Nanoscale Testing of Specialized Polymers and Components used in Non Impact Printing

Abstract

Nanoscale testing is a growing field applied across many disciplines, sciences and industries. Recently nanoscale testing of polymers used in the printing industry has been shown to supplement conventional testing of physical, dynamic and electrical properties. Nanoscale testing consists of a variety of nano testing methods that can be applied across the Non Impact Printing Industry, from material development and characterization to understanding functionality and failure modes of components. Nanoindentation, nanoscratch, nano dynamic mechanical analysis, nano modulus mapping, nano hardness, nano tensile strength and nano electrical conductivity can be measured and applied to analysis of polymer performance.This paper will describe nanoscale testing as applied to the characterization of polymers used in fusing and charge transfer applications, as well as nano testing of toner particles and fixation to print media. In addition, nanoscale testing of surface substrates, and adhesion to substrates is discussed as may be applied to ink jet technologies, thin films, and the non impact printing of electronics, biological and pharmaceutical materials.