JP4681445B2 - Toner, method for producing the same, and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a toner suitably used in an electrophotographic method, an electrostatic recording method, an electrostatic printing method, and the like, an efficient manufacturing method thereof, a developer using the toner, a container containing toner, a process cartridge, an image The present invention relates to a forming apparatus and an image forming method.

  Image formation by electrophotography generally forms an electrostatic image on a photoreceptor (electrostatic image carrier), develops the electrostatic image with a developer to form a visible image (toner image), The visible image is transferred to a recording medium such as paper and fixed to form a fixed image (see Patent Document 1).

  As the developer, a one-component developer using a magnetic toner or a non-magnetic toner alone and a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier are known. As the toner, a toner produced by a kneading and pulverizing method is generally used in which a thermoplastic resin is melt-kneaded with a colorant or the like, then finely pulverized, and further classified. If necessary, inorganic fine particles or organic fine particles may be added to the surface of the toner particles for the purpose of improving fluidity and cleaning properties.

  However, the toner obtained by the kneading and pulverization method generally has a wide particle size distribution, causes unevenness in the triboelectric chargeability of the toner, and is likely to cause fogging. In addition, due to production efficiency, it is difficult to obtain a small particle diameter toner having a volume average particle diameter of 2 to 8 μm, and there is a problem that it is difficult to meet the demand for high image quality.

Thus, attention has been drawn to toner obtained by granulation in an aqueous phase. The toner has a narrow particle size distribution, can be easily reduced in size, can obtain a high-quality and high-definition image, has an offset resistance due to high dispersion of a release agent such as wax, and low-temperature fixability. Also excellent. In addition, it is advantageous in designing the developing device, such as excellent transferability due to the uniformity of charging, good fluidity, and the ability to reduce the torque for rotating the developing roll and developing roll. .
As a toner obtained by granulation in the aqueous phase, conventionally, a toner obtained by a suspension polymerization method, an emulsion polymerization aggregation method or the like (hereinafter referred to as a chemical toner) has been developed.

In the suspension polymerization method, a monomer, a polymerization initiator, a colorant, a release agent, and the like are added to an aqueous phase containing a dispersion stabilizer while stirring to form oil droplets, and then the temperature is raised to cause a polymerization reaction. In this method, toner particles are obtained. According to the suspension polymerization method, the toner particles can be reduced in size, but since the main component of the binder resin is limited to a vinyl polymer capable of radical polymerization, a polyester resin suitable for a color toner or the like. And epoxy resin cannot be used. In addition, it is difficult to reduce VOC (a volatile organic compound composed of unreacted monomers), and it is difficult to obtain a toner having a narrow particle size distribution.
The emulsion polymerization aggregation method is formed, for example, by using a polyester resin as a binder resin and dispersing fine particles obtained after emulsification and dispersion in an aqueous phase, a colorant, a release agent, and the like in the aqueous phase. In this method, toner particles are produced by agglomerating the dispersion and heat-sealing (see Patent Documents 2 to 3). According to this production method, since there is no generation of ultrafine particles, it is possible to produce a classification-free toner having no emulsification loss and a sharp particle size distribution. However, heating is essential in the production process, and thus it is used. There are restrictions on the selection of the binder resin, and the colorant and the like are randomly fused to form toner particles, resulting in a non-uniform material composition among the resulting toner particles and the surface between the toner particles. There is a problem that the characteristics are different and a stable image cannot be formed over a long period of time.

  Further, a solution or dispersion formed by dissolving or dispersing a toner composition containing a toner binder made of a modified polyester resin capable of reacting with active hydrogen in an organic solvent is used as a crosslinking agent in an aqueous medium containing resin fine particles. There has been proposed a method for producing toner particles by reacting and removing the solvent from the obtained dispersion, and further controlling the amount of resin fine particles remaining on the surface of the toner particles to a certain value or less (see FIG. (See Patent Document 4). According to this production method, although the particle size distribution of the toner becomes relatively narrow, the dissolved or dispersed toner composition is emulsified in an aqueous medium containing organic resin fine particles to form oil droplets. There is a problem in that a toner is produced in which the droplets are coalesced, the volume average particle size is large, the composition of the material between the toner particles is nonuniform, the charging stability is poor, and fog and toner scattering are likely to occur. is there.

  Therefore, while maintaining the advantages of a chemical toner that has a small particle size and a narrow particle size distribution and excellent fluidity, the composition of the material between the toner particles is uniform, the charging stability is excellent, and fog and toner scattering are prevented. There is a strong demand for a method that can stably and efficiently obtain a toner that produces a high-quality image with little occurrence, but the method has not yet been provided.

US Pat. No. 2,297,691 JP-A-10-020552 JP 11-007156 A JP 2003-140381 A

  An object of the present invention is to solve various problems in the prior art and achieve the following objects. That is, the present invention provides a toner having a small particle size and a narrow particle size distribution, in which the composition of the material between the toner particles is uniform, the charging stability is excellent, the occurrence of fog and toner scattering is small, and high image quality is obtained. It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient manufacturing method, and a developer, a container containing toner, a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method capable of improving the image quality using the toner.

  As a result of intensive studies in view of the above problems, the present inventors have obtained the following knowledge. That is, when a toner material dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent is dispersed or dispersed in an aqueous medium containing no organic resin fine particles to prepare an oil-in-water dispersion. , The coalescence of dispersed particles existing in the vicinity of each other is suppressed, and dispersed particles having a minute volume average particle diameter are obtained. Thereafter, organic resin fine particles are added to the oil-in-water dispersion to add the dispersed particles. By granulating the toner in the presence of organic resin fine particles, the dispersed particles having a minute volume average particle diameter are united, and the composition of the material between the toner particles is uniform, and the charging stability is excellent. This is a finding that a toner having a small fog and a small particle size distribution can be obtained with less fog and toner scattering.

ただし、前記構造式（１）中、Ｒはオレイル基を表す。
＜８＞ トナー材料が、結晶性ポリエステル樹脂を含む前記＜１＞から＜７＞のいずれかに記載のトナーの製造方法である。
＜９＞ 結晶性ポリエステル樹脂のＤＳＣ吸熱ピーク温度が、５０〜１５０℃である前記＜８＞に記載のトナーの製造方法である。
＜１０＞ 結晶性ポリエステル樹脂のオルトジクロロベンゼン可溶分のＧＰＣによる分子量分布が、重量平均分子量（Ｍｗ）で１，０００〜３０，０００であり、数平均分子量（Ｍｎ）で５００〜６，０００であり、かつ（Ｍｗ／Ｍｎ）で２〜８である前記＜８＞から＜９＞のいずれかに記載のトナーの製造方法である。
＜１１＞ 結晶性ポリエステル樹脂が、下記一般式（１）で表される前記＜８＞から＜１０＞のいずれかに記載のトナーの製造方法である。

ただし、前記一般式（１）中、ｎ及びｍは、繰返単位数を表し、Ｌは１〜３の整数を表し、Ｒ^１及びＲ^２は、互いに同一であってもよいし、異なっていてもよく、水素原子又は炭化水素基を表す。
＜１２＞ 結晶性ポリエステル樹脂が、その赤外吸収スペクトルにおいて９６５±１０ｃｍ^−１及び９９０±１０ｃｍ^−１の少なくともいずれかにオレフィンのδＣＨ（面外変角振動）に基づく吸収を有する前記＜８＞から＜１１＞のいずれかに記載のトナーの製造方法である。
＜１３＞ 有機微粒子を添加する際に、該有機微粒子と共にイオン化剤を添加させる前記＜１＞から＜１２＞のいずれかに記載のトナーの製造方法である。
＜１４＞ イオン化剤が、１価の陽イオンと１価の陰イオンとからなる塩から選択される少なくとも１種である前記＜１３＞に記載のトナーの製造方法である。
＜１５＞ １価の陽イオンが、ナトリウムイオン及びカリウムイオンのいずれかを少なくとも含む前記＜１４＞に記載のトナーの製造方法である。
＜１６＞ トナー材料の溶解乃至分散液を水系媒体中で攪拌しながら分散させる前記＜１＞から＜１５＞のいずれかに記載のトナーの製造方法である。
＜１７＞ トナー材料の溶解乃至分散液の水系媒体中での分散の際の攪拌の速度をＡｍ／ｓとし、トナーを造粒する際の攪拌速度をＢｍ／ｓとしたとき、次式、７＜Ａ＜２３、及び、１．４＜Ａ／Ｂ＜１００、を充たす前記＜１＞から＜１６＞のいずれかに記載のトナーの製造方法である。
＜１８＞ トナーを造粒する前の分散粒子の体積平均粒径が、０．１〜３μｍである前記＜１＞から＜１７＞のいずれかに記載のトナーの製造方法である。 The present invention is based on the above findings of the present inventors, and means for solving the above problems are as follows. That is,
<1> A toner material is dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent to prepare a solution or dispersion of the toner material, and the dissolved or dispersed liquid is dispersed as dispersed particles in an aqueous medium that does not contain organic resin fine particles. A method for producing a toner, comprising: preparing an oil droplet dispersion, adding organic resin fine particles to the oil-in-water dispersion, and granulating the toner in the presence of the organic resin particles. .
<2> The toner according to <1>, which comprises removing the organic solvent before granulating the toner, and the concentration of the organic solvent in the dispersed particles after removal of the organic solvent is 0.5 to 35 wt%. It is a manufacturing method.
<3> The method for producing a toner according to <2>, wherein a toner having a shape factor SF-1 of 120 to 160 and a shape factor SF-2 of 115 to 160 is produced.
<4> The toner material includes at least an active hydrogen group-containing compound and a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound,
By granulating, by reacting the active hydrogen group-containing compound and a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound to produce an adhesive base material, particles containing at least the adhesive base material are obtained. The method for producing a toner according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the toner is produced.
<5> The active hydrogen group-containing compound according to <4>, wherein the distribution coefficient represented by the ratio of the amount eluted in the aqueous medium to the total amount dissolved in the organic solvent is 0.01 or more and less than 3. A toner manufacturing method.
<6> The method for producing a toner according to <5>, wherein the active hydrogen group-containing compound is N-alkylalkanediamine.
<7> The method for producing a toner according to <6>, wherein the N-alkylalkanediamine is N-oleyl-1,3-propanediamine represented by the following structural formula (1).

However, in said structural formula (1), R represents an oleyl group.
<8> The method for producing a toner according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the toner material contains a crystalline polyester resin.
<9> The toner production method according to <8>, wherein the crystalline polyester resin has a DSC endothermic peak temperature of 50 to 150 ° C.
<10> The molecular weight distribution by GPC of the ortho-dichlorobenzene soluble part of the crystalline polyester resin is 1,000 to 30,000 in terms of weight average molecular weight (Mw), and 500 to 6,000 in terms of number average molecular weight (Mn). The toner production method according to any one of <8> to <9>, wherein (Mw / Mn) is 2 to 8.
<11> The toner production method according to any one of <8> to <10>, wherein the crystalline polyester resin is represented by the following general formula (1).

However, in the above general formula (1), n and m represent the number of repeat units, L is an integer of 1 to 3, R ¹ and R ² may be the same as each other, or different And may represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group.
<12> The crystalline polyester resin is, having an absorption based on the infrared absorption spectrum at 965 ± 10 cm ^-1 and 990 of at least olefin to any of ± 10cm ^-1 δCH (out-of-plane bending vibration) <8> To <11>.
<13> The method for producing a toner according to any one of <1> to <12>, wherein an ionizing agent is added together with the organic fine particles when the organic fine particles are added.
<14> The method for producing a toner according to <13>, wherein the ionizing agent is at least one selected from a salt composed of a monovalent cation and a monovalent anion.
<15> The method for producing a toner according to <14>, wherein the monovalent cation includes at least one of a sodium ion and a potassium ion.
<16> The method for producing a toner according to any one of <1> to <15>, wherein the solution or dispersion of the toner material is dispersed in an aqueous medium while stirring.
<17> When the stirring speed at the time of dissolving the toner material or dispersing the dispersion in the aqueous medium is Am / s and the stirring speed at the time of granulating the toner is Bm / s, The method for producing a toner according to any one of <1> to <16>, wherein <A <23 and 1.4 <A / B <100 are satisfied.
<18> The method for producing a toner according to any one of <1> to <17>, wherein the volume average particle diameter of the dispersed particles before granulating the toner is 0.1 to 3 μm.

<19> A toner produced by the method for producing a toner according to any one of <1> to <18>.
<20> The toner according to <19>, wherein the adhesive base material includes an unmodified polyester resin.
<21> The toner according to <20>, wherein the molecular weight distribution of a tetrahydrofuran (THF) soluble portion of the unmodified polyester resin is 1,000 to 30,000 in terms of weight average molecular weight (Mw).
<22> The toner according to any one of <20> to <21>, wherein the acid value of the unmodified polyester resin is 1.0 to 50.0 KOHmg / g.
<23> The toner according to any one of <20> to <22>, wherein the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the unmodified polyester resin is 35 to 70 ° C.
<24> The toner according to any one of <19> to <23>, wherein the toner has a volume average particle diameter of 3 to 9 μm.
<25> The toner according to any one of <19> to <24>, wherein the toner has a volume average particle diameter (Dv) / number average particle diameter (Dn) of 1.05 to 1.25.
<26> The toner according to any one of <19> to <25>, wherein the toner has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 40 to 70 ° C.
<27> The toner according to any one of <19> to <26>, wherein the toner has an acid value of 0.5 to 40.0 KOHmg / g.

<28> A developer comprising the toner according to any one of <19> to <27>.
<29> A toner-containing container filled with the toner according to any one of <19> to <27>.
<30> An electrostatic latent image carrier and an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier are developed with the toner according to any one of <19> to <27> to be a visible image And a developing means for forming the process cartridge.
<31> An electrostatic latent image carrier, electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier, and the electrostatic latent image according to <19> to <27> Developing means for developing a visible image by developing using any of the toners, Transfer means for transferring the visible image to a recording medium, Fixing means for fixing the transferred image transferred to the recording medium, The image forming apparatus is characterized by having at least.
<32> An electrostatic latent image forming step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier, and the electrostatic latent image using the toner according to any one of <19> to <27> An image comprising at least a developing step for developing to form a visible image, a transferring step for transferring the visible image to a recording medium, and a fixing step for fixing the transferred image transferred to the recording medium It is a forming method.

In the toner production method of the present invention, a toner material is dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent to prepare a solution or dispersion of the toner material, and the solution or dispersion is dispersed in an aqueous medium that does not contain organic resin fine particles. An oil-in-water dispersion is prepared by dispersing as a particle, and then organic resin fine particles are added to the oil-in-water dispersion and the toner is granulated in the presence of the organic resin fine particles. . In the toner manufacturing method, the toner material is dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent to prepare a solution or dispersion of the toner material. The dissolved or dispersed liquid is dispersed as dispersed particles in an aqueous medium not containing organic resin fine particles to prepare an oil-in-water dispersion. Organic resin fine particles are added to the oil-in-water dispersion and the toner is granulated in the presence of the organic resin fine particles. Here, the dispersed particles dispersed in the aqueous medium not containing the organic resin fine particles have a small particle diameter, and the dispersed particles having the small particle diameter are aggregated in the presence of the organic resin fine particles to obtain a large diameter. It becomes particles and is granulated as toner. As a result, it is possible to obtain a toner having a small particle size and a narrow particle size distribution in which the composition of the material between the toner particles is uniform, the charging stability is excellent, the occurrence of fog and toner scattering is small, and high image quality is obtained.
The toner material includes at least an active hydrogen group-containing compound and a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound, and the granulation includes the active hydrogen group-containing compound and the active hydrogen group-containing compound. And a polymer capable of reacting with each other to produce particles having at least the adhesive substrate while producing an adhesive substrate, further agglomeration resistance, chargeability, fluidity, release A toner that is excellent in various properties such as moldability and fixability, particularly low-temperature fixability, and can obtain high image quality is efficiently produced.
It is preferable that the organic solvent is removed before granulating the toner, and the concentration of the organic solvent in the dispersed particles after removal of the organic solvent is preferably 0.5 to 35 wt%. Excellently shaped toner can be obtained.
It is preferable that the distribution coefficient represented by the ratio of the amount eluted in the aqueous medium to the total amount dissolved in the organic solvent in the active hydrogen group-containing compound is 0.01 or more and less than 3, More preferably, it is N-alkylalkanediamine. In this case, the outflow of the active hydrogen group-containing compound to the aqueous medium and the uneven distribution on the surface of the dispersed particles are suppressed, and the active hydrogen group-containing compound remains in the dispersed particles and reacts with the polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound. In addition, a toner having excellent charging stability, granularity, hot offset resistance, low-temperature fixability and the like is manufactured.
Preferably, the toner material includes a crystalline polyester resin. In this case, a toner having particularly excellent low-temperature fixability can be obtained.

  The toner of the present invention is produced by the toner production method of the present invention. Therefore, the toner has a small particle size and a narrow particle size distribution, a uniform material composition among the toner particles, excellent charging stability, little fog and toner scattering, and high image quality. Further, when the toner contains particles containing at least an adhesive substrate obtained by reacting the active hydrogen group-containing compound with a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound, anti-aggregation property, charging property, fluidity, release property Excellent properties such as fixing properties. When image formation is performed using the toner, high image quality can be obtained under low-temperature fixing conditions.

  The developer of the present invention contains the toner of the present invention. For this reason, when an image is formed by electrophotography using the developer, a high-quality image with high image density and high sharpness is formed.

  The toner container of the present invention is filled with the toner of the present invention. For this reason, when an image is formed by electrophotography using the toner of the present invention filled in the toner-containing container, a high-quality image with high image density and high sharpness is formed.

  The process cartridge of the present invention comprises an electrostatic latent image carrier, and developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier using the toner of the present invention to form a visible image. At least. The process cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus, is excellent in convenience, and uses the toner of the present invention, so that a high quality image with high image density and high sharpness can be formed.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an electrostatic latent image carrier, electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier, and the electrostatic latent image of the present invention. The image forming apparatus includes at least a developing unit that forms a visible image by developing with toner, a transfer unit that transfers the visible image to a recording medium, and a fixing unit that fixes the transferred image transferred to the recording medium. In the image forming apparatus, the electrostatic latent image forming unit forms an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier. The developing means develops the electrostatic latent image using the toner of the present invention to form a visible image. The transfer means transfers the visible image to a recording medium. The fixing unit fixes the transferred image transferred to the recording medium. As a result, a high-quality image with high image density and high sharpness is formed.

  The image forming method of the present invention comprises an electrostatic latent image forming step of forming an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier, and developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner of the present invention to make visible. It includes at least a developing step for forming an image, a transfer step for transferring the visible image to a recording medium, and a fixing step for fixing the transferred image transferred to the recording medium. In the image forming apparatus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier in the electrostatic latent image forming step. In the developing step, the electrostatic latent image is developed using the toner of the present invention to form a visible image. In the transfer step, the visible image is transferred to a recording medium. In the fixing step, the transferred image transferred to the recording medium is fixed. As a result, a high-quality image with high image density and high sharpness is formed.

  According to the present invention, conventional problems can be solved, the material composition between toner particles is uniform, the charging stability is excellent, the occurrence of fog and toner scattering is small, and high image quality is obtained. Provided are a toner having a narrow particle size and a narrow particle size distribution, an efficient manufacturing method thereof, and a developer, a container containing toner, a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method capable of improving image quality using the toner. be able to.

(Toner and toner production method)
The method for producing a toner of the present invention comprises preparing an oil-in-water dispersion type dispersion by dispersing a solution or dispersion of a toner material as dispersed particles in an aqueous medium not containing organic resin fine particles. And a toner granulating step of adding organic resin fine particles to the oil-in-water dispersion and granulating toner in the presence of the organic resin fine particles, preferably before the toner granulating step. In addition, an organic solvent removing step is included during the removal of the organic solvent, and other steps are further included as necessary.

