JP5834893B2 - Glitter toner, developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and method for producing glitter toner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a glitter toner, a developer, a toner cartridge, a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and a method for producing the glitter toner.

  As toners used in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, various toners have been proposed in which the shape, structure, color, etc. of the toner particles are devised.

Patent Document 1 discloses an electrophotographic toner containing a binder resin and a colorant, wherein the toner has an average diameter (d _av ) in the range of 5 to 10 μm and an average thickness (w _av ) of 0.5 to 0.5. A toner adhesion amount of 1 g / m ² at the time of color image formation, comprising a flat fine powder in a range of 3 μm and a thickness / diameter ratio (w _av / d _av ) in a range of 0.1 to 0.4 An electrophotographic toner is disclosed in which the status A density of a fixed toner image of each color when adhered and fixed on a recording medium is at least 1.2.

  Patent Document 2 discloses that in an electrophotographic toner having a core-shell structure, the core portion and the shell portion have different softening properties, and the core portion has a lower viscosity at the time of heat fixing than the shell portion, and has releasability. An electrophotographic toner is disclosed which has a high configuration, a core portion having glossiness after heat fixing, and a shell portion having non-glossy configuration.

  Patent Document 3 is characterized in that, in an image forming method in which a white toner image made of white toner and a color toner image made of color toner are formed in this order on a transfer material, the shape of the white toner is flat. An image forming method is disclosed.

  Patent Document 4 discloses an electrophotographic toner comprising flat toner particles in which at least a pigment is dispersed in a binder resin, wherein the pigment is flat and contains 3 or less of the pigments. An electrophotographic toner is disclosed in which the toner particles to be used are 75% by number or more of the total toner particles.

JP-A-11-167226 JP 2002-229248 A JP 2002-328486 A JP 2010-256613 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a glittering toner in which a decrease in transferability is suppressed when an image having a low image density is formed under high temperature and high humidity.

In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is provided.
The invention of claim 1 includes toner particles containing a binder resin and a bright pigment, and an average value of the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b in the cross section of the toner particles. A glossy toner having an average value of circularity in the cross section of the toner particles of 0.50 or more and 0.90 or less.
The invention according to claim 2 is a developer containing the glitter toner according to claim 1.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge that contains the glittering toner according to the first aspect and is detachable from the image forming apparatus.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge comprising the developing unit that contains the developer according to the second aspect and that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier as a toner image with the developer.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image carrier, a charging unit for charging the surface of the image carrier, an electrostatic latent image forming unit for forming an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the image carrier, A developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier as a toner image with the developer according to claim 2, and the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier on the recording medium. And an image forming apparatus.
The invention of claim 6 is the method for producing the glittering toner according to claim 1, wherein the first aggregated particles in which the glittering pigment and the first binder resin particles are aggregated are dispersed. A first agglomerated particle dispersion preparing step for preparing the agglomerated particle dispersion and a second agglomerated second binder resin particle having a volume average particle size smaller than that of the first agglomerated particles. A second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step of preparing a second aggregated particle dispersion in which particles are dispersed, the first aggregated particle dispersion and the second aggregated particle dispersion are mixed, and the first A third aggregated particle dispersion preparing step for preparing a third aggregated particle dispersion in which the third aggregated particles having the second aggregated particles attached to the surface of the aggregated particles are dispersed; and the third aggregated particles A coalescence step of heating the dispersion to coalesce the first agglomerated particles and the second agglomerated particles. A method for producing glitter toner.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one of the average value of the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b and the average value of the circularity in the cross section of the toner particles is out of the above range. Provided is a glittering toner that can suppress a decrease in transferability when an image having a low image density is formed under high temperature and high humidity as compared with a photosensitive toner.
According to the second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, at least one of the average value of the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a and the minor axis diameter b and the average value of the circularity in the cross section of the toner particles is at least one. A developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus in which a decrease in transferability is suppressed when an image having a low image density is formed under high temperature and high humidity as compared with the case of using glitter toner outside the above range. Provided.
According to the invention of claim 6, the toner particles containing a binder resin and a bright pigment are included, and the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b in the cross section of the toner particles is A glittering toner in which a glittering toner having an average value of 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less and an average value of circularity in the cross section of the toner particles of 0.50 or more and 0.90 or less is easily produced. Manufacturing method is provided

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a cross section of toner particles according to the exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a relationship between a cross-sectional shape of toner particles and “short axis diameter b / major axis diameter a” and “circularity”. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the process cartridge of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a glitter toner, a developer, a toner cartridge, a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and a glitter toner manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described in detail.

<Brightness toner>
The glitter toner of this embodiment includes toner particles containing a binder resin and a glitter pigment, and has a ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b in the cross section of the toner particles. The glittering toner has an average value of 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less and an average value of circularity in a cross section of the toner particles of 0.50 or more and 0.90 or less.

  In the present embodiment, particles containing a pigment having a glitter and a binder resin, and particles containing a release agent, an external additive, and the like, if necessary, are toner particles, and an aggregate of the toner particles is a toner. Called.

  Further, in the present embodiment, “brilliance” indicates that the image formed with the glitter toner of the present embodiment has a brightness such as a metallic luster when visually recognized.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a cross section of toner particles constituting the glitter toner of the present embodiment, and schematically shows a cross section in the thickness direction. FIG. 2 schematically shows the relationship between the cross-sectional shape and “short axis diameter b / major axis diameter a” and “circularity” for the toner particles and other toner particles of the present embodiment. The closer the “short axis diameter b / major axis diameter a” in the cross section of the toner particle is to 1, the closer to a circle, and the closer to 0, the closer to flatness. Further, as the “circularity” is closer to 1, the surface unevenness is smaller, and as it is closer to 0, the surface unevenness is larger.

For example, in FIG. 2, the toner particles 16 whose “short axis diameter b / major axis diameter a” and “circularity” are close to 1, respectively, are close to a sphere, and the surface irregularities are small. Has a shape.
Further, “short axis diameter b / major axis diameter a” is equivalent to toner particle 16, and “circularity” of toner particle 14 smaller than toner particle 16 has irregularities on the surface, but as a whole has a spherical shape. Have a close shape.
Further, the toner particle 12 whose “short axis diameter b / major axis diameter a” is smaller than that of the toner particle 16 and whose “circularity” is equivalent to the toner particle 16 has almost no surface irregularities and has a nearly flat shape. Have.
On the other hand, the toner particle 10 according to the present embodiment in which “short axis diameter b / major axis diameter a” is 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less and circularity is 0.50 or more and 0.90 or less is “short”. “Axis diameter b / major axis diameter a” and “circularity” are both smaller than toner particles 16 and have a disk shape with irregularities on the surface.

The reason why the glitter toner of this embodiment is excellent in transferability is not clear, but is presumed as follows.
Since the glitter pigment usually has a large particle size and a flat shape, the shape of the toner particles containing the glitter pigment is usually flat. In particular, when a large amount of an image having a low printing area (low density image) is formed at a high temperature and high humidity of about 32 ° C. and 80% RH, non-electrostatic adhesion is large between the toner particles and a member such as an intermediate transfer member. As a result, the transfer efficiency is lowered and the brightness of the image is lowered.
The transferability is improved by attaching an external additive to the toner particles. However, when a large amount of an image having a low printing area is formed, the external additive is buried in the toner particles, and the effect of improving the transferability is small. May be.

