. As a result, it was found that the above-mentioned problem can be solved by a predetermined block copolymer containing a polymer block containing a structural unit derived from an azomethine derivative and a polymer block not containing a structure derived from the azomethine derivative. The present invention has been completed.

That is, the present invention is a polymer compound that is reversibly fluidized and non-fluidized by light irradiation, which is represented by the following general formula (1).

In the general formula (1), A is a polymer block containing a structural unit derived from an azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group represented by the chemical formula (2), and B is an azomethine represented by the chemical formula (2). A polymer block that does not contain structures derived from derivatives:

In the chemical formula (2),
X is NR ₁₀ , O or S,
R ₁ and R ₂ are independent groups having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and 1 to 1 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxy group of 16, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
One of R _{3 and} R ₄ is a group represented by Y, and the other is a group having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, and the number of carbon atoms. An alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
R ₁₀ is a group having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, and 2 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxycarbonyl group of ~ 16 or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
Z ₁ and Z ₂ are N or CH, and Z ₁ ≠ Z ₂ .
R _{5 to} R ₇ are independent groups having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and 1 to 1 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxy group of 16, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
R ₈ and R ₉ are independently hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group, carboxy group, alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and carbon number of carbon atoms, respectively. An acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
At this time, at _{least one} of R ₁ , R ₂ , R _{5 to} R ₇ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ not selected as the group represented by Y is a group having a polymerizable group.
If at least _{one of} R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ not selected for the group represented by Y is a group having a polymerizable group, then R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , And R ₃ or R ₄ , other than the group having a polymerizable group and the group represented by Y, are independently hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group and carboxy group, respectively. , alkyl group or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, with the proviso, R ₁₀ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkyl group or a C 1 to 4 carbon atoms Selected from the number 1-4 alkoxy groups
When at least one of R _{5 to} R ₇ is a group having a polymerizable group, among R _{5 to} R ₇ , those other than the polymerizable group, R ₈ and R ₉ , are independently hydrogen atoms, respectively. It is selected from a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a polymer compound having high toughness, reversibly fluidized and immobilized by light irradiation, and without significant coloring.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the image forming apparatus 100 used in the image forming method by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the irradiation part 40 in an image forming apparatus 100. It is a schematic diagram of the apparatus (photoresponse adhesion test) for measuring the change of adhesiveness with light irradiation of the polymer / compound synthesized in Example and Comparative Example.

The present invention is a polymer compound that is reversibly fluidized and non-fluidized by light irradiation, which is represented by the following general formula (1).

In the general formula (1), A is a polymer block containing a structural unit derived from an azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group represented by the chemical formula (2), and B is an azomethine represented by the chemical formula (2). A polymer block that does not contain structures derived from derivatives:

In the chemical formula (2),
X is NR ₁₀ , O or S,
R ₁ and R ₂ are independent groups having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and 1 to 1 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxy group of 16, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
One of R _{3 and} R ₄ is a group represented by Y, and the other is a group having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, and the number of carbon atoms. An alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
R ₁₀ is a group having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, and 2 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxycarbonyl group of ~ 16 or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
Z ₁ and Z ₂ are N or CH, and Z ₁ ≠ Z ₂ .
R _{5 to} R ₇ are independent groups having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and 1 to 1 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxy group of 16, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
R ₈ and R ₉ are independently hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group, carboxy group, alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and carbon number of carbon atoms, respectively. An acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
At this time, at _{least one} of R ₁ , R ₂ , R _{5 to} R ₇ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ not selected as the group represented by Y is a group having a polymerizable group.
If at least _{one of} R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ not selected for the group represented by Y is a group having a polymerizable group, then R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , And R ₃ or R ₄ , other than the group having a polymerizable group and the group represented by Y, are independently hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group and carboxy group, respectively. , alkyl group or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, with the proviso, R ₁₀ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkyl group or a C 1 to 4 carbon atoms Selected from the number 1-4 alkoxy groups
When at least one of R _{5 to} R ₇ is a group having a polymerizable group, among R _{5 to} R ₇ , those other than the polymerizable group, R ₈ and R ₉ , are independently hydrogen atoms, respectively. It is selected from a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Polymer compounds containing block copolymers containing structural units derived from such azomethine derivatives have high toughness, are reversibly fluidized and immobilized by light irradiation, and are applied to toners and adhesives. It is possible to realize a photoresponsive polymer compound that does not affect the reproduction of a desired color without coloring. Further, when applied to toner, the softening rate due to light irradiation is improved, and the image fixing property is excellent.

The reason why the above-mentioned effect is obtained by the polymer compound of the present invention is unknown, but the following mechanism can be considered. The following mechanism is speculative, and the present invention is not limited to the following mechanism. In the following description, the polymer compound represented by the above chemical formula (1) is also referred to as "a polymer compound containing a structural unit derived from an azomethine derivative" or "a polymer compound of the present invention".

Azobenzene compounds having a long-chain alkyl chain at the end are known to be materials that absorb light and soften from the solid state (photophase transition), and the photophase transition is crystallized by cis-trans isomerization. It is thought that this is caused by the collapse of the structure. The azobenzene compounds described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 undergo a phase change with the isomerization reaction by light irradiation, but these compounds show strong absorption due to the n-π ^* transition in the visible light region and are orange. Since it is colored in orange, there is a problem in that a desired color cannot be reproduced when it is applied to an industrial product.

In the present invention, by using a structural unit derived from an azomethine derivative, it has been realized to provide a polymer compound that is reversibly fluidized and non-fluidized by light irradiation and has no significant coloring. By introducing a structural unit derived from an azomethine derivative instead of the azobenzene compound, the strong n-π ^* absorption in the azobenzene compound can be significantly weakened, so that a polymer without significant coloring can be realized.

In a polymer compound containing a structural unit derived from an azomethin derivative, the azomethine derivative absorbs light and the thermal energy released in the photoexcitation / deactivation process is transmitted to the repeating unit (structural unit) to be bonded (photothermal conversion). It is possible to induce a reversible fluidization / non-fluidization phenomenon. In particular, when the azomethine derivative is a trans isomer, trans-cis photoisomerization is more likely to occur by light irradiation in addition to the above-mentioned photothermal conversion, and a cis isomer having a low Tg is likely to be produced. It is considered that more efficient fluidization / non-fluidization phenomena can be induced by collapsing the ordered structure and changing the phase transition by photoisomerization and changing the phase transition. Therefore, in order to induce a reversible fluidization / non-fluidization phenomenon, it is considered necessary for many trans isomers (E) to be isomerized to cis isomers (Z). However, it is generally known that azomethine derivatives have a higher cis-trans isomerization rate than azobenzene derivatives, and azomethine derivatives in which benzene rings are bonded to both ends of the C = N bond are reversible fluidized products.・ It was expected that it would be disadvantageous to induce the isomerization phenomenon.

In the present invention, by introducing a heterocycle on the nitrogen atom side or the carbon atom side of the C = N bond in the azomethine derivative, the amount of cis form (Z) at the time of light irradiation is increased, and fluidization is accompanied by a photoisomerization reaction. It is considered that was able to induce. It is considered that this is because the cis-trans isomerization rate is lowered by introducing a heterocycle instead of a benzene ring.

Furthermore, the toughness as a material can be improved by polymerizing the azomethine derivative. Therefore, it is considered that excellent image intensity can be obtained particularly when used for toner.

In the present invention, the azomethine derivative component and the component not containing the azomethine derivative are polymerized so as to have a block copolymer structure. By polymerizing, the azomethine derivative absorbs light, and the heat energy released in the photoexcitation / deactivation process is transferred to the repeating unit (structural unit) to be bonded (photothermal conversion) to soften the obtained polymer. Melt or soften the compound. Further, it is considered that by forming a block copolymer, the azomethine derivative easily forms a domain in the polymer compound and efficiently induces softening and melting.

For the above reasons, the polymer compound having a structural unit derived from the azomethine derivative of the present invention has high toughness and is colorless, but can induce a reversible fluidization / non-fluidization phenomenon with isomerization. it is conceivable that. Therefore, by introducing the polymer compound into the toner, it is possible to obtain a toner that can be fixed by light irradiation, has high color reproducibility, and gives excellent image intensity.

The flow in the present invention refers to a state in which the system is deformed without an external force or with a small external force.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. In addition, in this specification, "X to Y" indicating a range means "X or more and Y or less". Further, in the present specification, unless otherwise specified, operations and physical properties are measured under the conditions of room temperature (20 to 25 ° C.) / relative humidity of 40 to 50% RH.

[Structure of polymer compound]
The polymer compound of the present invention contains a polymer block (A) containing a structural unit derived from an azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group, and a polymer block B not containing a structure derived from the azomethine derivative, and is described below. It is a polymer compound (block copolymer) having any of 2 to 5 block copolymer structures.

Among the block copolymer structures described above, from the viewpoint of ease of softening and melting and image intensity when used as a toner, ABA (also referred to as 2AB) or BAB (2BA). It is preferably a block copolymer structure of (also referred to as), and more preferably a block copolymer structure of ABA.

<Polymer block (A) containing a structural unit derived from an azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group>
The polymer block (A) containing a structural unit derived from an azomethin derivative having a polymerizable group contains a structural unit derived from an azomethin derivative having a polymerizable group represented by the following chemical formula (2).

As shown in the following chemical formula (2), by introducing a predetermined heterocycle into the benzene ring of the azomethine derivative, the cis-trans isomerization rate decreases and the amount of cis form (Z) during light irradiation increases. , It is considered that fluidization associated with the photoisomerization reaction can be induced.

The polymer block (A) is not particularly limited, but the following chemical formula (2) is used from the viewpoint of reliably facilitating the introduction of an azomethine group into the molecule and efficiently inducing reversible fluidization / defluidization. It is preferable that the polymer block is obtained by polymerizing an azomethin derivative having a polymerizable group represented by (1) as a monomer (azomethine derivative monomer).

In the chemical formula (2), X is NR ₁₀ , O or S.

R ₁ and R ₂ are independent groups having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and 1 to 1 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxy group of 16, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.

One of R _{3 and} R ₄ is a group represented by Y, and the other is a group having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, and the number of carbon atoms. It is an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.

R ₁₀ is a group having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, and 2 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxycarbonyl group of ~ 16 or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.

Z ₁ and Z ₂ are N or CH, and Z ₁ ≠ Z ₂ .

R _{5 to} R ₇ are independent groups having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and 1 to 1 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxy group of 16, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.

R ₈ and R ₉ are independently hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group, carboxy group, alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and carbon number of carbon atoms, respectively. It is an acyl group of 2 to 16, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.

At this time, at _{least one} of R ₁ , R ₂ , R _{5 to} R ₇ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ not selected as the group represented by Y is a group having a polymerizable group.

If at least _{one of} R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ not selected for the group represented by Y is a group having a polymerizable group, then R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , And R ₃ or R ₄ , other than the group having a polymerizable group and the group represented by Y, are independently hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group and carboxy group, respectively. , alkyl group or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, with the proviso, R ₁₀ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkyl group or a C 1 to 4 carbon atoms When at least one of R _{5 to} R ₇ is a group having a polymerizable group selected from the alkoxy groups of numbers 1 to 4, R _{5 to} R ₇ other than the polymerizable group, R ₈ and R ₉ is independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

By selecting R _{1 to} R ₁₀ as described above, the azomethine derivative expresses intermolecular packing (π-π interaction) at the azomethine group portion, and has high thermal motion when trans-cis isomerized. It is considered that it becomes easy to induce a fluidization phenomenon while increasing the strength as a material because of its properties.

Here, the above-mentioned carbon number as a substituent on the benzene ring when the polymerizable group is on the complex five-membered ring, or as a substituent on the complex five-membered ring when the polymerizable group is on the benzene ring. Each of an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms has 1 carbon atoms. It is preferably an alkyl group of ~ 12, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. More preferably, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, respectively. It is an acyloxy group. With this configuration, the azomethin derivative exhibits intermolecular packing (π-π interaction) at the azomethine group portion and exhibits high thermal motility when trans-cis isomerized, so that it has strength as a material. It is considered that it becomes easier to induce the fluidization phenomenon while increasing the above.

In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, from the viewpoint of ease of photoisomerization, of _{R 1, R 2, R 10} , and R ₃ or those not selected the group represented by Y of R ₄ at least When one is a group having a polymerizable group, R _{5 to} R ₉ are preferably hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or alkoxy groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, respectively. Further, from the viewpoint of ease of photoisomerization, when at least one of R _{5 to} R ₇ is a group having a polymerizable group, Y of R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ and R ₃ or R ₄ Those not selected as the group represented by (1) are preferably hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or alkoxy groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, respectively.

In the present invention, the heteroatom of X is preferable because S or N improves the fixability when used as a toner.

Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom (F), a chlorine atom (Cl), a bromine atom (Br), and an iodine atom (I).

Examples of the alkyl group used in R _{1 to} R ₁₀ are not particularly limited, and are, for example, methyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, n-butyl group, isobutyl group, n-hexyl group, n. -Heptyl group, n-octyl group, n-nonyl group, n-decyl group, n-undecyl group, n-dodecyl group, n-tridecyl group, n-tetradecyl group, n-pentadecyl group, n-hexadecyl group, etc. Linear alkyl group; isopropyl group, sec-butyl group, t-butyl group, 1-methylpentyl group, 4-methyl-2-pentyl group, 3,3-dimethylbutyl group, 2-ethylbutyl group, 1- Methylhexyl group, t-octyl group, 1-methylheptyl group, 2-ethylhexyl group, 2-propylpentyl group, 2,2-dimethylheptyl group, 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptyl group, 3,5,5 Examples thereof include branched alkyl groups such as −trimethylhexyl group, 1-methyldecyl group and 1-hexylheptyl group.

Examples of the alkoxy groups used in R _{1 to} R ₁₀ are methoxy group, ethoxy group, n-propoxy group, n-butoxy group, n-hexyloxy group, n-heptyloxy group, n-octyloxy group, n. -Nonyloxy group, n-decyloxy group, n-undecyloxy group, n-dodecyloxy group, n-tridecyloxy group, n-tetradecyloxy group, n-pentadecyloxy group, n-hexadecyloxy group, etc. Linear alkoxy groups: 1-methylpentyloxy group, 4-methyl-2-pentyloxy group, 3,3-dimethylbutyloxy group, 2-ethylbutyloxy group, 1-methylhexyloxy group, t- Octyloxy group, 1-methylheptyloxy group, 2-ethylhexyloxy group, 2-propylpentyloxy group, 2,2-dimethylheptyloxy group, 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptyloxy group, 3,5,5 Examples thereof include branched alkoxy groups such as -trimethylhexyloxy group, 1-methyldecyloxy group and 1-hexylheptyloxy group.

