Polyester-based Chemical Toner with Low Level of Total Volatile Organic Compounds

Abstract

As man-made material enriches our lives, indoor air pollution becomes a serious issue. Among those pollutants, the level of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in offices and homes is significantly higher than that of outdoor. Some of these compounds may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Therefore, to protect the consumers and the environment, ecological (or environmental) labels encourage businesses to market products that meet eco-friendly criteria. Office products including toners cannot be an exception to such voluntary regulations.We are presenting a polyester-based chemical toner with extremely low level of total VOCs. The toner is produced using ingredients dispersed in water prepared using a proprietary method. The resulting toner has narrow size distribution and controlled morphology. In addition, the total VOC level, analyzed by Landesgewerbeanstalt Bayern (LGA) is lower than 300 mg/kg. The performance of the toner was evaluated using 20/20 ppm color laser printing system and compared to those of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) toner and aftermarket refill toners in the market.