The toner of the present invention is obtained by the toner production method of the present invention.
In a preferred embodiment of the toner of the present invention, the toner material includes at least an active hydrogen group-containing compound and a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound, and the granulation includes the active hydrogen group-containing compound. And a toner that is produced by reacting a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound to produce an adhesive base material and obtaining particles containing at least the adhesive base material. .
Hereinafter, the details of the toner of the present invention will be clarified through the description of the method for producing the toner of the present invention.

<Oil-in-water dispersion preparation process>
In the oil-in-water dispersion preparation step, the toner material is dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent to prepare a solution or dispersion of the toner material, and the solution or dispersion is dissolved in an aqueous medium containing no organic resin fine particles. To prepare an oil-in-water type dispersion by dispersing as dispersed particles.
In the toner production method of the present invention, it is necessary to form the dispersed particles in an aqueous medium that does not contain organic resin fine particles. Since the organic resin fine particles are generally used for the purpose of controlling the toner shape (average circularity, particle size distribution, etc.), when the organic resin fine particles are contained in the aqueous medium, at the same time as the formation of the dispersed particles, Integration of the dispersed particles located in the vicinity proceeds, and fine dispersed particles may not be obtained, and it is difficult to adjust the desired particle size distribution, toner shape, reaction control, uneven distribution of materials in the toner particles, etc. It may become.

-Dissolution or dispersion of toner material-
The solution or dispersion of the toner material is obtained by dissolving or dispersing the toner material in an organic solvent.
The toner material is not particularly limited as long as the toner can be formed, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the monomer, the polymer, the active hydrogen group-containing compound, and the reaction with the active hydrogen group-containing compound can be selected. Including at least one of the possible polymers (prepolymer), preferably including a crystalline polyester resin, and, if necessary, an unmodified polyester resin, a release agent, a colorant, a charge control agent, and the like. Comprising ingredients.
In the method for producing a toner according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dissolution or dispersion of the toner material can be reacted with the active hydrogen group-containing compound and the active hydrogen group-containing compound in the organic solvent. The toner material such as a polymer, the crystalline polyester resin, the unmodified polyester resin, the release agent, the colorant, the charge control agent, and the like can be dissolved or dispersed in the toner material. Among them, components other than the polymer (prepolymer) capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound may be added and mixed in the aqueous medium in the preparation of the aqueous medium described later, or the toner material. When the solution or dispersion liquid is added to the aqueous medium, it may be added to the aqueous medium together with the solution or dispersion liquid.

The organic solvent is not particularly limited as long as it is a solvent that can dissolve or disperse the toner material, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the boiling point is less than 150 ° C. in terms of ease of removal. Volatile ones are preferred, for example, toluene, xylene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, chloroform, monochlorobenzene, dichloroethylidene, methyl acetate, acetic acid Examples include ethyl, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone. Among these, toluene, xylene, benzene, methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and the like are preferable, and ethyl acetate is particularly preferable. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as the usage-amount of the said organic solvent, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, 40-300 mass parts is preferable with respect to 100 mass parts of said toner materials, and 60-140 mass parts is preferable. More preferably, 80-120 mass parts is still more preferable.

-Active hydrogen group-containing compound-
The active hydrogen group-containing compound acts as an elongation agent, a crosslinking agent, or the like when a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound undergoes an elongation reaction, a crosslinking reaction, or the like in the aqueous medium.
The active hydrogen group-containing compound has a partition coefficient expressed by a ratio of an amount eluted in the aqueous medium to a total amount dissolved in the organic solvent in the active hydrogen group-containing compound of 0.01 or more and less than 3. It is preferable that 0.01-1 is more preferable. When the partition coefficient is 0.01 or more and less than 3, the active hydrogen group-containing compound is prevented from eluting into the aqueous medium during emulsification or dispersion, and the active hydrogen group-containing compound is retained in the dispersed particles. Thus, it is possible to suppress a decrease in toner performance.
The partition coefficient is measured by preparing a mixed solution by sufficiently dissolving 0.125 g of the active hydrogen group-containing compound in 50 g of 50% by mass ethyl acetate solution of unmodified polyester resin (unmodified polyester resin) described later. Then, the mixed solution is added to 50 g of deionized water, and stirred in a 200 ml glass beaker using a magnetic stirrer and a 20 mm diameter stirrer chip at a rotation speed of 200 rpm to obtain a pseudo-emulsified state. Thereafter, the mixture is allowed to stand at 25 ° C. for 1 hour and separated into an ethyl acetate solution (organic solvent phase) and deionized water (aqueous medium phase). Further, the aqueous medium phase is isolated and titrated with an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution to quantify the amount of the active hydrogen group-containing compound in the aqueous medium phase. The mass ratio of the active hydrogen group-containing compound dissolved and transferred in the aqueous medium to the total amount of the added active hydrogen group-containing compound is defined as a “partition coefficient”.

The active hydrogen group-containing compound is not particularly limited as long as it has an active hydrogen group, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound is In the case of the isocyanate group-containing polyester prepolymer (A), the amines (B) can be increased in molecular weight by a reaction such as an elongation reaction or a crosslinking reaction with the isocyanate group-containing polyester prepolymer (A). Is preferred.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said active hydrogen group, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a hydroxyl group (alcoholic hydroxyl group or phenolic hydroxyl group), an amino group, a carboxyl group, a mercapto group etc. are mentioned. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, an alcoholic hydroxyl group is particularly preferable.

The amines (B) are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include diamine (B1), trivalent or higher polyamine (B2), amino alcohol (B3), and amino mercaptan. (B4), amino acid (B5), and those obtained by blocking the amino groups of B1 to B5 (B6).
These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, diamine (B1), a mixture of diamine (B1) and a small amount of a trivalent or higher polyamine (B2) are particularly preferable.

The diamine (B1) is preferably oil-soluble and has a high molecular weight, such as N-alkylalkanediamine. When the diamine is a water-soluble and low molecular weight substance, the solubility in water is high, and when the toner is granulated, it flows into the aqueous medium, or the high molecular weight component in the toner material is unevenly distributed near the surface of the dispersed particles. However, a pseudo capsule structure may be taken. In the method for producing a toner of the present invention, the above-mentioned adverse effect becomes remarkable because the time during which the dispersed particles exist as fine particles is long. On the other hand, when the diamine is oil-soluble, it can be prevented from flowing out into the aqueous medium and unevenly distributed on the surface of the dispersed particles, and can remain in the dispersed particles, and the material composition between the toner particles is uniform. And a toner having excellent low-temperature fixability can be obtained.
As the N-alkylalkanediamine, for example, N-oleyl-1,3-propanediamine represented by the following structural formula (1) is particularly preferable.

ただし、前記構造式（１）中、Ｒはオレイル基を表す。

However, in said structural formula (1), R represents an oleyl group.

  Moreover, as said diamine (B1), you may use aromatic diamine, alicyclic diamine, aliphatic diamine, etc., for example. Examples of the aromatic diamine include phenylenediamine, diethyltoluenediamine, 4,4′diaminodiphenylmethane, and the like. Examples of the alicyclic diamine include 4,4′-diamino-3,3′dimethyldicyclohexylmethane, diaminecyclohexane, and isophoronediamine. Examples of the aliphatic diamine include ethylene diamine, tetramethylene diamine, and hexamethylene diamine.

Examples of the trivalent or higher polyamine (B2) include diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetramine.
Examples of the amino alcohol (B3) include ethanolamine and hydroxyethylaniline.
Examples of the amino mercaptan (B4) include aminoethyl mercaptan and aminopropyl mercaptan.
Examples of the amino acid (B5) include aminopropionic acid and aminocaproic acid.
Examples of the block (B6) in which the amino group of B1 to B5 is blocked include, for example, a ketimine obtained from any of the amines (B1) to (B5) and ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, etc.) Compounds, oxazolyzone compounds, and the like.

In the extension reaction or crosslinking reaction between the active hydrogen group-containing compound and the polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound, it is preferable to use a reaction aid (catalyst) for the extension reaction or the crosslinking reaction. . Examples of the catalyst include tertiary amine compounds.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said tertiary amine compound, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, the compound represented by following General formula (2) is mentioned suitably. The tertiary amine compound not only functions as a catalyst, but also functions as an emulsification aid when the toner material is dissolved or dispersed in the aqueous medium in the preparation of the oil-in-water dispersion. This is preferable.

  A reaction terminator can be used to stop the elongation reaction, the crosslinking reaction, etc. between the active hydrogen group-containing compound and the polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound. Use of the reaction terminator is preferable in that the molecular weight and the like of the adhesive substrate can be controlled within a desired range. Examples of the reaction terminator include monoamines (diethylamine, dibutylamine, butylamine, laurylamine, etc.) or those blocked (ketimine compounds).

As a mixing ratio of the amines (B) and the isocyanate group-containing polyester prepolymer (A), the isocyanate group [NCO] in the isocyanate group-containing prepolymer (A) and the amines (B) The mixing equivalent ratio ([NCO] / [NHx]) of the amino group [NHx] is preferably 1/3 to 3/1, more preferably 1/2 to 2/1, It is particularly preferably 1.5 to 1.5 / 1.
If the mixing equivalent ratio ([NCO] / [NHx]) is less than 1/3, the low-temperature fixability may decrease. If it exceeds 3/1, the molecular weight of the urea-modified polyester resin will be low. The hot offset resistance may be deteriorated.

--Polymer capable of reacting with active hydrogen group-containing compound--
The polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “prepolymer”) is not particularly limited as long as it has at least a site capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound. However, it can be appropriately selected from known resins, and examples thereof include polyol resins, polyacrylic resins, polyester resins, epoxy resins, and derivative resins thereof.
These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, a polyester resin is particularly preferable in terms of high fluidity and transparency during melting.

The site capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound in the prepolymer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known substituents. For example, an isocyanate group, an epoxy group, a carboxylic acid, An acid chloride group, and the like.
These may be contained singly or in combination of two or more. Among these, an isocyanate group is particularly preferable.

Among the prepolymers, it is easy to adjust the molecular weight of the polymer component, and oil-less low-temperature fixing characteristics in dry toners, in particular, good releasability and fixability even in the absence of a release oil application mechanism to a fixing heating medium. It is particularly preferable that it is a urea bond-forming group-containing polyester resin (RMPE) in that it can be secured.
As said urea bond production | generation group, an isocyanate group etc. are mentioned, for example. When the urea bond generating group in the urea bond generating group-containing polyester resin (RMPE) is the isocyanate group, the isocyanate group-containing polyester prepolymer (A) and the like are particularly preferable as the polyester resin (RMPE). It is done.

  The isocyanate group-containing polyester prepolymer (A) is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, it is a polycondensate of a polyol (PO) and a polycarboxylic acid (PC), And what made the said active hydrogen group containing polyester resin react with polyisocyanate (PIC), etc. are mentioned.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said polyol (PO), According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, diol (DIO), trihydric or more polyol (TO), diol (DIO), and trihydric or more polyol A mixture with (TO), etc. are mentioned. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, the diol (DIO) alone or a mixture of the diol (DIO) and a small amount of the trivalent or higher polyol (TO) is preferable.

Examples of the diol (DIO) include alkylene glycols, alkylene ether glycols, alicyclic diols, alkylene oxide adducts of alicyclic diols, bisphenols, alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols, and the like.
The alkylene glycol is preferably one having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, such as ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol and the like. Can be mentioned. Examples of the alkylene ether glycol include diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene ether glycol, and the like. Examples of the alicyclic diol include 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and hydrogenated bisphenol A. Examples of the alkylene oxide adduct of the alicyclic diol include those obtained by adding an alkylene oxide such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide to the alicyclic diol. Examples of the bisphenols include bisphenol A, bisphenol F, and bisphenol S. Examples of the alkylene oxide adduct of the bisphenol include those obtained by adding an alkylene oxide such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide to the bisphenol.
Among these, alkylene glycols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols and the like are preferable, and alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols, alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenols and alkylene glycols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Mixtures are particularly preferred.

The trivalent or higher polyol (TO) is preferably 3 to 8 or higher, for example, a trivalent or higher polyhydric aliphatic alcohol, a trivalent or higher polyphenol, a trivalent or higher polyphenol. And alkylene oxide adducts.
Examples of the trihydric or higher polyhydric aliphatic alcohol include glycerin, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and the like. Examples of the trihydric or higher polyphenols include trisphenol PA, phenol novolak, cresol novolak, and the like. Examples of the trivalent or higher polyphenols alkylene oxide adducts include those obtained by adding an alkylene oxide such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide to the trivalent or higher polyphenols.

  The mixture mass ratio (DIO: TO) of the diol (DIO) and the trivalent or higher polyol (TO) in the mixture of the diol (DIO) and the trivalent or higher polyol (TO) is 100: 0.01-10 are preferable and 100: 0.01-1 are more preferable.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said polycarboxylic acid (PC), Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, dicarboxylic acid (DIC), trivalent or more polycarboxylic acid (TC), dicarboxylic acid (DIC) ) And a tri- or higher valent polycarboxylic acid.
These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, dicarboxylic acid (DIC) alone or a mixture of DIC and a small amount of trivalent or higher polycarboxylic acid (TC) is preferable.
Examples of the dicarboxylic acid include alkylene dicarboxylic acid, alkenylene dicarboxylic acid, aromatic dicarboxylic acid, and the like.
Examples of the alkylene dicarboxylic acid include succinic acid, adipic acid, and sebacic acid. As said alkenylene dicarboxylic acid, a C4-C20 thing is preferable, For example, a maleic acid, a fumaric acid, etc. are mentioned. As said aromatic dicarboxylic acid, a C8-C20 thing is preferable, For example, a phthalic acid, an isophthalic acid, a terephthalic acid, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid etc. are mentioned.
Among these, alkenylene dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 20 carbon atoms and aromatic dicarboxylic acid having 8 to 20 carbon atoms are preferable.

The trivalent or higher polycarboxylic acid (TO) is preferably a trivalent to octavalent or higher one, and examples thereof include aromatic polycarboxylic acids.
The aromatic polycarboxylic acid preferably has 9 to 20 carbon atoms, and examples thereof include trimellitic acid and pyromellitic acid.

  As the polycarboxylic acid (PC), the dicarboxylic acid (DIC), the trivalent or higher polycarboxylic acid (TC), and a mixture of the dicarboxylic acid (DIC) and the trivalent or higher polycarboxylic acid, Any acid anhydride or lower alkyl ester selected from can also be used. Examples of the lower alkyl ester include methyl ester, ethyl ester, isopropyl ester and the like.

  Mixing mass ratio (DIC: TC) of the dicarboxylic acid (DIC) and the trivalent or higher polycarboxylic acid (TC) in the mixture of the dicarboxylic acid (DIC) and the trivalent or higher polycarboxylic acid (TC) There is no restriction | limiting in particular, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, 100: 0.01-10 are preferable and 100: 0.01-1 are more preferable.

  The mixing ratio for the polycondensation reaction between the polyol (PO) and the polycarboxylic acid (PC) is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, in the polyol (PO) The equivalent ratio ([OH] / [COOH]) of the hydroxyl group [OH] to the carboxyl group [COOH] in the polycarboxylic acid (PC) is usually preferably 2/1 to 1/1. More preferably, it is 0.5 / 1 to 1/1, and particularly preferably 1.3 / 1 to 1.02 / 1.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content in the said isocyanate group containing polyester prepolymer (A) of the said polyol (PO), Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, 0.5-40 mass% is preferable. 1-30 mass% is more preferable, and 2-20 mass% is especially preferable.
When the content is less than 0.5% by mass, the hot offset resistance deteriorates, and it may be difficult to achieve both the heat-resistant storage stability and the low-temperature fixability of the toner, and exceeds 40% by mass. In some cases, the low-temperature fixability may deteriorate.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said polyisocyanate (PIC), Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, aliphatic polyisocyanate, alicyclic polyisocyanate, aromatic diisocyanate, araliphatic diisocyanate, isocyanurate And those blocked with phenol derivatives, oximes, caprolactams, and the like.
Examples of the aliphatic polyisocyanate include tetramethylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,6-diisocyanatomethylcaproate, octamethylene diisocyanate, decamethylene diisocyanate, dodecamethylene diisocyanate, tetradecamethylene diisocyanate, trimethylhexane diisocyanate, Examples include tetramethylhexane diisocyanate. Examples of the alicyclic polyisocyanate include isophorone diisocyanate and cyclohexylmethane diisocyanate. Examples of the aromatic diisocyanate include tolylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate, diphenylene-4,4′-diisocyanate, 4,4′-diisocyanato-3,3′-dimethyldiphenyl, 3- Examples thereof include methyldiphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate, diphenyl ether-4,4′-diisocyanate and the like. Examples of the araliphatic diisocyanate include α, α, α ′, α′-tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate. Examples of the isocyanurates include tris-isocyanatoalkyl-isocyanurate and triisocyanatocycloalkyl-isocyanurate.
These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

As a mixing ratio when the polyisocyanate (PIC) and the active hydrogen group-containing polyester resin (for example, a hydroxyl group-containing polyester resin) are reacted, the isocyanate group [NCO] in the polyisocyanate (PIC) and the hydroxyl group-containing group are used. The mixing equivalent ratio ([NCO] / [OH]) with the hydroxyl group [OH] in the polyester resin is usually preferably 5/1 to 1/1, and preferably 4/1 to 1.2 / 1. More preferred is 3/1 to 1.5 / 1.
When the isocyanate group [NCO] exceeds 5, the low-temperature fixability may be deteriorated, and when it is less than 1, the offset resistance may be deteriorated.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content in the said isocyanate group containing polyester prepolymer (A) of the said polyisocyanate (PIC), Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, 0.5-40 mass% is Preferably, 1-30 mass% is more preferable, and 2-20 mass% is still more preferable.
When the content is less than 0.5% by mass, the hot offset resistance is deteriorated, and it may be difficult to achieve both heat-resistant storage stability and low-temperature fixability. When the content exceeds 40% by mass, Low temperature fixability may deteriorate.

As an average number of the isocyanate groups contained per molecule of the isocyanate group-containing polyester prepolymer (A), 1 or more is preferable, 1.2 to 5 is more preferable, and 1.5 to 4 is more preferable.
When the average number of the isocyanate groups is less than 1, the molecular weight of the polyester resin (RMPE) modified with the urea bond-forming group is lowered, and the hot offset resistance may be deteriorated.

  The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound is 3,000 to 40,000 in terms of molecular weight distribution by GPC (gel permeation chromatography) soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF). Preferably, 4,000 to 30,000 is more preferable. When the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is less than 3,000, the heat resistant storage stability may be deteriorated, and when it exceeds 40,000, the low temperature fixability may be deteriorated.

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound was determined based on the following measurement conditions using a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measuring device (“GPC-8220GPC”; manufactured by Tosoh Corporation). Can be measured.
That is, the column uses TSKgel SuperHZM-H 15 cm triple (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation), the temperature is set to 40 ° C., and tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a solvent is allowed to flow at a flow rate of 0.35 ml / min, 0.15% by mass. 100 ml of the sample solution is injected and measured. The sample solution was prepared by adding 0.4 ml of a 0.15 mass% sample (polymer capable of reacting with an active hydrogen group-containing compound) to tetrahydrofuran THF (containing a stabilizer, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries) as a pretreatment. Use a filtrate obtained by dissolving with a 0.2 μm filter after dissolution to 15 mass%.
In measuring the molecular weight of the sample, the molecular weight distribution of the sample is calculated from the relationship between the logarithmic value of a calibration curve prepared from several monodisperse polystyrene standard samples and the number of counts. As a standard polystyrene sample for preparing a calibration curve, Showd STANDARD Std. No S-7300, S-210, S-390, S-875, S-1980, S-10.9, S-629, S-3.0, S-0.580, and toluene are used. Further, an RI (refractive index) detector is used as the detector.