Examples of the acyl groups used in R _{1 to} R ₁₀ are saturated or unsaturated linear or branched acyl groups, such as acetyl groups, propanoyl groups (propionyl groups), butanoyl groups (butyryl groups), Isobutanoyl group (isobutyryl group), pentanoyl group (valeryl group), isopentanoyl group (isovaleryl group), sec-pentanoyl group (2-methylbutyryl group), t-pentanoyl group (pivaloyl group), hexanoyl group, heptanoil group, octanoyl Group, t-octanoyl group (2,2-dimethylhexanoyl group), 2-ethylhexanoyl group, nonanoyl group, isononanoyl group, decanoyl group, isodecanoyl group, undecanoyl group, lauroyl group, myristol group, palmitoyl group, undecilenoyl group And so on.

Examples of the alkoxycarbonyl groups used in R _{1 to} R ₁₀ are linear or branched, for example, methoxycarbonyl group, ethoxycarbonyl group, n-butoxycarbonyl group, n-hexyloxycarbonyl group, n-. Heptyloxycarbonyl group, n-octyloxycarbonyl group, n-nonyloxycarbonyl group, n-decyloxycarbonyl group, n-undecyloxycarbonyl group, n-dodecyloxycarbonyl group, n-tridecyloxycarbonyl group, n Linear alkoxycarbonyl groups such as −tetradecyloxycarbonyl group, n-pentadecyloxycarbonyl group: 1-methylpentyloxycarbonyl group, 4-methyl-2-pentyloxycarbonyl group, 3,3-dimethylbutyloxy Carbonyl group, 2-ethylbutyloxycarbonyl group, 1-methylhexyloxycarbonyl group, t-octyloxycarbonyl group, 1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl group, 2-ethylhexyloxycarbonyl group, 2-propylpentyloxycarbonyl group, 2 , 2-Dimethylheptyloxycarbonyl group, 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptyloxycarbonyl group, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyloxycarbonyl group, 1-methyldecyloxycarbonyl group, 1-hexylheptyloxycarbonyl group, etc. Examples include the branched alkoxycarbonyl group of.

Examples of the acyloxy groups used in R _{1 to} R ₁₀ are saturated or unsaturated linear or branched acyl groups, such as acetoxy group, propionyloxy group, butanoyloxy group, isobutanoyloxy group. , Pentanoyloxy group, isopentanoyloxy group, sec-pentanoyloxy group, t-pentanoyloxy group, hexanoyloxy group, heptanoiloxy group, octanoyloxy group, t-octanoyloxy group, 2- Examples thereof include ethylhexanoyloxy group, nonanoyloxy group, isononanoyloxy group, decanoyyloxy group, isodecanoyloxy group, undecanoyloxy group, lauroyloxy group, myristyloxy group, palmitoyloxy group and the like.

The above-mentioned alkyl group, alkoxy group, acyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, or acyloxy group may be linear or branched, but is linear from the viewpoint of forming a structure in which a photophase transition is likely to occur. Is more preferable.

Further, a part of the above-mentioned alkyl group, alkoxy group, acyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, or acyloxy group may be substituted with a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group and the like.

The number of polymerizable groups contained in one molecule of the azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group may be one or two or more. Above all, from the viewpoint that a polymer compound that is easily melted can be easily obtained even with a low amount of light irradiation energy, the number of polymerizable groups contained in one molecule of the azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group is one. That is, it is preferably a monofunctional polymerizable monomer.

Examples of the polymerizable group include a (meth) acryloyl group, an epoxy group and a vinyl group, and a (meth) acryloyl group or a vinyl group is preferable. Anionic polymerization, cationic polymerization, and living radical polymerization are known as methods for synthesizing block copolymers. Among them, a simple synthesis method includes a living radical polymerization method such as the ATRP method and the RAFT method. If the polymerizable group is a (meth) acryloyl group or a vinyl group, a living radical polymerization method such as the ATRP method or the RAFT method can be used, which is preferable. Of these, the (meth) acryloyl group is preferred. The (meth) acryloyl group means an acryloyl group and a methacryloyl group.

That is, the azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group preferably has a group represented by any of the following formulas (i) to (iv) as a group having a polymerizable group. Having a group having these polymerizable groups is preferable because it is suitable for synthesizing a block copolymer by the living radical polymerization method. Among them, from the viewpoint of ease of softening and melting, it is preferable to have a group represented by (ii), (iii) or (iv), and it is more preferable to have a group of (iii).

In formulas (i) to (iv), A ₁ is independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Each of A ₂ is an alkylene group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms independently. It is preferable that A ₂ is an alkylene group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms independently of each other. The alkylene group may be linear or branched, preferably linear. A part of the alkylene group may be substituted with a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a halogen group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group and the like. A ₃ are each independently an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. It is preferable that A ₃ is an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms independently of each other. The alkylene group may be linear or branched, preferably linear. A part of the alkylene group may be substituted with a substituent. Examples of the substituent include the same as above.

Of the azomethine derivatives having a polymerizable group represented by the chemical formula (2), those which are not selected as the group represented by Y among R ₁ , R ₂ , R _{5 to} R ₇ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R _4. At least one of them is a group having a polymerizable group, but by facilitating photoisomerization, the polymer compound or the toner image of the toner using the polymer compound is melted or softened even by irradiation with lower energy light. From the viewpoint of facilitation, it is preferable to have a group having a polymerizable group in any one of R ₇ and R ₁₀ or R _{1 to} R ₄ which is not adjacent to the group represented by Y, and polymerize to R ₇ . It is more preferable to include a group having a sex group. At this time, it is more preferable that R ₅ , R ₆ , R ₈ and R ₉ are all hydrogen atoms.

The azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group easily causes photoisomerization, so that the polymer compound or the toner image of the toner using the polymer compound can be easily melted or softened even by light irradiation with lower energy. It is preferably a compound represented by the following chemical formula (3).

In chemical formula (3),
X is NR ₁₀ , O or S,
R ₁ and R ₂ are independently hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group, carboxy group, alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and carbon number of carbon atoms, respectively. An acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
One of R _{3 and} R ₄ is a group represented by Y, and the other is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and the like. It is an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
R ₁₀ includes a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, and an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms. Alternatively, it is an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
Z ₁ and Z ₂ are N or CH, and Z ₁ ≠ Z ₂ .
R ₇ is a group having a polymerizable group.

At this time, the group having a polymerizable group is preferably a group represented by any of the above formulas (i) to (iv), and more preferably a group represented by the formula (iii). ..

Further, in the azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group represented by the above chemical formula (3),
(1) Of R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ , all of which are not selected as the group represented by Y are hydrogen atoms or are
(2) Of R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ , which are not selected as the group represented by Y, any one of R _{1 to} R ₄ not adjacent to Y is a cyano group. A nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or a carbon number of carbon atoms. Of the remaining (R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ groups not selected for the group represented by Y, 2 to 12 acyloxy groups, R _{1 to} R not adjacent to Y) above. A group other than the group selected as "any one of ₄ ") is independently a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. R ₁₀ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or
(3) R ₁₀ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Of the acyloxy groups of R ₁ , R ₂ , and R ₃ or R ₄ , those which are not selected as the group represented by Y are independently hydrogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group, and carboxy group, respectively. , An alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms,
It is preferable to satisfy. With this configuration, photoisomerization is likely to occur, and the toner image of the polymer compound or the toner using the polymer compound can be easily melted or softened even by light irradiation with lower energy.

Among the azomethine derivatives represented by the above chemical formula (3), as a preferred embodiment, X is S, Z ₁ is CH, Z ₂ is N, and R ₁ has ₁ to 12 carbon atoms. Alkyl group or alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms (particularly linear alkyl group or alkoxy group), R ₂ and R ₃ are hydrogen atoms, and R ₄ is a group represented by Y. R ₇ is a compound which is a group having a polymerizable group.

Further, among the azomethine derivatives represented by the above chemical formula (3), as another preferable embodiment, X is NR ₁₀ , Z ₁ is CH, Z ₂ is N, and R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₄ is a hydrogen atom, R ₃ is a group represented by Y, R ₇ is a group having a polymerizable group, and R ₁₀ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or 1 to 12 carbon atoms. It is a compound which is an alkoxy group (particularly a linear alkyl group or an alkoxy group).

Among them, azomethine derivatives having a polymerizable group are selected from the viewpoint of facilitating photoisomerization and facilitating melting or softening of a polymer compound or a toner image of a toner using the polymer compound even when irradiated with light of lower energy. , The compound represented by the following chemical formula (4) is preferable.

In chemical formula (4),
X is NR ₁₀ , O or S,
Either R ₃ or R ₄ is a group represented by Y.
Z ₁ and Z ₂ are N or CH, and Z ₁ ≠ Z ₂ .
A ₁ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,
A ₂ is an alkylene group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms.
_{R 1, R 2, R 10} , and either _{R 3} or those not selected the group represented by Y of _{R 4} are all hydrogen atoms,
Or
Of R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ , which are not selected for the group represented by Y, any one of R _{1 to} R ₄ not adjacent to Y is a cyano group, a nitro group, A hydroxy group, a carboxy group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Of the remaining (R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ groups not selected for the group represented by Y, any of the above-mentioned "R _{1 to} R ₄ not adjacent to Y". (Other than the group selected as "one") is independently a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. And R ₁₀ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or
R ₁₀ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Of R ₁ , R ₂ , and R ₃ or R ₄ , those that are not selected as the group represented by Y are independently hydrogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group, carboxy group, and carbon number. It is an alkyl group of 1 to 4 or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In the polymer compound of the present invention, the structural unit derived from the azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group represented by the chemical formula (2) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

<Method for preparing azomethine derivative having polymerizable group>
The method for preparing the azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group is not particularly limited. For example, it can be prepared by first preparing a desired azomethine derivative and then introducing a polymerizable group into the obtained azomethine derivative.

For example, when preparing an azomethine derivative containing a thiophene ring, the first step is to react the aniline derivative with the thiophene carboxylaldehyde derivative as a compound having a thiophene ring. At this time, when either the aniline derivative or the thiophene carboxylaldehyde derivative, which is the raw material, has an OH group as a substituent, a polymerizable group can be easily introduced at the position of the OH group.

For example, X in the above chemical formula (2) is S, R ₁ is a methyl group, R ₂ and R ₃ are H, R ₄ is a group represented by Y, and Z ₁ is CH. , Z ₂ is N, R ₇ is a group having a polymerizable group, and R ₅ , R ₆ , R ₈ and R ₉ are H azomethine derivatives, the intermediate A is obtained by the following reaction formula. Can be done.

Specifically, 4-hydroxyaniline and 5-methylthiophen-2-carboxyaldehyde are treated in methanol (MeOH) (heat-refluxed to react, the reaction solution is filtered, and the obtained powder is cooled ethanol. The desired product can be obtained by washing and recrystallizing with methanol / ethanol.

Then, as a second step, a polymerizable group is introduced into the above intermediate A. The method for introducing the polymerizable group is also not particularly limited. For example, when the linker portion −C ₆ H ₁₂ − is introduced into the above intermediate A, for example, Cl—C ₆ H ₁₂ −OH is allowed to act as a halogenated alcohol compound to obtain the following intermediate B.

The reaction conditions are not particularly limited, but are preferably in the range of 0 ° C. or higher and 100 ° C. or lower, more preferably 0 ° C. or higher and 60 ° C. in the presence of potassium carbonate and potassium iodide in a solvent such as dimethylformamide (DMF). It is preferable to react within the following range, more preferably within the range of 0 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower.

Then, as a third step, the intermediate B is reacted with a compound for forming a polymerizable group, for example, an acrylate or a methacrylate. The reaction conditions are not particularly limited. For example, it is preferable to carry out the reaction in a known organic solvent in the presence of tertiary amines such as triethylamine and triethanolamine. Preferably, a compound for forming a polymerizable group such as acrylate or methacrylic acid salt in the mixed solution while keeping the mixed solution containing the above intermediate B, tertiary amines and a solvent at 0 to 10 ° C. Drop and mix. Then, the mixed solution is reacted at room temperature for about 5 to 10 hours to obtain an azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group.

In the first step described above, an azomethine derivative having a desired substituent can be obtained by changing the raw material used to another compound. For example, by reacting a benzaldehyde derivative with an aminothiophene derivative, an azomethine derivative having Z ₁ of the chemical formula (2) of N and Z ₂ of CH can be obtained. Further, by using a compound having a furan ring or a pyrrole ring instead of the compound having a thiophene ring as a raw material, an azomethine derivative in which the heteroatom of X is O or N can be obtained. Further, a group having a polymerizable group having a different structure can be introduced by changing the compound added in the second step and the third step. A person skilled in the art can synthesize an azomethine derivative having a desired polymerizable group by appropriately making the above changes and selecting appropriate reaction conditions.

Further, in the first step described above, the polymerizable group can be introduced into the intermediate A without performing the second step by appropriately selecting the raw material to be used.

<Polymer block B that does not contain a structure derived from an azomethine derivative>
The polymer block B is not particularly limited as long as the structural unit constituting the polymer block B does not contain a structure derived from the azomethine derivative represented by the above chemical formula (2). In particular, the polymer block B preferably does not contain a structure derived from an azomethine group and an azomethine derivative.

The structural unit constituting the polymer block B is preferably a structural unit constituting a thermoplastic resin that softens by heating. By including the component of the thermoplastic resin in the same polymer compound as the component containing the azomethine derivative, the softening and melting caused by light irradiation of the component containing the azomethin derivative is effectively transmitted, and the polymer compound as a whole is greatly softened and melted. It is thought that it will be possible to induce a phenomenon. Further, it is considered that the toughness is further improved by containing the thermoplastic resin component, and excellent image strength can be obtained when used as a toner.

The structural unit constituting the polymer block B preferably has a vinyl-based polymerizable group from the viewpoint of being applied to the synthesis of a block copolymer by a living radical polymerization method such as the ATRP method or the RAFT method. Specifically, for example, a styrene derivative, a (meth) acrylic acid derivative, an olefin derivative, a vinyl ester derivative, a vinyl ether derivative, a vinyl ketone derivative and the like are used, and the styrene derivative, the (meth) acrylic acid derivative, or the olefin derivative is used. Is preferable. That is, the polymer block B is preferably a polymer block containing at least one of a structural unit derived from a styrene derivative, a (meth) acrylic acid derivative, and an olefin derivative.