  On the other hand, the glittering toner of the present embodiment has an average value of the ratio (b / a) between the major axis diameter a and the minor axis diameter b of the toner particle cross section of 0.1 to 0.7, and the toner The average value of the circularity of the particle cross section is 0.50 or more and 0.90 or less. That is, the toner particles according to the present embodiment have a disk shape with irregularities on the surface, so that the contact area with a member such as an intermediate transfer member is smaller than that of a simply flat toner particle, and high temperature and high humidity. Even underneath, the non-electrostatic adhesion between the toner particles and the member is difficult to increase. Therefore, it is assumed that the transferability of toner particles is improved. Moreover, it is guessed that the fall of a glitter is prevented as a result.

  In this embodiment, the average value of the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b in the cross section of the toner particles and the average value of the circularity in the cross section of the toner particles are respectively determined by the following methods. can get.

-Ratio of major axis a and minor axis b of toner particle cross section (b / a)-
First, the toner particles are embedded using a bisphenol A type liquid epoxy resin and a curing agent, and then a cutting sample is prepared. Next, the cutting sample is cut at −100 ° C. using a cutting machine using a diamond knife, for example, LEICA ultramicrotome (manufactured by Hitachi Technologies) to prepare an observation sample. The observation sample is observed with a TEM at a magnification of about 5000 times.
A cross section of 500 toner particles is observed, and the ratio (b / a) between the major axis diameter a and minor axis diameter b of each toner particle is determined. Here, when the cross section of the toner particle is observed, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the maximum length is the major axis diameter a, and it protrudes most vertically in the direction (thickness direction) orthogonal to the major axis diameter a. The distance between the parallel lines based on the portion is the short axis diameter b. For example, if the cross section is in the thickness direction of the toner particles, the thickness direction is the minor axis diameter b. For each toner particle, a ratio (b / a) between the major axis diameter a and the minor axis diameter b is obtained, and an average value thereof is calculated.

When the average value of the ratio (b / a) between the major axis diameter a and minor axis diameter b of the toner particle cross section is less than 0.1, the strength of the toner decreases, and due to breakage due to stress during image formation, The charging is reduced by the exposure of the pigment, and as a result, fog occurs. On the other hand, if the average value of the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b of the toner particle cross section exceeds 0.7, the orientation of the pigment in the image is lowered and the glitter is lowered. .
From the above viewpoint, the average value of the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b (b / a) of the toner particle cross section is desirably 0.15 or more and 0.5 or less, and 0.2 or more and 0.4 or less. More desirable.

-Circularity of toner particle cross section-
The toner particle cross section is observed with a TEM at a magnification of about 5000 times in the same manner as the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a and the minor axis diameter b of the toner particle cross section, and the peripheral length of the toner particle cross section is calculated. To do. Further, the area of the toner particle cross section is calculated, a circle having the same area as the area is assumed, and the circumference of the circle is calculated (circumferential length of the circle obtained from the equivalent circle diameter). The circularity is calculated as “circularity = circular length of circle obtained from equivalent circle diameter / perimeter of particle image”. As shown in FIG. 2, the closer the value is to 1.0, the more spherical.
In this way, the toner particle cross section is observed for 500 toner particles, the circularity of each toner particle is obtained, and the average value (average circularity) thereof is calculated.

When the average circularity of the cross section of the toner particles is less than 0.50, the non-electrostatic adhesion force between the toner particles and the intermediate transfer member is increased from the beginning, the transfer efficiency is lowered, and the brightness of the image is increased. Will fall. On the other hand, when the average circularity of the cross section of the toner particles exceeds 0.90, a large amount of low print area images (low density images) are formed at a high temperature and high humidity of about 32 ° C. and 80% RH. The non-electrostatic adhesion force between the member such as a transfer member is increased, the transfer efficiency is lowered, and the brightness of the image is lowered.
From the above viewpoint, the average circularity of the cross section of the toner particles is preferably from 0.7 to 0.85, and more preferably from 0.6 to 0.8.

  Next, the composition of the glitter toner of this embodiment will be described.

-Bright pigment-
Examples of the glitter pigment used in the glitter toner of the present embodiment include the following. Metal powders such as aluminum, brass, bronze, nickel, stainless steel, zinc, etc.Coated flaky inorganic crystal substrates such as mica coated with titanium oxide or yellow iron oxide, barium sulfate, layered silicate, layered aluminum silicate, There are no particular restrictions on monocrystalline plate-like titanium oxide, basic carbonate, acid bismuth oxychloride, natural guanine, flaky glass powder, flaky glass powder deposited with metal, etc., as long as they have glitter. Among these, aluminum that can provide high glitter can be more preferably used.

The glitter pigment 4 used in the present embodiment has a flat shape, the thickness of the pigment particles is 0.1 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less, and the diameter (length) in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction is 1 μm or more. It is desirable that it is 50 μm or less.
Since the glitter pigment 4 has a compositional difference from the binder resin and a characteristic flat shape, it is discriminated from the difference in density and shape of the observed image. It is determined that the bright pigment 4 is present in the cross section of the toner particle in the form of a rod and having a different contrast.

  The content of the glitter pigment in the exemplary embodiment is preferably 1 part by mass or more and 70 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 5 parts by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the toner particles.

-Binder resin-
Examples of the binder resin used in the present embodiment include ethylene resins such as polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene; styrene resins such as polystyrene and α-polymethylstyrene; and (meth) acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate and polyacrylonitrile. Resin; Polyamide resin, polycarbonate resin, polyether resin and copolymer resins thereof may be used. Among these, it is desirable to use a polyester resin.
In the following, polyester resins that are particularly preferably used will be described.

The polyester resin of this embodiment is obtained mainly by condensation polymerization of polyvalent carboxylic acids and polyhydric alcohols, for example.
Examples of the polyvalent carboxylic acid include terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, phthalic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, pyromellitic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, and other aromatic carboxylic acids; maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, succinic acid, Examples thereof include aliphatic carboxylic acids such as alkenyl succinic anhydride and adipic acid; alicyclic carboxylic acids such as cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, and one or more of these polycarboxylic acids are used.
Among these polycarboxylic acids, aromatic carboxylic acids are preferably used, and trivalent or higher carboxylic acids (trimellitic acid) together with dicarboxylic acids to form a crosslinked structure or a branched structure in order to ensure good fixing properties. And acid anhydrides thereof) are preferably used in combination.

Examples of the polyhydric alcohol include aliphatic diols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butanediol, hexanediol, neopentylglycol, and glycerin; cyclohexanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol, hydrogenated bisphenol And alicyclic diols such as A; aromatic diols such as ethylene oxide adduct of bisphenol A and propylene oxide adduct of bisphenol A. One or more of these polyhydric alcohols are used.
Among these polyhydric alcohols, aromatic diols and alicyclic diols are preferable, and among these, aromatic diols are more preferable. In order to secure better fixability, a trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol (glycerin, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol) may be used in combination with the diol in order to form a crosslinked structure or a branched structure.

The glitter toner of the present embodiment preferably contains a crystalline polyester resin as a binder resin. Of the crystalline polyester resins, aromatic crystalline resins are generally higher than the melting temperature range described later, and are preferably aliphatic crystalline polyester resins.
The content of the crystalline polyester resin in the glittering toner of the exemplary embodiment is preferably 2% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, and more preferably 4% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less.

  The melting temperature of the crystalline polyester resin is preferably in the range of 50 ° C. to 100 ° C., preferably in the range of 55 ° C. to 95 ° C., and more preferably in the range of 60 ° C. to 90 ° C. preferable.

  The “crystalline polyester resin” in the present embodiment means a clear endothermic change rather than a step-like endothermic amount change in differential scanning calorimetry (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “DSC”). It has a peak. The crystalline polyester resin is a polymer obtained by copolymerizing other components with respect to the main chain. When the other components are 50% by mass or less, the copolymer is also called crystalline polyester.

