Abstract: A charge controlling agent is provided as a compound in which an amide group is introduced together with a sulfonic group or a derivative thereof. The charge controlling agent is characterized by including at least one compound represented by the chemical formula (2) in which an amide group is introduced together with at least one of a sulfonic group, a sulfonic acid ester, a sulfonic acid salt, and a sulfonic acid halide.

Abstract: To provide a novel polyhydroxyalkanoate having a reactive functional group in a molecule and a method of producing the same; and a novel polyhydroxyalkanoate having a new function obtained by chemically modifying the polyhydroxyalkanoate having a reactive functional group and a method of producing the same. By utilizing a vinyl group of a polyhydroxyalkanoate containing a unit having the vinyl group at a side chain thereof, a polyhydroxyalkanoate containing units having a carboxyl group, an amide group, and a sulfonic group in a molecule is induced.

Abstract: A polymer is provided in which a sulfonic group or a derivative thereof is introduced. The polymer includes a unit represented by the following chemical formula (1): wherein R represents -A1-SO2R1; A1 is selected from an alkylene group, a heterocyclic ring, an aromatic ring; and —SO2R1 is a sulfonic group or of a derivative of a sulfonic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel polyester adapted for use in a charge control agent for a toner for an electrophotographic process, having a charge stability, a high charge amount, an improved dispersibility and a biodegradability, and a producing method and an application technology therefor.

Abstract: A novel polyhydroxyalkanoate having a reactive functional group in a molecule, and a production method thereof, etc. are provided. By utilizing the vinyl group of polyhydroxyalkanoate which contains a unit having a vinyl group on a side chain, a polyhydroxyalkanoate which contains a carboxyl group and a unit having an amide group and a sulfonic acid group in a molecule is derived.

Abstract: A developer carrying member which prevents toner from being excessively charged in a development apparatus and maintains a high charge quantity of toner, and which is difficult to cause deposition of toner thereto, and a development apparatus equipped with the developer carrying member are provided. A resin layer containing, as a binder, a resin containing polyhydroxyalkanoate having in the molecule at least one hydroxyalkanoic acid unit including sulfonic acid or a derivative thereof or carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof is formed on a substrate or on the surface of the substrate of the developer carrying member.

Abstract: A developer carrying member is disclosed which can prevent a toner from being excessively charged in a developing assembly while keeping the charge quantity of the toner at a somewhat higher level, and seldomly causes toner melt adhesion to the developer carrying member.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate containing in a molecule at least one unit represented by the chemical formula (1). The polyhydroxyalkanoate is a biodegradable plastic with enhanced melt-processability and exhibits excellent charging stability, high chargeability, and enhanced dispersibility when used as a charge control agent of a toner in an electrophotographic process. (R denotes -A1(—SO2R1)x. R1 is selected from OH, a halogen atom, ONa, OK, and OR1a. R1a and A1 are selected from a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon structure, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring structure, and a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic structure. Further, m and x are integers selected from 1 to 8, and when two or more units exist, each of R, R1 R1a, A1, m, and x is defined as above independently for each of the units.

Abstract: To provide a resin-coated carrier for an electrophotographic developer capable of providing an image with excellent image quality; and a two-component developer and a replenishing developer each of which contains the resin-coated carrier as a constituent.

Abstract: There is provided a resin-coated carrier with a coating layer attached to the surface of a core material in a stable manner, the electrophotographic carrier which can provide an image with excellent quality.