Examples of styrene derivatives include styrene, o-methylstyrene, m-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, α-methylstyrene, p-phenylstyrene, p-ethylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, and pt-butylstyrene. , Pn-hexyl styrene, pn-octyl styrene, pn-nonyl styrene, pn-decyl styrene, pn-dodecyl styrene and the like.

Examples of the (meth) acrylic acid derivative include (meth) acrylic acid, methyl (meth) acrylate, ethyl (meth) acrylate, n-propyl (meth) acrylate, isopropyl (meth) acrylate, n-butyl (meth) acrylate, and isobutyl. (Meta) acrylate, t-butyl (meth) acrylate, n-octyl (meth) acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth) acrylate, stearyl (meth) acrylate, dodecyl (meth) acrylate, phenyl (meth) acrylate, diethylaminoethyl (meth) Examples thereof include meta) acrylate and dimethylaminoethyl (meth) acrylate.

Examples of the olefin derivative include ethylene, propylene, n-butylene, isobutylene, n-pentene and the like. The olefin derivative may be linear or branched, and the number of carbon chains is not particularly limited.

Examples of the vinyl ester derivative include vinyl propionate, vinyl acetate, vinyl benzoate and the like. Examples of the vinyl ether derivative include vinyl methyl ether and vinyl ethyl ether. Examples of the vinyl ketone derivative include vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl ethyl ketone, vinyl hexyl ketone and the like.

The number average molecular weight (total number average molecular weight) of the polymer block A contained in the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) in the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1000 or more, more preferably 1000 or more. It is 1000 to 100,000, more preferably 1000 to 70000, even more preferably 1000 to 50000, and particularly preferably 3000 to 50000. When the total number average molecular weight of the polymer block A is 1000 or more, it is preferable because a toner image having excellent fixability can be more easily obtained when used as a toner. Further, when the total number average molecular weight of the polymer blocks A is 100,000 or less, the efficiency of softening and melting is high, which is preferable. Here, the total number average molecular weight of the polymer block A refers to the number average molecular weight of the polymer block A when the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) contains a single polymer block A. , When a plurality of polymer blocks A are included, it means the sum of the number average molecular weights of each polymer block A.

The number average molecular weight (total number average molecular weight) of the polymer block B contained in the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1000 or more, and more preferably 1000 to 100,000. It is even more preferably 1000 to 70000, even more preferably 1000 to 50000, and particularly preferably 3000 to 50000. When the total number average molecular weight of the polymer blocks B is 1000 or more, it is preferable because a toner image having excellent fixability can be more easily obtained when used as a toner. Further, when the total number average molecular weight of the polymer blocks B is 100,000 or less, the efficiency of softening and melting is high, which is preferable. Here, the total number average molecular weight of the polymer block B refers to the number average molecular weight of the polymer block B when the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) contains a single polymer block B. When a plurality of polymer blocks B are included, it means the sum of the number average molecular weights of each polymer block B.

The total average molecular weight Mn of the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) is preferably 3500 or more, more preferably 3500 to 100000, still more preferably 3500 to 70000, and even more preferably. It is 3500 to 50000, and particularly preferably 5000 to 50000. When the total average molecular weight of the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) is 3500 or more, it is preferable because a toner image having excellent fixability can be more easily obtained when used as a toner. Further, when the total average molecular weight is 100,000 or less, the efficiency of softening and melting is high, which is preferable.

Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the total number average molecular weight of the polymer blocks A contained in the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) is 1000 or more, and the total of the polymer blocks B. The number average molecular weight of the polymer compound is 1000 or more, and the total average molecular weight Mn of the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) is 3500 or more.

In the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) of the present invention, the ratio of the total number average molecular weight of the polymer block A to the total number average molecular weight of the polymer B is not particularly limited, but is softened and melted. From the viewpoint of ease and image intensity, the ratio of the total number average molecular weight of the polymer block A to the total number average molecular weight of the polymer block B is preferably 1:20 to 20: 1, preferably 1:15. More preferably, it is ~ 15: 1.

The number average molecular weight of the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) of the present invention and the number average molecular weight of the polymer blocks A and B contained in the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) are gel permeation chromatography. It can be measured by graphics (GPC). Specifically, it can be measured by the method described in Examples described later.

<Method of preparing block copolymer>
The method for synthesizing the polymer compound (block copolymer) represented by the general formula (1) is not particularly limited, and known methods such as anionic polymerization, cationic polymerization, and living radical polymerization can be used. Among them, a living radical polymerization method such as an atom transfer radical polymerization method (ATRP method) or a RAFT method can be preferably used as a simple synthesis method.

Taking the ATRP method as an example, a compound containing a monofunctional, bifunctional, trifunctional, or tetrafunctional halogen element is used as a starting material, and a monomer as a structural unit of the polymer block A or B is used as a catalyst. It can be carried out by a method such as polymerization underneath.

In the step of polymerizing a monomer, for example, a monomer that becomes a structural unit of either one of the polymer blocks A or B (the block that becomes the core portion of the block copolymer) in the presence of an initiator, a catalyst, and a ligand. Is polymerized to produce a macroinitiator.

Examples of the initiator include butyl 2-bromoisobutyrate, ethylenebis (2-bromoisobutyrate), 1,1,1-tris (2-bromoisobutyryloxymethyl) ethane, and pentaerythritol tetrakis (2-). Bromoisobutyrate), α, α'-dibromo-p-xylene, ethyl bromoacetate, 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide, or mixtures thereof, can be exemplified, but is not limited thereto.

Examples of the catalyst include a copper (I) catalyst, an iron (II) catalyst, and the like, and examples thereof include Cu (I) Cl, Cu (I) Br, Fe (II) Cl, Fe (II) Br, or a mixture thereof. can do.

Known ligands can be used, but 2,2'-biviridyl, 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-biviridyl, 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2, 2'-biviridil, 1,1,4,7,10,10-hexamethyltriethylenetetramine, N, N, N', N ", N" -pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, cyclum (1,4,8,11- Tetraazacyclotetradecane), 1,4,8,11-tetramethylcyclum (1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), Tris [2- (dimethyl) One or more selected from the group consisting of amino) ethyl] amine and the like is preferable.

The amounts of the catalyst and the ligand used are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined with reference to conventionally known findings.

Next, the macroinitiator obtained by the above polymerization is isolated and used as an initiator, and again in the presence of a catalyst and a ligand, among the monomers that become the structural unit of the polymer block A or B, the macroinitiator Polymerize the monomer that is not used in the synthesis of. Alternatively, at the stage where almost all the monomers are consumed in the synthesis of the macroinitiator, the monomer not used in the synthesis of the macroinitiator may be added as it is without isolating the macroinitiator, and the polymerization may be continued. .. By these operations, the desired block copolymer can be obtained.

Each of the above reactions is preferably carried out in an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or a rare gas such as argon. Each of the above reactions can be carried out, for example, at a temperature of 25-160 ° C, preferably 35-130 ° C. Further, each of the above reactions may be carried out without using a solvent, or may be carried out in a solvent such as an organic solvent.

A reaction in which a monomer serving as a structural unit of either one of the polymer blocks A or B is polymerized to obtain a macroinitiator and the macroinitiator are reacted with a monomer serving as a structural unit of the other polymer block. In the reaction for obtaining a block copolymer, conditions such as the type and amount of the catalyst and ligand used, and the temperature at the time of the reaction may be the same or different.

<Fluid / non-fluidized by light irradiation>
The wavelength of the irradiation light when the polymer compound containing the structural unit derived from the azomethine derivative is fluidized by light irradiation is preferably in the range of 280 nm or more and 480 nm or less, more preferably in the range of 300 nm or more and 420 nm or less, more preferably. Is in the range of 330 nm or more and 420 nm or less. Within the above range, the crystals tend to collapse (the photomeltability is good), and the fixability is improved. Further, by irradiating the irradiation light of the above wavelength, fluidization can be performed without applying heat or pressure. Therefore, by introducing the polymer compound of the present invention into the toner, it is possible to obtain a toner that can be fixed at the above wavelengths, has high color reproducibility, and has excellent image intensity.

The wavelength range includes a part of visible light. Therefore, the polymer compound of the present invention does not fluidize only by receiving light from sunlight (natural light) or fluorescent lamps, and flows more under low cost conditions in which the irradiation amount and irradiation time are suppressed as much as possible. It is desirable to make it. From such a viewpoint, as the irradiation conditions of the irradiation light when the polymer compound of the present invention is fluidized, the amount of irradiation is preferably 0.1 J / cm ² or more 200 J / cm ² within the range, more preferably 0 .1J / cm ² or more 100 J / cm ² within the range, more preferably, in the range 0.1 J / cm ² or more 50 J / cm ² less.

On the other hand, the condition for immobilizing (resolidifying) the polymer compound of the present invention may be heating or leaving at room temperature, that is, in a natural environment, but at room temperature (25 ± 15), which is the least costly. It is preferable to leave it in the range of ° C) (in a natural environment). In this case, it is better to keep it in a dark place, but it may be exposed to visible light such as natural light or a fluorescent lamp.

When the polymer compound of the present invention is heated to be non-fluidized, the heating temperature is preferably in the range of 0 ° C. or higher and 200 ° C. or lower, more preferably in the range of 20 ° C. or higher and 150 ° C. or lower.

[Toner configuration]
One embodiment of the present invention is a toner containing the above-mentioned polymer compound of the present invention. By introducing the polymer compound into the toner, it is possible to obtain a toner that can be fixed by light irradiation, has high color reproducibility, and has excellent fixing strength.

In addition to the above-mentioned polymer compound of the present invention, the toner of the present embodiment may appropriately contain conventionally known components used in the toner, such as a binder resin, a colorant, and a mold release agent. The content of the polymer compound in the toner depends on the block structure of the block copolymer, the type of structural unit constituting the azomethine derivative and the polymer block B, but from the viewpoint of efficient fluidization and image strength, the toner It is preferably in the range of 5 to 90% by mass with respect to the total amount of the binder resin, the colorant, the mold release agent, and the polymer compound of the present invention constituting the above.

<Bundling resin>
The toner of the present invention may further contain a binder resin. The binder resin is a resin that does not have a structure derived from an azomethine derivative, and a resin that is generally used as a binder resin that constitutes toner can be used without limitation. As the binder resin, for example, styrene resin, acrylic resin, styrene acrylic resin, polyester resin, silicone resin, olefin resin, amide resin, epoxy resin and the like can be used. These binder resins can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Among these, at least one binder resin is selected from the group consisting of styrene resin, acrylic resin, styrene acrylic resin, and polyester resin from the viewpoint of having low viscosity when melted and having high sharp melt property. It is preferable to contain at least one selected from the group consisting of styrene acrylic resin and polyester resin.

(Styrene acrylic resin)
The styrene acrylic resin referred to in the present invention is a polymer containing at least a structural unit derived from a styrene monomer and a structural unit derived from a (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer. Here, the styrene monomer includes not only styrene represented by the structural formula of CH ₂ = CH-C ₆ H ₅ but also a structure having a known side chain or functional group in the styrene structure.

Examples of the styrene monomer include those similar to the styrene monomer that can constitute the above-mentioned polymer compound.

Further, the (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer has a functional group having an ester bond in the side chain. _{Specifically,} CH 2 = CHCOOR (R is an alkyl group) other acrylic acid ester monomer represented _by, methacrylic acid ester represented by _{CH 2 = C (CH 3)} COOR (R is an alkyl group) Contains vinyl ester compounds such as monomers. The (meth) acrylic acid in the (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer means acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

Examples of (meth) acrylic acid ester monomers include methyl (meth) acrylate, ethyl (meth) acrylate, n-propyl (meth) acrylate, isopropyl (meth) acrylate, n-butyl (meth) acrylate, and isobutyl (. Meta) acrylate, t-butyl (meth) acrylate, n-octyl (meth) acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth) acrylate, stearyl (meth) acrylate, dodecyl (meth) acrylate, phenyl (meth) acrylate, diethylaminoethyl (meth) ) Acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl (meth) acrylate and the like.

The styrene monomer and the (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The content of the structural unit derived from the styrene monomer and the structural unit derived from the (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer in the styrene acrylic resin is not particularly limited, and controls the softening point and the glass transition temperature of the binder resin. It can be adjusted as appropriate from the viewpoint of Specifically, the content of the structural unit derived from the styrene monomer is preferably 40 to 95% by mass, more preferably 50 to 80% by mass, based on the total amount of the monomers. .. Further, the content of the structural unit derived from the (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer is preferably 5 to 60% by mass, more preferably 10 to 50% by mass, based on the total amount of the monomers. preferable.

If necessary, the styrene acrylic resin may further contain structural units derived from a monomer other than the styrene monomer and the (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer. Examples of other monomers include vinyl monomers. Hereinafter, vinyl monomers that can be used in combination when forming the styrene-acrylic copolymer referred to in the present invention will be illustrated, but the vinyl monomers that can be used in combination are not limited to those shown below.

(1) Olefins Ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, etc. (2) Vinyl esters Vinyl propionate, vinyl acetate, vinyl benzoate, etc. (3) Vinyl ethers Vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, etc. (4) Vinyl ketones Vinyl methyl ketone, etc. Vinyl ethyl ketone, vinyl hexyl ketone, etc. (5) N-vinyl compounds N-vinylcarbazole, N-vinylindole, N-vinylpyrrolidone, etc. (6) Other vinyl compounds such as vinylnaphthalene and vinylpyridine, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile Acrylic acids such as nitrile and acrylamide, or methacrylic acid derivatives.

It is also possible to prepare a resin having a crosslinked structure by using a polyfunctional vinyl monomer. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a vinyl monomer having an ionic dissociation group in the side chain. Specific examples of the ionic dissociating group include a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, and a phosphoric acid group. Specific examples of vinyl monomers having these ionic dissociative groups are shown below.

Specific examples of the vinyl monomer having a carboxyl group include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, silicic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid monoalkyl ester, and itaconic acid monoalkyl ester. ..

When the styrene acrylic resin is formed, the contents of the styrene monomer and the (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer are not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of controlling the softening point temperature and the glass transition temperature of the binder resin. It can be adjusted as appropriate. Specifically, the content of the styrene monomer is preferably 40 to 95% by mass, more preferably 50 to 80% by mass, based on the entire monomer constituting the styrene acrylic resin. The content of the (meth) acrylic acid ester monomer is preferably 5 to 60% by mass, more preferably 10 to 50% by mass, based on the total amount of the monomers constituting the styrene acrylic resin.

The method for forming the styrene acrylic resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of polymerizing a monomer using a known oil-soluble or water-soluble polymerization initiator. If necessary, for example, n-
Known chain transfer agents such as octyl mercaptan may be used. As the oil-soluble polymerization initiator, for example, the following azo-based or diazo-based polymerization initiators and peroxide-based polymerization initiators are used.