  The crystalline polyester resin is synthesized from an acid (dicarboxylic acid) component and an alcohol (diol) component. In the following, the “acid-derived constituent component” refers to a polyester resin before the synthesis of the polyester resin. Refers to a component that was an acid component, and “alcohol-derived component” refers to a component that was an alcohol component before the synthesis of the polyester resin.

[Acid-derived components]
Examples of the acid to be the acid-derived constituent component include various dicarboxylic acids, but the acid-derived constituent component in the crystalline polyester resin of the present embodiment is preferably a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.
For example, succinic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelic acid, sebacic acid, 1,9-nonanedicarboxylic acid, 1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid, 1,11-undecanedicarboxylic acid Acid, 1,12-dodecanedicarboxylic acid, 1,13-tridecanedicarboxylic acid, 1,14-tetradecanedicarboxylic acid, 1,16-hexadecanedicarboxylic acid, 1,18-octadecanedicarboxylic acid, etc., or lower alkyl esters thereof, An acid anhydride may be mentioned, but not limited thereto. Among these, adipic acid, sebacic acid, and 1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid are preferable.

As the acid-derived constituent component, other constituent components such as a dicarboxylic acid-derived constituent component having a double bond and a dicarboxylic acid-derived constituent component having a sulfonic acid group may be contained.
Examples of the dicarboxylic acid having a sulfonic acid group include, but are not limited to, 2-sulfoterephthalic acid sodium salt, 5-sulfoisophthalic acid sodium salt, and sulfosuccinic acid sodium salt. Moreover, these lower alkyl esters, acid anhydrides, etc. are also mentioned. Among these, 5-sulfoisophthalic acid sodium salt and the like are preferable.
As the content of acid-derived components other than these aliphatic dicarboxylic acid-derived components (dicarboxylic acid-derived component having a double bond and dicarboxylic acid-derived component having a sulfonic acid group) in the acid-derived component, 1 component mol% or more and 20 component mol% or less are preferable, and 2 component mol% or more and 10 component mol% or less are more preferable.

  In the present specification, “constituent mol%” means that the acid-derived constituent component in the entire acid-derived constituent component in the polyester resin or the alcohol constituent component in the entire alcohol-derived constituent component is 1 unit (mol). ) Indicates the percentage.

[Alcohol-derived components]
As the alcohol to be an alcohol-derived constituent component, an aliphatic diol is desirable, for example, ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol. 1,7-heptanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 1,11-dodecanediol, 1,12-undecanediol, 1,13-tridecanediol 1,14-tetradecanediol, 1,18-octadecanediol, 1,20-eicosanediol, and the like, but are not limited thereto. Among these, ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol are preferable.

  In this embodiment, the molecular weight of the polyester resin was measured and calculated by GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography). Specifically, HPC-8120 manufactured by Tosoh Corporation was used for GPC, TSKgel SuperHM-M (15 cm) manufactured by Tosoh Corporation was used for the column, and the polyester resin was measured with a THF solvent. Next, the molecular weight of the polyester resin was calculated using a molecular weight calibration curve prepared with a monodisperse polystyrene standard sample.

(Production method of polyester resin)
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a manufacturing method of a polyester resin, It manufactures with the general polyester polymerization method which makes an acid component and an alcohol component react. For example, direct polycondensation, transesterification, and the like are used depending on the type of monomer. The molar ratio (acid component / alcohol component) at the time of reacting the acid component with the alcohol component varies depending on the reaction conditions and the like, and thus cannot be generally described. However, in order to increase the molecular weight, it is usually 1/1. The degree is preferred.

  Catalysts that can be used in the production of the polyester resin include alkali metal compounds such as sodium and lithium; alkaline earth metal compounds such as magnesium and calcium; metals such as zinc, manganese, antimony, titanium, tin, zirconium, and germanium Compound; phosphorous acid compound; phosphoric acid compound; and amine compound.

-Release agent-
The glittering toner of this embodiment may contain a release agent as necessary. Examples of the release agent include paraffin wax such as low molecular weight polypropylene and low molecular weight polyethylene; silicone resin; rosins; rice wax; carnauba wax; The melting temperature of these release agents is preferably 50 ° C. or higher and 100 ° C. or lower, and more preferably 60 ° C. or higher and 95 ° C. or lower.
The content of the release agent in the toner is desirably 0.5% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, and more desirably 1.0% by mass or more and 12% by mass or less.

-Other additives-
In addition to the components described above, various components such as an internal additive, a charge control agent, inorganic powder (inorganic particles), and organic particles may be added to the glittering toner of the present embodiment as necessary. Good.

  Examples of the charge control agent include quaternary ammonium salt compounds, nigrosine compounds, dyes composed of complexes of aluminum, iron, chromium, and triphenylmethane pigments.

  As the inorganic particles, for example, known inorganic particles such as silica particles, titanium oxide particles, alumina particles, cerium oxide particles, or those obtained by hydrophobizing the surface thereof may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. Good. Among these, silica particles having a refractive index smaller than that of the binder resin are preferably used. In addition, the silica particles may be subjected to various surface treatments. For example, the surface particles are preferably used with a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent, a silicone oil, or the like.

-Volume average particle size-
Further, the volume average particle diameter of the glittering toner particles 10 of the present embodiment is preferably 1 μm or more and 30 μm or less, more preferably 3 μm or more and 20 μm or less, and further preferably 5 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

The volume average particle size D ₅₀ in the present embodiment is determined as follows.
Draw a cumulative distribution from the small diameter side to the particle size range (channel) divided based on the particle size distribution measured by a measuring instrument such as Multisizer II (manufactured by Coulter Co.). _Are defined as volume D _16v , number D _16p , particle size at accumulation 50% is volume D _50v , number D _50p , and particle size at accumulation 84% is volume D _84v , number D _84p . The volume D _50v is _defined as the volume average particle diameter D ₅₀ .

<Toner production method>
The glittering toner of the exemplary embodiment may be produced by a known method such as a wet method or a dry method, but it is particularly preferable to produce the glittering toner by a wet method. Examples of the wet method include a melt suspension method, an emulsion aggregation method, a dissolution suspension method, and the like, and it is preferable to produce the emulsion by an emulsion aggregation method.

  As the method for producing the glitter toner according to the present embodiment, specifically, the first aggregated particle dispersion liquid in which the first aggregated particles formed by the aggregation of the glitter pigment and the first binder resin particles are dispersed. A first agglomerated particle dispersion preparing step for preparing a first agglomerated particle, a second binder resin particle is agglomerated, and a second agglomerated particle having a volume average particle size smaller than that of the first agglomerated particle is dispersed. A second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step for preparing a second aggregated particle dispersion, the first aggregated particle dispersion and the second aggregated particle dispersion are mixed, and the surface of the first aggregated particle A third agglomerated particle dispersion preparation step for preparing a third agglomerated particle dispersion in which the third agglomerated particles to which the second agglomerated particles are adhered are dispersed, and heating the third agglomerated particle dispersion. And a coalescing step of coalescing the first agglomerated particles and the second agglomerated particles. It is.

Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail.
(Emulsification process)
In order to prepare a raw material dispersion for use in forming aggregated particles, an emulsification dispersion in which main materials constituting the toner are dispersed in an aqueous medium is prepared in the emulsification step. Hereinafter, the binder resin dispersion, the glitter pigment dispersion, the release agent dispersion, and the like will be described.

