LANXESS produces customized iron oxides for a new generation of laser printers

30-Apr-2009 - Germany

specialty chemicals company LANXESS AG has developed a new iron oxide for the formulation of chemical toners used in the latest printer model lines. Chemical toners result in a better printed image and a higher yield, according to the company.

Whereas toner has previously been manufactured by the extrusion and subsequent fine grinding of synthetic resins containing iron oxides, this new generation of toners is now being manufactured by polymerizing pigment-bearing, organic monomers in a suspension.

Besides thermoplastic resins, each magnetic one-component toner contains 30 to 60 percent black iron oxide pigments. Modern devices have strict toner requirements. The toner powder should be extremely homogeneous to ensure an optimal printed image. The size of the particles should be as close to identical as possible. Their precisely tuned magnetic and electrical properties must be stable and, in particular, they must not be affected by humidity. The correct color is just as important: Deep black with an elegant blue undertone is preferred today. To satisfy all of these requirements, the iron oxide used must crystallize under precisely controlled conditions.

Electrophotography has progressed by leaps and bounds since the introduction of xerographic copiers in the 1950s. Modern laser printers and copiers utilize the magnetism of the toner particles to transport within the device. The latest generation works with chemically manufactured toners, but can also process conventional, mechanically manufactured powders based on Bayoxide E TP LXS 5248.

The product named Bayoxide E TP LXS 5248 is characterized by high tinting strength, soft magnetic properties, good flowability and a very uniform particle size distribution, according to the company.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/100387/lanxess-produces-customized-iron-oxides-for-a-new-generation-of-laser-printers.html