Examples of the azo or diazo polymerization initiator include 2,2'-azobis- (2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile), 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile, and 1,1'-azobis (cyclohexane-1). -Carbonitrile), 2,2'-azobis-4-methoxy-2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile, azobisisobutyronitrile and the like.

Examples of the peroxide-based polymerization initiator include benzoyl peroxide, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, diisopropyl peroxycarbonate, cumene hydroperoxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, di-t-butyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, 2, Examples thereof include 4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, 2,2-bis- (4,5-t-butylperoxycyclohexyl) propane, and tris- (t-butylperoxy) triazine.

Further, when styrene acrylic resin particles are formed by the emulsion polymerization method, a water-soluble radical polymerization initiator can be used. Examples of the water-soluble radical polymerization initiator include persulfates such as potassium persulfate and ammonium persulfate, azobisaminodipropane acetate, azobiscyanovaleric acid and its salts, and hydrogen peroxide.

The polymerization temperature varies depending on the monomer used and the type of the polymerization initiator, but is preferably 50 to 100 ° C, more preferably 55 to 90 ° C. The polymerization time varies depending on the type of monomer and polymerization initiator used, but is preferably 2 to 12 hours, for example.

The styrene acrylic resin particles formed by the emulsification polymerization method may have two or more layers made of resins having different compositions. In this case, as a production method, a polymerization initiator and a polymerizable monomer are added to a dispersion of resin particles prepared by an emulsion polymerization treatment (first-stage polymerization) according to a conventional method, and this system is polymerized. A multi-stage polymerization method in which treatment (second-stage and third-stage polymerization) is performed can be adopted.

(Polyester resin)
The polyester resin is a polyester resin obtained by a polycondensation reaction between a divalent or higher carboxylic acid (polyvalent carboxylic acid component) and a divalent or higher alcohol (polyhydric alcohol component). The polyester resin may be amorphous or crystalline.

The valences of the polyvalent carboxylic acid component and the polyhydric alcohol component are preferably 2 to 3 respectively, and more preferably 2 each. That is, the polyvalent carboxylic acid component preferably contains a dicarboxylic acid component, and the polyhydric alcohol component preferably contains a dialcohol component.

Examples of the dicarboxylic acid component include oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimeric acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, 1,9-nonandicarboxylic acid, and 1,10-decandicarboxylic acid. (Dodecanedioic acid), 1,11-undecanedicarboxylic acid, 1,12-dodecanedicarboxylic acid, 1,13-tridecanedicarboxylic acid, 1,14-tetradecanedicarboxylic acid, 1,16-hexadecanediocarboxylic acid, 1,18 -Saturated aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as octadecanedicarboxylic acid; unsaturated aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as methylenesuccinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, 3-hexendioic acid, 3-octendioic acid, dodecenylsuccinic acid; phthalic acid, Telephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, t-butylisophthalic acid, tetrachlorophthalic acid, chlorophthalic acid, nitrophthalic acid, p-phenylene diacetic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid, anthracendicarboxylic acid, etc. The unsaturated aromatic dicarboxylic acid of the above; and the like, and these lower alkyl esters and acid anhydrides can also be used. The dicarboxylic acid component may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

In addition, trimellitic acid, pyromellitic acid and other trivalent or higher valent carboxylic acids, their anhydrides, and alkyl esters having 1 to 3 carbon atoms can also be used.

Examples of the diol component include ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, and 1,7-heptane. Diol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 1,11-undecanediol, 1,12-dodecanediol, 1,13-tridecanediol, 1,14-tetradecane Saturated aliphatic diols such as diols, 1,18-octadecanediols, 1,20-eicosanediols, neopentyl glycols; 2-butene-1,4-diols, 3-butene-1,4-diols, 2-butins. Unsaturated aliphatic diols such as -1,4-diol, 3-butin-1,4-diol, 9-octadecene-7,12-diol; bisphenols such as bisphenol A and bisphenol F, and addition of ethylene oxide thereof. Examples thereof include aromatic diols such as alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols such as propylene oxide adducts, and derivatives thereof can also be used. The diol component may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The method for producing the polyester resin is not particularly limited, and the polyester resin can be produced by polycondensing (esterifying) the polyvalent carboxylic acid component and the polyhydric alcohol component using a known esterification catalyst.

As catalysts that can be used in the production of polyester resins, alkali metal compounds such as sodium and lithium; compounds containing Group 2 elements such as magnesium and calcium; aluminum, zinc, manganese, antimony, titanium, tin, zirconium, Examples thereof include metal compounds such as germanium; phosphite compounds; phosphoric acid compounds; and amine compounds. Specifically, examples of the tin compound include dibutyltin oxide (dibutyltin oxide), tin octylate, tin dioctylate, and salts thereof. Titanium compounds include titanium alkoxides such as tetranormal butyl titanate (Ti (On-Bu) ₄ ), tetraisopropyl titanate, tetramethyl titanate, tetrastearyl titanate; titanium acylate such as polyhydroxytitanium stearate; titanium tetra. Examples thereof include titanium chelates such as acetylacetonate, titanium lactate, and titanium triethanolaminate. Examples of the germanium compound include germanium dioxide and the like. Further, examples of the aluminum compound include polyaluminum hydroxide, aluminum alkoxide, tributylaluminate and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type or in combination of 2 or more type.

The polymerization temperature is not particularly limited, but is preferably 70 to 250 ° C. The polymerization time is also not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 to 10 hours. During the polymerization, the pressure inside the reaction system may be reduced, if necessary.

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the toner is preferably 25 to 100 ° C., more preferably 30 to 80 ° C., from the viewpoint of fixability and heat-resistant storage property. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the toner is the content ratio of the polymer block A and the polymer block B in the polymer compound of the above general formula (1), the type of resin constituting the polymer block B, and the block copolymer. It can be adjusted according to the structure, molecular weight, and the like. When the toner contains a binder resin, it can be further adjusted by the content ratio of the polymer compound and the binder resin, the type of the binder resin, the molecular weight, and the like.

The toner of the present invention may be particles having a single-layer structure or particles having a core-shell structure. The type of the binder resin used for the core particles of the core-shell structure and the shell portion is not particularly limited.

<Colorant>
The toner according to the present invention may further contain a colorant. Since the polymer compound containing the structural unit derived from the azomethine derivative is not significantly colored, a toner having high color reproducibility of the colorant can be obtained. As the colorant, generally known dyes and pigments can be used.

Examples of the colorant for obtaining black toner include carbon black, magnetic material, and iron / titanium composite oxide black, and carbon black includes channel black, furnace black, acetylene black, thermal black, and lamp black. Is done. Further, examples of the magnetic material include ferrite and magnetite.

Examples of the colorant for obtaining the yellow toner include C.I. I. Dyes such as Solvent Yellow 19, 44, 77, 79, 81, 82, 93, 98, 103, 104, 112, 162; C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 14, 17, 74, 93, 94, 138, 155, 180, 185 and the like.

Examples of the colorant for obtaining magenta toner include C.I. I. Dyes such as Solvent Red 1, 49, 52, 58, 63, 111, 122; C.I. I. Pigment Red 5, 48: 1, 53: 1, 57: 1, 122, 139, 144, 149, 166, 177, 178, 222 and the like.

Examples of the colorant for obtaining cyan toner include C.I. I. Dyes such as Solvent Blue 25, 36, 60, 70, 93, 95; C.I. I. Pigment Blue 1, 7, 15, 15, 15: 3, 60, 62, 66, 76 and the like.

As the colorant for obtaining the toner of each color, one kind or a combination of two or more kinds can be used for each color.

The content of the colorant is preferably 0.5 to 20% by mass, more preferably 2 to 10% by mass in the toner particles (toner base particles) before the addition of the external additive.

<Release agent>
The toner according to the present invention may further contain a mold release agent. By introducing a release agent into the toner, it is possible to obtain a toner having more excellent fixability and high color reproducibility when heat fixing is performed together with light irradiation.

The release agent used is not particularly limited, and various known waxes can be used. Examples of the wax include low molecular weight polypropylene, polyethylene, oxidized low molecular weight polypropylene, polyolefins such as polyethylene, paraffin wax, synthetic ester wax and the like. Above all, it is preferable to use paraffin wax from the viewpoint of improving the storage stability of the toner.

The content of the release agent is preferably 1 to 30% by mass, more preferably 3 to 15% by mass in the toner base particles.

<Charge control agent>
The toner according to the present invention may contain a charge control agent. The charge control agent used is not particularly limited as long as it is a substance capable of giving positive or negative charge by triboelectric charge and is colorless, and various known positive charge control agents and negative charge control agents and negative charges are used. A chargeable charge control agent can be used.

The content of the charge control agent is preferably 0.01 to 30% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass in the toner matrix particles.

<External agent>
In order to improve the fluidity, chargeability, cleanability, etc. of the toner, an external additive such as a fluidizing agent, a cleaning aid, which is a so-called post-treatment agent, is added to the toner matrix particles to obtain the toner according to the present invention. It may be configured.

Examples of the external additive include inorganic oxide particles such as silica particles, alumina particles, and titanium oxide particles, inorganic stearic acid compound particles such as aluminum stearate particles and zinc stearate particles, strontium titanate particles, and zinc titanate particles. Inorganic particles such as inorganic titanic compound particles such as. If necessary, these inorganic particles may be hydrophobized. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Among these, as the external additive, for example, sol-gel silica particles, silica particles whose surface is hydrophobized (hydrophobic silica particles) or titanium oxide particles (hydrophobic titanium oxide particles) are preferable, and at least 2 of these are preferable. It is more preferable to use more than a kind of external additive.

The number average primary particle size of the external additive is preferably in the range of 1 to 200 nm, and more preferably 10 to 180 nm. At this time, it is particularly preferable that at least one of the external additives is 30 nm or more and 180 nm or less.

The amount of these external additives added is preferably 0.05 to 5% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass in the toner.

<Average particle size of toner>
The average particle size of the toner is preferably 4 to 20 μm, more preferably 5 to 15 μm in terms of volume-based median diameter (D50). When the volume-based median diameter (D50) is within the above range, the transfer efficiency is high, the image quality of halftone is improved, and the image quality of fine lines and dots is improved.

The toner volume-based median diameter (D50) is a computer system (Beckman Coulter Co., Ltd.) equipped with data processing software "Software V3.51" on "Coulter Counter 3" (manufactured by Beckman Coulter Co., Ltd.). Can be measured and calculated using a measuring device connected to.

Specifically, 0.02 g of the measurement sample (toner) is 20 mL of a surfactant solution (for the purpose of dispersing toner particles, for example, a neutral detergent containing a surfactant component diluted 10-fold with pure water). After adding to the solution) and acclimatizing, ultrasonic dispersion is performed for 1 minute to prepare a toner dispersion. This toner dispersion is pipetted into a beaker containing "ISOTONII" (manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.) in a sample stand until the indicated concentration of the measuring device reaches 8%.

Here, by setting the display density in the above range, a reproducible measured value can be obtained. Then, in the measuring device, the number of measured particles is 25,000, the aperture diameter is 50 μm, the measurement range of 1 to 30 μm is divided into 256 to calculate the frequency value, and the volume integration fraction is 50% from the largest. Let the particle size of be the volume-based median diameter (D50).

[Toner manufacturing method]
The method for producing the toner of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, when the toner is made of only the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1), the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) is used as a device such as a hammer mill, a feather mill, or a counter jet mill. A production method including pulverizing with the above-mentioned material and then classifying the particles to a desired particle size using a dry classifier such as a spin air sheave, a class seal, or a micron classifier is preferable.

In the case of producing a toner containing the polymer compound and the colorant represented by the general formula (1) and not containing the binder resin, a solvent in which both the polymer compound and the colorant represented by the general formula (1) are dissolved. Is used to dissolve the polymer compound and colorant represented by the general formula (1) to prepare a solution, then remove the solvent, and then pulverize and classify by the same method as described above. The method is preferred.

When producing a toner containing a polymer compound represented by the general formula (1), a binder resin and, if necessary, a colorant, a production method using an emulsion aggregation method in which the particle size and shape can be easily controlled is used. It is preferable to have.

Such a manufacturing method
(1A) Bending resin particle dispersion preparation step for preparing a dispersion of binder resin particles (1B) Polymer compound particle dispersion for preparing a dispersion of polymer compound particles represented by the general formula (1) Preparation step (1C) Colorant particle dispersion preparation step of preparing a dispersion of colorant particles as needed (2) Bundling resin particles, polymer compound particles, and colorant particles if necessary are present. Toner particles are formed by adding a flocculant to the water-based medium to promote salting and at the same time performing aggregation and fusion to form associative particles (3) Controlling the shape of the associative particles. Aging step (4) Filtering and washing step of filtering toner particles from the aqueous medium and removing surfactants and the like from the toner particles (5) Drying step of drying the washed toner particles (6) Drying treatment It is preferable to include each step of the external additive addition step of adding the external additive to the added toner particles.

Hereinafter, the steps (1A) to (1C) will be described.

(1A) Bundling Resin Particle Dispersion Solution Preparation Step In this step, resin particles are formed by conventionally known emulsion polymerization or the like, and the resin particles are aggregated and fused to form binding resin particles. As an example, a dispersion liquid of the binder resin particles is prepared by putting the polymerizable monomers constituting the binder resin into an aqueous medium and dispersing them, and polymerizing these polymerizable monomers with a polymerization initiator. ..

Further, as a method for obtaining a binder resin particle dispersion solution, in addition to the method of polymerizing a polymerizable monomer with a polymerization initiator in the above-mentioned aqueous medium, for example, a dispersion treatment in an aqueous medium without using a solvent is performed. Or a method in which a crystalline resin is dissolved in a solvent such as ethyl acetate to prepare a solution, the solution is emulsified and dispersed in an aqueous medium using a disperser, and then a solvent removal treatment is performed.

At this time, if necessary, the binding resin may contain a release agent in advance. In addition, for dispersion, polymerization is appropriately carried out in the presence of a known surfactant (for example, anionic surfactant such as polyoxyethylene (2) sodium dodecyl ether sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid). Is also preferable.

The volume-based median diameter of the binder resin particles in the dispersion is preferably 50 to 300 nm. The volume-based median diameter of the binder resin particles in the dispersion can be measured by a dynamic light scattering method using "Microtrack UPA-150" (manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.).

(1B) Polymer Compound Particle Dispersion Solution Preparation Step In this polymer compound particle dispersion preparation step, the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) is dispersed in an aqueous medium in the form of fine particles, and the general formula (1B) is used. This is a step of preparing a dispersion of particles of the polymer compound represented by 1).