--- Crystalline polyester resin--
The crystalline polyester resin has crystallinity and exhibits a heat-melting characteristic that causes a sudden decrease in viscosity near the fixing start temperature. In other words, until the melting start temperature, the heat resistant storage stability is good due to crystallinity, and at the melting starting temperature, a sharp viscosity drop (sharp melt property) occurs and fixing is performed. A compatible toner can be produced. In addition, the mold release width (the difference between the low temperature fixing lower limit temperature and the hot offset occurrence temperature) is also excellent.

  The crystalline polyester resin is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include diol compounds having 2 to 6 carbon atoms as alcohol components, particularly 1,4-butanediol, 1, Using 6-hexanediol and those derivatives containing 80 mol% or more, preferably 85 to 100 mol%, and at least maleic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, and derivatives thereof as acidic components A crystalline polyester resin represented by the following general formula (1) is preferably exemplified.

前記一般式（１）中、ｎ及びｍは、繰返単位数を表し、Ｌは１〜３の整数を表し、Ｒ^１及びＲ^２は、互いに同一であってもよいし、異なっていてもよく、水素原子又は炭化水素基を表す。

In the general formula (1), n and m represent the number of repeating units, L represents an integer of 1 to 3, and R ¹ and R ² may be the same as or different from each other. Often represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group.

In order to control the crystallinity and softening point of the crystalline polyester resin, when the crystalline polyester is synthesized, a trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin is used as the alcohol component, trimellitic anhydride is used as the acid component, etc. Non-linear polyesters obtained by condensation polymerization by adding a trivalent or higher polyvalent carboxylic acid may be used. The molecular structure of the crystalline polyester can be confirmed by solid-state NMR or the like.
The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the crystalline polyester resin is preferably 1,000 to 30,000, more preferably 1,000 to 6,500 in terms of molecular weight distribution by GPC of the soluble portion of orthodichlorobenzene. When the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is less than 1,000, the heat resistant storage stability may be deteriorated, and when it exceeds 30,000, the low temperature fixability may be deteriorated.
The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the crystalline polyester resin is preferably 500 to 6,000, more preferably 500 to 2,000 in terms of molecular weight distribution by GPC of the soluble part of orthodichlorobenzene. Moreover, as (Mw / Mn), 2-8 are preferable and 2-5 are more preferable.
In the molecular weight distribution by GPC, the peak position of the molecular weight distribution diagram in which the horizontal axis represents log (M) and the vertical axis represents mass% is in the range of 3.5 to 4.0, and the peak half-value width is 1 .5 or less is preferable.

The melting temperature and F1 _{/ 2} temperature of the crystalline polyester resin are preferably low so long as the heat resistant storage stability does not deteriorate. For example, the DSC endothermic peak temperature is preferably 50 to 150 ° C. When the melting temperature and the F _1/2 temperature are less than 50 ° C., the heat-resistant storage stability is deteriorated, and blocking tends to occur at the temperature inside the developing device, and when it exceeds 150 ° C., the lower limit fixing temperature is increased. Therefore, the low temperature fixability may be deteriorated.

The crystalline polyester resin preferably has an absorption based on at least the olefin to any of the infrared absorption spectrum at 965 ± 10 cm ^-1 and 990 ± 10cm ^-1 δCH (out-of-plane bending vibration). When absorption based on δCH of the olefin is present at the position, the low-temperature fixability is improved.

The acid value of the crystalline polyester resin is preferably 8 mgKOH / g or more and more preferably 20 mgKOH / g or more in order to achieve low-temperature fixability from the viewpoint of the affinity between paper and resin. On the other hand, in order to improve hot offset property, 45 mgKOH / g or less is preferable.
The hydroxyl value of the crystalline polyester resin is preferably from 0 to 50 mgKOH / g, more preferably from 5 to 50 mgKOH / g, from the viewpoint of improving low-temperature fixability and charging characteristics.

  When the non-modified polyester resin (b) and the crystalline polyester resin (c) are contained in the toner, the urea bond-forming group-containing polyester resin (a), the unmodified polyester resin (b), and the crystalline The mixing mass ratio with the polyester resin (c) is usually (a) / (b) + (c) of 5/95 to 25/75, preferably 10/90 to 25/75, and 12/88 to 25/75 is more preferable, 12/88 to 22/78 is still more preferable, and the mass ratio of (b) to (c) is 99/1 to 50/50, and 95/5 to 60/40. Is preferable, and 90/10 to 65/35 is more preferable. When the mass ratio is out of the numerical range, the hot offset resistance is deteriorated, and it may be difficult to achieve both heat resistant storage stability and low temperature fixability.

-Other ingredients-
The other components are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a release agent, a colorant, a charge control agent, inorganic fine particles, a fluidity improver, a cleaning property improver, a magnetic property Materials, metal soaps, and the like.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said mold release agent, According to the objective, it can select suitably from well-known things, For example, waxes etc. are mentioned suitably.
Examples of the waxes include carbonyl group-containing waxes, polyolefin waxes, long chain hydrocarbons, and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, a carbonyl group-containing wax is preferable.
Examples of the carbonyl group-containing wax include polyalkanoic acid esters, polyalkanol esters, polyalkanoic acid amides, polyalkylamides, dialkyl ketones, and the like. Examples of the polyalkanoic acid ester include carnauba wax, montan wax, trimethylolpropane tribehenate, pentaerythritol tetrabehenate, pentaerythritol diacetate dibehenate, glycerin tribehenate, and 1,18-octadecane. Examples thereof include diol distearate. Examples of the polyalkanol ester include tristearyl trimellitic acid and distearyl maleate. Examples of the polyalkanoic acid amide include dibehenyl amide. Examples of the polyalkylamide include trimellitic acid tristearylamide. Examples of the dialkyl ketone include distearyl ketone. Of these carbonyl group-containing waxes, polyalkanoic acid esters are particularly preferred.
Examples of the polyolefin wax include polyethylene wax and polypropylene wax.
Examples of the long chain hydrocarbon include paraffin wax and sazol wax.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as melting | fusing point of the said mold release agent, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 40-160 degreeC is preferable, 50-120 degreeC is more preferable, 60-90 degreeC is especially preferable.
When the melting point is less than 40 ° C., the release agent may adversely affect the heat-resistant storage stability.

The melting point (Tm) of the release agent was obtained by performing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) based on the following measurement conditions using “TA-60WS” and “DSC-60” manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. It is determined by the peak top indicating the maximum endotherm of the curve.
That is, an aluminum sample pan (with a lid) is used as a sample container, the sample amount is set to 5 mg, an aluminum sample pan (alumina 10 mg) is used as a reference, and under a nitrogen atmosphere (flow rate 50 ml / min) Do. As temperature conditions, after raising the temperature from the start temperature of 20 ° C. to the end temperature of 150 ° C. at a temperature rise rate of 10 ° C./min, the temperature is lowered to the end temperature of 20 ° C. at a temperature drop rate of 10 ° C./min without holding time. Further, the temperature is raised to an end temperature of 150 ° C. at a temperature raising rate of 10 ° C./min without a holding time.
The results obtained under the above measurement conditions can be analyzed using data analysis software (“TA-60”, version 1.52) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. As an analysis method, a range of ± 5 ° C. is designated around the point showing the maximum peak of the DrDSC curve which is the DSC differential curve of the second temperature increase, and the peak temperature is determined using the peak analysis function of the analysis software. Ask. Next, the maximum endothermic temperature of the DSC curve is determined using the peak analysis function of the analysis software in the range of + 5 ° C. and −5 ° C. with the DSC curve. And the temperature shown here is equivalent to melting | fusing point (Tm) of the said mold release agent.

The melt viscosity of the release agent is preferably 5 to 1,000 cps, more preferably 10 to 100 cps, as a measured value at a temperature 20 ° C. higher than the melting point of the wax.
If the melt viscosity is less than 5 cps, the releasability may be lowered, and if it exceeds 1,000 cps, the effect of improving hot offset resistance and low-temperature fixability may not be obtained.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as content in the said toner of the said mold release agent, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, 0-40 mass% is preferable and 3-30 mass% is more preferable.
When the content exceeds 40% by mass, the fluidity of the toner may be deteriorated.

The colorant is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known dyes and pigments according to the purpose. For example, carbon black, nigrosine dye, iron black, naphthol yellow S, Hansa yellow (10G, 5G, G), cadmium yellow, yellow iron oxide, ocher, yellow lead, titanium yellow, polyazo yellow, oil yellow, Hansa yellow (GR, A, RN, R), pigment yellow L, benzidine yellow (G, GR), Permanent Yellow (NCG), Vulcan Fast Yellow (5G, R), Tartrazine Lake, Quinoline Yellow Lake, Anthrazan Yellow BGL, Isoindolinone Yellow, Bengala, Lead Red, Lead Red, Cadmium Red, Cad Muum Mercury Red, Antimon Zhu, Permanent Red 4R, PA Red, Faise Red, Parachlor Ortho Nitroaniline Red, Resol Fast Scarlet G, Brilliant Fast Scarlet, Brilliant Carmine BS, Permanent Red (F2R, F4R, FRL, FRLL, F4RH), Fast Scarlet VD, Belkan Fast Rubin B, Brilliant Scarlet G, Risor Rubin GX, Permanent Red F5R, Brilliant Carmine 6B, Pogment Scarlet 3B, Bordeaux 5B, Toluidine Maroon, Permanent Bordeaux F2K, Helio Bordeaux BL, Bordeaux 10B, Bon Maroon Light, Bon Maroon Medium, Eosin Lake, Rhodamine Lake B, Rhodamine Lake Y, Alizarin Lake, Thioindigo Red B, Thioindigo Maroon, Oh Lured, Quinacridone Red, Pyrazolone Red, Polyazo Red, Chrome Vermilion, Benzidine Orange, Perinone Orange, Oil Orange, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Alkaline Blue Lake, Peacock Blue Lake, Victoria Blue Lake, Metal Free Phthalocyanine Blue, Phthalocyanine Blue, Fast Sky Blue, Indanthrene Blue (RS, BC), Indigo, Ultramarine Blue, Bitumen, Anthraquinone Blue, Fast Violet B, Methyl Violet Lake, Cobalt Purple, Manganese Purple, Dioxane Violet, Anthraquinone Violet, Chrome Green, Zinc Green, Oxidation Chrome, Pyridian, Emerald Green, Pigment Green B, Naphthol Green B, Green Gold, Ash Examples include green lake, malachite green lake, phthalocyanine green, anthraquinone green, titanium oxide, zinc white, and lithobon.
These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

The content of the colorant in the toner is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose, but is preferably 1 to 15% by mass, and more preferably 3 to 10% by mass.
When the content is less than 1% by mass, a reduction in the coloring power of the toner is observed. When the content exceeds 15% by mass, poor pigment dispersion in the toner occurs, the coloring power decreases, The characteristics may be degraded.

  The colorant may be used as a master batch combined with a resin. The resin is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known ones according to the purpose. For example, styrene or a substituted polymer thereof, a styrene copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate , Polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, epoxy resin, epoxy polyol resin, polyurethane, polyamide, polyvinyl butyral, polyacrylic acid resin, rosin, modified rosin, terpene resin, aliphatic hydrocarbon resin, alicyclic ring Aromatic hydrocarbon resin, aromatic petroleum resin, chlorinated paraffin, paraffin, and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  Examples of the polymer of styrene or a substituted product thereof include polyester resin, polystyrene, poly p-chlorostyrene, polyvinyl toluene, and the like. Examples of the styrene copolymer include a styrene-p-chlorostyrene copolymer, a styrene-propylene copolymer, a styrene-vinyltoluene copolymer, a styrene-vinylnaphthalene copolymer, and a styrene-methyl acrylate copolymer. Polymer, styrene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-octyl acrylate copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-ethyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene- Butyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-α-chloromethyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-vinyl methyl ketone copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-isoprene copolymer, styrene An acrylonitrile-indene copolymer, Styrene - maleic acid copolymer, styrene - maleic acid ester copolymer, and the like.

  The masterbatch can be produced by mixing or kneading the masterbatch resin and the colorant under high shear. At this time, it is preferable to add an organic solvent in order to enhance the interaction between the colorant and the resin. Also, the so-called flushing method is preferable in that the wet cake of the colorant can be used as it is, and there is no need to dry it. This flushing method is a method of mixing or kneading an aqueous paste containing water of a colorant together with a resin and an organic solvent, and transferring the colorant to the resin side to remove moisture and organic solvent components. For the mixing or kneading, for example, a high shear dispersion device such as a three-roll mill is preferably used.

The charge control agent is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known ones according to the purpose. However, since a color tone may change when a colored material is used, a colorless or nearly white material may be used. Preferably, for example, triphenylmethane dyes, molybdate chelate pigments, rhodamine dyes, alkoxyamines, quaternary ammonium salts (including fluorine-modified quaternary ammonium salts), alkylamides, phosphorus alone or compounds thereof, tungsten Examples thereof include a single substance or a compound thereof, a fluorine-based activator, a metal salt of salicylic acid, and a metal salt of a salicylic acid derivative. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
Commercially available products may be used as the charge control agent. Examples of the commercially available products include quaternary ammonium salt Bontron P-51, oxynaphthoic acid metal complex E-82, and salicylic acid metal complex. E-84, E-89 of a phenol-based condensate (above, manufactured by Orient Chemical Industries), TP-302, TP-415 of a quaternary ammonium salt molybdenum complex (above, manufactured by Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.), Fourth Copy charge PSY VP2038 of quaternary ammonium salt, copy blue PR of triphenylmethane derivative, copy charge of quaternary ammonium salt NEG VP2036, copy charge NX VP434 (manufactured by Hoechst), LRA-901, LR which is a boron complex -147 (manufactured by Nippon Carlit), quinacridone, azo pigment, other sulfonic acid groups, carbo Sill group, polymer compounds having a functional group such as quaternary ammonium salts, and the like.
The charge control agent may be melted and kneaded with the master batch and then dissolved or dispersed, or may be added together with the toner components when directly dissolving or dispersing in the organic solvent, or The toner particles may be fixed on the toner surface after production.

  The content of the charge control agent in the toner varies depending on the type of the binder resin, the presence / absence of an additive, a dispersion method, and the like, and cannot be generally specified. On the other hand, 0.1-10 mass parts is preferable, and 0.2-5 mass parts is more preferable. When the content is less than 0.1 parts by mass, the charge controllability may not be obtained. When the content exceeds 10 parts by mass, the chargeability of the toner becomes too large, and the effect of the main charge control agent is reduced. As a result, the electrostatic attractive force with the developing roller increases, which may lead to a decrease in developer fluidity and a decrease in image density.

The inorganic fine particles are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known ones according to the purpose. For example, silica, alumina, titanium oxide, barium titanate, magnesium titanate, calcium titanate, titanate Strontium, zinc oxide, tin oxide, silica sand, clay, mica, wollastonite, diatomaceous earth, chromium oxide, cerium oxide, pengala, antimony trioxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, barium sulfate, barium carbonate, calcium carbonate, carbonized Examples include silicon and silicon nitride. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
The primary particle diameter of the inorganic fine particles is preferably 5 nm to 2 μm, and more preferably 5 nm to 500 nm. The specific surface area of the inorganic fine particles by BET method is preferably 20 to 500 m ² / g.
The content of the inorganic fine particles in the toner is preferably 0.01 to 5.0% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 5.0% by mass.

The fluidity improver means a material that can be surface treated to increase hydrophobicity and prevent deterioration of flow characteristics and charging characteristics even under high humidity. For example, a silane coupling agent, a silylating agent, Examples thereof include a silane coupling agent having an alkyl fluoride group, an organic titanate coupling agent, an aluminum coupling agent, silicone oil, and modified silicone oil.
The cleaning improver is added to the toner in order to remove the developer after transfer remaining on the photoreceptor or the primary transfer medium, and includes, for example, fatty acid metal salts such as zinc stearate, calcium stearate, stearic acid, and the like. And polymer fine particles produced by soap-free emulsion polymerization such as methyl methacrylate fine particles and polystyrene fine particles. The polymer fine particles preferably have a relatively narrow particle size distribution, and preferably have a volume average particle size of 0.01 to 1 μm.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said magnetic material, According to the objective, it can select suitably from well-known things, For example, iron powder, a magnetite, a ferrite, etc. are mentioned. Among these, white is preferable in terms of color tone.

-Aqueous medium-
The aqueous medium is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known ones. Examples thereof include water, a solvent miscible with water, a mixture thereof, and the like. Among these, Is particularly preferred.
The solvent miscible with water is not particularly limited as long as it is miscible with water, and examples thereof include alcohol, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, cellosolves, and lower ketones.
Examples of the alcohol include methanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol and the like. Examples of the lower ketones include acetone and methyl ethyl ketone.
These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.
As described above, it is necessary that the aqueous medium does not contain organic resin fine particles.

-Dispersed particles-
The dispersed particles are dispersions (oil droplets) made of the toner material dissolved or dispersed in which the toner material dissolved or dispersed is dispersed in the aqueous medium, and the composition of the dispersed particles Is the same as the composition of the solution or dispersion of the toner material. That is, the dispersed particles include, for example, at least one of the monomer, the polymer, and a polymer (prepolymer) that can react with the active hydrogen group-containing compound, and, if necessary, the unmodified polyester. It comprises a toner material containing a resin and the other components such as the release agent, the colorant, and the charge control agent.
The dispersion particles are formed by preparing an oil-in-water dispersion by dispersing the dispersion or dispersion of the toner material in the aqueous medium.

  The volume average particle size (Mv) of the dispersed particles is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. The volume average particle size before granulating the toner is 0.1 to 3 μm. Preferably, 0.1-2 micrometers is preferable and 0.1-1 micrometer is more preferable. When the volume average particle diameter (Mv) of the dispersed particles is very small, there is no bias in the composition of the material between the toner particles formed by combining the dispersed particles, and the charge amount is uniform between the toner particles. Therefore, a toner having excellent chargeability is granulated.

The volume average particle diameter of the dispersed particles is measured using, for example, a particle size distribution measuring apparatus (“nanotrac UPA-150EX”; manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.), and analyzed software (“Microtrack Particle Size Analyzer, Ver. 10”). 1.2-016EE "; manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.).
First, the toner material dissolved or dispersed in a glass 30 ml sample bottle and the solvent (for example, ethyl acetate) used for the toner material dissolved or dispersed are added to prepare a 10 mass% dispersion. The obtained dispersion is subjected to a dispersion treatment for 2 minutes using an ultrasonic disperser (“W-113MK-II”; manufactured by Honda Electronics Co., Ltd.).
Next, after measuring the background with the solvent (for example, ethyl acetate), the dispersion after the dispersion treatment is dropped, and the sample loading value of the particle size distribution measuring apparatus is in the range of 1 to 10. Measure the dispersed particle size. From the viewpoint of measurement reproducibility of the dispersed particle size, it is necessary to measure the sample loading value in a range of 1 to 10. In order to obtain the sample loading value, the dispersion liquid It is preferable to appropriately adjust the amount of dripping.
As the measurement and analysis conditions, for example, the distribution display is set to “volume”, the particle size category selection is set to “standard”, the particle permeability is set to “permeation”, the particle shape is set to “non-spherical”, and the number of channels is set. 44, measurement time 60 seconds, number of measurements once, particle refractive index 1.5, density 1 g / cm ³ . Further, the solvent refractive index value is a solvent (in which the toner material is dissolved or dispersed) among the values (see FIGS. 4A to 4C) described in “Guidelines on Input Conditions at Measurement” issued by Nikkiso Co., Ltd. For example, an ethyl acetate) refractive index (eg, 1.37) can be used.

  The dissolution or dispersion of the toner material in the aqueous medium is preferably performed by dispersing the dissolution or dispersion of the toner material in the aqueous medium while stirring. The dispersion method is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the dispersion can be performed using a known disperser. Examples of the disperser include a low-speed shear dispersion. Machine, high-speed shearing disperser, friction disperser, high-pressure jet disperser, ultrasonic disperser, and the like. Among these, a high-speed shearing disperser is preferable in that the particle diameter of the dispersed particles can be controlled to 0.1 to 3 μm.