-Binder resin dispersion-
The volume average particle size of the resin particles dispersed in the binder resin dispersion may be from 0.01 μm to 1 μm, from 0.03 μm to 0.8 μm, and from 0.03 μm to 0.03 μm. It may be 6 μm.
When the volume average particle size of the resin particles exceeds 1 μm, the particle size distribution of the finally obtained toner may be broadened, or free particles may be generated, which may easily reduce performance and reliability. On the other hand, if the volume average particle size is within the above range, the above disadvantages are eliminated, and the uneven distribution of the composition among the toner particles is reduced, the dispersion in the toner particles is improved, and the variation in performance and reliability is reduced. It is.

  In addition, the volume average particle diameter of the particles contained in the raw material dispersion such as resin particles is measured with a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring apparatus (LA-700, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.).

The dispersion medium used for the binder resin dispersion and other dispersions may be an aqueous medium.
Examples of the aqueous medium include water such as distilled water and ion exchange water, and alcohols. These may be used individually by 1 type and may use 2 or more types together. In the present embodiment, a surfactant may be added to and mixed with the aqueous medium.

  Although it does not specifically limit as surfactant, For example, anionic surfactants, such as sulfate ester type, sulfonate type, phosphate ester type, soap type; amine salt type, quaternary ammonium salt type, etc. Nonionic surfactants such as polyethylene glycol-based, alkylphenol ethylene oxide adduct-based, polyhydric alcohol-based, and the like. Among these, anionic surfactants and cationic surfactants are exemplified. The nonionic surfactant may be used in combination with the anionic surfactant or the cationic surfactant. The said surfactant may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together.

  Specific examples of the anionic surfactant include sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium dodecylsulfate, sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate, sodium dialkylsulfosuccinate and the like. Specific examples of the cationic surfactant include alkylbenzene dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyl ammonium chloride and the like. Among these, ionic surfactants such as anionic surfactants and cationic surfactants can be mentioned.

  The polyester resin has a self-water dispersibility because it contains a functional group that can become an anionic type by neutralization. Under the action of an aqueous medium, a part or all of the functional group that can become hydrophilic is neutralized with a base. To form a stable aqueous dispersion.

  Since the functional group that can become a hydrophilic group by neutralization in the polyester resin is an acidic group such as a carboxyl group or a sulfonic acid group, examples of the neutralizing agent include inorganic alkalis such as potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, ammonia, Monomethylamine, dimethylamine, triethylamine, monoethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, mono-npropylamine, dimethyl n-propylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, N-methylethanolamine, N-aminoethylethanolamine, Examples include amines such as N-methyldiethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, N, N-dimethylpropanolamine, and the like. It may be used alone or in combination of filtration. By adding these neutralizing agents, the pH during emulsification is adjusted to neutral, and hydrolysis of the resulting polyester resin dispersion is prevented.

  When adjusting the binder resin dispersion using a polyester resin, a phase inversion emulsification method may be used. The phase inversion emulsification method may also be used when adjusting the binder resin dispersion using a binder resin other than the polyester resin. In the phase inversion emulsification method, a resin to be dispersed is dissolved in a hydrophobic organic solvent in which the resin is soluble, a base is added to the organic continuous phase (O phase), and the aqueous medium (W Phase), the resin is converted from W / O to O / W (so-called phase inversion) to form a discontinuous phase, and the resin is dispersed and stabilized in the form of particles in an aqueous medium. It is.

  Examples of the organic solvent used for this phase inversion emulsification include ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, sec-butanol, tert-butanol, n-amyl alcohol, isoamyl alcohol, sec-amyl alcohol, and tert. -Alcohols such as amyl alcohol, 1-ethyl-1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, n-hexanol, cyclohexanol, ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl butyl ketone, cyclohexanone, isophorone, tetrahydrofuran , Ethers such as dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, dioxane, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetic acid-n-propyl, isopropyl acetate, acetic acid-n-butyl, isobutyl acetate, vinegar -Sec-butyl, acetate-3-methoxybutyl, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, butyl propionate, dimethyl oxalate, diethyl oxalate, dimethyl succinate, diethyl succinate, diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, Ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether , Diethylene glycol ethyl ether acetate Glycol derivatives such as propylene glycol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, 3-methoxy Examples include butanol, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, diacetone alcohol, ethyl acetoacetate and the like. These solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The amount of the organic solvent used for phase inversion emulsification is difficult to determine in general because the amount of solvent for obtaining a desired dispersed particle size varies depending on the physical properties of the resin. However, in this embodiment, when the content of the tin compound catalyst in the resin is large relative to the normal polyester resin, the amount of solvent relative to the resin weight may be relatively large. When the amount of the solvent is small, the emulsifiability becomes insufficient, and the particle size of the resin particles may be increased or the particle size distribution may be broadened.

  Further, a dispersant may be added during the phase inversion emulsification for the purpose of stabilizing the dispersed particles and preventing thickening of the aqueous medium. Examples of the dispersant include water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, and sodium polymethacrylate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium octadecylsulfate, and oleic acid. Anionic surfactants such as sodium, sodium laurate, potassium stearate, cationic surfactants such as laurylamine acetate, stearylamine acetate, lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, zwitterionic surfactants such as lauryldimethylamine oxide, polyoxy Nonio such as ethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylamine Surfactants such as sex surfactant, tricalcium phosphate, aluminum hydroxide, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, and inorganic compounds such as barium carbonate. These dispersants may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The dispersant may be added in an amount of 0.01 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin.

  The emulsification temperature at the time of phase inversion emulsification may be not higher than the boiling point of the organic solvent and not lower than the melting temperature or glass transition temperature of the binder resin. When the emulsification temperature is lower than the melting temperature or glass transition temperature of the binder resin, it is difficult to prepare the binder resin dispersion. In addition, when emulsifying above the boiling point of the organic solvent, the emulsification may be performed with a pressure-sealed device.

  The content of the resin particles contained in the binder resin dispersion may be adjusted depending on whether it is used for the preparation of the first aggregated particle dispersion or the second aggregated particle dispersion. 5 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less may be sufficient, and 10 mass% or more and 40 mass% or less may be sufficient. If the content of the resin particles contained in the binder resin dispersion is outside the above range, the particle size distribution of the resin particles may be widened and the characteristics may be deteriorated.

-Bright pigment dispersion-
As a dispersion method when adjusting the glitter pigment dispersion, for example, a general dispersion method such as a rotary shear type homogenizer, a ball mill having media, a sand mill, or a dyno mill may be used. Absent. If necessary, an aqueous dispersion of the glitter pigment may be prepared using a surfactant, or an organic solvent dispersion of the glitter pigment may be prepared using a dispersant. As the surfactant and dispersant used for dispersion, the same dispersants that can be used when dispersing the binder resin may be used.

  Further, when adjusting the raw material dispersion, the glitter pigment dispersion may be mixed at the same time with the dispersion in which other particles are dispersed, or may be divided and added and mixed in multiple stages.

  The content of the glitter pigment contained in the glitter pigment dispersion is usually 5% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, or 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less. If the content of the glitter pigment contained in the glitter pigment dispersion is outside the above range, the particle size distribution of the glitter pigment particles may be widened, and the characteristics may be deteriorated.

-Release agent dispersion-
The release agent dispersion is dispersed in water with an ionic surfactant and the like, heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the release agent, and a strong shear force is applied using a homogenizer or a pressure discharge type disperser. It is prepared by. Thereby, the release agent particles having a volume average particle diameter of 1 μm or less are dispersed. Further, as the dispersion medium in the release agent dispersion, the same dispersion medium as that used for the binder resin may be used.

