Preparation of monodispersed polymeric microspheres for toner particles by the shirasu porous glass membrane emulsification technique

This investigation describes the experiment directed toward the production of monodispersed toner particles by suspension polymerization. That is, relatively monodispersed poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) microspheres containing electrifying additives were successfully prepared by suspension polymerization employing the Shirasu Porous Glass (SPG) membrane emulsification technique. The diameter distribution of the dispersed droplets prepared with an SPG membrane module was fairly narrow, compared with that prepared with a conventional mechanical homogenizer. The effect of Sumiplast Blue S as coloring matter and E-81 as charge control agent on the triboelectric discharging properties of prepared polymeric microspheres was studied. The addition of electrifying additives strongly affected the triboelectric discharging property. It was consequently clarified that a small amount of electrifying additives added raised the electrostatic capacity of polymeric microspheres. However, a further addition reduced the triboelectric discharge of polymeric microspheres.