In preparing a dispersion of particles of a polymer compound represented by the general formula (1), first, an emulsion of the polymer compound is prepared. Examples of the emulsion of the polymer compound include a method in which the polymer compound is dissolved in an organic solvent and then the obtained solution is emulsified in an aqueous medium.

The method for dissolving the polymer compound in the organic solvent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method in which the polymer compound is added to the organic solvent and stirred and mixed so as to dissolve the polymer compound. The amount of the polymer compound added is preferably 5 parts by mass or more and 100 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 10 parts by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the organic solvent.

Next, the obtained solution of the polymer compound and an aqueous medium are mixed and stirred using a known disperser such as a homogenizer. As a result, the polymer compound becomes droplets and is emulsified in an aqueous medium to prepare an emulsified solution of the polymer compound.

The amount of the polymer compound solution added is preferably 10 parts by mass or more and 120 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the aqueous medium.

When the solution of the polymer compound and the aqueous medium are mixed, the temperatures of the solution of the polymer compound and the aqueous medium are each in a temperature range below the boiling point of the organic solvent, preferably 20 ° C. or higher and 80 ° C. or lower. , More preferably 30 ° C. or higher and 75 ° C. or lower. When the solution of the polymer compound and the aqueous medium are mixed, the temperature of the solution of the polymer compound and the temperature of the aqueous medium may be the same or different from each other, and are preferably the same.

As for the stirring conditions of the disperser, for example, when the capacity of the stirring container is 1 to 3 L, the rotation speed is preferably 7,000 rpm or more and 20000 rpm or less, and the stirring time is preferably 10 minutes or more and 30 minutes or less.

The dispersion of the particles of the polymer compound is prepared by removing the organic solvent from the emulsion of the polymer compound. Examples of the method for removing the organic solvent from the emulsion of the polymer compound include known methods such as blowing air, heating, depressurizing, or a combination thereof.

As an example, the emulsion of the polymer compound is preferably 25 ° C. or higher and 90 ° C. or lower, more preferably 30 ° C. or higher and 80 ° C. or lower, for example, in an atmosphere of an inert gas such as nitrogen, for example, the initial amount of organic solvent. The organic solvent is removed by heating until about 80% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less of the above is removed. As a result, the organic solvent is removed from the aqueous medium, and a dispersion of the polymer compound particles in which the polymer compound particles are dispersed in the aqueous medium is prepared.

The mass average particle size of the polymer compound particles in the dispersion liquid of the polymer compound particles is preferably 90 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. The mass average particle size is the viscosity when the polymer compound is blended in an organic solvent, the blending ratio of the polymer compound solution and the aqueous medium, and the disperser when preparing the emulsion of the polymer compound. It can be set within the above range by appropriately adjusting the stirring speed and the like. The mass average particle size of the polymer compound particles in the dispersion liquid of the polymer compound particles can be measured using an electrophoretic light scattering photometer "ELS-800" (manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.). ..

<Organic solvent>
The organic solvent used in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can dissolve the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1). Specifically, esters such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether and tetrahydrofuran, ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, saturated hydrocarbons such as hexane and heptane, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, and tetra. Examples thereof include halogenated hydrocarbons such as carbon chloride.

Such an organic solvent can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these organic solvents, ketones and halogenated hydrocarbons are preferable, and methyl ethyl ketone and dichloromethane are more preferable.

<Aqueous medium>
Examples of the water-based medium used in this step include water or a water-based medium containing water as a main component, a water-soluble solvent such as alcohols and glycols, and an optional component such as a surfactant and a dispersant. Be done. As the aqueous medium, a mixture of water and a surfactant is preferably used.

Examples of the surfactant include a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and the like. Examples of the cationic surfactant include dodecyl ammonium chloride, dodecyl ammonium bromide, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, dodecyl pyridinium chloride, dodecyl pyridinium bromide, hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide and the like. Examples of the anionic surfactant include fatty acid soaps such as sodium stearate and sodium dodecylate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium dodecyl sulfate and the like. Examples of the nonionic surfactant include polyoxyethylene dodecyl ether, polyoxyethylene hexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene dodecyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate ether, and monodecanoyl. Examples include sucrose.

Such surfactants can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among the surfactants, an anionic surfactant is preferably used, and more preferably sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is used.

The amount of the surfactant added is preferably 0.01 parts by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 0.04 parts by mass or more and 1 part by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the aqueous medium.

(1C) Colorant Particle Dispersion Liquid Preparation Step This colorant particle dispersion liquid preparation step is a step of preparing a dispersion liquid of colorant particles by dispersing the colorant in fine particles in an aqueous medium.

Dispersion of the colorant can be performed using mechanical energy. The median diameter based on the number of colorant particles in the dispersion is preferably 10 to 300 nm, more preferably 50 to 200 nm. The median diameter based on the number of colorant particles can be measured using an electrophoretic light scattering photometer "ELS-800" (manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.).

The steps from the (2) meeting step to the (6) external additive addition step can be carried out according to various conventionally known methods.

The coagulant used in (2) the associating step is not particularly limited, but one selected from metal salts is preferably used. Examples of the metal salt include monovalent metal salts such as alkali metal salts such as sodium, potassium and lithium; divalent metal salts such as calcium, magnesium, manganese and copper; and trivalent metal salts such as iron and aluminum. And so on. Specific examples of the metal salt include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, lithium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, copper sulfate, magnesium sulfate, manganese sulfate, etc., among which agglomerates in a smaller amount. It is particularly preferable to use a divalent metal salt because the above can be promoted. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[Developer]
The toner according to the present invention may be used as a one-component magnetic toner containing a magnetic substance, mixed with a so-called carrier and used as a two-component developer, or a non-magnetic toner may be used alone. Any of these can be preferably used.

As the magnetic material, for example, magnetite, γ-hematite, various ferrites, or the like can be used.

Carriers contained in the two-component developer include magnetic particles made of metals such as iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, ferrite, and magnetite, and conventionally known materials such as alloys of these metals with metals such as aluminum and lead. Can be used.

The carrier may be a coat carrier in which the surface of the magnetic particles is coated with a coating agent such as a resin, or a resin dispersion type carrier in which a magnetic material powder is dispersed in a binder resin. The resin for coating is not particularly limited, and for example, an olefin resin, an acrylic resin, a styrene resin, a styrene acrylic resin, a silicone resin, a polyester resin, a fluororesin, or the like is used. Further, the resin for forming the resin-dispersed carrier particles is not particularly limited, and known ones can be used. For example, acrylic resin, styrene acrylic resin, polyester resin, fluororesin, phenol resin and the like are used. can do.

The volume-based median diameter of the carrier is preferably 20 to 100 μm, more preferably 25 to 80 μm. The median diameter based on the volume of the carrier can be typically measured by a laser diffraction type particle size distribution measuring device "HELOS" (manufactured by SIMPATEC) equipped with a wet disperser.

The amount of the toner mixed with the carrier is preferably 2 to 10% by mass, with the total mass of the toner and the carrier as 100% by mass.

[Image formation method]
The toner of the present invention can be used in various known electrophotographic image forming methods. For example, it can be used for a monochrome image forming method or a full-color image forming method. In the full-color image forming method, a four-cycle image forming method composed of four types of color developing devices for each of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black and one photoconductor, and color developing for each color. It can be applied to any image forming method such as a tandem image forming method in which an image forming unit having an apparatus and a photoconductor is mounted for each color.

That is, the image forming method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes 1) a step of forming a toner image made of the toner of the present invention on a recording medium, and 2) irradiating the toner image with light to obtain the toner image. Includes a step of softening.

About step 1) In this step, a toner image made of the toner of the present invention is formed on a recording medium.

(recoding media)
The recording medium is a member for holding a toner image. Examples of recording media include coated printing paper such as plain paper, high-quality paper, art paper, and coated paper, commercially available Japanese paper and postcard paper, resin films for OHP or packaging materials, and cloth. ..

The recording medium may be in the form of a sheet (single leaf) having a predetermined size, or may be in the form of a long piece that is wound into a roll after the toner image is fixed.

The toner image can be formed, for example, by transferring the toner image on the photoconductor onto a recording medium, as will be described later.

About step 2) In this step, the formed toner image is irradiated with light to soften the toner image. As a result, the toner image can be adhered to the recording medium.

The wavelength of the light to be irradiated is not particularly limited as long as the toner image can be sufficiently softened by photothermal conversion by the polymer compound in the toner, but is preferably 280 nm or more and 480 nm or less. Within the above range, the toner image can be softened more efficiently. From the same viewpoint, the irradiation amount of light is preferably 0.1 to 200 J / cm ² , more preferably 0.1 to 100 J / cm ² , and even more preferably 0.1 to 50 J / cm ² .

Irradiation of light can be performed by using a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser light source, as will be described later.

After the step 2), if necessary, a step of 3) pressurizing the softened toner image may be further performed.

About step 3) In this step, the softened toner image is pressurized.

The pressure at which the toner image on the recording medium is pressed is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 5.0 MPa, more preferably 0.05 to 1.0 MPa. By setting the pressure to 0.01 MPa or more, the amount of deformation of the toner image can be increased, so that the contact area between the toner image and the recording paper S increases, and it is easy to further improve the fixability of the image. Further, by setting the pressure to 5.0 MPa or less, shock noise during pressurization can be suppressed.

The pressurizing step may be performed before or at the same time as the step of irradiating light to soften the toner image (step 2) described above, but it is better to perform the pressurizing step after irradiating light to add to the toner image in the softened state in advance. It is preferable because it can be pressed, and as a result, the fixability of the image is further improved.

Further, in the step of pressurizing, the softened toner image may be further heated. That is, the pressurizing step may be performed while heating the toner image.

The heating temperature of the toner image (surface temperature of the toner image during heating) is preferably (Tg + 20) to (Tg + 100) ° C., preferably (Tg + 25) to (Tg + 80) ° C., when the glass transition temperature of the toner is Tg. Is more preferable. When the surface temperature of the toner image is (Tg + 20) ° C. or higher, the toner image is easily deformed by pressurization, and when the surface temperature is (Tg + 100) ° C. or lower, hot offset is easily suppressed. The hot offset is a phenomenon in which a part of the toner is transferred to a pressure member such as a roller in the fixing process, and the toner layer is divided.

Further, before the step 2), if necessary, the step of heating the toner image in advance may be further performed 4). As described above, by further performing the step of 4) heating the toner image in advance before the step of 2), the sensitivity of the polymer compound of the present invention to light can be further enhanced. As a result, even if it is a polymer, its sensitivity to light is not easily impaired, so that it is easy to promote melting or softening of the toner image by light irradiation.

The image forming method of the present invention can be performed, for example, by using the following image forming apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus 100 used in the image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, the image forming apparatus used in the present invention is not limited to the following forms and illustrated examples. Although FIG. 1 shows an example of a monochrome image forming apparatus 100, the present invention can also be applied to a color image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus 100 is a device that forms an image on the recording paper S as a recording medium, includes an image reading device 71 and an automatic document feeder 72, and has an image on the recording paper S conveyed by the paper conveying system 7. An image is formed by the forming portion 10, the irradiation portion 40, and the crimping portion 9.

Further, although the image forming apparatus 100 uses the recording paper S as the recording medium, the medium for which the image is formed may be other than the paper.

The document d placed on the platen of the automatic document feeder 72 is scanned and exposed by the optical system of the scanning exposure device of the image reading device 71 and read into the image sensor CCD. The analog signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor CCD is input to the exposure device 3 of the image forming unit 10 after analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, etc. are performed in the image processing unit 20. To.

The paper transport system 7 includes a plurality of trays 16, a plurality of paper feed units 11, a transport roller 12, a transport belt 13, and the like. The tray 16 houses the recording paper S of a predetermined size, respectively, and operates the paper feeding unit 11 of the tray 16 determined in response to an instruction from the control unit 90 to supply the recording paper S. The transport roller 12 transports the recording paper S sent out from the tray 16 by the paper feed unit 11 or the recording paper S carried in from the manual paper feed unit 15 to the image forming unit 10.

The image forming unit 10 is configured such that a charging device 2, an exposure device 3, a developing unit 4, a transfer unit 5, and a cleaning unit 8 are arranged in this order around the photoconductor 1 along the rotation direction of the photoconductor 1. Has been done.

The photoconductor 1 which is an image carrier is an image carrier having a photoconducting layer formed on its surface, and is configured to be rotatable in the direction of an arrow in FIG. 1 by a driving device (not shown). A thermo-hygrometer 17 for detecting the temperature and humidity in the image forming apparatus 100 is provided in the vicinity of the photoconductor 1.

The charger 2 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor 1, and uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor 1. The exposure device 3 is provided with a beam emitting source such as a laser diode, and by irradiating the surface of the charged photoconductor 1 with beam light, the charge of the irradiated portion is eliminated, and the photoconductor 1 is statically charged according to the image data. Form an electro-latent image. The developing unit 4 supplies the toner contained therein to the photoconductor 1, and creates a toner image based on the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 1.

The transfer unit 5 faces the photoconductor 1 via the recording paper S and transfers the toner image to the recording paper S. The cleaning unit 8 includes a blade 85. The surface of the photoconductor 1 is cleaned by the blade 85 to remove the developer remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 1.

The recording paper S on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the crimping portion 9 by the conveying belt 13. The crimping portion 9 is arbitrarily installed, and the recording paper S on which the toner image is transferred is subjected to a fixing process by applying pressure only or heat and pressure by the pressure members 91 and 92, thereby recording. The image is fixed on the paper S. The recording paper S on which the image is fixed is conveyed to the paper ejection unit 14 by the conveying roller, and is ejected from the paper ejection unit 14 to the outside of the machine.

Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a paper reversing unit 24, and the recording paper S that has been heat-fixed is conveyed to the paper reversing unit 24 in front of the paper ejection unit 14, and the front and back sides are inverted and ejected. Alternatively, the recording paper S whose front and back sides are reversed can be conveyed to the image forming unit 10 again to form an image on both sides of the recording paper S.

<Irradiation part>
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the irradiation unit 40 in the image forming apparatus 100.

The image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an irradiation unit 40. The irradiation unit 40 irradiates the toner image formed on the recording paper S with light. Examples of the device constituting the irradiation unit 40 include a light emitting diode (LED), a laser light source, and the like.

The irradiation unit 40 irradiates light toward the first surface of the recording paper S that holds the toner image on the photoconductor side, and the recording paper S surface nipped into the photoconductor 1 and the transfer unit (transfer roller) 5. It is arranged on the photoconductor side.

