Abstract: Hydrophobic spherical silica microparticles are provided. The microparticles are obtained by subjecting hydrophilic spherical silica microparticles obtained by subjecting a tetrafunctional silane compound and/or a partial hydrolysis-condensation product thereof to hydrolysis and condensation, to a two stage hydrophobic treatment introducing R1SiO3/2 units wherein R1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group and then introducing R23SiO1/2 units wherein R2 represents monovalent hydrocarbon groups. The hydrophobic spherical silica microparticles have basic flowability energy of not more than 500 mJ, and a particle size within a range from 0.005 to 0.09 ?m. The silica microparticles have excellent flowability and dispersibility, and minimal aggregability, and are useful as a toner external additive.

Abstract: On the surface of a core particle of a toner particle, a silane coupling agent treatment layer, a coating layer of thermoplastic resin microparticles applied to the core particle and a charge control agent added to the coating layer through the silane coupling agent treatment layer are provided, wherein the toner particle has a particle diameter of 1 to 10 ?m, or on the surface of a core particle of a toner particle, a coating layer of thermoplastic resin microparticles and a charge control agent added to the coating layer and made of an organic compound containing at least one type of lanthanoid metal are provided, or on a ZnS type fluorescent body core particle, a coating layer of thermoplastic resin microparticles and a charge control agent added to the coating layer and including a metal compound containing the IIA metal or IIIA group metal are provided.

Abstract: Methods of printing with a liquid electrophotographic toner composition prepared within an electrophotgraphic printing apparatus are provided, wherein a polymeric binder comprising at least one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions is first prepared in a reaction solvent, wherein the reaction solvent comprises less than about 10% aromatic components by weight and has a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL. Toner particles are then formulated in the reaction solvent and dried. The dried toner particles are then redispersed in a carrier liquid.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing toner includes steps of supplying, periodically dispensing, and solidifying. The supply step supplies a liquid to be atomized, which includes at least a resin and a colorant. The periodic dispensation step periodically dispenses droplets of the liquid through an atomizing unit. The solidification step solidifies the dispensed droplets into toner particles. The atomizing unit includes a thin film, a vibration actuator, and multiple holes. The thin film has a relatively stiff portion and a relatively elastic portion, and is configured to contact the liquid. The vibration actuator is connected to and supports a periphery of the thin film, and is configured to induce vibration of the thin film. The multiple holes are formed in the relatively stiff portion, and are configured to discharge droplets therethrough when the thin film vibrates.

Abstract: To provide a toner manufacturing method including: continuously mixing an oil phase with an aqueous phase to form an emulsified liquid using an emulsifying mechanism having an emulsified liquid circulation pathway and an emulsifying device equipped with a stirring blade; forming liquid droplets from the emulsified liquid by controlling the equilibrium between atomization and integration of the liquid droplets; and feeding the liquid droplets with stirring to a series of treatments including at least desolvation, filtration, washing and drying; wherein a product T of the solid content concentration (% by mass) of the oil phase and viscosity (mPa·s) measured with a rotating viscometer at 25° C., and 6 rpm satisfies 30,000?T?50,000.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of forming an aqueous dispersion suitable for use in a chemically produced toner that include a) dissolving a polyester resin in a volatile organic solvent to form a solution of the polyester in the volatile organic solvent; b) adding a neutralizing agent comprising at least one of an alkali metal hydroxide, an ammonium hydroxide and a tertiary amine, and water to the solution of the polyester in the volatile organic solvent to form a first aqueous dispersion; and c) heating the dispersion to remove solvent to provide a second aqueous dispersion. Also provided are aqueous dispersions formed by methods according to embodiments of the invention and toners resin compositions including an aqueous dispersion according to an embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: To provide a toner manufacturing method including: dissolving or dispersing a toner material into an organic solvent to prepare a toner solution, the toner material containing at least an active hydrogen group-containing compound, polymer reactive with the active hydrogen group-containing compound, binder resin, releasing agent and coloring agent; emulsifying or dispersing the toner solution into an aqueous medium to prepare an emulsified dispersion; reacting the active hydrogen group-containing compound with the polymer reactive with the active hydrogen group-containing compound in the aqueous medium produce an adhesive base material in the form of particle; and removing the organic solvent, wherein time X (hour) from a point where the organic solvent starts to be removed to a point where the concentration of the organic solvent reaches less than 12% by mass and temperature T (° C.) of the emulsified dispersion at the time X satisfy the relationship 5{exp(?0.2 X)+1}?T?50 X?0.2.

