Tribocharge Performance of Colloidal Silica Additives in a Dual Component Developer

Abstract

Cabot has recently introduced a new series of treated colloidal silica additives for toner applications. Because of their larger size, narrower size distribution, and more spherical shape these additives can provide improved anti-blocking and free flow in toner formulations. Colloidal silica based additives are available in a wide range of particle sizes and with different shape characteristics, which provide the formulator much latitude in matching the additive to the needs of the toner. These colloidal silicas are available with tribocharging characteristics from positive to highly negative.In this paper, we present a study of the tribocharge performance of this new class of additives. We have investigated the effects of particle size, coverage, and moisture content on tribocharge performance and have investigated the rate of charge build-up and charge stability with time in a model dual component system.