<Intermediate organic solvent removal process>
The intermediate organic solvent removing step is a step of removing the organic solvent from the dispersed particles before granulating the toner (before the toner granulating step).
In the intermediate organic solvent removal step, after the organic solvent is removed to a desired solid content concentration, the dispersed particles are grown together, so that irregularly shaped (unshaped unlike spherical) particles are formed. Can do. Agglomerates remain in the obtained particles, so that the blade cleaning performance on the photoreceptor can be improved.

In the intermediate organic solvent removing step, the concentration of the organic solvent in the dispersed particles after the removal of the organic solvent is preferably 0.5 to 35 wt%, and more preferably 0.5 to 10 wt%.
When the organic solvent concentration is less than 0.5 wt%, the viscosity of the dispersed particles becomes high, and even when the dispersed particles are aggregated during granulation, they cannot be fused, and the toner is being used. Particles may collapse, and if it exceeds 35 wt%, when the dispersed particles are granulated, the maintenance of the aggregated state of the particles becomes weak, and it may be difficult to deform. When the organic solvent concentration is 0.5 to 35 wt%, toner particles that are deformed while maintaining the aggregation state are formed, and the cleaning property is excellent. Further, the collapse of the toner particles when the toner particles are formed from the aggregate is suppressed.

As a method for removing the organic solvent, for example, (1) a method in which the entire reaction system is gradually reduced in pressure to evaporate and remove the organic solvent in the dispersed particles, and (2) the entire reaction system is gradually heated. A method of evaporating and removing the organic solvent in the dispersed particles, (3) a method of spraying an oil-in-water dispersion in a dry atmosphere to remove the water-insoluble organic solvent in the dispersed particles, Etc.
The dry atmosphere in which the oil-in-water dispersion is sprayed includes, for example, heated gas such as air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, combustion gas, and various air currents heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point of the highest boiling solvent used. Etc. For these, sufficient target quality can be obtained by short-time treatment using a spray dryer, belt dryer, rotary dryer, rotary kiln or the like.

Further, it is preferable to produce a toner having a shape factor SF-1 of 120 to 160 and a shape factor SF-2 of 115 to 160 by the organic solvent removing step.
When the shape factor SF-1 is less than 120 and the shape factor SF-2 is less than 115, the cleaning property may be deteriorated, and the shape factor SF-1 and the shape factor SF-2 exceed 160. Then, transfer failure of toner from the photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer belt or roller may occur, resulting in deterioration of image quality.

The shape factor SF-1 indicates the ratio of the roundness of the toner shape, and is expressed by the square of the maximum length MXLNG of the shape formed by projecting the toner onto a two-dimensional plane represented by the following formula (1). It is a value obtained by dividing by the area AREA and multiplying by 100π / 4.
SF-1 = {(MXLNG) ² / AREA} × (100π / 4) (1)
From the above equation (1), when the value of SF-1 is 100, the shape of the toner becomes a true sphere, and becomes larger as the value of SF-1 increases.
The shape factor SF-2 indicates the ratio of unevenness of the shape of the toner, and the square of the perimeter PERI of the figure formed by projecting the toner onto the two-dimensional plane represented by the following formula (2) It is a value obtained by dividing by the area AREA and multiplying by 100π / 4.
SF-2 = {(PERI) ² / AREA} × (100π / 4) Expression (2)
From the above formula (2), when the SF-2 value is 100, the toner surface has no unevenness, and as the SF-2 value increases, the toner surface unevenness becomes more prominent.

  Specifically, the shape factor is measured by using a field emission scanning electron microscope (“S-4500 type”; manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.) and taking a photograph of the toner at an acceleration voltage of 8 kV and 2,000 times. It can be introduced into an image analyzer ("LUSEX3"; manufactured by Nicole), analyzed and calculated.

<Toner granulation process>
The toner granulation step is a step of adding organic resin fine particles to the oil-in-water dispersion and granulating the toner in the presence of the organic resin fine particles.
In the oil-in-water dispersion preparation step, fine dispersion particles can be obtained by not containing the organic resin fine particles in the aqueous medium, and the organic resin fine particles are added in the toner granulation step. As a result, the shape and particle size distribution of the toner can be controlled, and a toner having a narrow particle size distribution can be obtained.

-Organic resin fine particles-
The organic resin fine particle is not particularly limited as long as it is a resin that can form an aqueous dispersion in the oil-in-water dispersion, and can be appropriately selected from known resins according to the purpose. Plastic resin or thermosetting resin may be used. For example, vinyl resin, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, polyester resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, silicon resin, phenol resin, melamine resin, urea resin, aniline resin , Ionomer resin, polycarbonate resin, and the like.
These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, at least one selected from vinyl resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy resins, and polyester resins is preferable because an aqueous dispersion of fine spherical resin particles can be easily obtained.
The vinyl resin is a polymer obtained by homopolymerizing or copolymerizing a vinyl monomer. For example, a styrene- (meth) acrylic acid ester resin, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a (meth) acrylic acid-acrylic acid ester polymer. Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, styrene- (meth) acrylic acid copolymer, and the like.
Further, as the organic resin fine particles, a copolymer comprising a monomer having at least two unsaturated groups can be used.
The monomer having at least two unsaturated groups is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, a sodium salt of ethylene oxide methacrylate adduct sulfate (“Eleminol RS-30”). "; Manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd.), divinylbenzene, 1,6-hexanediol acrylate and the like.

  The organic resin fine particles can be obtained by polymerization according to a known method appropriately selected according to the purpose, but is preferably obtained as an aqueous dispersion of the organic resin fine particles. As the method for preparing the aqueous dispersion of the organic resin fine particles, for example, (1) In the case of the vinyl resin, a vinyl monomer is used as a starting material and selected from suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization, seed polymerization, and dispersion polymerization (2) In the case of polyaddition or condensation resin such as polyester resin, polyurethane resin and epoxy resin, a precursor (monomer). , Oligomers, etc.) or a solvent solution thereof in the presence of a suitable dispersant, and then dispersed in an aqueous medium, followed by heating or adding a curing agent and curing to produce an aqueous dispersion of organic resin fine particles (3) In the case of polyaddition or condensation resin such as polyester resin, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, etc., precursor (monomer, oligomer, etc.) or solvent solution (liquid) (It may be liquefied by heating) After dissolving an appropriate emulsifier in water, water is added and phase inversion emulsification is performed. (4) Polymerization reaction (addition polymerization, ring-opening polymerization, polyaddition) in advance The resin prepared by any polymerization reaction mode such as addition condensation, condensation polymerization, etc.) is pulverized using a mechanical rotating type or jet type fine pulverizer, and then classified to give organic resin fine particles. (5) A polymerization reaction (addition polymerization, ring-opening polymerization, polyaddition, addition condensation, condensation polymerization or any other polymerization reaction mode) may be used in advance in the presence of an appropriate dispersant. (6) A method in which organic resin fine particles are obtained by spraying a resin solution prepared by dissolving a resin prepared in (1) in a solvent in the form of a mist, and then dispersing the organic resin fine particles in water in the presence of an appropriate dispersant. Polymerization reaction (addition polymerization, A resin prepared by dissolving a resin prepared by ring polymerization, polyaddition, addition condensation, condensation polymerization, or the like in a solvent, or a resin previously dissolved in a solvent by heating. (7) a method of precipitating organic resin fine particles by cooling the solution, then removing the solvent to obtain organic resin fine particles, and then dispersing the organic resin fine particles in water in the presence of a suitable dispersant; In the presence of a suitable dispersant, a resin solution prepared by dissolving a resin prepared by a polymerization reaction (any polymerization reaction mode such as addition polymerization, ring-opening polymerization, polyaddition, addition condensation, condensation polymerization, etc.) in a solvent, (8) A polymerization reaction (addition polymerization, ring-opening polymerization, polyaddition, addition condensation, condensation polymerization or any other polymerization reaction mode) is performed in advance by dispersing the solvent in an aqueous medium and then removing the solvent by heating or decompression. May) A preferable method includes, for example, a method in which a suitable emulsifier is dissolved in a resin solution obtained by dissolving the prepared resin in a solvent, and then water is added to perform phase inversion emulsification.

  The organic resin fine particles can change the particle size of the toner depending on the addition amount thereof, and the addition amount of the organic resin fine particles to the oil-in-water dispersion is not particularly limited, depending on the purpose. It can select suitably, For example, 0.5-10 mass% is preferable.

When adding the organic resin fine particles, it is preferable to add an ionizing agent together with the organic resin fine particles. By adding the ionizing agent, the dispersed particles can be united, and the dispersed particles can be grown to a desired particle size.
The ionizing agent is not particularly limited as long as the dispersed particles can be agglomerated, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The ionizing agent is selected from a salt composed of a monovalent cation and a monovalent anion. It is preferable that it is at least one kind.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said monovalent cation in the salt which consists of said monovalent cation and a monovalent anion, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, sodium ion, potassium Ions and the like are preferable.
Therefore, specific examples of the ionizing agent include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and the like.

  In the oil-in-water type dispersion preparation step, the stirring speed when dissolving or dispersing the toner material in the aqueous medium is Am / s, and the stirring speed when granulating the toner is Bm / s. When s is satisfied, it is preferable to satisfy the following expressions: 7 <A <23 and 1.4 <A / B <100. When the stirring speed A at the time of dispersion satisfies the above formula, dispersed particles having a desired fine particle diameter can be obtained. In addition, in relation to the stirring speed B at the time of granulating the toner, A / B is When the above mathematical formula is satisfied, the particle diameter of the dispersed particles can be controlled and increased to a desired particle diameter, the composition of the material between the toner particles is uniform, the charging property, the fixing property, etc. are excellent, A toner having a narrow particle size and a narrow particle size distribution can be obtained. That is, when the toner material is dissolved or dispersed in the aqueous medium, the dispersed particles can be formed by setting the stirring speed fast, and before granulating the toner, By setting the stirring speed slower than that at the time of dispersion, the dispersed particles can be united to increase the volume average particle diameter of the dispersed particles.

  In the method for producing a toner according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the active hydrogen group-containing compound and the active hydrogen group-containing compound can be reacted in the preparation step of the oil-in-water dispersion or the toner granulation step. Are subjected to an extension reaction or a cross-linking reaction to produce an adhesive substrate.

-Adhesive substrate-
The adhesive substrate exhibits adhesiveness to a recording medium such as paper, and is formed by reacting the active hydrogen group-containing compound and a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound in the aqueous medium. It may contain at least a polymer and may further contain a binder resin appropriately selected from known binder resins.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the said adhesive base material, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, 3,000 or more are preferable and 5,000-1,000,000. Is more preferable, and 7,000 to 500,000 is particularly preferable.
When the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is less than 3,000, the hot offset resistance may be deteriorated.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a glass transition temperature (Tg) of the said adhesive base material, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, 30-70 degreeC is preferable and 40-65 degreeC is more preferable. In the toner, since a polyester resin subjected to a crosslinking reaction and an extension reaction coexists, the toner exhibits good storage stability even when the glass transition temperature is lower than that of a conventional polyester toner.
When the glass transition temperature (Tg) is less than 30 ° C., the heat-resistant storage stability of the toner may deteriorate, and when it exceeds 70 ° C., the low-temperature fixability may not be sufficient.

The glass transition temperature (Tg) can be measured under the following measurement conditions using “TA-60WS” and “DSC-60” manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation as a measuring device. That is,
An aluminum sample pan (with lid) is used as a sample container, the sample amount is set to 5 mg, an aluminum sample pan (alumina 10 mg) is used as a reference, and measurement is performed in a nitrogen atmosphere (flow rate 50 ml / min). . As temperature conditions, the temperature was increased from the start temperature of 20 ° C. to the end temperature of 150 ° C. at a temperature increase rate of 10 ° C./min, and then the temperature was decreased to the end temperature of 20 ° C. at a temperature decrease speed of 10 ° C./min Further, the temperature is raised to an end temperature of 150 ° C. at a temperature raising rate of 10 ° C./min without a holding time.
The results obtained under the measurement conditions can be analyzed using data analysis software (“TA-60”, version 1.52) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. As the analysis method, a range of ± 5 ° C. is designated centering on the point showing the maximum peak on the lowest temperature side of the DrDSC curve which is the DSC differential curve of the second temperature increase, and the peak analysis function of the analysis software is used. To obtain the peak temperature. Next, the maximum endothermic temperature of the DSC curve is determined using the peak analysis function of the analysis software in the range of + 5 ° C. and −5 ° C. with the DSC curve. The temperature shown here corresponds to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the adhesive substrate.

  The glass transition temperature can be measured by the following method using, for example, a TG-DSC system TAS-100 (manufactured by Rigaku Corporation). First, about 10 mg of toner is placed in an aluminum sample container, and the sample container is placed on a holder unit and set in an electric furnace. After heating from room temperature to 150 ° C. at a rate of temperature increase of 10 ° C./min, the sample is left at 150 ° C. for 10 minutes, and the sample is cooled to room temperature and left for 10 minutes. Then, the DSC curve is measured with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) after heating to 150 ° C. at a temperature rising rate of 10 ° C./min in a nitrogen atmosphere. From the obtained DSC curve, using the analysis system in the TG-DSC system TAS-100 system, the glass transition temperature (Tg) is calculated from the contact point between the tangent line of the endothermic curve near the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the baseline. can do.

Specific examples of the adhesive substrate are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Particularly preferred examples include polyester resins.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said polyester-type resin, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, a urea modified polyester-type resin etc. are mentioned especially suitably.
The urea-modified polyester resin comprises an amine (B) as the active hydrogen group-containing compound and an isocyanate group-containing polyester prepolymer (A) as a polymer that can react with the active hydrogen group-containing compound. Obtained by reacting in phase.
The urea-modified polyester resin may contain a urethane bond in addition to the urea bond, and in this case, the molar ratio of the urea bond to the urethane bond (urea bond / urethane bond) is particularly limited. However, 100/0 to 10/90 is preferable, 80/20 to 20/80 is more preferable, and 60/40 to 30/70 is particularly preferable.
When the urea bond is less than 10, the hot offset resistance may be deteriorated.

  Preferable specific examples of the urea-modified polyester resin include the following (1) to (10), that is, (1) a polyester pre-reacted polycondensate of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct and isophthalic acid with isophorone diisocyanate. Mixture of polymer urealated with N-alkylalkanediamine and polycondensate of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct and isophthalic acid, (2) polycondensation of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct and isophthalic acid A mixture of a polyester prepolymer obtained by reacting a product with isophorone diisocyanate with an N-alkylalkanediamine and a polycondensate of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct and terephthalic acid, (3) bisphenol A Polyester prepolymer obtained by reacting a polycondensate of 2 moles of adduct / bisphenol A propylene oxide / bisphenol A and terephthalic acid with isophorone diisocyanate, and bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 Mole adduct / bisphenol A propylene oxide 2 mol adduct and terephthalic acid polycondensate mixture, (4) bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct / bisphenol A propylene oxide 2 mol adduct and polycondensate of terephthalic acid A polyester prepolymer obtained by reacting bisphenol A with isophorone diisocyanate and uread with N-alkylalkanediamine, bisphenol A propylene oxide 2-mole adduct and terephthalic acid (5) Polyester prepolymer obtained by reacting a polycondensate of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct and terephthalic acid with isophorone diisocyanate, and urethanized with hexamethylenediamine, and bisphenol A ethylene oxide. Mixture of 2-mole adduct and polycondensate of terephthalic acid, (6) Polyester prepolymer obtained by reacting bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2-mole adduct and terephthalic acid polycondensate with isophorone diisocyanate is ureaized with hexamethylenediamine And a mixture of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct / bisphenol A propylene oxide 2 mol adduct and terephthalic acid polycondensate, (7) bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct and A mixture of a polyester prepolymer obtained by reacting a polycondensate of terephthalic acid with isophorone diisocyanate with ethylenediamine, a bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2-mole adduct and a terephthalic acid polycondensate, (8) bisphenol A A polyester prepolymer obtained by reacting a polycondensate of ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct and isophthalic acid with diphenylmethane diisocyanate and uread with hexamethylenediamine, a polycondensate of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct and isophthalic acid, (9) a polycondensate of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct / bisphenol A propylene oxide 2 mol adduct and terephthalic acid / dodecenyl succinic anhydride A mixture of a polyester prepolymer reacted with cyanate and uread with hexamethylenediamine, and a polycondensate of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2-mole adduct / bisphenol A propylene oxide 2-mole adduct and terephthalic acid, (10) Polyester prepolymer obtained by reacting polycondensate of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct and isophthalic acid with toluene diisocyanate with urea methylenediamine, polycondensation of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct and isophthalic acid Preferred examples include a mixture with a product.

--Binder resin--
The binder resin is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include a polyester resin, and the unmodified polyester resin (unmodified polyester resin) is particularly preferable. .
When the unmodified polyester resin is contained in the toner, low-temperature fixability and glossiness can be improved.
Examples of the unmodified polyester resin include those similar to the urea bond-forming group-containing polyester resin, that is, a polycondensate of a polyol (PO) and a polycarboxylic acid (PC). The unmodified polyester resin is partially compatible with the urea bond-forming group-containing polyester resin (RMPE), that is, has a similar structure that is compatible with each other. It is preferable in terms of resistance to hot offset.

  The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the unmodified polyester resin is preferably 1,000 to 30,000, preferably 1,500 to 15, in terms of molecular weight distribution by GPC (gel permeation chromatography) soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF). 1,000 is more preferable. When the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is less than 1,000, the heat resistant storage stability may be deteriorated. Therefore, the content of the component having the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of less than 1,000 as described above Needs to be 8 to 28% by mass. On the other hand, when the weight average molecular weight (Mw) exceeds 30,000, the low-temperature fixability may be deteriorated.

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the unmodified polyester resin can be measured based on the following measurement conditions using a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measuring device (“GPC-8220GPC”; manufactured by Tosoh Corporation).
That is, the column uses TSKgel SuperHZM-H 15 cm triple (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation), the temperature is set to 40 ° C., and tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a solvent is allowed to flow at a flow rate of 0.35 ml / min, 0.15% by mass. 100 ml of the sample solution is injected and measured. In addition, the sample solution is 0.15% by mass in tetrahydrofuran THF (containing a stabilizer, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) as a pretreatment with 0.4 ml of a 0.15% by mass sample (unmodified polyester resin). Then, the filtrate obtained by filtering with a 0.2 μm filter is used.
In measuring the molecular weight of the sample, the molecular weight distribution of the sample is calculated from the relationship between the logarithmic value of a calibration curve prepared from several monodisperse polystyrene standard samples and the number of counts. As a standard polystyrene sample for preparing a calibration curve, Showd STANDARD Std. No S-7300, S-210, S-390, S-875, S-1980, S-10.9, S-629, S-3.0, S-0.580, and toluene are used. Further, an RI (refractive index) detector is used as the detector.

The glass transition temperature of the unmodified polyester resin is preferably 35 to 70 ° C. When the glass transition temperature is less than 35 ° C., the heat-resistant storage stability of the toner may be deteriorated, and when it exceeds 70 ° C., the low-temperature fixability may be insufficient.
The hydroxyl value of the unmodified polyester resin is preferably 5 mgKOH / g, more preferably 10 to 120 mgKOH / g, and still more preferably 20 to 80 mgKOH / g. If the hydroxyl value is less than 5, it may be difficult to achieve both heat-resistant storage stability and low-temperature fixability.
The acid value of the unmodified polyester resin is usually 1.0 to 30.0 mgKOH / g, and preferably 5.0 to 20.0 mgKOH / g. Generally, it becomes easy to be negatively charged by giving the toner an acid value.
When the unmodified polyester resin is contained in the toner, the mixing mass ratio (RMPE / PE) of the urea bond-forming group-containing polyester resin (RMPE) and the unmodified polyester resin (PE) is 5/95. -25/75 is preferable, and 10 / 90-25 / 75 is more preferable.
When the mixing mass ratio of the unmodified polyester resin (PE) exceeds 95, the hot offset resistance may be deteriorated. .