Abstract: A toner comprising toner particles containing a colorant and a binder resin, the binder resin comprising a polyester resin, wherein the polyester resin comprises at least a polyester segment containing an aromatic dial component, the polyester segment being derived from an aromatic diol and a dicarboxylic acid, wherein a content of the polyester segment containing an aromatic dial component is higher in a surface-portion of the toner particle than in a central portion of the toner particle.

Abstract: A liquid toner composition and a preparation method utilize a colorant, an organosol, a charge control agent, a carrier liquid, a dispersion assistant agent, and a photoreactive catalyst, in which the dispersion assistant agent is a polymer including an unsaturated functional group to cause photopolymerization in a presence of the photoreactive catalyst, and the photoreactive catalyst produces a free radical through an irradiation of light, and initiates the photopolymerization of the dispersion assistant agent. According to embodiments of the present invention, the toner organosol rarely affects the physical properties required of the liquid toner, and an offset error in a fixing operation is removed, resulting in an improved quality of a printed image.

Abstract: A liquid toner for electrophotography and a method of preparing the liquid toner are disclosed. The liquid toner includes a carrier liquid, an organosol, a colorant, a charge controlling agent (CCA), and (meth)acrylic (co)polymer soluble in the carrier liquid. The liquid toner has a low solidification rate and good redispersion when left for a long period of time, especially at a high temperature for a long period of time, while maintaining the existing physical properties of a liquid toner, such as image density, at certain levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid toner and imaging apparatus provided with an imaging surface having a liquid toner image formed thereon on fibrous toner particles and carrier liquid. The fibrous toner particles can be composed of a polymer portion and pigment dispersed therein, where the polymer portion comprises a surface of the fibrous toner particles and is insoluble in the carrier liquid at temperatures below 40° C., so that the polymer portion will not dissolve or solvate in storage. The polymer portion also is solvatable by the carrier liquid only at temperatures above 50° C. The carrier liquid has, as a major component, first liquid hydrocarbon having a first rate of evaporation, and, as a minor component, second liquid hydrocarbon having a second rate of evaporation which, at room temperature, is at least an order of magnitude less than the first rate of evaporation.

Abstract: To provide a toner prepared by emulsifying or dispersing a solution or dispersion of a toner material in an aqueous medium containing fine resin particles for granulation, wherein at least one of the toner material and the aqueous medium contains a polyalkylene glycol ester compound that is compatible with the fine resin particles and that has a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 or greater.