  In addition, as a device for mixing and emulsifying and dispersing a binder resin, a luster pigment, and the like with a dispersion medium, a known device can be used, for example, a homomixer (Special Machine Industries Co., Ltd.) or a slasher (Mitsui Mine). Ltd.), Cavitron (Eurotech Co., Ltd.), Microfluidizer (Mizuho Industrial Co., Ltd.), Menton Gorin homogenizer (Gorin Inc.), Nanomizer (Nanomizer Inc.), Static mixer (Noritake Company), etc. An emulsifying disperser or the like is used.

  Depending on the purpose, components such as the above-mentioned glitter pigment, release agent, internal additive, charge control agent, inorganic powder and the like may be dispersed in the binder resin dispersion.

  When preparing a dispersion of other components other than the binder resin, the glitter pigment, and the release agent, the volume average particle diameter of the particles dispersed in the dispersion is usually 1 μm or less. It may be 01 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less. If the volume average particle size exceeds 1 μm, the particle size distribution of the finally obtained toner may be broadened, or free particles may be generated, which may lead to a decrease in performance and reliability. On the other hand, when the volume average particle size is within the above range, there is no such disadvantage, and the uneven distribution among the toner particles is reduced, the dispersion in the toner particles is good, and the variation in performance and reliability is reduced. .

(First Aggregated Particle Dispersion Preparation Process)
In the first aggregated particle dispersion liquid preparation step, a first aggregated particle dispersion liquid in which the first aggregated particles formed by aggregation of the glitter pigment and the first binder resin particles is prepared.
For example, the glitter pigment dispersion and the release agent dispersion are added to the binder resin dispersion prepared as the first binder resin dispersion in which the first binder resin particles are dispersed. Further, the raw material dispersion obtained by mixing other dispersion added as necessary further added an aggregating agent and heated to aggregate these particles (the first particles). Agglomerated particles).
When the resin particles are a crystalline resin such as crystalline polyester, the particles are heated at a temperature near the melting temperature (± 20 ° C.) of the crystalline resin and below the melting temperature. To form aggregated particles (first aggregated particles).
Further, the first aggregated particle dispersion may be prepared by adding a luster pigment or the like as it is to the first binder resin dispersion containing the first binder resin particles.

  The first agglomerated particles are formed by adding a flocculant at room temperature under stirring with a rotary shearing homogenizer to make the pH of the raw material dispersion acidic. In order to suppress rapid agglomeration due to heating, the pH may be adjusted while stirring and mixing at room temperature, and a dispersion stabilizer may be added as necessary. In this embodiment, “room temperature” refers to 25 ° C.

The flocculant used in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is a surfactant having a polarity opposite to that of the surfactant used as the dispersant added to the raw material dispersion, that is, an inorganic metal salt and a divalent or higher metal. Complexes are preferably used. In particular, when a metal complex is used, the amount of surfactant used can be reduced, and charging characteristics are improved.
Moreover, you may use the additive which forms a complex or a similar bond with the metal ion of an aggregating agent as needed. As this additive, a chelating agent is preferably used.

  Here, examples of the inorganic metal salt include metal salts such as calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, barium chloride, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, and aluminum sulfate, and polyaluminum chloride, polyaluminum hydroxide, and calcium polysulfide. And inorganic metal salt polymers. Of these, aluminum salts and polymers thereof are particularly preferred. In order to obtain a sharper particle size distribution, the valence of the inorganic metal salt is bivalent than monovalent, trivalent than bivalent, trivalent than trivalent, and tetravalent than trivalent. The inorganic metal salt polymer is more suitable.

  Further, as the chelating agent, a water-soluble chelating agent may be used. The non-water-soluble chelating agent has poor dispersibility in the raw material dispersion, and may not sufficiently capture metal ions due to the aggregating agent in the toner.

  The chelating agent is not particularly limited as long as it is a known water-soluble chelating agent. For example, oxycarboxylic acids such as tartaric acid, citric acid and gluconic acid, iminodiacid (IDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ( EDTA) or the like may be preferably used.

  The addition amount of the chelating agent may be in the range of 0.01 parts by mass or more and 5.0 parts by mass or less, and 0.1 parts by mass or more and less than 3.0 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin. It may be. If the addition amount of the chelating agent is less than 0.01 parts by mass, the effect of adding the chelating agent may not be exhibited. On the other hand, if the amount exceeds 5.0 parts by mass, the chargeability is adversely affected, and the viscoelasticity of the toner changes dramatically, which may adversely affect low-temperature fixability and image glossiness.

  The chelating agent is added during or before or after the first aggregated particle forming step, second aggregated particle forming step, or third aggregated particle forming step. There is no need to adjust the temperature of the liquid, it may be added as it is at room temperature, or the temperature in the tank is adjusted in the first aggregated particle forming step, the second aggregated particle forming step, or the third aggregated particle forming step. You may add above.

  The first agglomerated particles constitute a portion of the glittering toner particles that mainly holds the glittering pigment other than the convex portions on the surface. The volume average particle size of the first agglomerated particles is preferably 2 μm or more and 30 μm or less, more preferably 4 μm or more and 20 μm or less, from the viewpoint of coverage of the glitter pigment and image quality. The volume average particle diameter of the first aggregated particles is adjusted by the heating temperature in the aggregation process.

(Second Aggregated Particle Dispersion Preparation Step)
A second aggregated particle dispersion is prepared in which the second binder resin particles are aggregated and the second aggregated particles having a volume average particle size smaller than that of the first aggregated particles are dispersed.
In the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step and the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step, the types of the first binder resin and the second binder resin may be the same or different. The same type is desirable from the viewpoint of easy adhesion to the first aggregated particles in the aggregated particle dispersion liquid preparation step and easy coalescence by heating in the coalescence step.
For example, the binder resin dispersion used in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is mixed while gradually adding an aggregating agent to obtain a primary aggregated dispersion (second aggregated particle dispersion).

  The second aggregated particles mainly constitute the convex portions on the surface of the glittering toner particles. The volume average particle size of the second aggregated particles is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or more and 3 μm or less, from the viewpoint of setting the circularity in the cross section of the glittering toner particles to 0.50 or more and 0.90 or less. desirable. The volume average particle diameter of the first aggregated particles is adjusted by the heating temperature in the aggregation process.

  A release agent or the like used as necessary may be added as a release agent dispersion in the first or second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step.

(Third aggregated particle dispersion preparation process)
The first agglomerated particle dispersion and the second agglomerated particle dispersion are mixed, and the third agglomerated particles having the second agglomerated particles adhered to the surface of the first agglomerated particles are dispersed. The agglomerated particle dispersion is adjusted.

The adhesion of the second aggregated particles to the surface of the first aggregated particles is performed, for example, by additionally adding the second aggregated particle dispersion to the first aggregated particle dispersion.
As a mixing ratio of the first aggregated particle dispersion and the second aggregated particle dispersion, the first aggregated particles: second aggregated particles are used from the viewpoint of setting the circularity to 0.50 or more and 0.90 or less. The (mass ratio) is desirably 95: 5 to 50:50, and more desirably 90:10 to 70:30.

(Joint process)
The third aggregated particle dispersion is heated to unite the first aggregated particles and the second aggregated particles.
In the coalescence step performed after the third aggregated particle dispersion preparation step, the pH of the dispersion containing the third aggregated particles is adjusted to a range of about 6.5 or more and 8.5 or less. Stop progress.

  Then, after the progress of aggregation is stopped, the first aggregated particles and the second aggregated particles are united by heating. The aggregated particles are coalesced by heating at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting temperature of the binder resin. However, when the temperature becomes too high, the unevenness due to the second aggregated particles is reduced and the shape of the toner particles approaches to a sphere. The shape may be out of the range where the ratio of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b (b / a) is 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less and the circularity is 0.50 or more and 0.90 or less. is there. Therefore, depending on the binder resin used, the cross-sectional shape of the toner particles is such that the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b is 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less, and the circularity is The heating temperature and time are set so as to be 0.50 or more and 0.90 or less.

