Digital Printers and Image Quality

Photoreceptor is a central device in digital printers. The outer layer, Charge Transport Layer made up of polycarbonate and Charge Transport Molecule is prone to abrasion by stresses of developing system or cleaning system when it is repeatedly used in printing process. The abrasion of the photoreceptor causes deterioration of electrical properties such as lowering sensitivity or lower charging and results in irregular image such as lower image density and image stain. Single and multiple coating were made with filled and unfilled binder polymers and their modulus and hardness were measured by nano-indenter. The effect of the nanoparticles on composite modulus is dependent on many variables particularly on the morphology of the polymer matrix as well as the interaction between the filler and matrix. The state of dispersion depends on balance of repulsive and attractive forces. on the particles.. Charge Transport Molecule reduced modulus and hardness thus increasing photoreceptor wear rate. Nano-filler silica in the polymer either polycarbonate or polyester increased modulus and hardness with higher photoreceptor life.