Abstract: A liquid developer includes an insulating liquid and toner particles dispersed in the insulating liquid. The toner particles include a plurality of corpuscle combiners including a resin material, and the insulating liquid includes glyceride of an unsaturated fatty acid.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a liquid electrographic toner composition are provided, wherein a polymeric binder comprising at least one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions is first prepared in a reaction solvent, wherein the reaction solvent comprises less than about 10% aromatic components by weight and has a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL. Toner particles are then formulated in the reaction solvent and dried. The dried toner particles are then redispersed in a carrier liquid that has substantially the same chemical constitution as the reaction solvent to form a redispersed liquid electrographic toner composition. Products and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid developer includes associating fine particles mainly containing a resin material so as to obtain associated particles, and disintegrating the associated particles in an insulation liquid so as to obtain toner particles.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid electrographic toner compositions comprising a liquid carrier having toner particles dispersed in the liquid carrier. The liquid carrier has a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL. The toner particles comprise polymeric binder comprising at least one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions. The S material portion comprises at least one soluble component and at least one insoluble component, wherein the insoluble component is the reaction product of monomers having an absolute difference in Hildebrand solubility parameter from the liquid carrier of about 3.0 MPa1/2 or greater. These toner particles can exhibit excellent final image durability characteristics, and can also provide toner compositions that provide excellent images at low fusion temperatures on a final image receptor.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid electrographic toner compositions comprising a liquid carrier having toner particles dispersed in the liquid carrier. The liquid carrier has a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL. The toner particles comprise polymeric binder comprising at least one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions. The toner composition additionally comprises a wax component associated with the toner particle, wherein the wax component and the amphipathic copolymer each comprise at least one of a Lewis acid and a Lewis base pair in an amount sufficient to form weak, reversible intermolecular non-covalent bonds resulting from acid/base interactions between the wax component and the amphipathic copolymer. These toner particles can exhibit excellent final image durability characteristics, and can also provide toner compositions that provide excellent images at low fusion temperatures on a final image receptor.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions, wherein the amphipathic copolymer comprises a polysiloxane moiety having molecular weight of at least about 500. Methods of making the liquid toner compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions, wherein the D material portion has a Tg greater than about 55° C. The toners as described herein surprisingly provide compositions that are particularly suitable for electrophotographic processes wherein the transfer of the image from the surface of a photoconductor to an intermediate transfer material or directly to a print medium is carried out without film formation on the photoconductor.

Abstract: Liquid electrographic toners are derived from organosols incorporating amphipathic copolymeric binder particles that include polymerizable, crystallizable compounds chemically incorporated into the dispersed portion of the copolymer. The invention further provides organosols that include amphipathic copolymeric binder particles that include a dispersed (D) portion and a solvated (S) portion, wherein the D portion has a high glass transition temperature, and at least one polymerizable, crystallizable compound is chemically incorporated into the D portion, the S portion, or both the D and S portion of the copolymer. Methods of making and electrographically printing liquid toners derived from these organosols are also described. The invention is particularly suited for preparing liquid toners for electrophotographic printing.

Abstract: Liquid electrographic toner compositions are provided that comprise at least one visual enhancement additive encapsulated within an amphipathic copolymer. The amphipathic copolymer comprises one or more S portions and one or more D portions. Methods of making and methods of using these toner compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Liquid toner compositions having utility in electrographic applications. Organosol liquid toner compositions comprise binder particles dispersed in a nonaqueous liquid carrier, wherein the particles are derived from ingredients comprising one or more crosslinkable amphipathic copolymer(s). The organosol is easily combined with additional ingredients, such as one or more visual enhancement additives and other desired ingredients, and subjected to mixing processes to form a liquid toner composition. Methods of making and electrographically printing liquid toners derived from these organosols are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions, wherein the components of the composition comprise sufficient crosslinking functionality to provide a three dimensional gel of controlled rigidity which can be reversibly reduced to a fluid state by application of energy. The toners as described herein surprisingly provide compositions that are particularly suitable for electrophotographic processes wherein the transfer of the image from the surface of a photoconductor to an intermediate transfer material or directly to a print medium is carried out without film formation on the photoconductor.

Abstract: Liquid electrographic toner compositions are provided comprising a liquid carrier having a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL and a plurality of toner particles dispersed in the liquid carrier. The toner particles comprise polymeric binder and a pigment comprising a first ionic dye component ionically complexed with a second ionic dye component in a predetermined ratio to form an ionically complexed colorant compound exhibiting a predetermined color. The colorant compound has a molecular weight of less than about 5000 Daltons and is substantially free of metals that are not covalently bonded to the colorant compound. Toners comprising pigments comprising a ionic dye component and a second ionic dye component complexed to form ionically complexed compounds that together in a colorant composition exhibit a predetermined color are also provided. Methods of making and using these toners are disclosed.