-Cleaning, drying process, etc.-
After completing the coalescing process of the aggregated particles, desired toner particles are obtained through a washing process, a solid-liquid separation process, and a drying process. In the washing process, the toner particles are adhered to the toner particles with an aqueous solution of strong acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid. After removing the dispersant, it is desirable to wash with ion exchange water or the like until the filtrate becomes neutral. Moreover, although there is no restriction | limiting in particular in a solid-liquid separation process, From the point of productivity, suction filtration, pressure filtration, etc. are suitable. Further, the drying process is not particularly limited, but freeze drying, flash jet drying, fluidized drying, vibration fluidized drying and the like are used from the viewpoint of productivity.

  In the drying step, the moisture content of the toner particles after drying may be adjusted to 1.0% by mass or less, or may be adjusted to 0.5% by mass or less.

Further, an external additive such as a fluidizing agent or an auxiliary agent may be added to the toner particles after drying, if necessary, on the surface of the toner particles.
As the external additive, for example, silica particles whose surface is hydrophobized, titanium oxide particles, alumina particles, cerium oxide particles, inorganic particles such as carbon black, polymer particles such as polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, and silicone resin are known. Of particles can be used.

As described above, in the present embodiment, if the glitter toner is manufactured by the emulsion aggregation method, it can be prepared by the following manufacturing method, for example.
First, in the first aggregated particle dispersion liquid step, pigment particles having glitter are prepared, and the pigment particles and the binder resin are dispersed and dissolved in a solvent and mixed. By dispersing this in water by phase inversion emulsification or shear emulsification, bright pigment particles coated with a resin are formed. Other compositions (for example, a release agent, a shell resin, etc.) are added here, a flocculant is further added, and the temperature is raised to near the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin while stirring. Agglomerated particles are formed. In this step, for example, by using a stirring blade that forms a laminar flow having two paddles and stirring is performed at a high stirring speed (for example, 500 rpm or more and 1500 rpm or less), the glitter pigment particles are contained in the aggregated particles. Thus, the orientation in the major axis direction is aligned, and the agglomerated particles also aggregate in the major axis direction, thereby reducing the toner thickness. Finally, it is made alkaline for particle stabilization.
A second aggregated particle dispersion prepared separately is added thereto, and the second aggregated particles are adhered to the surface of the first aggregated particles to prepare a third aggregated particle dispersion.
Next, the temperature is increased from the glass transition temperature (Tg) to the melting temperature (Tm) of the toner to coalesce the aggregated particles. In this coalescence process, coalescence is performed at a lower temperature (for example, 60 ° C. or more and 80 ° C. or less), thereby reducing movement associated with rearrangement of the material and maintaining the orientation of the pigment.

  In addition, as said stirring speed, 650 rpm or more and 1130 rpm or less are further preferable, and 760 rpm or more and 870 rpm or less are especially preferable. Further, the coalescence temperature in the coalescence step is more preferably 63 ° C. or more and 75 ° C. or less, and particularly preferably 65 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less.

<Developer>
The glitter toner of the present embodiment may be used as it is as a one-component developer, or may be mixed with a carrier and used as a two-component developer.

  The carrier that can be used in the two-component developer is not particularly limited, and a known carrier is used. Examples thereof include magnetic metals such as iron oxide, nickel and cobalt, magnetic oxides such as ferrite and magnetite, resin-coated carriers having a resin coating layer on the surface of the core material, and magnetic dispersion carriers. Further, a resin-dispersed carrier in which a conductive material or the like is dispersed in a matrix resin may be used.

  Coating resins and matrix resins used for carriers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl ether, polyvinyl ketone, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene-acrylic. Examples include, but are not limited to, acid copolymers, straight silicone resins composed of organosiloxane bonds or modified products thereof, fluororesins, polyesters, polycarbonates, phenol resins, epoxy resins, and the like.

  Examples of the conductive material include metals such as gold, silver, and copper, carbon black, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, barium sulfate, aluminum borate, potassium titanate, and tin oxide, but are not limited thereto. .

  Examples of the core material of the carrier include magnetic metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, magnetic oxides such as ferrite and magnetite, and glass beads. However, in order to use the carrier for the magnetic brush method, it is a magnetic material. It is preferable. The volume average particle size of the core material of the carrier is generally in the range of 10 μm to 500 μm, and preferably in the range of 30 μm to 100 μm.

  In order to coat the surface of the core material of the carrier with a resin, there may be mentioned a method of coating with a coating layer forming solution obtained by dissolving the coating resin and, if necessary, various additives in an appropriate solvent. The solvent is not particularly limited, and may be selected in consideration of the coating resin to be used, coating suitability, and the like.

  Specific resin coating methods include an immersion method in which the carrier core material is immersed in the coating layer forming solution, a spray method in which the coating layer forming solution is sprayed onto the surface of the carrier core material, and the carrier core material is fluidized air. A fluidized bed method in which the coating layer forming solution is sprayed in a state of being suspended by the above, a kneader coater method in which the carrier core material and the coating layer forming solution are mixed in a kneader coater, and the solvent is removed.

  The mixing ratio (mass ratio) between the glitter toner of this embodiment and the carrier in the two-component developer is preferably in the range of toner: carrier = 1: 100 to 30: 100, 3: 100 to 20: The range of 100 or less is more preferable.

<Image forming apparatus>
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus including a developing device to which the glitter toner of the present embodiment is applied.
In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment has a photosensitive drum 20 as an image holding member that rotates in a predetermined direction, and the photosensitive drum 20 is charged around the photosensitive drum 20. A charging device 21, for example, an exposure device 22 as a latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image Z on the photosensitive drum 20, and a visible image of the electrostatic latent image Z formed on the photosensitive drum 20. Developing device 30, transfer device 24 that transfers a toner image visualized on photosensitive drum 20 onto recording paper 28 that is a transfer target, and cleaning that cleans residual toner on photosensitive drum 20 The devices 25 are sequentially arranged.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the developing device 30 has a developing housing 31 in which a developer G containing toner 40 is accommodated, and the developing housing 31 is developed to face the photosensitive drum 20. A developing roll (developing electrode) 33 serving as a toner holding member facing the developing opening 32 and applying a predetermined developing bias to the developing roll 33. A developing electric field is formed in the developing region between the photosensitive drum 20 and the developing roll 33. Further, a charge injection roll (injection electrode) 34 as a charge injection member is provided in the development housing 31 so as to face the development roll 33. In particular, in this embodiment, the charge injection roll 34 also serves as a toner supply roll for supplying the toner 40 to the developing roll 33.
Here, the rotation direction of the charge injection roll 34 may be selected. However, in consideration of the toner supply property and the charge injection characteristic, the charge injection roll 34 has the same direction at the portion facing the developing roll 33. In addition, it is preferable that the rotation is performed with a peripheral speed difference (for example, 1.5 times or more), the toner 40 is sandwiched between regions where the charge injection roll 34 and the development roll 33 are sandwiched, and the charge is injected while being rubbed.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.
When the image forming process is started, first, the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is charged by the charging device 21, and the exposure device 22 writes the electrostatic latent image Z on the charged photosensitive drum 20, and the developing device 30 then The electrostatic latent image Z is visualized as a toner image. Thereafter, the toner image on the photoconductive drum 20 is conveyed to a transfer site, and the transfer device 24 electrostatically transfers the toner image on the photoconductive drum 20 to a recording paper 28 that is a transfer target. The residual toner on the photosensitive drum 20 is cleaned by the cleaning device 25. Thereafter, the toner image on the recording paper 28 is fixed by a fixing device (not shown) to obtain an image.