  The adhesive substrate (for example, the urea-modified polyester resin) includes, for example, (1) a polymer that can react with the active hydrogen group-containing compound (for example, the isocyanate group-containing polyester prepolymer (A)). A solution or dispersion of the toner material is emulsified or dispersed in the aqueous medium together with the active hydrogen group-containing compound (for example, the amines (B)) to form the dispersed particles, and both in the aqueous medium. (2) The dispersion or dispersion of the toner material is emulsified or dispersed in the aqueous medium to which the active hydrogen group-containing compound has been added in advance, and the dispersion is performed. It may be formed by forming particles and subjecting both to an extension reaction or a crosslinking reaction in the aqueous medium, or (3) a solution or dispersion of the toner material. After adding and mixing in the aqueous medium, the active hydrogen group-containing compound is added to form the dispersed particles, and these are formed by extending or cross-linking both from the particle interface in the aqueous medium. May be. In the case of (3), a modified polyester resin is preferentially produced on the surface of the toner to be produced, and a concentration gradient can be provided in the toner particles.

  The reaction conditions for producing the adhesive base material by the emulsification or dispersion are not particularly limited, depending on the combination of the polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound and the active hydrogen group-containing compound. The reaction time is preferably 10 minutes to 40 hours, more preferably 2 hours to 24 hours, and the reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 150 ° C, more preferably 40 to 98 ° C.

  Examples of a method for stably forming the dispersed particles containing a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound (for example, the isocyanate group-containing polyester prepolymer (A)) in the aqueous medium include, for example, the aqueous system. In the medium, the toner such as a polymer that can react with the active hydrogen group-containing compound (for example, the isocyanate group-containing polyester prepolymer (A)), the unmodified polyester resin, the colorant, the charge control agent, and the like. Examples thereof include a method in which a solution or dispersion of the toner material prepared by dissolving or dispersing the material in the organic solvent is added and dispersed by shearing force.

In the emulsification or dispersion, the amount of the aqueous medium used is preferably 50 to 2,000 parts by mass, more preferably 100 to 1,000 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the toner material.
When the amount used is less than 50 parts by mass, the toner material may be poorly dispersed and toner particles having a predetermined particle size may not be obtained. When the amount used exceeds 2,000 parts by mass, the production cost is high. May be.

In the emulsification or dispersion, a dispersant is preferably used from the viewpoint of stabilizing the dispersed particles and sharpening the particle size distribution while obtaining a desired shape, if necessary.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said dispersing agent, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, surfactant, a slightly water-soluble inorganic compound dispersing agent, a polymeric protective colloid, etc. are mentioned. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, surfactants are preferable.

Examples of the surfactant include an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant.
Examples of the anionic surfactant include alkylbenzene sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, phosphate esters and the like, and those having a fluoroalkyl group are preferable. Examples of the anionic surfactant having a fluoroalkyl group include a fluoroalkylcarboxylic acid having 2 to 10 carbon atoms or a metal salt thereof, disodium perfluorooctanesulfonylglutamate, 3- [omega-fluoroalkyl (6 carbon atoms). -11) Oxy] -1-alkyl (carbon number 3-4) sodium sulfonate, 3- [omega-fluoroalkanoyl (carbon number 6-8) -N-ethylamino] -1-propanesulfonic acid sodium, fluoroalkyl (Carbon number 11-20) carboxylic acid or its metal salt, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (carbon number 7-13) or its metal salt, perfluoroalkyl (carbon number 4-12) sulfonic acid or its metal salt, perfluoro Octanesulfonic acid diethanolamide, N-propyl-N- (2-hydroxy Ethyl) perfluorooctanesulfonamide, perfluoroalkyl (carbon number 6-10) sulfonamidopropyltrimethylammonium salt, perfluoroalkyl (carbon number 6-10) -N-ethylsulfonylglycine salt, monoperfluoroalkyl (carbon number) 6-16) Ethyl phosphate and the like. Examples of commercially available surfactants having a fluoroalkyl group include Surflon S-111, S-112, S-113 (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.); Fluorard FC-93, FC-95, FC-98, FC- 129 (manufactured by Sumitomo 3M); Unidyne DS-101, DS-102 (manufactured by Daikin Industries); Megafac F-110, F-120, F-113, F-191, F-812, F-833 (large) Nippon Ink Co., Ltd.); Xtop EF-102, 103, 104, 105, 112, 123A, 123B, 306A, 501, 201, 204 (manufactured by Tochem Products); Manufactured) and the like.

  Examples of the cationic surfactant include amine salt type surfactants and quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactants. Examples of the amine salt type surfactant include alkylamine salts, aminoalcohol fatty acid derivatives, polyamine fatty acid derivatives, imidazolines, and the like. Examples of the quaternary ammonium salt type cationic surfactant include alkyltrimethylammonium salt, dialkyldimethylammonium salt, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt, pyridinium salt, alkylisoquinolinium salt, benzethonium chloride and the like. . Among the cationic surfactants, aliphatic quaternary ammonium such as aliphatic primary, secondary or tertiary amine acids having a fluoroalkyl group, perfluoroalkyl (6 to 10 carbon atoms) sulfonamidopropyltrimethylammonium salt, etc. Salts, benzalkonium salts, benzethonium chloride, pyridinium salts, imidazolinium salts, and the like. Commercially available products of the cationic surfactant include, for example, Surflon S-121 (manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.); Florard FC-135 (manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Co.); F-824 (manufactured by Dainippon Ink Co., Ltd.); Xtop EF-132 (manufactured by Tochem Products); Footgent F-300 (manufactured by Neos).

Examples of the nonionic surfactant include fatty acid amide derivatives and polyhydric alcohol derivatives.
Examples of the amphoteric surfactant include alanine, dodecyldi (aminoethyl) glycine, di (octylaminoethyl) glycine, N-alkyl-N, N-dimethylammonium betaine and the like.

Examples of the poorly water-soluble inorganic compound dispersant include tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, colloidal silica, and hydroxyapatite.
Examples of the polymeric protective colloid include acids, (meth) acrylic monomers containing a hydroxyl group, vinyl alcohol or ethers of vinyl alcohol, esters of vinyl alcohol and a compound containing a carboxyl group, amides Examples thereof include homopolymers or copolymers such as compounds or their methylol compounds, chlorides, those having a nitrogen atom or a heterocyclic ring thereof, polyoxyethylenes, and celluloses.
Examples of the acids include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, α-cyanoacrylic acid, α-cyanomethacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, and the like. Examples of the (meth) acrylic monomer containing a hydroxyl group include β-hydroxyethyl acrylate, β-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, β-hydroxypropyl acrylate, β-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and γ-acrylate. -Hydroxypropyl, γ-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, acrylic acid-3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl, methacrylic acid-3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl, diethylene glycol monoacrylate, diethylene glycol monomethacrylate, glycerol monoacryl Examples include acid esters, glycerin monomethacrylate, N-methylol acrylamide, N-methylol methacrylamide and the like. Examples of the vinyl alcohol or ethers with vinyl alcohol include vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl propyl ether, and the like. Examples of the esters of vinyl alcohol and a compound containing a carboxyl group include vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, and vinyl butyrate. Examples of the amide compound or these methylol compounds include acrylamide, methacrylamide, diacetone acrylamide acid, or these methylol compounds. Examples of the chlorides include acrylic acid chloride and methacrylic acid chloride. Examples of the homopolymer or copolymer such as those having a nitrogen atom or a heterocyclic ring thereof include vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole, and ethylene imine. Examples of the polyoxyethylene are polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxypropylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene alkylamide, polyoxypropylene alkylamide, polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene Examples thereof include oxyethylene lauryl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl phenyl ester, and polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ester. Examples of the celluloses include methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose.

In the preparation of the oil-in-water dispersion, a dispersion stabilizer can be used as necessary.
Examples of the dispersion stabilizer include acids that are soluble in acids and alkalis such as calcium phosphate salts.
When the dispersion stabilizer is used, the calcium phosphate salt can be removed from the fine particles by a method of dissolving the calcium phosphate salt with an acid such as hydrochloric acid and then washing with water, or a method of decomposing with an enzyme.

In the toner granulation step, the dispersed particles formed in the oil-in-water dispersion preparation step are combined, and then the organic solvent is further removed from the dispersed particles.
The organic solvent is removed, for example, when the toner is produced by a known dissolution suspension method or the toner production method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The removal of the organic solvent is, for example, (1) a method of gradually reducing the pressure of the entire reaction system and evaporating and removing the organic solvent in the dispersed particles, and (2) gradually raising the temperature of the entire reaction system, A method of evaporating and removing the organic solvent in the dispersed particles, (3) a method of removing the water-insoluble organic solvent in the dispersed particles by spraying an oil-in-water dispersion in a dry atmosphere, and the like. be able to.
The dry atmosphere in which the oil-in-water dispersion is sprayed includes, for example, heated gas such as air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, combustion gas, and various air currents heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point of the highest boiling solvent used. Etc. For these, sufficient target quality can be obtained by short-time treatment using a spray dryer, belt dryer, rotary dryer, rotary kiln or the like.

  When the organic solvent is removed, toner particles are formed. The toner particles can be washed, dried, etc., and then classified as desired. The classification can be performed, for example, by removing fine particle portions by a cyclone, a decanter, centrifugation, or the like in a liquid, and the classification operation may be performed after obtaining a powder after drying.

Thus, the obtained toner particles are mixed with particles of the colorant, the release agent, the charge control agent, and the like, or further, a mechanical impact force is applied to the release particles from the surface of the toner particles. It is possible to prevent the particles such as the agent from being detached.
As the method for applying the mechanical impact force, for example, a method in which an impact force is applied to the mixture by blades rotating at a high speed, a mixture is introduced into a high-speed air stream and accelerated to appropriately collide particles or composite particles. The method of making it collide with a board, etc. are mentioned. As an apparatus used for this method, for example, an ong mill (manufactured by Hosokawa Micron), an I-type mill (manufactured by Nippon Pneumatic Co., Ltd.) to reduce the pulverization air pressure, and a hybridization system (Nara Machinery Co., Ltd.) Product), kryptron system (manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.), automatic mortar, and the like.

  The toner obtained by the toner production method of the present invention has the following volume average particle diameter (Dv), volume average particle diameter (Dv) / number average particle diameter (Dn), penetration, low temperature fixability, It preferably has an offset non-occurrence temperature, thermal characteristics, glass transition temperature, acid value, image density, and the like.

The volume average particle diameter (Dv) of the toner is preferably 3 to 9 μm, and more preferably 3 to 7 μm, for example.
When the volume average particle size is less than 3 μm, in the case of a two-component developer, the toner may be fused to the surface of the carrier during long-term agitation in the developing device, and the charging ability of the carrier may be reduced. In the developer, toner filming on the developing roller and toner fusion to a member such as a blade are likely to occur because the toner is thinned. When the thickness exceeds 9 μm, the resolution is high and high. It becomes difficult to obtain an image of an image quality, and when the balance of the toner in the developer is performed, the variation in the particle diameter of the toner may increase.

The ratio (Dv / Dn) of the volume average particle diameter (Dv) to the number average particle diameter (Dn) in the toner is, for example, preferably 1.05 to 1.25, more preferably 1.05 to 1.20. preferable.
When the ratio of the volume average particle diameter to the number average particle diameter (Dv / Dn) is less than 1.05, in the two-component developer, the toner is fused to the surface of the carrier during long-term stirring in the developing device, The chargeability of the carrier may be reduced, and the cleaning property may be deteriorated. In the case of a one-component developer, the filming of the toner on the developing roller and the thinning of the toner are performed. Toner fusion may easily occur, and if it exceeds 1.25, it becomes difficult to obtain a high-resolution and high-quality image, and toner particles in the case where the balance of the toner in the developer is performed Variation in diameter may be large.
When the ratio of the volume average particle diameter to the number average particle diameter (Dv / Dn) is 1.05 to 1.20, the heat resistant storage stability, the low temperature fixability, and the hot offset resistance are all excellent. In particular, when used in a full-color copying machine, the glossiness of the image is excellent. With two-component developers, there is little fluctuation in the toner particle diameter in the developer even if the toner balance for a long period of time is achieved, and good and stable developability can be obtained even with long-term stirring in the developing device. Even if the balance of the toner is carried out with the agent, fluctuations in the particle diameter of the toner are reduced, and there is no filming of the toner on the developing roller and no fusion of the toner to the member to the blade for thinning the toner. Even in the long-term use (stirring) of the developing device, good and stable developability can be obtained, so that a high-quality image can be obtained.

  The volume average particle diameter (Dv), the number average particle diameter (Dn), and the ratio of the volume average particle diameter to the number average particle diameter (Dv / Dn) are determined by a particle size measuring instrument (“Multisizer III”; Beckman Coulter And manufactured with an analysis software (Beckman Coulter Multisizer 3 Version 3.51). Specifically, after adding 0.5 ml of 10% by weight surfactant (alkylbenzene sulfonate, “Neogen SC-A”; manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.) to a 100 ml glass beaker, 5 g of toner is added. Stir with a micropartel and then add 80 ml of ion exchanged water. The obtained dispersion is subjected to dispersion treatment for 10 minutes using an ultrasonic disperser (“W-113MK-II”; manufactured by Honda Electronics Co., Ltd.). The obtained dispersion is measured with the Multisizer III using Isoton III (manufactured by Beckman Coulter) as a measurement solution. The dispersion is dropped so that the concentration indicated by the multisizer III is 8 ± 2% by mass. In the measurement method using the Multisizer III, from the viewpoint of measurement reproducibility of the particle size, it is important that the concentration is 8 ± 2% by mass. It is recognized that no error will occur.

As said penetration, the penetration measured by the penetration test (JIS K2235-1991) needs to be 15 mm or more, for example, and 20-30 mm is more preferable.
When the penetration is less than 15 mm, the heat resistant storage stability may be deteriorated.
The penetration can be measured according to JIS K2235-1991. Specifically, a 50 ml glass container is filled with toner and left in a thermostatic bath at 50 ° C. for 20 hours. The penetration can be measured by cooling the toner to room temperature and performing a penetration test. In addition, it has shown that the said heat-resistant preservation | save property is excellent, so that the said penetration value is large.

As the low-temperature fixability, from the viewpoint of achieving both a reduction in fixing temperature and no occurrence of offset, a lower fixing lower limit temperature is preferred, and a higher offset non-occurrence temperature is more preferred. As a temperature range in which both can be achieved, the lower limit fixing temperature is less than 120 ° C., and the non-offset temperature is 200 ° C. or more.
The fixing minimum temperature is, for example, an image forming apparatus, a transfer sheet is set, a copy test is performed, and the obtained fixed image is rubbed with a pad. The fixing member temperature is the lower limit fixing temperature.
The non-offset temperature is adjusted such that, for example, the toner to be evaluated is developed with a predetermined amount using an image forming apparatus, and is adjusted so that the temperature of the fixing member is variable. Can be determined by measuring.

The thermal characteristics are also called flow tester characteristics, and are evaluated as, for example, a softening temperature (Ts), an outflow start temperature (Tfb), a 1/2 method softening point (T1 / 2), and the like.
These thermal characteristics can be obtained from a flow curve measured under the following conditions using an elevated flow tester CFT500 type (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). That is,
The load is set to 10 kg / cm ² , the temperature rising rate is set to 3.0 ° C./min, and the die diameter is 0.50 mm and the die length is 10.0 mm.
An example of the flow curve is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In FIG. 5A, Ts is the softening temperature, Tfb is the outflow start temperature, and in FIG. 5B, the melting temperature in the 1/2 method is the T1 / 2 softening temperature (1/2 method softening point).

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said softening temperature (Ts), According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, 30 degreeC or more is preferable and 50-90 degreeC is more preferable. When the softening temperature (Ts) is less than 30 ° C., the heat resistant storage stability may be deteriorated.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said outflow start temperature (Tfb), According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, 60 degreeC or more is preferable and 80-120 degreeC is more preferable. When the outflow start temperature (Tfb) is less than 60 ° C., at least one of heat resistant storage stability and offset resistance may be deteriorated.
The 1/2 method softening point (T1 / 2) is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, 90 ° C. or higher is preferable, and 100 to 170 ° C. is more preferable. When the 1/2 method softening point (T1 / 2) is less than 90 ° C., the offset resistance may be deteriorated.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said glass transition temperature, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, 40-70 degreeC is preferable and 45-65 degreeC is more preferable. When the glass transition temperature (Tg) is less than 40 ° C., the heat-resistant storage stability of the toner may deteriorate, and when it exceeds 70 ° C., the low-temperature fixability may not be sufficient.
The glass transition temperature (Tg) can be measured under the following measurement conditions using “TA-60WS” and “DSC-60” manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation as a measuring device. That is,
An aluminum sample pan (with lid) is used as a sample container, the sample amount is set to 5 mg, an aluminum sample pan (alumina 10 mg) is used as a reference, and measurement is performed in a nitrogen atmosphere (flow rate 50 ml / min). . As temperature conditions, the temperature was increased from the start temperature of 20 ° C. to the end temperature of 150 ° C. at a temperature increase rate of 10 ° C./min, and then the temperature was decreased to the end temperature of 20 ° C. at a temperature decrease speed of 10 ° C./min Further, the temperature is raised to an end temperature of 150 ° C. at a temperature raising rate of 10 ° C./min without a holding time.
The results obtained under the measurement conditions can be analyzed using data analysis software (“TA-60”, version 1.52) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. As the analysis method, a range of ± 5 ° C. is designated centering on the point showing the maximum peak on the lowest temperature side of the DrDSC curve which is the DSC differential curve of the second temperature increase, and the peak analysis function of the analysis software is used. To obtain the peak temperature. Next, the maximum endothermic temperature of the DSC curve is determined using the peak analysis function of the analysis software in the range of + 5 ° C. and −5 ° C. with the DSC curve. The temperature shown here corresponds to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the toner.

The acid value of the toner is preferably, for example, 0.5 to 40.0 (KOH mg / g), and more preferably 3.0 to 35.0. By giving the toner an acid value, it becomes easy to be negatively charged.
The acid value (AV) or hydroxyl value (OHV) of the toner can be measured based on the following measurement conditions using the following measuring apparatus. That is,
As the measuring device, a potentiometric automatic titrator (“DL-53 Titrator”; manufactured by METTLER TOLEDO) is used, DG113-SC (manufactured by METTLER TOLEDO) is used as an electrode, and analysis software (LabX Light Version 1) is used. .0.000). Moreover, as a structure of the said measuring apparatus, the mixed solvent of 120 ml of toluene and 30 ml of ethanol is used.
As the measurement conditions, the measurement temperature is 23 ° C., and the following settings are performed.
<Stir>
Speed [%]: 25
Time [s]: 15
<EQP titration>
-Titrant / Sensor-
Titrant: CH ₃ ONa
Concentration [mol / L]: 0.1
Sensor: DG115
Unit of measurement: mV
-Predispensing to volume-
Volume [mL]: 1.0
Wait time [s]: 0
-Titrant addition Dynamic-
dE (set) [mV]: 8.0
dV (min) [mL]: 0.03
dV (max) [mL]: 0.5
-Measure mode Equilibrium controlled-
dE [mV]: 0.5
dt [s]: 1.0
t (min) [s]: 2.0
t (max) [s]: 20.0
-Recognition-
Threshold: 100.0
Steppes jump only: No
Range: No
Tendency: None
-Termination-
at maximum volume [mL]: 10.0
at potentialial: No
at slope: No
after number EQPs: Yes
n = 1
comb. termination conditions: No
-Evaluation-
Procedure: Standard
Potential1: No
Potential2: No
Stop for revaluation: No
And it measures according to the measuring method of JISK0070-1992 using the said measuring apparatus on the said measurement conditions.
Here, as a sample, 0.5 g of toner (0.3 g in the case of an ethyl acetate soluble component) is added to 120 ml of toluene, and stirred at room temperature (23 ° C.) for about 10 hours for dissolution. Further, a solution prepared by adding 30 ml of ethanol is used.
The acid value can be calculated by the following formula from titration using a pre-standardized N / 10 caustic potash-alcohol solution and the consumption of the alcohol potash solution.
Acid value = KOH (ml number) × N × 56.1 / sample mass ··· formula where N is a factor of N / 10 KOH.

