a. Fumed Silica Controls Rheology Control:
Viscosity Management: Hydrophobic fumed silica adjusts the viscosity of the toner. It helps ensure a stable and consistent flow of the toner powder, preventing clumping and allowing for uniform application during the printing process.
b. Anti-agglomeration:
Prevention of Clumping: One of the primary concerns with toner powders is their tendency to clump together. Hydrophobic fumed silica reduces the surface tension between particles, promoting uniform dispersion and preventing agglomeration. This results in a smoother, more consistent application.
c. Improved Flow Properties:
Enhanced Handling: Adding hydrophobic fumed silica improves the bulk flow characteristics of toners, making them easier to handle and transfer through the printing mechanism. This is particularly important in automated printing processes where consistent flow is crucial for performance.
d. Electrostatic Properties:
Charge Control: Hydrophobic fumed silica can affect the triboelectric properties of toner particles. By optimizing the charge characteristics, it can help ensure better adhesion to the printed media and improve the efficiency of the transfer process.
e. Surface Modification:
Durability and Finish: The presence of hydrophobic Free-Flow And Anti-Caking Additive can enhance the durability of the printed image. It contributes to the overall quality of the print in terms of resistance to smudging and scratching, resulting in a more robust final product.
f. Compatibility with Resins:
Versatile Formulation: Hydrophobic fumed silica is compatible with various thermoplastic resins commonly used in toner formulations, such as styrene-acrylic or polyester resins. This compatibility makes it easier to formulate high-performance toners tailored to specific printing needs.