The irradiation unit 40 is arranged on the downstream side in the paper transport direction with respect to the nip position between the photoconductor 1 and the transfer portion 5, and on the upstream side in the paper transport direction with respect to the crimping portion 9.

According to the image forming method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the photoconductor 1 is charged with a uniform potential by the charger 2, and then the photoconductor 1 is exposed to a light beam irradiated by the exposure device 3 based on the original image data. Scan on the body 1 to form an electrostatic latent image. Next, the developing unit 4 supplies the developing agent containing the toner of the present invention onto the photoconductor 1.

When the recording paper S is conveyed from the tray 16 to the image forming unit 10 at the timing when the toner image carried on the surface of the photoconductor 1 reaches the position of the transfer unit 5 due to the rotation of the photoconductor 1, it is transferred to the transfer unit 5. Due to the applied transfer bias, the toner image on the photoconductor 1 is transferred onto the recording paper S nipped into the transfer unit 5 and the photoconductor 1.

Further, the transfer unit 5 also serves as a pressurizing member, and while the toner image can be transferred from the photoconductor 1 to the recording paper S, the polymer compound contained in the toner image is surely adhered to the recording paper S. Can be made to.

After the toner image is transferred to the recording paper S, the blade 85 of the cleaning unit 8 removes the developer remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 1.

In the process of transporting the recording paper S on which the toner image is transferred to the crimping portion 9 by the transport belt 13, the irradiation unit 40 irradiates the toner image transferred on the recording paper S with light. By irradiating the toner image on the first surface of the recording paper S with light by the irradiation unit 40, the toner image can be more reliably melted, and the fixability of the toner image to the recording paper S can be improved. Can be done.

When the recording paper S on which the toner image is held reaches the crimping portion 9 by the transport belt 13, the pressurizing members 91 and 92 crimp the toner image to the first surface of the recording paper S. Since the toner image is softened by the light irradiation by the irradiation unit 40 before the fixing process is performed by the pressure-bonding portion 9, energy saving of image crimping on the recording paper S can be achieved.

The pressure when pressurizing the toner image is as described above. The pressurizing step may be performed before or at the same time as the step of irradiating light to soften the toner image, or may be performed after the step. From the viewpoint that the toner image in a pre-softened state can be pressurized and the image intensity can be easily increased, the pressurizing step is preferably performed after light irradiation.

Further, the pressurizing member 91 can heat the toner image on the recording sheet S when the recording sheet S passes between the pressurizing members 91 and 92. The toner image softened by light irradiation is further softened by this heating, and as a result, the fixability of the toner image on the recording paper S is further improved.

The heating temperature of the toner image is as described above. The heating temperature of the toner image (surface temperature of the toner image) can be measured by a non-contact temperature sensor. Specifically, for example, a non-contact temperature sensor may be installed at a position where the recording medium is discharged from the pressurizing member, and the surface temperature of the toner image on the recording medium may be measured.

The toner image crimped by the pressurizing members 91 and 92 is solidified and fixed on the recording paper S.

(Photoresponsive adhesive)
Since the polymer compound of the present invention is reversibly fluidized and non-fluidized by light irradiation, a photoresponsive adhesive that can be repeatedly used can be produced using the polymer compound of the present invention. For example, it can be applied to various adhesive technologies as a photoresponsive adhesive that can be repeatedly photoattached and detached in response to changes in viscosity (coefficient of friction). That is, one embodiment of the present invention is a photoresponsive adhesive containing the polymer compound of the present invention.

The photoresponsive adhesive of the present invention can be used for temporary fixing that can be used repeatedly, and is also suitable for recycling, but is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[Examples 1 to 57]
Polymer 1 was prepared according to the following procedure. Polymers 2-57 were prepared by changing the raw materials in the same manner. Regarding the polymers 2 to 57, the amount of each raw material added and the reaction conditions were appropriately adjusted.

[Synthesis of Polymer 1]
<Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>

4-Aminophenol (5 g, 0.046 mol), 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde (5.8 g, 0.046 mol) and 100 ml of ethanol were placed in a 100 ml 4-headed flask, and the mixture was heated and stirred. The reaction solution was suction filtered, and the obtained powder was washed with cooling ethanol. Further, recrystallization was carried out with methanol / ethanol to obtain the target product 1.

In a 200 ml 4-headed flask, the target product 1 (5 g, 0.023 mol) obtained above was dissolved in 25 ml of dimethylformamide (DMF). Potassium carbonate (4.88 g, 0.035 mol) was added thereto, and the mixture was stirred while maintaining the temperature at 30 ° C. To this was added potassium iodide (10.2 mg, 0.06 mmol) and 6-chloro-1-hexanol (3.54 g, 0.026 mol), and the mixture was reacted at 110 ° C. This was cooled to room temperature, added to 650 g of ice and then filtered. The crystals were dispersed in 400 ml of water, stirred overnight, washed, filtered and dried. Further, recrystallization was carried out with ethanol to obtain the target product 2.

The target product 2 (3 g, 0.001 mol), triethylamine (1.34 ml, 0.001 mol) and 30 ml of dichloromethane obtained above were placed in a 100 ml 4-headed flask. At this time, the raw materials were in a dispersed state. A solution prepared by dissolving acrylic acid chloride (1.04 g, 0.011 mol) in 10 ml of dichloromethane was added dropwise while maintaining the internal temperature at 0 ° C. and maintaining the internal temperature at 0 to 5 ° C. As it was dropped, the raw material was dissolved.

After completion of the dropping, the reaction solution was returned to room temperature and stirred. After completion of the reaction, dichloromethane was concentrated and removed, dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and saturated brine, and the organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate and then concentrated. The obtained orange crystals were purified on a silica gel column (ethyl acetate / heptane = 1/5) to obtain an azomethine derivative monomer 1.

<Synthesis of Macro Initiator 1>
In a 100 ml eggplant flask, 2,2'-bipyridyl (230 mg, 1.47 mmol) was added, and further Cu (I) Br (95 mg, 0.66 mmol) and styrene (15 g, 144 mmol) were added in a glove box under a nitrogen atmosphere. , 2-Bromoisobutyrate ethyl (35 mg, 0.18 mmol) was added and sealed. This was heated and stirred in an oil bath at 100 ° C. Then, an appropriate amount of tetrahydrofuran was added and the mixture was passed through a neutral alumina column. This was purified by reprecipitation and centrifugation with methanol to obtain macroinitiator 1. The number average molecular weight (B Mn) of the obtained macro initiator 1 was measured by the GPC method and found to be 4500.

<Synthesis of polymer 1>
In a 100 ml eggplant flask, the azomethine derivative monomer 1 (18 g, 41 mmol) obtained above and the macro initiator 1 (47 mg, 0.18 mol) described above are placed, and further Cu (I) is placed in a glove box under a nitrogen atmosphere. ) Cl (29 mg, 0.29 mmol), 1,1,4,7,10,10-hexamethyltriethylenetetramine (136 mg, 0.59 mmol) and anisole as a solvent (4.9 g, 41.1 mmol) were added. Sealed. Then, it was heated and stirred in an oil bath at 80 ° C. Then, an appropriate amount of chloroform was added and the mixture was passed through a basic alumina column. This was reprecipitated with methanol and centrifuged to purify it to obtain Polymer 1. The total average molecular weight Mn of the obtained polymer 1 was measured by the GPC method and found to be 5500.

[Synthesis of polymer 2]
<Synthesis of macro initiator 2>
In <Synthesis of Macroinitiator 1>, Macroinitiator 2 was obtained in the same manner except that ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate was changed to α, α'-dibromo-p-xylene.

<Synthesis of polymer 2>
In <Synthesis of Polymer 1>, the polymer 2 was obtained in the same manner except that the macro initiator 1 was changed to the macro initiator 2.

[Synthesis of Polymer 3]
<Synthesis of macro initiator 3>
In <Synthesis of Macroinitiator 1>, ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate was changed to ethylenebis (2-bromoisobutyric acid) (ethylene bis (2-bromoisobutyrate)), and 2,2'-bipyridyl was 1,1,4. Macroinitiator 3 was obtained in the same manner except that it was changed to 7,10,10-hexamethyltriethylenetetramine, styrene was changed to azomethine derivative monomer 1, and anisole was further added.

<Synthesis of polymer 3>
In <Synthesis of Polymer 1>, the macroinitiator 1 was changed to the macroinitiator 3, and 1,1,4,7,10,10-hexamethyltriethylenetetramine was changed to 2,2'-bipyridyl. Polymer 3 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to styrene and anisole was removed.

[Synthesis of Polymer 4]
<Synthesis of macro initiator 4>
In <Synthesis of Macroinitiator 1>, Macroinitiator 4 was obtained in the same manner except that ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate was changed to 1,1,1-tris (2-bromoisobutyryloxymethyl) ethane. It was.

<Synthesis of polymer 4>
In <Synthesis of Polymer 1>, the polymer 4 was obtained in the same manner except that the macro initiator 1 was changed to the macro initiator 4.

[Synthesis of Polymer 5]
<Synthesis of Macro Initiator 5>
Except for changing ethylenebis (2-bromoisobutyrate) to 1,1,1-tris (2-bromoisobutyryloxymethyl) ethane in <Synthesis of Macroinitiator 3>. Obtained macroinitiator 5 in a similar manner.

<Synthesis of polymer 5>
In <Synthesis of Polymer 3>, the polymer 5 was obtained in the same manner except that the macro initiator 3 was changed to the macro initiator 5.

[Synthesis of polymer 6]
<Synthesis of macro initiator 6>
In <Synthesis of Macro Initiator 1>, Macro Initiator 6 was obtained in the same manner except that ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate was changed to pentaerythritol tetrakis (2-bromoisobutyrate).

<Synthesis of polymer 6>
In <Synthesis of Polymer 1>, the polymer 6 was obtained in the same manner except that the macro initiator 1 was changed to the macro initiator 6.

[Synthesis of polymer 7]
<Synthesis of macro initiator 7>
In <Synthesis of Macro Initiator 3>, Macro Initiator 7 was obtained in the same manner except that ethylene bis (2-bromoisobutyric acid) was changed to pentaerythritol tetrakis (2-bromoisobutyrate).

<Synthesis of polymer 7>
In <Synthesis of Polymer 3>, the polymer 7 was obtained in the same manner except that the macro initiator 3 was changed to the macro initiator 7.

[Synthesis of Polymer 8]
Azomethine derivative monomer 2 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-methylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 8 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 2.

[Synthesis of polymer 9]
Azomethine derivative monomer 3 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-decylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 9 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 3.

[Synthesis of Polymer 10]
Azomethine derivative monomer 4 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-hexyloxythiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 10 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 4.

[Synthesis of Polymer 11]
Azomethine derivative monomer 5 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-carboxylic acid hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 11 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 5.

[Synthesis of polymer 12]
Azomethine derivative monomer 6 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-hexanoylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 12 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 6.

[Synthesis of polymer 13]
Azomethine derivative monomer 7 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 2-thiophenecarboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of Azomethine Derivative Monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 13 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 7.

[Synthesis of polymer 14]
Azomethine derivative monomer 8 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-bromothiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 14 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 8.

[Synthesis of Polymer 15]
Azomethine derivative monomer 9 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-cyanothiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 15 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 9.

[Synthesis of polymer 16]
The azomethine derivative monomer 10 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-nitrothiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 16 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 10.

[Synthesis of polymer 17]
Azomethine derivative monomer 11 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-carboxythiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 17 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 11.

[Synthesis of polymer 18]
Azomethine derivative monomer 12 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 4-methyl-5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>. It was.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 18 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 12.

[Synthesis of polymer 19]
Azomethine derivative monomer 13 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 3-methyl-5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>. It was.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 19 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 13.

[Synthesis of Polymer 20]
In the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>, azomethine derivative monomer 14 was obtained in the same manner except that 4-aminophenol was changed to 4-amino-m-cresol.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 20 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 14.

[Synthesis of polymer 21]
In the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>, azomethine derivative monomer 15 was obtained in the same manner except that 4-aminophenol was changed to 4-amino-o-cresol.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 21 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 15.

[Synthesis of polymer 22]
The azomethine derivative monomer 16 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 4-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 22 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 16.

[Synthesis of polymer 23]
Azomethine derivative monomer 17 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-hexylthiophene-3-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 23 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 17.

[Synthesis of polymer 24]
Azomethin in the same manner except that 4-aminophenol was changed to 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 2-amino-5-hexylthiophene in the above <Synthesis of Azomethine Derivative Monomer 1>. Derivative monomer 18 was obtained.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 24 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 18.

[Synthesis of Polymer 25]
In the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>, azomethine derivative monomer 19 was obtained in the same manner except that 6-chloro-1-hexanol was changed to 10-chloro-1-decanol.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 25 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 19.

[Synthesis of polymer 26]
In the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>, azomethine derivative monomer 20 was obtained by the same method except that 4-aminophenol was changed to 4- (hydroxyhexyl) aniline to obtain the target product 2. ..

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 26 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 20.

[Synthesis of polymer 27]
In the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>, azomethine derivative monomer 21 was obtained in the same manner except that acrylic acid chloride was changed to methacrylic acid chloride.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 27 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 21.

[Synthesis of polymer 28]
The azomethine derivative monomer 22 was obtained in the same manner except that 4-aminophenol was changed to 3-aminophenol in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 28 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 22.

[Synthesis of polymer 29]
The same applies except that 5-hexylthiophen-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-hydroxythiophen-2-carboxyaldehyde and 4-aminophenol was changed to 4-hexylaniline in the above <Synthesis of Azomethine Derivative Monomer 1>. The azomethine derivative monomer 23 was obtained by the method.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 29 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 23.

[Synthesis of polymer 30]
The same applies except that 5-hexylthiophen-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-hydroxythiophen-3-carboxyaldehyde and 4-aminophenol was changed to 4-hexylaniline in the above <Synthesis of Azomethine Derivative Monomer 1>. The azomethine derivative monomer 24 was obtained by the method.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 30 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 24.

[Synthesis of polymer 31]
The same applies except that 5-hexylthiophen-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-hydroxymethylthiophen-2-carboxyaldehyde and 4-aminophenol was changed to 4-hexylaniline in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>. Azomethine derivative monomer 25 was obtained by the above method.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 31 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 25.

[Synthesis of polymer 32]
The same applies except that 5-hexylthiophen-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 4-hydroxythiophen-2-carboxyaldehyde and 4-aminophenol was changed to 4-hexylaniline in the above <Synthesis of Azomethine Derivative Monomer 1>. The azomethine derivative monomer 26 was obtained by the method.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 32 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 26.