The image density is, for example, preferably 1.40 or more, more preferably 1.45 or more, and 1.50 or more, as measured by a spectrometer (X-Light, 938 Spectrodensitometer). Is more preferable.
If the image density is less than 1.40, the image density may be low and high image quality may not be obtained.
The image density can be determined by, for example, using a tandem color electrophotographic apparatus (“Imagio Neo 450”; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) and a developer adhesion amount of 1 on copy paper (“Type 6200”; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.). A solid image of .00 ± 0.1 mg / cm ² was formed at a surface temperature of the fixing roller of 160 ± 2 ° C., and the image density at any five positions in the obtained solid image was measured by a spectrometer (manufactured by X-Light Corporation). , 938 Spectrodensitometer) and the average value can be calculated.

  The coloration of the toner of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, and can be at least one selected from black toner, cyan toner, magenta toner and yellow toner. This toner can be obtained by appropriately selecting the type of the colorant.

  The method for producing a toner of the present invention comprises preparing the oil-in-water dispersion by dispersing a solution or dispersion of the toner material as dispersed particles in an aqueous medium not containing the organic resin fine particles. Since the organic resin fine particles are added to the droplet dispersion and the toner is granulated in the presence of the organic resin fine particles, the composition of the material between the toner particles is uniform, the charging stability is excellent, the fog and A toner having a small particle size and a narrow particle size distribution, in which toner scattering is small and high image quality is obtained, is efficiently produced.

  The toner of the present invention has a small particle size, a narrow particle size distribution, a uniform material composition among the toner particles, excellent charging stability, little fog and toner scattering, and forms a high quality image. be able to. When the toner of the present invention contains particles containing at least the adhesive base material obtained by reacting the active hydrogen group-containing compound and a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound in an aqueous phase, Excellent properties such as anti-aggregation, charging, fluidity, releasability, and fixing properties. Therefore, the toner of the present invention can be suitably used in various fields, and can be more suitably used for image formation by electrophotography. The following toner-containing container, developer, and process of the present invention are described below. It can be particularly suitably used for a cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method.

(Developer)
The developer of the present invention contains at least the toner of the present invention, and other components appropriately selected such as the carrier. The developer may be a one-component developer or a two-component developer. However, when it is used for a high-speed printer or the like corresponding to the recent improvement in information processing speed, the life is improved. In view of the above, the two-component developer is preferable.
In the case of the one-component developer using the toner according to the present invention, the toner particle diameter hardly fluctuates even if the balance of the toner is performed, and the filming of the toner on the developing roller or the toner is thinned. Therefore, the toner is not fused to a member such as a blade, and good and stable developability and image can be obtained even when the developing device is used (stirred) for a long time. Further, in the case of the two-component developer using the toner of the present invention, even if the balance of the toner over a long period of time is performed, the fluctuation of the toner particle diameter in the developer is small, and even in the long-term stirring in the developing device, Good and stable developability can be obtained.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said carrier, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, What has a core material and the resin layer which coat | covers this core material is preferable.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a material of the said core material, It can select suitably from well-known things, For example, 50-90 emu / g manganese-strontium (Mn-Sr) type material, manganese-magnesium (Mn-) Mg) -based materials and the like are preferable, and high magnetization materials such as iron powder (100 emu / g or more) and magnetite (75 to 120 emu / g) are preferable in terms of securing image density. In addition, a weakly magnetized material such as a copper-zinc (Cu—Zn) -based (30 to 80 emu / g) is advantageous in that it can weaken the contact with the photoconductor in which the toner is in a spiked state and is advantageous in improving the image quality. Is preferred. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The core material has a volume average particle diameter of preferably 10 to 150 μm, more preferably 40 to 100 μm.
When the average particle diameter (volume average particle diameter (D ₅₀ )) is less than 10 μm, the distribution of carrier particles may increase the number of fine powders, lower the magnetization per particle, and cause carrier scattering. If the thickness exceeds 150 μm, the specific surface area may decrease and toner scattering may occur. In the case of a full color having a large solid portion, the reproduction of the solid portion may be deteriorated.

  The material of the resin layer is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from known resins according to the purpose. For example, amino resins, polyvinyl resins, polystyrene resins, halogenated olefin resins, Polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyethylene resin, polyvinyl fluoride resin, polyvinylidene fluoride resin, polytrifluoroethylene resin, polyhexafluoropropylene resin, copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and acrylic monomer, vinylidene fluoride And a copolymer of vinyl fluoride, a fluoroterpolymer such as a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, and a non-fluorinated monomer, and a silicone resin. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together.

  Examples of the amino resin include urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine resin, benzoguanamine resin, urea resin, polyamide resin, and epoxy resin. Examples of the polyvinyl resin include acrylic resin, polymethyl methacrylate resin, poly Examples include acrylonitrile resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, and polyvinyl butyral resin. Examples of the polystyrene resin include polystyrene resin and styrene acrylic copolymer resin. Examples of the halogenated olefin resin include polyvinyl chloride. Examples of the polyester resin include polyethylene terephthalate resin and polybutylene terephthalate resin.

  The resin layer may contain conductive powder or the like, if necessary. Examples of the conductive powder include metal powder, carbon black, titanium oxide, tin oxide, and zinc oxide. The average particle diameter of these conductive powders is preferably 1 μm or less. When the average particle diameter exceeds 1 μm, it may be difficult to control electric resistance.

For example, the resin layer is prepared by dissolving the silicone resin or the like in a solvent to prepare a coating solution, and then uniformly coating the coating solution on the surface of the core material by a known coating method, drying, and baking. It can be formed by doing. Examples of the coating method include a dipping method, a spray method, and a brush coating method.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said solvent, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, For example, toluene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cersol butyl acetate, etc. are mentioned.
The baking is not particularly limited, and may be an external heating method or an internal heating method. For example, a stationary electric furnace, a fluid electric furnace, a rotary electric furnace, a burner furnace, etc. The method of using, the method of using a microwave, etc. are mentioned.

The amount of the resin layer in the carrier is preferably 0.01 to 5.0% by mass.
When the amount is less than 0.01% by mass, the uniform resin layer may not be formed on the surface of the core material. When the amount exceeds 5.0% by mass, the resin layer becomes thick. In some cases, granulation of carriers occurs, and uniform carrier particles may not be obtained.

  When the developer is the two-component developer, the content of the carrier in the two-component developer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, 90 to 98% by mass Is preferable, and 93-97 mass% is more preferable.

Since the developer of the present invention contains the toner, it is excellent in transferability, fixability, etc., and can stably form a high-quality image.
The developer of the present invention can be suitably used for image formation by various known electrophotographic methods such as a magnetic one-component development method, a non-magnetic one-component development method, and a two-component development method. It can be particularly suitably used for containers, process cartridges, image forming apparatuses and image forming methods.

(Toner container)
The toner-containing container of the present invention is formed by filling the container of the toner of the present invention or the developer.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said container, It can select suitably from well-known things, For example, what has a container main body and a cap containing a toner etc. are mentioned suitably.
The size, shape, structure, material, etc. of the container body containing toner is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, the shape is preferably cylindrical. The spiral surface irregularities are formed on the peripheral surface, and the toner as the contents can be transferred to the discharge port side by rotating, and part or all of the spiral part has a bellows function, etc. Is particularly preferred.
The material of the toner-containing container body is not particularly limited, and those having good dimensional accuracy are preferable. For example, a resin is preferably used. Among them, for example, polyester resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, Preferable examples include vinyl chloride resin, polyacrylic acid, polycarbonate resin, ABS resin, polyacetal resin, and the like.
The toner-containing container of the present invention is easy to store and transport, has excellent handleability, and is preferably used for replenishing toner by being detachably attached to the process cartridge and image forming apparatus of the present invention described later. Can do.

(Process cartridge)
The process cartridge of the present invention develops an electrostatic latent image carrier carrying an electrostatic latent image and the electrostatic latent image carried on the electrostatic latent image carrier using a developer to form a visible image. And at least developing means for forming the film, and other means appropriately selected as necessary.
The developing means includes a developer container that contains the toner or developer of the present invention, and a developer carrier that carries and transports the toner or developer contained in the developer container. And a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the thickness of the toner layer to be carried.
The process cartridge of the present invention can be detachably provided in various electrophotographic apparatuses, and is preferably provided detachably in the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention described later.

(Image forming method and image forming apparatus)
The image forming method of the present invention includes at least an electrostatic latent image forming step, a developing step, a transfer step, and a fixing step, and further other steps appropriately selected as necessary, for example, a static elimination step, a cleaning step, Includes recycling and control processes.
The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes at least an electrostatic latent image carrier, an electrostatic latent image forming unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit, and further appropriately selected as necessary. It has other means, for example, static elimination means, cleaning means, recycling means, control means and the like.

-Electrostatic latent image forming step and electrostatic latent image forming means-
The electrostatic latent image forming step is a step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier.
There are no particular restrictions on the material, shape, structure, size, etc. of the electrostatic latent image carrier (sometimes referred to as “photoconductive insulator” or “photoconductor”), and among the known ones The shape is preferably a drum shape, and examples of the material include inorganic photoconductors such as amorphous silicon and selenium, and organic photoconductors such as polysilane and phthalopolymethine. It is done. Among these, amorphous silicon or the like is preferable in terms of long life.

The formation of the electrostatic latent image can be performed, for example, by uniformly charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier and then performing imagewise exposure, and is performed by the electrostatic latent image forming unit. be able to.
The electrostatic latent image forming means includes, for example, at least a charger that uniformly charges the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier and an exposure device that exposes the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier imagewise. Prepare.

The charging can be performed, for example, by applying a voltage to the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier using the charger.
The charger is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, a known contact charging device including a conductive or semiconductive roll, brush, film, rubber blade, etc. And non-contact chargers utilizing corona discharge such as corotrons and corotrons.

The exposure can be performed, for example, by exposing the surface of the latent electrostatic image bearing member imagewise using the exposure device.
The exposure device is not particularly limited as long as it can expose the surface of the latent electrostatic image bearing member charged by the charger so as to form an image to be formed, and is appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, various exposure devices such as a copying optical system, a rod lens array system, a laser optical system, and a liquid crystal shutter optical system can be used.
In the present invention, a back light system in which imagewise exposure is performed from the back side of the electrostatic latent image carrier may be employed.

-Development process and development means-
The developing step is a step of developing the electrostatic latent image using the toner or the developer of the present invention to form a visible image.
The visible image can be formed, for example, by developing the electrostatic latent image using the toner or the developer of the present invention, and can be performed by the developing unit.
The developing unit is not particularly limited as long as it can be developed using, for example, the toner or the developer of the present invention, and can be appropriately selected from known ones. For example, the toner of the present invention Preferred examples include a developer containing at least a developer, and at least a developing device capable of contacting or non-contacting the toner or the developer with the electrostatic latent image. More preferred is a developing device.

  The developing unit may be a dry developing type, a wet developing type, a single color developing unit, or a multi-color developing unit. For example, a toner having a stirrer for charging the toner or the developer by frictional stirring and a rotatable magnet roller is preferable.

  In the developing device, for example, the toner and the carrier are mixed and agitated, and the toner is charged by friction at that time, and held on the surface of the rotating magnet roller in a raised state to form a magnetic brush. . Since the magnet roller is disposed in the vicinity of the electrostatic latent image carrier (photoconductor), a part of the toner constituting the magnetic brush formed on the surface of the magnet roller is electrically attracted. It moves to the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier (photoconductor) by force. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed with the toner, and a visible image is formed with the toner on the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier (photoconductor).

  The developer accommodated in the developing device is a developer containing the toner of the present invention, but the developer may be a one-component developer or a two-component developer. The toner contained in the developer is the toner of the present invention.

-Transfer process and transfer means-
The transfer step is a step of transferring the visible image onto a recording medium. After the primary transfer of the visible image onto the intermediate transfer member using an intermediate transfer member, the visible image is transferred onto the recording medium. A primary transfer step of forming a composite transfer image by transferring a visible image onto an intermediate transfer body using two or more colors, preferably full color toner as the toner, and a composite transfer image; A mode including a secondary transfer step of transferring the transfer image onto the recording medium is more preferable.
The transfer can be performed, for example, by charging the latent electrostatic image bearing member (photoconductor) of the visible image using a transfer charger, and can be performed by the transfer unit. The transfer means includes a primary transfer means for transferring a visible image onto an intermediate transfer member to form a composite transfer image, and a secondary transfer means for transferring the composite transfer image onto a recording medium. Embodiments are preferred.
The intermediate transfer member is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known transfer members according to the purpose. For example, a transfer belt and the like are preferable.

The transfer means (the primary transfer means and the secondary transfer means) is a transfer for peeling and charging the visible image formed on the electrostatic latent image carrier (photoconductor) to the recording medium side. It is preferable to have at least a vessel. There may be one transfer means or two or more transfer means.
Examples of the transfer device include a corona transfer device using corona discharge, a transfer belt, a transfer roller, a pressure transfer roller, and an adhesive transfer device.
The recording medium is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from known recording media (recording paper).

-Fixing process and fixing means-
The fixing step is a step of fixing the visible image transferred to the recording medium using a fixing unit, and may be performed each time the toner of each color is transferred to the recording medium, or for the toner of each color. You may perform this simultaneously in the state which laminated | stacked this.
The fixing unit is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose, but a known heating and pressing unit is preferable. Examples of the heating and pressing means include a combination of a heating roller and a pressing roller, a combination of a heating roller, a pressing roller, and an endless belt.
The heating in the heating and pressing means is usually preferably 80 ° C to 200 ° C.
In the present invention, for example, a known optical fixing device may be used together with or in place of the fixing step and the fixing unit depending on the purpose.

The neutralization step is a step of performing neutralization by applying a neutralization bias to the electrostatic latent image carrier, and can be suitably performed by a neutralization unit.
The neutralization means is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected from known neutralizers as long as it can apply a neutralization bias to the electrostatic latent image carrier. Preferably mentioned.

The cleaning step is a step of removing the electrophotographic toner remaining on the electrostatic latent image carrier, and can be suitably performed by a cleaning unit.
The cleaning means is not particularly limited as long as it can remove the electrophotographic toner remaining on the electrostatic latent image carrier, and can be appropriately selected from known cleaners. Suitable examples include brush cleaners, electrostatic brush cleaners, magnetic roller cleaners, blade cleaners, brush cleaners, web cleaners, and the like.

The recycling step is a step of recycling the electrophotographic color toner removed in the cleaning step to the developing unit, and can be suitably performed by the recycling unit.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said recycling means, A well-known conveyance means etc. are mentioned.

The control means is a process for controlling the respective steps, and can be suitably performed by the control means.
The control means is not particularly limited as long as the movement of each means can be controlled, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples thereof include devices such as a sequencer and a computer.

  One mode for carrying out the image forming method of the present invention by the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. An image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a photosensitive drum 10 (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive member 10”) as the electrostatic latent image carrier, a charging roller 20 as the charging unit, and exposure as the exposure unit. The apparatus 30 includes a developing device 40 as the developing means, an intermediate transfer member 50, a cleaning device 60 as the cleaning means having a cleaning blade, and a static elimination lamp 70 as the static elimination means.

  The intermediate transfer member 50 is an endless belt, and is designed to be movable in the direction of an arrow by three rollers 51 that are arranged inside and stretched. Part of the three rollers 51 also functions as a transfer bias roller that can apply a predetermined transfer bias (primary transfer bias) to the intermediate transfer member 50. The intermediate transfer body 50 is provided with a cleaning device 90 having a cleaning blade in the vicinity thereof, and for transferring (secondary transfer) a developed image (toner image) to a transfer sheet 95 as a final transfer material. A transfer roller 80 serving as a transfer unit to which a transfer bias can be applied is disposed to face the transfer roller 80. Around the intermediate transfer member 50, a corona charger 52 for applying a charge to the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 50 is arranged between the photosensitive member 10 and the intermediate transfer member 50 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer member 50. It is disposed between the contact portion and the contact portion between the intermediate transfer member 50 and the transfer paper 95.

  The developing device 40 includes a black developing unit 45K, a yellow developing unit 45Y, a magenta developing unit 45M, and a cyan developing unit 45C that are disposed directly and oppositely around the photoreceptor 10. The black developing unit 45K includes a developer accommodating portion 42K, a developer supplying roller 43K, and a developing roller 44K. The yellow developing unit 45Y includes a developer accommodating portion 42Y, a developer supplying roller 43Y, and a developing roller 44Y. The magenta developing unit 45M includes a developer accommodating portion 42M, a developer supplying roller 43M, and a developing roller 44M, and the cyan developing unit 45C includes a developer accommodating portion 42C and a developer supplying roller 43C. And a developing roller 44C.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, for example, the charging roller 20 charges the photosensitive drum 10 uniformly. The exposure device 30 performs imagewise exposure on the photosensitive drum 10 to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 10 is developed by supplying toner from the developing device 40 to form a visible image (toner image). The visible image (toner image) is transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer member 50 by the voltage applied from the roller 51, and further transferred (secondary transfer) onto the transfer paper 95. As a result, a transfer image is formed on the transfer paper 95. The residual toner on the photoconductor 10 is removed by the cleaning device 60, and the charge on the photoconductor 10 is temporarily removed by the charge eliminating lamp 70.

Another mode for carrying out the image forming method of the present invention by the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. An image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2 is a tandem color image forming apparatus. The tandem image forming apparatus 100 includes a copying apparatus main body 150, a paper feed table 200, a scanner 300, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 400.
The copying apparatus main body 150 is provided with an endless belt-like intermediate transfer member 50 at the center. The intermediate transfer member 50 is stretched around the support rollers 14, 15 and 16, and can be rotated clockwise in FIG. 2. An intermediate transfer member cleaning device 17 for removing residual toner on the intermediate transfer member 50 is disposed in the vicinity of the support roller 15. The intermediate transfer member 50 stretched between the support roller 14 and the support roller 15 is a tandem type in which four image forming units 18 of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black are arranged to face each other along the conveyance direction. A developing device 120 is disposed. An exposure device 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the tandem developing device 120. A secondary transfer device 22 is disposed on the side of the intermediate transfer member 50 opposite to the side on which the tandem developing device 120 is disposed. In the secondary transfer device 22, a secondary transfer belt 24, which is an endless belt, is stretched around a pair of rollers 23, and the transfer paper conveyed on the secondary transfer belt 24 and the intermediate transfer body 50 are in contact with each other. Is possible. A fixing device 25 is disposed in the vicinity of the secondary transfer device 22. The fixing device 25 includes a fixing belt 26 that is an endless belt, and a pressure roller 27 that is pressed against the fixing belt 26.
In the tandem image forming apparatus 100, a sheet reversing device 28 for reversing the transfer paper for image formation on both sides of the transfer paper is disposed in the vicinity of the secondary transfer device 22 and the fixing device 25. Yes.

  Next, formation of a full-color image (color copy) using the tandem developing device 120 will be described. That is, first, a document is set on the document table 130 of the automatic document feeder (ADF) 400, or the automatic document feeder 400 is opened and the document is set on the contact glass 32 of the scanner 300. 400 is closed.

  When a start switch (not shown) is pressed, when the document is set on the automatic document feeder 400, the document is transported and moved onto the contact glass 32, and then the document is set on the contact glass 32. Immediately after that, the scanner 300 is driven, and the first traveling body 33 and the second traveling body 34 travel. At this time, light from the light source is irradiated by the first traveling body 33 and reflected light from the document surface is reflected by the mirror in the second traveling body 34 and is received by the reading sensor 36 through the imaging lens 35 to be color. An original (color image) is read and used as black, yellow, magenta, and cyan image information.