<Process cartridge, toner cartridge>
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a process cartridge according to the present embodiment. The process cartridge according to the present embodiment is characterized in that it contains the glossy toner according to the above-described embodiment and includes a toner holder that holds and conveys the toner.

A process cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 4 includes a charging roller 108, a developing device 111 that stores the above-described glitter toner of the present embodiment, a photosensitive member cleaning device 113, and an opening for exposure, along with a photosensitive member 107 as an image holding member. A unit 118 and an opening 117 for static elimination exposure are combined and integrated using a mounting rail 116. The process cartridge 200 is detachable from an image forming apparatus main body including a transfer device 112, a fixing device 115, and other components not shown. It constitutes.
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 300 represents a transfer target.

  The process cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 4 includes a charging device 108, a developing device 111, a cleaning device 113, an opening 118 for exposure, and an opening 117 for static elimination exposure. May be combined. In the process cartridge of this embodiment, in addition to the developing device 111, the photosensitive member 107, the charging device 108, the cleaning device (cleaning means) 113, the opening 118 for exposure, and the opening 117 for static elimination exposure. At least one selected from the group consisting of:

  Next, the toner cartridge of this embodiment will be described. The toner cartridge according to this embodiment is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, and at least the toner cartridge that stores toner to be supplied to the developing unit provided in the image forming apparatus. It is the glitter toner of the embodiment. It should be noted that at least the toner may be stored in the toner cartridge of the present embodiment, and for example, a developer may be stored depending on the mechanism of the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which a toner cartridge (not shown) can be freely attached and detached, and the developing device 30 is connected to the toner cartridge by a toner supply pipe (not shown). . Further, when the amount of toner stored in the toner cartridge is low, this toner cartridge may be replaced.

  Hereinafter, although an example and a comparative example are given and this embodiment is described more concretely, this embodiment is not limited to the following examples. Unless otherwise specified, “part” and “%” are based on mass.

[Example 1]
<Synthesis of binder resin>
-Bisphenol A ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct: 216 parts-Ethylene glycol: 38 parts-Tetrabutoxy titanate (catalyst): 0.037 parts Put the above components in a heat-dried two-necked flask and introduce nitrogen gas into the container. The mixture was heated in an inert atmosphere while stirring and then subjected to a copolycondensation reaction at 160 ° C. for 7 hours. Thereafter, the temperature was raised to 220 ° C. while gradually reducing the pressure to 10 Torr, and held for 4 hours. Once the pressure was returned to normal pressure, 9 parts of trimellitic anhydride was added, the pressure was gradually reduced to 10 Torr, and maintained at 220 ° C. for 1 hour to synthesize a binder resin.

<Preparation of binder resin dispersion>
-Binder resin: 160 parts-Ethyl acetate: 233 parts-Aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.3N): 0.1 parts

  The above components were placed in a 1000 ml separable flask, heated at 70 ° C., and stirred with a three-one motor (manufactured by Shinto Kagaku Co., Ltd.) to prepare a resin mixture. While further stirring this resin mixture, 373 parts of ion exchange water was gradually added, phase-inversion emulsified, and solvent removal was performed to obtain a binder resin dispersion (solid content concentration: 30%).

<Preparation of release agent dispersion>
Carnauba wax (Toa Kasei Co., Ltd., RC-160): 50 parts Anionic surfactant (Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd., Neogen RK): 1.0 parts Ion-exchanged water: 200 parts The above was mixed and heated to 95 ° C. and dispersed using a homogenizer (Ultra Turrax T50, manufactured by IKA), and then dispersed for 360 minutes with a Manton Gorin high-pressure homogenizer (Gorin) to obtain a volume average particle size. A release agent dispersion (solid content concentration: 20%) prepared by dispersing release agent particles having a diameter of 0.23 μm was prepared.

<Preparation of glitter pigment dispersion>
Aluminum pigment (Showa Aluminum Powder Co., Ltd., 2173EA: 100 parts) Anionic surfactant (Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku, Neogen R): 1.5 parts Ion-exchanged water: 900 parts Solvent from aluminum pigment paste After removing the above, the above is mixed and dispersed for 1 hour using an emulsifying disperser Cavitron (manufactured by Taiheiyo Kiko Co., Ltd., CR1010) to disperse the glitter pigment (aluminum pigment). (Solid content concentration: 10%) was prepared.

<Preparation of glitter toner 1>
Binder resin dispersion: 212.5 parts Release agent dispersion: 25 parts Bright pigment dispersion: 100 parts Nonionic surfactant (IGEPAL CA897): 1.40 parts

(First Aggregated Particle Dispersion Preparation Process)
The glitter pigment dispersion, the binder resin dispersion, and the release agent dispersion are placed in a 2 L cylindrical stainless steel container, and dispersed for 10 minutes by applying a shearing force at 4000 rpm with a homogenizer (manufactured by IKA, Ultra Lalux T50). And mixed.
Next, 1.75 parts of a 10% nitric acid aqueous solution of polyaluminum chloride as a flocculant was gradually added dropwise, and the homogenizer was rotated at 5000 rpm for 15 minutes and mixed to obtain a raw material dispersion.

  Thereafter, the raw material dispersion was transferred to a polymerization vessel equipped with a stirrer using a two-paddle stirring blade for forming a laminar flow and a thermometer, and started to be heated with a mantle heater at a stirring speed of 633 rpm. The growth of aggregated particles was promoted at 54 ° C. At this time, the pH of the raw material dispersion was controlled in the range of 2.2 to 3.5 with 0.3N nitric acid or 1N sodium hydroxide aqueous solution. The agglomerated particles were formed by maintaining the above pH range for about 2 hours. Thus, a first aggregated particle dispersion was prepared. Under the present circumstances, the volume average particle diameter of the aggregated particle measured using Multisizer II (Aperture diameter: 50 micrometers, Beckman-Coulter company make) was 8.4 micrometers.

(Second Aggregated Particle Dispersion Preparation Step)
Next, 0.5 part of a 10% nitric acid aqueous solution of polyaluminum chloride is gradually added dropwise to 100 parts of a binder resin dispersion, and the homogenizer is rotated at 5000 rpm for 15 minutes to be mixed and dispersed. A liquid was used.

  Thereafter, the raw material dispersion was transferred to a polymerization kettle equipped with a stirrer using a four-paddle stirring blade and a thermometer, and started to be heated with a mantle heater at a stirring speed of 500 rpm. Promoted growth. At this time, the pH of the raw material dispersion was controlled in the range of 2.2 to 3.5 with 0.3N nitric acid or 1N sodium hydroxide aqueous solution. The agglomerated particles were formed by maintaining the above pH range for about 2 hours. Thus, a primary aggregated dispersion (second aggregated particle dispersion) was obtained. At this time, the volume average particle diameter of the aggregated particles measured using Multisizer II was 2.3 μm.

(Third aggregated particle dispersion preparation process)
The second agglomerated particle dispersion is added to the first agglomerated particle dispersion containing the glitter pigment, and the primary agglomerated resin particles (second agglomerated particles) of the binder resin are added to the surface of the agglomerated particles. Attached. The temperature was further raised to 56 ° C., and aggregated particles were prepared while confirming the size and form of the particles with an optical microscope and Multisizer II. In this way, a third aggregated particle dispersion was prepared.

  Thereafter, the pH was raised to 8.0 in order to fuse the third aggregated particles, and then the temperature was raised to 70.0 ° C. It was confirmed that the aggregated particles were fused with an optical microscope.