[Synthesis of polymer 33]
The azomethine derivative monomer 27 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-methylfuran-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 33 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 27.

[Synthesis of polymer 34]
The azomethine derivative monomer 28 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-hexylfuran-2-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 34 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 28.

[Synthesis of polymer 35]
The azomethine derivative monomer 29 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 2-furancarboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 35 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 29.

[Synthesis of polymer 36]
The azomethine derivative monomer 30 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-hexylfuran-3-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 36 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 30.

[Synthesis of polymer 37]
The azomethine derivative monomer 31 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to pyrrole-3-carboxyaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 37 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 31.

[Synthesis of polymer 38]
The azomethine derivative monomer 32 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 3-formyl-1-methylpyrrole in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 38 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 32.

[Synthesis of polymer 39]
The azomethine derivative monomer 33 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 3-formyl-1-hexylpyrrole in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 39 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 33.

[Synthesis of polymer 40]
The azomethine derivative monomer 34 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 3-formyl-1-decylpyrrole in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 40 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 34.

[Synthesis of polymer 41]
Azomethine derivative monomer 35 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 3-formyl-1-acetoxypyrrole in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 41 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 35.

[Synthesis of polymer 42]
The azomethine derivative monomer 36 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-methyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carbaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 42 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 36.

[Synthesis of polymer 43]
Azomethine derivative monomer 37 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-hexyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carbaldehyde in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>. ..

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 43 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 37.

[Synthesis of polymer 44]
In the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>, 5-hexylthiophene-2
Azomethine derivative monomer 38 was obtained in the same manner except that -carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-methyl-3-formyl-1-methylpyrrole.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 44 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 38.

[Synthesis of Polymer 45]
Azomethine derivative monomer 39 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 5-hexyl-3-formyl-1-methylpyrrole in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 45 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 39.

[Synthesis of polymer 46]
The azomethine derivative monomer 40 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 2-formyl-5-hexylpyrrole in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 46 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 40.

[Synthesis of polymer 47]
Azomethine derivative monomer 41 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 2-formyl-4-hexylpyrrole in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 47 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 41.

[Synthesis of polymer 48]
The azomethine derivative monomer 42 was obtained in the same manner except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 2-formyl-1-methylpyrrole in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 48 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 42.

[Synthesis of polymer 49]
Except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 2-hydroxy-4-formyl-1-methylpyrrole and 4-aminophenol was changed to 4-hexylaniline in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>. Obtained an azomethine derivative monomer 43 in the same manner.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 49 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 43.

[Synthesis of Polymer 50]
In the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>, 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 3-hydroxy-5-formyl-1-methylpyrrole, and 4-aminophenol was changed to 4-hexylaniline. Obtained an azomethine derivative monomer 44 in the same manner.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 50 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 44.

[Synthesis of Polymer 51]
The same method except that 5-hexylthiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde was changed to 1-hydroxypyrrole-3-carbaldehyde and 4-aminophenol was changed to p-toluidine in the above <Synthesis of azomethine derivative monomer 1>. Azomethine derivative monomer 45 was obtained.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 2>, the polymer 51 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 45.

[Synthesis of polymer 52]
In the synthesis of the polymer 51, the azomethine derivative monomer 46 was synthesized in the same manner except that p-toluidine was changed to 4-hexylaniline, and the polymer 52 was obtained in the same manner.

[Synthesis of polymer 53]
An azomethine derivative monomer 47 was synthesized in the same manner except that p-toluidine was changed to 4-hexyloxyaniline in the synthesis of the polymer 51, and the polymer 53 was obtained in the same manner using this.

[Synthesis of polymer 54]
In the above <Synthesis of Macro Initiator 2>, Macro Initiator 8 was obtained in the same manner except that styrene was changed to n-butyl acrylate.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 1>, the polymer 54 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 2 and the macroinitiator 1 was changed to the macroinitiator 8.

[Synthesis of polymer 55]
In the above <Synthesis of Macro Initiator 2>, Macro Initiator 9 was obtained in the same manner except that styrene was changed to n-butyl methacrylate.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 1>, the polymer 55 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 2 and the macroinitiator 1 was changed to the macroinitiator 9.

[Synthesis of polymer 56]
In the above <Synthesis of Macro Initiator 2>, Macro Initiator 10 was obtained in the same manner except that styrene was changed to 3-methyl-1-butene.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 1>, the polymer 56 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 2 and the macroinitiator 1 was changed to the macroinitiator 10.

[Synthesis of polymer 57]
In the above <Synthesis of Macroinitiator 2>, Macroinitiator 11 was obtained in the same manner except that styrene was changed to a mixture having a molar ratio of styrene: n-butyl acrylate of 5: 5.

In <Synthesis of Polymer 1>, the polymer 57 was obtained in the same manner except that the azomethine derivative monomer 1 was changed to the azomethine derivative monomer 2 and the macroinitiator 1 was changed to the macroinitiator 11.

[Preparation of toner 1]
<Preparation of polymer resin particle dispersion 1>
100 parts by mass of the polymer 1 prepared above is pulverized with "Randelmill format: RM" (manufactured by Tokuju Kosakusho Co., Ltd.) and mixed with 638 parts by mass of a 0.26% by mass sodium dodecyl sulfate aqueous solution prepared in advance. Using an ultrasonic homogenizer "US-150T" (manufactured by Nippon Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) with stirring, the polymer resin particle dispersion 1 was obtained by ultrasonic dispersion with V-LEVEL at 300 μA for 30 minutes.

(Preparation of cyan colorant particle dispersion (Cy-1))
90 parts by mass of sodium n-dodecyl sulfate was added to 1600 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water. While stirring this solution, 420 parts by mass of copper phthalocyanine (CI Pigment Blue 15: 3) was gradually added to the solution, and then using a stirrer "Clearmix" (manufactured by M Technique Co., Ltd.). A cyan colorant particle dispersion (Cy-1) was prepared by the dispersion treatment.

The volume-based median diameter of the colorant particles in the cyan colorant particle dispersion (Cy-1) was 110 nm.

<Preparation of toner 1>
Stir 602 parts by mass of the polymer resin particle dispersion liquid 1 prepared above in terms of solid content, 52 parts by mass of the cyan colorant particle dispersion liquid (Cy-1) in terms of solid content, and 900 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water. It was put into a reactor equipped with a device, a temperature sensor, and a cooling tube. The temperature inside the container was maintained at 30 ° C., and a pH was adjusted to 10 by adding a 5 mol / L aqueous sodium hydroxide solution.

Next, an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving 2 parts by mass of magnesium chloride hexahydrate in 1000 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added dropwise over 10 minutes under stirring, and then the temperature was raised, and this system was heated over 60 minutes to 70. The temperature was raised to ° C., and the particle growth reaction was continued while maintaining 70 ° C. In this state, the particle size of the associated particles was measured with "Multisizer 3" (manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.), and when the volume-based median diameter (D50) reached 6.5 μm, 190 parts by mass of sodium chloride. Was added to 760 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water to stop particle growth. After stirring at 70 ° C. for 1 hour, the temperature was further raised, and the mixture was heated and stirred at 75 ° C. to promote the fusion of particles. Then, the mixture was cooled to 30 ° C. to obtain a dispersion of toner matrix particles.

The obtained dispersion of toner matrix particles was solid-liquid separated by a centrifuge to form a wet cake of toner matrix particles. The wet cake is washed with ion-exchanged water at 35 ° C. in a centrifuge until the electrical conductivity of the filtrate reaches 5 μS / cm, and then transferred to a “flash jet dryer (manufactured by Seishin Enterprise Co., Ltd.)” to reduce the water content. Drying to 0.5% by mass produced toner matrix particles.

Hydrophobic silica (number average primary particle size: 12 nm) 1% by mass and hydrophobic titania (number average primary particle size: 20 nm) 0.3% by mass were added to the obtained toner matrix particles, and a Henschel mixer (registered) was added. Toner 1 was obtained by mixing using (trademark).

[Preparation of toners 2-57]
In the above-mentioned production of the toner 1, the toners 2 to 57 were produced in the same manner except that the polymer 1 was changed to the polymers 2 to 57.

[Example 58]
[Preparation of toner 58]
<Preparation of styrene acrylic resin particle dispersion>
(First stage polymerization)
In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, a temperature sensor, a cooling tube, and a nitrogen introduction device, a solution prepared by dissolving 8 parts by mass of sodium dodecyl sulfate in 3000 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was charged and stirred at a stirring speed of 230 rpm under a nitrogen stream. While doing so, the internal temperature was raised to 80 ° C. After raising the temperature, a solution prepared by dissolving 10 parts by mass of potassium persulfate in 200 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added, and the liquid temperature was set to 80 ° C. again, 480 parts by mass of styrene, 250 parts by mass of n-butyl acrylate, 68 parts of methacrylic acid. A polymerizable monomer solution consisting of 0.0 parts by mass and 16.0 parts by mass of n-octyl-3-mercaptopropionate was added dropwise over 1 hour, and then polymerized by heating and stirring at 80 ° C. for 2 hours. Was carried out to prepare a styrene acrylic resin particle dispersion solution (1A) containing the styrene acrylic resin particles (1a).

(Second stage polymerization)
A solution prepared by dissolving 7 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene (2) dodecyl ether sodium sulfate in 800 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was charged into a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, a temperature sensor, a cooling tube, and a nitrogen introduction device, and the temperature was 98 ° C. After heating to, 260 parts by mass of the styrene acrylic resin particle dispersion solution (1A) obtained above, 245 parts by mass of styrene, 120 parts by mass of n-butyl acrylate, 1.5 parts by mass of n-octyl-3-mercaptopropionate. , A mechanical disperser having a circulation path by adding a polymerizable monomer solution in which 67 parts by mass of paraffin wax "HNP-11" (manufactured by Nippon Seiwa Co., Ltd.), which is a release agent, is dissolved at 90 ° C. A dispersion containing emulsified particles (oil droplets) was prepared by mixing and dispersing with "CREARMIX (registered trademark)" (manufactured by M Technique Co., Ltd.) for 1 hour. Next, an initiator solution prepared by dissolving 6 parts by mass of potassium persulfate in 200 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added to this dispersion, and the system was heated and stirred at 82 ° C. for 1 hour to carry out polymerization. A styrene acrylic resin particle dispersion (1B) containing styrene acrylic resin particles (1b) was prepared.

(Third stage polymerization)
A solution prepared by dissolving 11 parts by mass of potassium persulfate in 400 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added to the obtained styrene acrylic resin particle dispersion (1B), and then 435 parts by mass of styrene was added under a temperature condition of 82 ° C. , 130 parts by mass of n-butyl acrylate, 33 parts by mass of methacrylic acid and 8 parts by mass of n-octyl-3-mercaptopropionate were added dropwise over 1 hour. After completion of the dropping, polymerization was carried out by heating and stirring for 2 hours, and then the mixture was cooled to 28 ° C. to obtain a styrene acrylic resin particle dispersion 1 containing a styrene acrylic resin 1. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the styrene acrylic resin 1 was measured and found to be 45 ° C.

<Preparation of toner 58>
The polymer resin particle dispersion 2 was prepared in the same manner except that the polymer 1 was changed to the polymer 2 prepared above in the above [Preparation of Toner 1]. Next, in the above <Preparation of Toner 1>, the polymer resin particle dispersion 1 was changed to 602 parts by mass in terms of solid content, and the polymer resin particle dispersion 2 was changed to 482 parts by mass in terms of solid content. The toner 58 was prepared in the same manner except that 120 parts by mass of the prepared styrene acrylic resin particle dispersion 1 was added in terms of solid content.

[Example 59]
[Preparation of toner 59]
<Preparation of polyester resin particle dispersion 1>
In a 10 liter capacity four-necked flask equipped with a nitrogen introduction tube, dehydration tube, stirrer, and thermocouple, 524 parts by mass of bisphenol A propylene oxide 2 mol adduct, 105 parts by mass of terephthalic acid, 69 parts by mass of fumaric acid, And 2 parts by mass of tin octylate (esterification catalyst) was added, and a polycondensation reaction was carried out at a temperature of 230 ° C. for 8 hours. Further, the polycondensation reaction was continued at 8 kPa for 1 hour and then cooled to 160 ° C. to obtain a polyester resin 1. 100 parts by mass of the polyester resin 1 is crushed with "Randelmill type: RM" (manufactured by Tokuju Kosakusho Co., Ltd.), mixed with 638 parts by mass of a 0.26% by mass sodium dodecyl sulfate aqueous solution prepared in advance, and stirred. Using an ultrasonic homogenizer "US-150T" (manufactured by Nippon Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.), ultrasonic dispersion was performed with V-LEVEL at 300 μA for 30 minutes to obtain a polyester resin particle dispersion liquid 1. Moreover, when the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polyester resin 1 was measured, it was 42 ° C.

<Manufacturing of toner 59>
In the above <Preparation of Toner 58>, the toner 59 was prepared in the same manner except that the styrene acrylic resin particle dispersion 1 was changed to the polyester resin particle dispersion 1 prepared above.

[Comparative Example 1]
<Comparative compound>
The following comparative compound 1 (number average molecular weight Mn: 2870) was obtained by the method described in paragraphs “0217” to “0227” of JP-A-2014-191078.

<Preparation of comparative compound dispersion>
In <Preparation of Polymer Resin Particle Dispersion Solution 1>, a comparative compound dispersion solution was obtained in the same manner except that the polymer 1 was changed to the comparative compound 1.

<Manufacturing of toner 60>
The toner 60 was prepared in the same procedure as the above-mentioned preparation of the toner 1 except that the polymer particle dispersion 1 was changed to the comparative compound dispersion prepared above.

[Comparative Example 2]
The toner 61 was prepared in the same manner except that the polymer particle dispersion 2 was changed to the comparative compound dispersion in <Preparation of Toner 58>.

The structures and number average molecular weights of the obtained polymers 1 to 57 (total average molecular weight, number average molecular weight of polymer block A, number average molecular weight of polymer block B) are shown in Tables 1 and 2. In Table 2, the polymer block A contains a structural unit derived from the compound represented by the above chemical formula (2), and in Table 1, X, Y, Z, R _{1 to} R ₁₀ are chemical formulas (2). Same as the definition inside. Further, the structure of the group having a polymerizable group is the same as that in the above formulas (i) to (iv), and A ₁ , A ₂ and A _{3 in the} above formula are also the same as those in the above formula.