  Each image information of black, yellow, magenta and cyan is stored in each image forming means 18 (black image forming means, yellow image forming means, magenta image forming means and cyan image forming means in the tandem developing device 120. ) And black, yellow, magenta and cyan toner images are formed in the respective image forming means. That is, each image forming means 18 (black image forming means, yellow image forming means, magenta image forming means, and cyan image forming means) in the tandem type developing device 120 is photosensitive as shown in FIG. On the basis of the body 10 (the black photoreceptor 10K, the yellow photoreceptor 10Y, the magenta photoreceptor 10M, and the cyan photoreceptor 10C), the charger 60 that uniformly charges the photoreceptor, and each color image information. The photosensitive member is exposed to each color image corresponding image (L in FIG. 3), and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to each color image is formed on the photosensitive member. A developing device 61 that develops using color toner (black toner, yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner) to form a toner image of each color toner, and the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 5. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer charger 62 for transferring the image on the surface, a photoconductor cleaning device 63, and a static eliminator 64, and each monochrome image (black image, yellow image, magenta image) based on image information of each color. And cyan images) can be formed. The black image, the yellow image, the magenta image, and the cyan image formed in this way are formed on the black photoconductor 10K on the intermediate transfer member 50 that is rotated by the support rollers 14, 15, and 16, respectively. The black image, the yellow image formed on the yellow photoconductor 10Y, the magenta image formed on the magenta photoconductor 10M, and the cyan image formed on the cyan photoconductor 10C are sequentially transferred (primary transfer). Is done. Then, the black image, the yellow image, the magenta image, and the cyan image are superimposed on the intermediate transfer member 50 to form a composite color image (color transfer image).

On the other hand, in the paper feed table 200, one of the paper feed rollers 142 is selectively rotated to feed out a sheet (recording paper) from one of the paper feed cassettes 144 provided in multiple stages in the paper bank 143. Each sheet is separated and sent to the paper feed path 146, transported by the transport roller 147, guided to the paper feed path 148 in the copying machine main body 150, and abutted against the registration roller 49 and stopped. Alternatively, the sheet feeding roller 142 is rotated to feed out the sheet (recording paper) on the manual feed tray 54, separated one by one by the separation roller 58, put into the manual feed path 53, and abutted against the registration roller 49 and stopped. . The registration roller 49 is generally used while being grounded, but may be used in a state where a bias is applied to remove paper dust from the sheet.
Then, the registration roller 49 is rotated in synchronization with the synthesized color image (color transfer image) synthesized on the intermediate transfer member 50, and a sheet (recording paper) is interposed between the intermediate transfer member 50 and the secondary transfer device 22. The secondary color transfer device 22 transfers the composite color image (color transfer image) onto the sheet (recording paper), thereby transferring the color image onto the sheet (recording paper). Is formed. The residual toner on the intermediate transfer member 50 after image transfer is cleaned by the intermediate transfer member cleaning device 17.

  The sheet (recording paper) on which the color image has been transferred is conveyed by the secondary transfer device 22 and sent to the fixing device 25, where the combined color image (color) is generated by heat and pressure. (Transfer image) is fixed on the sheet (recording paper). Thereafter, the sheet (recording paper) is switched by the switching claw 55 and discharged by the discharge roller 56 and stacked on the discharge tray 57, or switched by the switching claw 55 and reversed by the sheet reversing device 28 and transferred again. After being guided to the position and recording an image on the back surface, the image is discharged by the discharge roller 56 and stacked on the discharge tray 57.

  In the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present invention, the present invention achieves both low-temperature fixability and heat-resistant storage stability with a small particle size and narrow particle size distribution, excellent releasability at low temperatures, little filming. Therefore, high image quality can be obtained efficiently.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Example 1
<Oil-in-water dispersion preparation process>
An oil-in-water dispersion in which dispersed particles are dispersed was prepared as follows.

-Dissolution of toner material or preparation of dispersion-
--- Synthesis of unmodified polyester (low molecular weight polyester)-
682 parts by mass of bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2-mole adduct, 81 parts by mass of bisphenol A propion oxide 2-mole adduct, 283 parts by mass of terephthalic acid, trimellitic anhydride 22 parts by mass and 2 parts by mass of dibutyltin oxide were added and reacted at 230 ° C. for 5 hours under normal pressure to synthesize an unmodified polyester.
The resulting unmodified polyester has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 2,100, a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 9,500, a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 55 ° C., an acid value of 0.5 mgKOH / g, and a hydroxyl group. The value was 51.

-Preparation of master batch (MB)-
1200 parts by mass of water, 540 parts by mass of carbon black (“Printex35”; manufactured by Degussa, DBP oil absorption = 42 ml / 100 g, pH = 9.5) as the colorant, and 1200 parts by mass of the unmodified polyester were added to Henschel. Mixing was performed using a mixer (Mitsui Mining Co., Ltd.). The mixture was kneaded with two rolls at 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, rolled and cooled, and pulverized with a pulverizer (manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation) to prepare a master batch.

-Preparation of organic solvent phase-
In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a thermometer, 378 parts by mass of the unmodified polyester, 110 parts by mass of carnauba wax, 22 parts by mass of CCA (“salicylic acid metal complex E-84”; manufactured by Orient Kogyo), and ethyl acetate 947 A mass part was charged, the temperature was raised to 80 ° C. with stirring, the temperature was kept at 80 ° C. for 5 hours, and then cooled to 30 ° C. over 1 hour. Next, 500 parts by mass of the master batch and 500 parts by mass of ethyl acetate were charged into the reaction vessel and mixed for 1 hour to obtain a raw material solution.
1324 parts by mass of the obtained raw material solution was transferred to a reaction vessel, and using a bead mill (“Ultra Visco Mill”; manufactured by Imex Co., Ltd.), the liquid feeding speed was 1 kg / hr, the disk peripheral speed was 6 m / sec, and 0.5 mm zirconia. The carbon black and the carnauba wax were dispersed in three passes under the condition of 80% by volume of beads. Next, 1324 parts by mass of a 65% by mass ethyl acetate solution of the unmodified polyester was added to the dispersion. An organic solvent phase (pigment / wax dispersion) was prepared by passing through a bead mill under the same conditions as described above for dispersion.
The solid content concentration (measurement conditions: 130 ° C., 30 minutes) of the obtained organic solvent phase was 50% by mass.

--Synthesis of prepolymer--
In a reaction vessel equipped with a cooling tube, a stirrer and a nitrogen introduction tube, 410 parts by mass of the unmodified polyester, 89 parts by mass of isophorone diisocyanate, and 500 parts by mass of ethyl acetate were charged and reacted at 100 ° C. for 5 hours. A prepolymer (polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound) was synthesized.
The free isocyanate content of the obtained prepolymer was 1.53% by mass.

--Synthesis of ketimine (the active hydrogen group-containing compound)-
In a reaction vessel equipped with a stir bar and a thermometer, 170 parts by mass of isophoronediamine and 75 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone were charged and reacted at 50 ° C. for 5 hours to synthesize a ketimine compound (the active hydrogen group-containing compound).
The amine value of the obtained ketimine compound (the active hydrogen machine-containing compound) was 418.

  In a reaction vessel, 749 parts by mass of the organic solvent phase, 115 parts by mass of the prepolymer, 2.9 parts by mass of the ketimine compound, and a tertiary amine compound (“U-CAT 660M”; manufactured by San Apro Co., Ltd.) 3 Then, 5 parts by mass was charged, and a TK homomixer (manufactured by Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.) was used for 1 minute at 7.5 m / s to prepare a toner material solution or dispersion.

-Preparation of aqueous medium phase-
990 parts by mass of water, 37 parts by mass of a 48.5% by mass aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl diphenyl ether disulfonate (“Eleminol MON-7”; manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries) and 90 parts by mass of ethyl acetate were mixed and stirred to give a milky white liquid ( An aqueous medium phase) was obtained.

-Emulsification or dispersion-
1200 parts by mass of the aqueous medium phase is added to the dissolved or dispersed liquid of the toner material, and mixed for 20 minutes at a peripheral speed of 15 m / s with a TK homomixer (manufactured by Tokushu Kika Kogyo Co., Ltd.). A mold dispersion (emulsified slurry) was prepared.
The volume average particle size (Mv) of the dispersed particles in the obtained oil-in-water dispersion (emulsified slurry) was measured using a particle size distribution measuring device (“nanotrac UPA-150EX”; manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.) 0.392 μm.

<Toner granulation process>
-Controlling the particle size of dispersed particles-
-Preparation of organic resin fine particle dispersion-
In a reaction vessel in which a stir bar and a thermometer are set, 683 parts by mass of water, 20 parts by mass of a sodium salt of ethylene oxide methacrylate adduct sulfate ("Eleminol RS-30" manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries), 78 parts by mass of styrene , 78 parts by mass of methacrylic acid, 120 parts by mass of butyl acrylate, and 1 part by mass of ammonium persulfate were added and stirred at 400 rpm for 15 minutes to obtain a white emulsion. The emulsion was heated to raise the system temperature to 75 ° C. and reacted for 5 hours. Next, 30 parts by mass of a 1% by mass ammonium persulfate aqueous solution was added, and the mixture was aged at 75 ° C. for 5 hours. Vinyl resin particles (styrene-methacrylic acid-butyl acrylate-methacrylic acid ethylene oxide adduct sulfate sodium salt) (Copolymer) aqueous dispersion (organic resin fine particle dispersion) was prepared.

The volume average particle size (Mv) of the organic resin fine particles contained in the obtained organic resin fine particle dispersion was measured using a particle size distribution measuring device (“nanotrac UPA-150EX”; manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.) and analyzed software ( Analysis was performed using “Microtrack Particle Size Analyzer, Ver. 10.1.2-016EE” (manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.).
First, the organic resin fine particle dispersion and water as a solvent used in the organic resin fine particle dispersion were added to a glass 30 ml sample bottle to prepare a 10 mass% dispersion. The obtained dispersion was subjected to a dispersion treatment for 2 minutes using an ultrasonic disperser (“W-113MK-II”; manufactured by Honda Electronics Co., Ltd.).
Next, after measuring the background with water as the solvent, the dispersion liquid after the dispersion treatment is dropped, and the dispersed particle diameter is set so that the sample loading value of the particle size distribution measuring device is in the range of 1 to 10. Was measured. From the viewpoint of measurement reproducibility of the dispersed particle size, it is necessary to measure the sample loading value in a range of 1 to 10. In order to obtain the sample loading value, the dispersion liquid Was appropriately adjusted.
As measurement and analysis conditions, the distribution display is set to “volume”, the particle size category selection is set to “standard”, the particle permeability is set to “permeation”, and the particle shape is set to “non-spherical”. The measurement time was 60 seconds, the number of measurements was once, the particle refractive index was 1.5, and the density was 1 g / cm ³ . Moreover, the value of the solvent refractive index is the water as the solvent of the organic resin fine particle dispersion liquid among the values (see FIGS. 4A to 4C) described in “Guidelines on Input Conditions at Measurement” issued by Nikkiso Co., Ltd. A refractive index of 1.33 was used.
As a result, the volume average particle size (Mv) of the organic resin fine particles was 55 nm.
Moreover, when a part of the organic resin fine particle dispersion was dried to isolate the resin, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin was measured, it was 48 ° C. and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was measured. 450,000.

  Next, using a paddle type stirring device, the oil-in-water dispersion (emulsified slurry) is stirred at a peripheral speed of 0.7 m / s, and 15 parts by mass of the organic resin fine particle dispersion is added. 80 parts by mass of a mass% sodium chloride solution was added to control the particle size of dispersed particles in the emulsified slurry.

-Removal of organic solvent-
The emulsified slurry after particle size control was placed in a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a thermometer, and after removing the solvent at 30 ° C. for 8 hours, aging was carried out at 45 ° C. for 4 hours to obtain a dispersed slurry.
When the volume average particle size and number average particle size of the obtained dispersion slurry were measured by Multisizer III (manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.) by the measurement method described later, the volume average particle size was 4.3 μm and the number average particle size. Was 3.8 μm.

-Cleaning and drying-
After 100 parts by mass of the dispersion slurry was filtered under reduced pressure, 100 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added to the filter cake, mixed with a TK homomixer (10 minutes at a rotation speed of 10.0 m / s), and then filtered. 100 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added to the obtained filter cake, mixed with a TK homomixer (at a rotation speed of 10.0 m / s for 10 minutes), and then filtered under reduced pressure. To the obtained filter cake, 100 parts by mass of a 10% by mass aqueous sodium hydroxide solution was added, mixed with a TK homomixer (10 minutes at a rotation speed of 10.0 m / s), and then filtered. To the obtained filter cake, 300 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water was added, mixed with a TK homomixer (at a rotation speed of 10.0 m / s for 10 minutes), and then filtered twice to obtain a final filter cake. It was.
The obtained final filter cake was dried with a circulating dryer at 45 ° C. for 48 hours, and sieved with a mesh of 75 μm to obtain toner base particles of Example 1.

-External additive treatment-
A Henschel mixer (manufactured by Mitsui Mining Co., Ltd.) was prepared by adding 1.5 parts by mass of hydrophobic silica as an external additive and 0.5 parts by mass of hydrophobic titanium oxide to 100 parts by mass of the obtained toner base particles of Example 1. The toner of Example 1 was manufactured by mixing with a sieve and sieving with a mesh of 35 μm.

  With respect to the obtained toner, the volume average particle size (Dv), number average particle size (Dn), and particle size distribution (volume average particle size (Dv) / number average particle size (Dn)) were measured by the following methods. The results are shown in Table 3.

[Toner particle size]
The volume average particle diameter (Dv) of the toner and the number average particle diameter (Dn) of the toner are measured with a particle size measuring device (“Multisizer III”; manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.) with an aperture diameter of 100 μm, and analysis software (Beckman (Coulter Multisizer 3 Version 3.51). Specifically, after adding 0.5 ml of 10% by weight surfactant (alkylbenzene sulfonate, “Neogen SC-A”; manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.) to a 100 ml glass beaker, 5 g of toner is added. The mixture was stirred using a micropartel, and then 80 ml of ion-exchanged water was added. About the obtained dispersion liquid, the dispersion process was performed for 10 minutes using the ultrasonic disperser ("W-113MK-II"; Honda Electronics Co., Ltd. make). Then, the obtained dispersion was measured with the Multisizer III using Isoton III (manufactured by Beckman Coulter) as a measurement solution. The dispersion was dropped so that the concentration indicated by the multisizer III was 8 ± 2% by mass. Here, in the measurement method using the Multisizer III, it is important that the concentration is 8 ± 2% by mass from the viewpoint of the measurement reproducibility of the particle diameter, and the concentration range is within this range. It is recognized that there is no error in the particle size.
Moreover, the particle size distribution (volume average particle diameter (Dv) / number average particle diameter (Dn)) was calculated from these results. As a result, the volume average particle size was 4.3 μm, the number average particle size was 3.8 μm, and the particle size distribution (Dv / Dn) was 1.13.

(Example 2)
In Example 1, the stirring speed of 15 m / s during emulsification or dispersion in the oil-in-water dispersion preparation step was set to 8 m / s, and the stirring speed when controlling the particle size of the dispersed particles in the toner granulation step was set to 0. The toner of Example 2 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 7 m / s was changed to 2 m / s. Further, various physical properties were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.
In addition, the volume average particle size (Mv) of the dispersed particles in the oil-in-water dispersion (emulsified slurry) obtained in the oil-in-water dispersion preparation step is determined using a particle size distribution measuring device (“nanotrac UPA-150EX”). Measured by using Nikkiso Co., Ltd., and analyzed using analysis software ("Microtrack Particle Size Analyzer, Ver. 10.1.2-016EE"; manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.).
First, the toner material dissolved or dispersed liquid and ethyl acetate as a solvent used for the toner material dissolved or dispersed liquid were added to a glass 30 ml sample bottle to prepare a 10 mass% dispersion liquid. The obtained dispersion was subjected to a dispersion treatment for 2 minutes using an ultrasonic disperser (“W-113MK-II”; manufactured by Honda Electronics Co., Ltd.).
Next, after measuring the background with ethyl acetate as the solvent, the dispersion liquid after the dispersion treatment is dropped, and the dispersed particles are subjected to the condition that the sample loading value of the particle size distribution measuring device is in the range of 1 to 10. The diameter was measured. From the viewpoint of measurement reproducibility of the dispersed particle size, it is necessary to measure the sample loading value in a range of 1 to 10. In order to obtain the sample loading value, the dispersion liquid Was appropriately adjusted.
As measurement and analysis conditions, the distribution display is set to “volume”, the particle size category selection is set to “standard”, the particle permeability is set to “permeation”, and the particle shape is set to “non-spherical”. The measurement time was 60 seconds, the number of measurements was once, the particle refractive index was 1.5, and the density was 1 g / cm ³ . The solvent refractive index is the refractive index of ethyl acetate as a solvent of the toner material dissolved or dispersed liquid among the values described in “Guidelines on Input Conditions at Measurement” published by Nikkiso Co., Ltd. 37 was used.
As a result, the volume average particle diameter (Mv) of the dispersed particles was 0.825 μm.

(Example 3)
In Example 1, the stirring speed of 15 m / s during emulsification or dispersion in the oil-in-water dispersion preparation step is 24 m / s, and the stirring speed when controlling the particle size of the dispersed particles in the toner granulation step is 0. A toner of Example 3 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 7 m / s was changed to 0.4 m / s. Further, various physical properties were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.
In addition, the volume average particle size (Mv) of the dispersed particles in the oil-in-water dispersion (emulsified slurry) obtained in the oil-in-water dispersion preparation step is determined using a particle size distribution measuring device (“nanotrac UPA-150EX”). Measured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd. and found to be 0.232 μm.

Example 4
Example 1 is the same as Example 1 except that after the oil droplet-in-water dispersion preparation step and before the toner granulation step, the organic solvent removal step was performed and the toner granulation step was performed. The toner of Example 4 was produced in the same manner as described above. Further, various physical properties were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

<Intermediate organic solvent removal process>
An oil-in-water dispersion (emulsion slurry) containing dispersed particles having a volume average particle size (Mv) of 0.392 μm obtained in the oil-in-water dispersion preparation process of Example 1 The mixture was heated and depressurized to 30 ° C. while stirring at a peripheral speed of 0.7 m / s, and the solvent was removed over about 5 hours. With respect to the dispersed particles after the solvent removal, the concentration of ethyl acetate was measured by gas chromatography. As a result, the concentration of ethyl acetate in the dispersed particles was 3.7 wt%.

<Toner granulation process>
-Controlling the particle size of dispersed particles-
The emulsified slurry after solvent removal is returned to normal pressure, 15 parts by mass of the organic resin fine particle dispersion is added, and 80 parts by mass of a 10% by mass sodium chloride solution is added, and the peripheral speed is 0.7 m / s. The mixture was stirred for a minute to control the particle size of the dispersed particles in the emulsified slurry.

-Removal of organic solvent-
In a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and a thermometer, the emulsion slurry after particle size control was charged, 10 parts by weight of a 20 wt% aqueous sodium benzenesulfonate solution was added, and the solvent was removed at 30 ° C. for 5 hours. For 4 hours to obtain a dispersion slurry.
Then, washing and drying were performed in the same manner as in Example 1 to obtain toner base particles, and then external additive treatment was performed to produce the toner of Example 4. Further, the shape factor of the obtained toner was measured by the following method.
(Shape factor)
Using a field emission scanning electron microscope (“S-4500 type”; manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.), a photograph of the toner was taken at an acceleration voltage of 8 kV and 2,000 times, and this was taken as an image analyzer (“LUSEX3”; manufactured by Nireco). And analyzed and calculated. As a result, the shape factor SF-1 was 138 and the shape factor SF-2 was 141.