(Joint process)
Thereafter, the pH was lowered to 6.0 while maintaining at 70.0 ° C., and the heating was stopped after 1 hour, followed by cooling at a rate of temperature decrease of 1.0 ° C./min. Thereafter, it was sieved with a 20 μm mesh, washed repeatedly with water, and then dried with a vacuum dryer to obtain glittering toner particles 1. The resulting glossy toner particles had a volume average particle size of 12.2 μm.

[Measurement]
The average value of the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b of the toner particle cross section and the average value of the circularity of the toner particle cross section were measured by the methods described above. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

<Creation of carrier>
Ferrite particles (volume average particle size: 35 μm): 100 parts Toluene: 14 parts Perfluorooctylethyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer (critical surface tension: 24 dyn / cm, copolymerization ratio 2: 8, weight average molecular weight 77000): 1.6 parts carbon black (trade name: VXC-72, manufactured by Cabot, volume resistivity: 100 Ωcm or less): 0.12 parts, crosslinked melamine resin particles (average particle size: 0.3 μm, toluene insoluble ): 0.3 part First, carbon black was diluted with toluene to a perfluorooctylethyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer, and dispersed with a sand mill. Next, the above components other than the ferrite particles were dispersed therein with a stirrer for 10 minutes to prepare a coating layer forming solution. Next, this coating layer forming liquid and ferrite particles were put into a vacuum degassing type kneader and stirred at a temperature of 60 ° C. for 30 minutes, and then the pressure was reduced and toluene was distilled off to form a resin coating layer to obtain a carrier. .

<Production of developer>
The developer 1 was prepared by putting 1:36 parts of glitter toner and 414 parts of carrier into a 2 liter V blender, stirring for 20 minutes, and then sieving at 212 μm.

[Evaluation]
-Transferability-
Transferability was evaluated using a modified DocuCentre-III C7600 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. The remodeling machine forcibly stops the machine before toner transfer so that the amount of toner on the photoconductor, intermediate transfer body, and paper (unfixed) can be measured. Further, the surface temperature of the fixing roll is 130 ° C.
For the evaluation of transferability, 10,000 sheets of a pattern with a printing area of 0.5% were printed using C2 paper manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. in an environment of 32 ° C. and 80% RH, and then a 5 cm × 5 cm patch was drawn. The weight was measured, and the primary transfer efficiency and the secondary transfer efficiency were calculated by the following formulas. In addition, an acceptable level was obtained by multiplying the primary transfer efficiency and the secondary transfer efficiency by 80% or more.

Primary transfer efficiency = (toner weight on intermediate transfer member) / (toner weight on photoreceptor)
Secondary transfer efficiency = (weight of unfixed toner on paper) / (weight of toner on intermediate transfer member)
Transferability = (Primary transfer efficiency) × (Secondary transfer efficiency) × 100

-Brightness-
A solid image was formed by the following method.
The developer used as a sample is charged in a developing device of DocuCentre-III C7600 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., and on a recording paper (OK top coat + paper, manufactured by Oji Paper Co., Ltd.), a fixing temperature of 190 ° C., A solid image with a toner loading of 4.5 g / cm ² was formed at a fixing pressure of 4.0 kg / cm ² .
Regarding a solid image obtained after forming an image with a printing area of 1.0% on 10000 sheets of the recording paper under high temperature and high humidity of 32 ° C. and 80% RH, JIS K 5600-4-3: 1999 “Paint General Test The brightness was evaluated by visual observation under illumination for color observation (natural daylight illumination) according to “Method—Part 4: Visual characteristics of coating film—Section 3: Visual comparison of colors”. The evaluation was carried out by evaluating the particle feeling (the effect of glittering glitter) and the optical effect (the change in hue depending on the viewing angle), and the following stages. Two or more are actually usable levels.
The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

-Evaluation criteria-
5: Particle feeling and optical effect are harmonized.
4: Slight particle feeling and optical effects.
3: Normal feeling.
2: I feel blurred.
1: No particle feeling or optical effect.

[Example 2]
In the method for producing the glitter toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 721 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 46 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 3]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotational speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 533 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 45 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 4]
In the method for producing the glitter toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 715 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 39 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 5]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotational speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 527 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 39 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 6]
In the method for producing the glitter toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 715 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 47 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 7]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotational speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 527 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 47 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 8]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 739 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 46 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 9]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 509 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 46 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 10]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotational speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 733 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 39 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 11]
In the method for producing the glitter toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 515 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 39 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 12]
In the method for producing the glitter toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 721 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 38 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 13]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotational speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 533 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 38 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 14]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotational speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 745 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 48 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 15]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 409 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 47 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 16]
In the method for producing the glitter toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 750 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 35 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 17]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 415 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 36 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Example 1]
In the method for producing the glitter toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 750 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 49 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Example 2]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 415 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 48 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Example 3]
In the method for producing a glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 768 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 47 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Example 4]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 392 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 48 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Example 5]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 762 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 35 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Example 6]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 397 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 36 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Example 7]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotational speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 745 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 34 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Example 8]
In the method for producing the glittering toner described in Example 1, the stirring rotation speed of the two-paddle in the first aggregated particle dispersion preparation step is changed to 409 rpm, and the aggregated particles in the second aggregated particle dispersion preparation step are changed. A toner was produced by the method described in Example 1 except that the temperature for promoting growth was changed to 35 ° C., and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

4 glitter pigment particles 10, 12, 14, 16 toner particles 20 photosensitive drum 21 charging device 22 exposure device 24 transfer device 25 cleaning device 28 recording paper 30 developing device 31 developing housing 32 developing opening 33 developing roll 34 charge injection roll 40 Toner 107 Photosensitive member (image carrier)
108 Charging roller 111 Developing device (developing means)
112 Transfer device 113 Photoconductor cleaning device (cleaning means)
115 Fixing device (fixing means)
116 Mounting rail 117 Opening portion 118 for static elimination exposure Opening portion 200 for exposure Process cartridge 300 Recording paper (transfer object)
Z electrostatic latent image

Claims (6)

  The toner particles containing a binder resin and a glitter pigment are included, and the average value of the ratio (b / a) of the major axis diameter a to the minor axis diameter b in the cross section of the toner particles is 0.1 or more and 0.00. A glittering toner having an average circularity of 0.50 or more and 0.90 or less in a cross section of the toner particles.   A developer comprising the glitter toner according to claim 1.   A toner cartridge that contains the glittering toner according to claim 1 and is detachable from an image forming apparatus.   A process cartridge that contains the developer according to claim 2 and includes a developing unit that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image carrier as a toner image with the developer. An image carrier,
Charging means for charging the surface of the image carrier;
An electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged image carrier;
Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier as a toner image with the developer according to claim 2;
Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier onto a recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A method for producing the glittering toner according to claim 1, comprising:
A first agglomerated particle dispersion preparation step for preparing a first agglomerated particle dispersion in which first agglomerated particles obtained by agglomerating the glitter pigment and the first binder resin particles are dispersed;
Second agglomerated particles for preparing a second agglomerated particle dispersion in which the second agglomerated particles are dispersed, and second agglomerated particles having a volume average particle size smaller than that of the first agglomerated particles are dispersed. A dispersion preparation step;
The first agglomerated particle dispersion and the second agglomerated particle dispersion are mixed, and the third agglomerated particles having the second agglomerated particles adhered to the surface of the first agglomerated particles are dispersed. A third aggregated particle dispersion preparation step of adjusting the aggregated particle dispersion of
A method for producing a glittering toner, comprising: a coalescing step of heating the third aggregated particle dispersion to coalesce the first aggregated particles and the second aggregated particles.