The total average molecular weights of the polymers 1 to 57 obtained above, the number average molecular weight of the macroinitiator, and the number average molecular weight of the comparative compound 1 were measured by the following methods. Further, the number average molecular weight of the macro initiator is set as the number average molecular weight of the polymer blocks A or B, and by subtracting (number average molecular weight of the macro initiator x number of blocks) from the total average molecular weight of the polymer for each block structure. The total number average molecular weight of the other polymer block (number average molecular weight of the other polymer block × number of blocks) was obtained. The results are shown in Table 2 below. In Table 2, Mn represents the total number average molecular weight of the polymer, A Mn represents the total number average molecular weight of the polymer block A, and B Mn represents the total number average molecular weight of the polymer block B.

(Number average molecular weight Mn)
The number average molecular weight Mn of the polymers 1-57 and the comparative compound 1 was measured by the GPC method. Specifically, using the apparatus "HLC-8120GPC" (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) and the column "TSKguardvolume + TSKgelSuperHZ-M3 series" (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation), tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a carrier solvent while maintaining the column temperature at 40 ° C. ) Was flown at a flow rate of 0.2 mL / min. The measurement sample was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran so as to have a concentration of 1 mg / ml. The solution was prepared by treating at room temperature for 5 minutes using an ultrasonic disperser. Next, a sample solution was obtained by treating with a membrane filter having a pore size of 0.2 μm, and 10 μL of this sample solution was injected into the apparatus together with the above carrier solvent and detected using a refractive index detector (RI detector). The molecular weight distribution of the measurement sample was calculated based on the calibration curve prepared using monodisperse polystyrene standard particles. Ten points were used as the polystyrene for the calibration curve measurement.

[Preparation of developer]
Regarding the toners 1 to 61 produced above, ferrite carrier particles having a volume average particle size of 30 μm coated with a copolymer resin (monomer mass ratio 1: 1) of cyclohexane methacrylate and methyl methacrylate were used, and the toner particle concentration was 6% by mass. The mixture was mixed so as to obtain developers 1 to 61. Mixing was carried out for 30 minutes using a V-type mixer.

[Evaluation: Photoresponse adhesion test of polymer]
The changes in adhesiveness of the polymers 1 to 57 prepared in Examples 1 to 57 and the comparative compound 1 of Comparative Example with light irradiation were evaluated by the following photoresponsive adhesion test using the apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, 2 mg of the polymer is placed on an 18 mm square cover glass 1 within a radius of 6 mm from the center of the glass, and the cover glass 2 of the same size is displaced by about 4 mm in the direction parallel to the cover glass 1. , The polymer was covered so as to cover it. This was heated to melt the sample, and the cover glass 1 and the cover glass 2 were adhered to each other. Each of the obtained samples was subjected to the following non-fluidity-> fluidity test, and then subjected to the following fluidity-> non-fluidity (return) test. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

<Non-fluidity → Liquidity test>
The part (A) shown in FIG. 3 was fixed to the table with cellophane tape, and the part (C) was fixed with a vinyl string having a length of 30 cm with a weight of 100 g attached. The portion (B) was irradiated with light of 365 nm at an irradiation amount of 20 J / cm ² , and it was confirmed whether the cover glass 2 was peeled off from the cover glass 1, and the determination was made according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

− Non-fluidity → Evaluation criteria for fluidity test −
〇: The cover glass 2 was completely peeled off from the cover glass 1. Δ: The cover glass 2 was displaced ×: The cover glass 2 did not move.

<Liquidity → Non-fluidity (return) test>
Non-fluidity → After 1 hour of fluidity test (1 hour left in the natural environment, that is, at room temperature), cover the sample part ((B) part) of the cover glass 1 used in the above test so as to cover it. Glass 3 (same size as cover glasses 1 and 2) was placed, and it was confirmed whether the cover glass 1 and the cover glass 3 adhered to each other, and the determination was made according to the following evaluation criteria.

− Liquidity → Evaluation criteria for non-fluidity (return) test −
〇: Did not adhere (it was non-fluidized)
Δ: Partially adhered (partially kept in a fluidized state)
X: Adhesive (the fluidized state was maintained).

Regarding the polymers 1 to 57 prepared in Examples 1 to 57, which were evaluated as ○ in the above fluidity → non-fluidity (return) test, all of the polymers 1 to 57 were re-treated after the non-fluidity → fluidity test. It was confirmed that it had solidified.

[Evaluation: Fixability test]
The fixability test was carried out in a normal temperature and humidity environment (temperature 20 ° C., humidity 50% RH) using the developing agents 1 to 61 obtained above. The developer is placed between a pair of parallel flat plate (aluminum) electrodes on which a developer is placed on one side and plain paper (basis weight: 64 g / m ² ) as a recording medium is placed on the other side while sliding by magnetic force. The toner is developed under the condition that the gap is 0.5 mm and the toner adhesion amount of DC bias and AC bias is 4 g / m ² , a toner layer is formed on the surface of the plain paper, and the toner layer is fixed by each fixing device to print the printed matter. Was obtained (image formation). A 1 cm square toner image of this printed matter was rubbed 10 times with a pressure of 45 kPa with "JK Wiper (registered trademark)" (manufactured by Nippon Paper Crecia Co., Ltd.) to evaluate the fixing rate of the image. A retention rate of 65% or more was accepted. The image fixation rate is a solid image after rubbing by measuring the reflection density of the image after printing and the image after rubbing with a fluorescence spectroscopic densitometer "FD-7" (manufactured by Konica Minolta Co., Ltd.). It is a numerical value expressed as a percentage by dividing the reflection density of the above by the reflection density of the solid image after printing.

As the fixing device, the following three types of fixing devices configured by appropriately modifying the device shown in FIG. 2 were used.

No. 1: There is no crimping portion 9 in FIG. 2, the wavelength of ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation portion 40 is 365 nm (light source: LED light source having an emission wavelength of 365 nm ± 10 nm), and the irradiation amount is 15 J / cm ² .
No. 2: There is a crimping portion 9 in FIG. 2, the temperature of the pressurizing member 91 is 20 ° C., and the pressure during pressurization is 0.2 MPa. The light source and irradiation amount of the irradiation unit 40 are No. Same as 1;
No. 3: There is a crimping portion 9 in FIG. 2, the temperature of the pressurizing member 91 is 80 ° C., and the pressure at the time of pressurization is 0.2 MPa. The light source and irradiation amount of the irradiation unit 40 are No. It is the same as 1.

[Color reproducibility evaluation]
The color reproducibility of the images of Examples and Comparative Examples obtained above was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria by visual evaluation by 10 monitors. Specifically, as a sample for evaluation comparison, a toner in which all the polymer 1 was changed to styrene acrylic resin in the toner 1 of Example 1 was prepared. Using this, a developer was prepared in the same manner as described above, and developed in the same manner as in the image formation in the fixability test described above. Fixation was performed at 4.

Fixing device No. 4: There is a crimping portion 9 in FIG. 2, the temperature of the pressurizing member 91 is 160 ° C., the pressure at the time of pressurization is 0.2 MPa, and light irradiation is not performed.

Ten monitors were shown in order the sample for evaluation comparison and the images obtained in the above Examples and Comparative Examples, and asked if the colors of the two images were clearly different. The judgment results based on the following color reproducibility evaluation criteria are shown in Table 3 below.

-Evaluation criteria for color reproducibility-
⊚: 2 or less responded that they were clearly different ○: 3-4 responded that they were clearly different △: 5-7 responded that they were clearly different ×: 8 or more responded that they were clearly different ..

The configurations of each toner, the types of fixing devices, and the evaluation results are shown in Tables 1 to 3 below.

As is clear from Table 2, polymers 1 to 57, which are block copolymers containing structural units derived from the azomethine derivatives prepared in each example, are reversibly fluidized and non-fluidized by irradiation with light. It was confirmed that. On the other hand, in Comparative Compound 1 in Comparative Example 1, reversible fluidization / non-fluidization was not confirmed.

Further, as shown in Table 3, all the toners produced in each example showed high fixability and excellent color reproducibility. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2 using the above-mentioned toner containing no polymer, sufficient fixability cannot be obtained when the fixing method by light irradiation is used. It was also found that the color reproducibility was low.

A comparison of the fixing devices shows that the same toner 2 is used, ultraviolet rays are irradiated under the same conditions, and no pressure member is used. No. 1 pressurized with a pressurizing member rather than the fixing device of 1. No. 2 which was pressurized while being heated by the fixing device of No. 2 and the pressurizing member. It was found that higher fixability can be obtained by using the fixing device of No. 3 (comparison of Examples 2, 60 and 61).

As shown in each example, the polymer compound of the present invention, which is a copolymer having a polymer block containing a structure derived from a specific azomethine derivative, is reversibly fluidized and non-fluidized by light irradiation. It can be seen that there is little coloring and an excellent fixing rate of 65% or more is exhibited in a toner image fixability test using a toner using the same.

1 Photoreceptor,
2 Charger,
3 exposed device,
4 developing unit,
5 Transfer section,
7 Paper transport system,
8 Cleaning department,
9 Crimping part,
10 Image forming part,
11 Paper feed section,
12 Conveyor roller,
13 Conveyance belt,
14 Paper output section,
15 Manual paper feed section,
16 trays,
17 Thermo-hygrometer,
20 Image processing unit,
24 Paper reversing part,
40 Irradiated part,
71 Image reader,
72 Automatic document feeder,
85 blades,
90 Control unit,
91, 92 Pressurizing member,
100 image forming device,
d Manuscript,
S Recording paper.

Claims (16)

Polymer compounds that are reversibly fluidized and non-fluidized by light irradiation, represented by the following general formula (1):
In the general formula (1), A is a polymer block containing a structural unit derived from an azomethine derivative having a polymerizable group represented by the chemical formula (2), and B is an azomethine represented by the chemical formula (2). A polymer block that does not contain structures derived from derivatives:
In the chemical formula (2),
X is NR ₁₀ , O or S,
R ₁ and R ₂ are independent groups having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and 1 to 1 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxy group of 16, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
One of R _{3 and} R ₄ is a group represented by Y, and the other is a group having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, and the number of carbon atoms. An alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
R ₁₀ is a group having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, and 2 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxycarbonyl group of ~ 16 or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
Z ₁ and Z ₂ are N or CH, and Z ₁ ≠ Z ₂ .
R _{5 to} R ₇ are independent groups having a polymerizable group, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and 1 to 1 carbon atoms. It is an alkoxy group of 16, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
R ₈ and R ₉ are independently hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group, carboxy group, alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and carbon number of carbon atoms, respectively. An acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
At this time, at _{least one} of R ₁ , R ₂ , R _{5 to} R ₇ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ not selected as the group represented by Y is a group having a polymerizable group.
If at least _{one of} R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ not selected for the group represented by Y is a group having a polymerizable group, then R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , And R ₃ or R ₄ , other than the group having a polymerizable group and the group represented by Y, are independently hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group and carboxy group, respectively. , alkyl group or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, with the proviso, R ₁₀ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkyl group or a C 1 to 4 carbon atoms Selected from the number 1-4 alkoxy groups
When at least one of R _{5 to} R ₇ is a group having a polymerizable group, among R _{5 to} R ₇ , those other than the polymerizable group, R ₈ and R ₉ , are independently hydrogen atoms, respectively. It is selected from a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The group having a polymerizable group includes a group represented by any of the following formulas (i) to (iv).
The polymer compound according to claim 1:
In formulas (i) to (iv), A ₁ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, A ₂ is an alkylene group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and A ₃ is an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. is there. The azomethine derivative has a group having the polymerizable group in any one of R ₇ and R ₁₀ in the chemical formula (2) or R _{1 to} R ₄ not adjacent to the group represented by Y. The polymer compound according to 1 or 2. The polymer compound according to claim 3, wherein the azomethine derivative is represented by the following chemical formula (3).
In chemical formula (3),
X is NR ₁₀ , O or S,
R ₁ and R ₂ are independently hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group, carboxy group, alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and carbon number of carbon atoms, respectively. An acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
One of R _{3 and} R ₄ is a group represented by Y, and the other is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and the like. It is an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
R ₁₀ includes a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, and an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms. Alternatively, it is an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.
Z ₁ and Z ₂ are N or CH, and Z ₁ ≠ Z ₂ .
R ₇ is a group having a polymerizable group. The polymer compound according to claim 4, wherein the azomethine derivative is represented by the following chemical formula (4).
In chemical formula (4),
X is NR ₁₀ , O or S,
Either R ₃ or R ₄ is a group represented by Y.
Z ₁ and Z ₂ are N or CH, and Z ₁ ≠ Z ₂ .
A ₁ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,
A ₂ is an alkylene group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms.
_{R 1, R 2, R 10} , and either _{R 3} or those not selected the group represented by Y of _{R 4} are all hydrogen atoms,
Or
Of R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₁₀ , and R ₃ or R ₄ , which are not selected for the group represented by Y, any one of R _{1 to} R ₄ not adjacent to Y is a cyano group, a nitro group, Hydroxy group, carboxy group, or alkyl group with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, alkoxy group with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, acyl group with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonyl group with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or 2 to 12 carbon atoms The remaining are independently hydrogen atoms, cyano groups, nitro groups, hydroxy groups, carboxy groups, alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R ₁₀ is , Hydrogen atom, alkyl group with 1-4 carbon atoms or alkoxy group with 1-4 carbon atoms, or
R ₁₀ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or an acyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Of R ₁ , R ₂ , and R ₃ or R ₄ , those that are not selected as the group represented by Y are independently hydrogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, hydroxy group, carboxy group, and carbon number. It is an alkyl group of 1 to 4 or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The total number average molecular weight of the polymer blocks A contained in the polymer compound represented by the general formula (1) is 1000 or more, and the total number average molecular weight of the polymer blocks B is 1000 or more. The polymer compound according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer compound represented by the formula (1) has a total average molecular weight of 3500 or more. The polymer block B is a polymer block containing at least one of a structural unit derived from a styrene derivative, a (meth) acrylic acid derivative, and an olefin derivative, according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Polymer compounds. The polymer compound according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wavelength of the irradiation light is 280 nm or more and 480 nm or less. A toner containing the polymer compound according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The toner according to claim 9, further comprising a binder resin. The toner according to claim 10, wherein the binder resin contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a styrene acrylic resin and a polyester resin. An image including a step of forming a toner image made of the toner according to any one of claims 9 to 11 on a recording medium, and a step of irradiating the toner image with light to soften the toner image. Forming method. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein the wavelength of the light is 280 nm or more and 480 nm or less. The image forming method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a step of pressurizing the softened toner image. The image forming method according to claim 14, wherein in the pressurizing step, the softened toner image is further heated. A photoresponsive adhesive using the polymer compound according to any one of claims 1 to 8.