(Example 5)
In Example 4, the toner of Example 5 was produced in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the vacuum solvent removal time in the organic solvent removing step was changed to 30 minutes. Further, various physical properties of the toner were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.
In addition, when the concentration of ethyl acetate was measured by gas chromatography for the dispersed particles after the organic solvent removal step, the concentration of ethyl acetate in the dispersed particles was 42 wt%. Further, when the shape factor of the obtained toner was measured in the same manner as in Example 4, the shape factor SF-1 was 110 and the shape factor SF-2 was 118.

(Example 6)
A toner of Example 6 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the organic solvent phase was prepared using the crystalline polyester synthesized by the following method. Further, various physical properties were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

-Synthesis of crystalline polyester-
In a 5-liter four-necked flask equipped with a nitrogen inlet tube, dehydration tube, stirrer, and thermocouple, 2070 g of 1,4-butanediol, 2535 g of fumaric acid, 291 g of trimellitic anhydride, and 4.9 g of hydroquinone are placed. After reacting at 160 ° C. for 5 hours, the temperature was raised to 200 ° C. and reacted for 1 hour, and further reacted at 8.3 kPa for 1 hour to synthesize a crystalline polyester. The DSC endothermic peak temperature of the obtained crystalline polyester was 123 ° C., the number average molecular weight (Mn) was 710, and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 2,100.

-Preparation of crystalline polyester dispersion-
100 g of the crystalline polyester and 400 g of ethyl acetate were taken in a metal 2 L container, heated and melted at 79 ° C., and then rapidly cooled in an ice water bath at a rate of 27 ° C./min. To this, 500 ml of glass beads (3 mmφ) was added, and pulverized for 10 hours with a batch type sand mill (manufactured by Campahapio) to prepare a crystalline polyester dispersion having a volume average particle size of 0.4 μm.

-Preparation of organic solvent phase-
In a reaction vessel in which a stir bar and a thermometer were set, 378 parts by mass of the unmodified polyester, 110 parts by mass of carnauba wax, 22 parts by mass of CCA (“salicylic acid metal complex E-84”; manufactured by Orient Chemical Industries), and ethyl acetate 947 parts by mass were charged, and the temperature was raised to 80 ° C. with stirring, maintained at 80 ° C. for 5 hours, and then cooled to 30 ° C. over 1 hour. Next, 500 parts by mass of the master batch was charged into the reaction vessel and mixed for 1 hour to obtain a raw material solution.
1324 parts by mass of the resulting raw material solution was transferred to a reaction vessel, and using a bead mill (“Ultraville Comil”; manufactured by Imex Co., Ltd.), the liquid feeding temperature was 1 kg / hr, the disk peripheral speed was 6 m / sec, and 0.5 mm zirconia. The carbon black and the carnauba wax were dispersed in 3 passes under the condition of 80% by volume of beads. To the obtained dispersion, 1213 parts by mass of 65% by weight ethyl acetate solution of the unmodified polyester is added, 350 parts by mass of the crystalline polyester dispersion is added, and dispersed in one pass with a bead mill under the same conditions as described above. An organic solvent phase (pigment / wax dispersion) was prepared.
The obtained organic solvent phase was used to prepare a toner material solution or dispersion, and the subsequent steps were carried out in the same manner as in Example 1 to produce a toner.

(Example 7)
In Example 1, 2.9 parts by mass of the ketimine compound used in the oil-in-water dispersion preparation step was N-oleyl 1,3-propanediamine having a partition coefficient of 0.02 as measured by the following method. A toner of Example 7 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the amount was changed to 5 parts by mass. Further, various physical properties were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[Distribution coefficient]
A mixed solution is prepared by sufficiently dissolving 0.125 g of N-oleyl 1,3-propanediamine in 50 g of 50% by weight ethyl acetate solution of the unmodified polyester resin, and then adding the mixed solution to 50 g of deionized water. In a 200 ml glass beaker, a magnetic stirrer and a 20 mm diameter stirrer chip were used and stirred at a rotation speed of 200 rpm to obtain a pseudo-emulsified state. Thereafter, the mixture was allowed to stand at 25 ° C. for 1 hour, and separated into an ethyl acetate solution (organic solvent phase) and deionized water (aqueous medium phase). Further, deionized water was isolated and titrated with an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution to quantify N-oleyl 1,3-propanediamine in the deionized water. The mass ratio of N-oleyl 1,3-propanediamine dissolved and transferred in deionized water to the total amount of added N-oleyl 1,3-propanediamine was defined as a “partition coefficient”.

(Example 8)
In Example 1, 2.9 parts by mass of the ketimine compound used in the oil-in-water dispersion preparation step was ethylenediamine (1,2 ethanediamine) 0.7 having a distribution coefficient measured by the above method of 11.9. A toner of Example 8 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the amount was changed to parts by mass. Further, various physical properties were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 1)
In Example 1, the organic resin fine particles are not added at the time of controlling the particle diameter of the dispersed particles in the toner granulation step, and the organic resin fine particles are prepared in the preparation of the aqueous medium in the preparation of the oil-in-water dispersion. A toner of Comparative Example 1 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 15 parts by mass was added. Further, various physical properties were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.
In addition, the volume average particle size (Mv) of the dispersed particles in the oil-in-water dispersion (emulsified slurry) obtained in the oil-in-water dispersion preparation step is determined using a particle size distribution measuring device (“nanotrac UPA-150EX”). Measured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd. and found to be 3.1 μm.

(Comparative Example 2)
In Example 1, a toner was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the organic resin fine particles were not added when controlling the particle size of the dispersed particles in the toner granulation step.
However, separation of the oil-in-water dispersion (emulsified slurry) occurred, and the toner of Comparative Example 2 could not be obtained.

  Next, 2.5 parts by mass of each of the toners of Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Example 1 having been subjected to the external additive treatment, and 97.5 parts by mass of a silicone-coated ferrite carrier (core material particle size: 45 μm) The developers in Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Example 1 were produced.

  Using the obtained developers, (a) charging stability, (b) image density, (c) image graininess and sharpness, (d) fogging, (e) toner scattering, (F) Charging characteristics, (g) fixability (low temperature fixability and hot offset resistance), and (h) cleaning properties were measured. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

(A) Charging stability A color electrophotographic apparatus (“IPSiO Color 8100”; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) is prepared by remodeling it to an oilless fixing system, and an image area ratio 5% chart using each developer. A continuous 100,000 sheet output durability test was conducted to evaluate the change in charge amount. The change in the charge amount was measured by the blow-off method after weighing 1 g of the developer and evaluated based on the following criteria.
〔Evaluation criteria〕
A: Change in charge amount is 5 μc / g or less ○: Change in charge amount is 10 μc / g or less Δ: Change in charge amount is 15 μc / g or less X: Change in charge amount is 15 μc / g Exceed

(B) Image Density A tandem type color electrophotographic apparatus (“Imagio Neo 450”; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) is used to transfer a plain paper (“Type 6200”; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) to a belt fixing system. A solid image having an adhesion amount of each developer of 1.00 ± 0.1 mg / cm ² was formed at a fixing roller surface temperature of 160 ± 2 ° C. The image density at any five positions in the obtained solid image was measured using a spectrometer (“938 Spectrodensitometer, manufactured by X-Rite”. The image density value is an average value of the image densities at the five positions. The higher the image density value obtained, the higher the image density, meaning that a higher density image can be formed, and when the image density is 1.4 or higher, It is recognized as a practical level.
〔Evaluation criteria〕
◎: Image density is 1.4 or more ○: Image density is 1.2 or more △: Image density is 1.0 or more ×: Image density is less than 1.0

(C) Image graininess and sharpness A color electrophotographic apparatus ("IPSiO Color 8100"; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) is prepared by remodeling it to an oilless fixing system, and outputting a photographic image in a single color. The degree of graininess and sharpness was visually observed and evaluated based on the following criteria.
〔Evaluation criteria〕
◎: Same as offset printing ○: Slightly inferior to offset printing △: Much inferior to offset printing ×: Very inferior to offset printing, comparable to conventional electrophotographic images

(D) A fog color electrophotographic apparatus (“IPSiO Color 8100”; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) is prepared by remodeling it to an oilless fixing system, and each developer is prepared in an environment of a temperature of 10 ° C. and a humidity of 15%. The image area ratio 5% chart continuous 100,000 sheet output durability test was carried out, and then the degree of toner contamination on the background portion of the transfer paper was visually observed (loupe) and evaluated based on the following criteria.
〔Evaluation criteria〕
◎: Good with no toner contamination ○: Slight toner contamination but no problem △: Toner contamination a little ×: Toner contamination is very noticeable (outside tolerance)

(E) Toner scattering A color electrophotographic apparatus (“IPSiO Color 8100”; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) is prepared by remodeling it to an oilless fixing system, and each development is performed in an environment of a temperature of 40 ° C. and a humidity of 90%. After conducting a 100,000 sheet continuous output durability test using a 5% image area ratio chart, the toner contamination state in the apparatus was visually observed and evaluated based on the following criteria.
〔Evaluation criteria〕
◎: Good with no toner contamination ○: Slight toner contamination but no problem △: Toner contamination a little ×: Toner contamination is very noticeable (outside tolerance)

(F) Charging characteristics In a stainless steel roll mill container having a diameter of 6.0 cm and a height of 6.5 cm, about 10 g of a carrier for a color electrophotographic apparatus (“IPSiO Color 8100”; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) is measured, and Tc for 5% Each toner was added and stirred for 30 seconds at a rotation speed of 153 rpm.
Ten samples were randomly taken from the developer after stirring, and the charge amount distribution was measured using a charge amount distribution measuring device (“Espert Analyzer II type” manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation). Further, the number content of the reversely charged particles with respect to all the particles was calculated from the obtained data, and the average value was obtained. Further, the standard deviation of the number content of the reversely charged toner calculated from each data was obtained.

(G) Fixability (low temperature fixability and hot offset resistance)
The fixing unit of a copying machine (“MF2200”; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) is modified, and a transfer paper (“Type 6200”; manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) is used using a device using a Teflon (registered trademark) roller as a fixing roller. A copying test was performed, and the fixing roller temperature was changed and the fixing minimum temperature and the hot offset occurrence temperature were measured.

<Fixing temperature limit>
The linear velocity of paper feed was set to 120 to 150 mm / sec, the surface pressure was set to 1.2 kgf / cm ² , the nip width was set to 3 mm, the lower limit fixing temperature was measured, and the low temperature fixability was evaluated based on the following criteria.
The lower limit fixing temperature of the conventional low temperature fixing toner is 140 to 150 ° C., and the lower the fixing lower limit temperature, the better the low temperature fixing property.
〔Evaluation criteria〕
A: Lower limit fixing temperature is less than 120 ° C. O: Lower limit fixing temperature is 120 ° C. or more and less than 130 ° C. Δ: Lower limit fixing temperature is 130 ° C. or more and less than 140 ° C.

<Offset generation temperature>
The linear velocity of the paper feed is set to 50 mm / sec, the surface pressure is set to 2.0 kgf / cm ² , the nip width is set to 4.5 mm, and the offset generation temperature (the lower limit value of the temperature at which hot offset occurs) is measured. The hot offset property was evaluated based on the following criteria. In addition, the following evaluation criteria mean that it is excellent in hot offset resistance, so that offset generation temperature is high.
〔Evaluation criteria〕
A: Offset generation temperature is 201 ° C. or more. ○: Offset generation temperature is 191 ° C. or more and 200 ° C. or less. Δ: Offset generation temperature is 181 ° C. or more and 190 ° C. or less.

(H) Cleaning property The transfer residual toner on the photosensitive member that has passed the cleaning process is transferred to a white paper with a scotch tape (manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Co., Ltd.), and this is measured with a Macbeth reflection densitometer (RD514 type). Based on this, the cleaning property was evaluated.
〔Evaluation criteria〕
A: The difference from the blank is 0 to 0.01, which is good. ○: The difference from the blank is 0.02 to 0.05. Δ: The difference from the blank is 0.06 to 0.1. : The difference from the blank is 0.2 or more, which is defective.

From the results of Tables 1 to 3, the following is clear. That is, in Examples 1 to 8, after preparing an oil-in-water dispersion using an aqueous medium that does not contain organic resin fine particles, the organic resin fine particles are added and the toner is granulated in the presence of the organic resin fine particles. Therefore, a toner having a small particle size, a narrow particle size distribution, a uniform material composition among the toner particles, and excellent charging characteristics was obtained. It was also found that the toner has excellent charging stability, little fog and toner scattering, good image granularity, image sharpness, and image density evaluation results, and high image quality. Furthermore, the evaluation of the fixing property (low temperature fixing property and hot offset resistance) and the cleaning property were also good.
Further, in Example 4, it was found that an irregularly shaped toner was obtained and the cleaning property was particularly excellent. In Example 6, since the toner contains a crystalline polyester resin, it was found that the toner was particularly excellent in low-temperature fixability. In Example 7, since the active hydrogen group-containing compound is suppressed from being eluted into the aqueous medium during the emulsification or dispersion, and the active hydrogen group-containing compound is retained in the dispersed particles, the performance of the toner is reduced. Were suppressed, and excellent results were shown in each evaluation item. On the other hand, the toner obtained in Comparative Example 1 has a non-uniform material composition between toner particles, inferior charging characteristics, toner scattering, and poor evaluation results of image granularity and image sharpness. It was found that high image quality could not be obtained.

The toner production method of the present invention can efficiently obtain a toner having a small particle size, a narrow particle size distribution, and a uniform composition among toner particles.
The toner of the present invention is excellent in charging stability and is less likely to cause fogging or toner scattering, and therefore is suitably used for high quality image formation. The developer, toner-containing container, process cartridge, image forming apparatus and image forming method of the present invention using the toner of the present invention are suitably used for high-quality image formation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example in which the image forming method of the present invention is carried out by the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of carrying out the image forming method of the present invention by the image forming apparatus (tandem color image forming apparatus) of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged schematic explanatory view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4A is a viscosity and refractive index table of a liquid described in “Guidelines on Input Conditions at Measurement” issued by Nikkiso Co., Ltd. FIG. 4B is a viscosity and refractive index table of the liquid described in “Guidelines on Input Conditions at Measurement” issued by Nikkiso Co., Ltd. FIG. 4C is a viscosity and refractive index table of the liquid described in “Guidelines on Input Conditions at Measurement” issued by Nikkiso Co., Ltd. FIG. 5A is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the thermal characteristics (flow curve of the flow tester) of the toner. FIG. 5B is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating the thermal characteristics (flow curve of the flow tester) of the toner.

Explanation of symbols

10 Photoconductor (Photoconductor drum)
10K black photoconductor 10Y yellow photoconductor 10M magenta photoconductor 10C cyan photoconductor 14 support roller 15 support roller 16 support roller 17 intermediate transfer cleaning device 18 image forming means 20 charging roller 21 exposure device 22 secondary transfer device 23 Roller 24 Secondary transfer belt 25 Fixing device 26 Fixing belt 27 Pressure roller 28 Sheet reversing device 30 Exposure device 32 Contact glass 33 First traveling member 34 Second traveling member 35 Imaging lens 36 Reading sensor 40 Developing device 41 Developing belt 42K Developer container 42Y Developer container 42M Developer container 42C Developer container 43K Developer supply roller 43Y Developer supply roller 43M Developer supply roller 43C Developer supply roller 44K Developer roller 44Y Developer roller 44M Developer Roller 44C Development roller 45K Black development unit 45Y Yellow development unit 45M Magenta development unit 45C Cyan development unit 49 Registration roller 50 Intermediate transfer member 51 Roller 52 Corona charger 53 Manual feed path 54 Manual feed tray 55 Switching claw 56 Ejection Roller 57 Discharge tray 58 Separating roller 60 Cleaning device 61 Developer 62 Transfer charger 63 Photoconductor cleaning device 64 Charger 70 Charger lamp 80 Transfer roller 90 Cleaning device 95 Transfer paper 100 Image forming device 110 Belt type fixing device 120 Tandem development Machine 130 document table 142 paper feed roller 143 paper bank 144 paper feed cassette 145 separation roller 146 paper feed path 147 transport roller 148 paper feed path 150 copier main body 200 paper feed table 300 CANA 400 Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)

Claims (21)

  The toner material is dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent to prepare a solution or dispersion of the toner material, and the dissolved or dispersed liquid is dispersed as dispersed particles in an aqueous medium that does not contain organic resin fine particles. A method for producing a toner, comprising preparing a dispersion and then adding organic resin fine particles to the oil-in-water dispersion to granulate the toner in the presence of the organic resin fine particles.   The method for producing a toner according to claim 1, comprising removing the organic solvent before granulating the toner, wherein the concentration of the organic solvent in the dispersed particles after removal of the organic solvent is 0.5 to 35 wt%.   The toner manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein the toner has a shape factor SF-1 of 120 to 160 and a shape factor SF-2 of 115 to 160. The toner material includes at least an active hydrogen group-containing compound and a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound,
By granulating, by reacting the active hydrogen group-containing compound and a polymer capable of reacting with the active hydrogen group-containing compound to produce an adhesive base material, particles containing at least the adhesive base material are obtained. The method for producing a toner according to claim 1, wherein the toner is produced.   5. The method for producing a toner according to claim 4, wherein a distribution coefficient represented by a ratio of an amount eluted in the aqueous medium to a total amount dissolved in the organic solvent in the active hydrogen group-containing compound is 0.01 or more and less than 3. .   The method for producing a toner according to claim 5, wherein the active hydrogen group-containing compound is N-alkylalkanediamine. The method for producing a toner according to claim 6, wherein the N-alkylalkanediamine is N-oleyl-1,3-propanediamine represented by the following structural formula (1).

However, in said structural formula (1), R represents an oleyl group.   The method for producing a toner according to claim 1, wherein the toner material contains a crystalline polyester resin.   The method for producing a toner according to claim 8, wherein the crystalline polyester resin has a DSC endothermic peak temperature of 50 to 150 ° C. 10.   The molecular weight distribution by GPC of the ortho-dichlorobenzene soluble part of the crystalline polyester resin is 1,000 to 30,000 in terms of weight average molecular weight (Mw), and 500 to 6,000 in terms of number average molecular weight (Mn). The toner production method according to claim 8, wherein (Mw / Mn) is 2 to 8. The method for producing a toner according to claim 8, wherein the crystalline polyester resin is represented by the following general formula (1).

However, in the above general formula (1), n and m represent the number of repeat units, L is an integer of 1 to 3, R ¹ and R ² may be the same as each other, or different And may represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group. Any crystalline polyester resin is from claim 8 having the absorption based on olefin? Ch (out-of-plane deformation vibration) to at least one of its infrared absorption spectrum in 965 ± 10 cm ^-1 and 990 ± 10 cm ^-1 11 of A method for producing the toner according to claim 1.   The method for producing a toner according to claim 1, wherein an ionizing agent is added together with the organic fine particles when the organic fine particles are added.   The method for producing a toner according to claim 13, wherein the ionizing agent is at least one selected from a salt composed of a monovalent cation and a monovalent anion.   The method for producing a toner according to claim 14, wherein the monovalent cation contains at least one of sodium ion and potassium ion.   16. The method for producing a toner according to claim 1, wherein the toner material is dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous medium with stirring.   When the stirring speed during dissolution of the toner material or dispersion in the aqueous medium is Am / s and the stirring speed when the toner is granulated is Bm / s, the following formula is given: 7 <A < The toner production method according to claim 1, wherein the toner satisfies the following conditions: 23 and 1.4 <A / B <100.   The method for producing a toner according to claim 1, wherein the volume average particle diameter of the dispersed particles before granulating the toner is 0.1 to 3 μm.   A toner manufactured by the toner manufacturing method according to claim 1.   The toner according to claim 19, wherein the adhesive substrate contains an unmodified polyester resin. An electrostatic latent image forming step of forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic latent image carrier, and developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner according to any one of claims 19 to 20, thereby forming a visible image. An image forming method comprising: a developing step for forming the image; a transfer step for transferring the visible image to a recording medium; and a fixing step for fixing the transferred image transferred to the recording medium.

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