Abstract: Amphipathic copolymers are provided comprising one or more S portions and one or more D portions. The copolymers have a chromophore covalently bonded thereto via a urethane, urea or amide linkage. These copolymers provide exceptionally useful components in toner compositions, because they provide easily prepared color-imparting particles that provide excellent color rendition.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions, wherein the components of the composition comprise sufficient acid and base functionality to provide a three dimensional gel of controlled rigidity which can be reversibly reduced to a fluid state by application of energy. The toners as described herein surprisingly provide compositions that are particularly suitable for electrophotographic processes wherein the transfer of the image from the surface of a photoconductor to an intermediate transfer material or directly to a print medium is carried out without film formation on the photoconductor.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions, wherein the components of the composition comprise sufficient proton donor and proton acceptor functionality to provide a three dimensional gel of controlled rigidity which can be reversibly reduced to a fluid state by application of energy. The toners as described herein surprisingly provide compositions that are particularly suitable for electrophotographic processes wherein the transfer of the image from the surface of a photoconductor to an intermediate transfer material or directly to a print medium is carried out without film formation on the photoconductor.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer that comprises the residue of a Soluble High Tg Monomer. The toners described herein exhibit surprisingly low fusion temperatures, yet are surprisingly resistant to blocking, are non-tacky and are resistant to marring and undesired erasure.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions, wherein the S material portion of the copolymer has molecular weight and solubility properties selected to provide a three dimensional gel of controlled rigidity which can be reversibly reduced to a fluid state by application of energy. The toners as described herein surprisingly provide compositions that are particularly suitable for electrophotographic processes wherein the transfer of the image from the surface of a photoconductor to an intermediate transfer material or directly to a print medium is carried out without film formation on the photoconductor.

Abstract: A liquid developer, a method of manufacturing the same and a method and apparatus for forming an image, which can attain high transfer efficiency and appropriate tolerance to repetitive image formation. The liquid developer includes toner particles dispersed in an electrically non-conductive liquid solvent. Each toner particle has a resin particle, which is non-soluble in the liquid developer, and pigment particles formed on the surface of the resin particle, whereby the pigment particles suppress contact between the resin particles. Preferably the resin particles have a glass transition temperature of not less than room temperature. One example of manufacturing the liquid developer includes a step of milling pigment particles in a resin particles dispersion liquid at a process temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin particles, whereby the pigments are formed on the surface of the resin particles.

Abstract: Electrophotographic ink compositions display reduced malodor effects when at least one antagonistic odor vector compound for C10, C11 and C12 hydrocarbons is present in the ink composition. The use of appropriate amounts of the antagonistic odor vector compounds for C10, C11 and C12 hydrocarbons does not adversely affect the functional imaging properties of the ink.

Abstract: A liquid developer for high-quality image reproduction and a method of preparing the liquid developer. The liquid developer exhibits good pigment dispersion by the introduction of organosol. The liquid developer contains fine toner particles of a uniform size with a volume-average to number-average particle diameter ratio of 1.5-2.5, and thus can produce high-resolution images. The liquid developer preparation method is environmentally friendly, simple, and cost effective because no cosolvent is used, thus eliminating the need for a cosolvent removal process.

Abstract: Amphipathic copolymers are provided comprising one or more S portions and one or more D portions. The copolymers have a chromophore covalently bonded thereto via a urethane, urea or amide linkage. These copolymers provide exceptionally useful components in toner compositions, because they provide easily prepared color-imparting particles that provide excellent color rendition.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions, wherein the components of the composition comprise sufficient crosslinking functionality to provide a three dimensional gel of controlled rigidity which can be reversibly reduced to a fluid state by application of energy. The toners as described herein surprisingly provide compositions that are particularly suitable for electrophotographic processes wherein the transfer of the image from the surface of a photoconductor to an intermediate transfer material or directly to a print medium is carried out without film formation on the photoconductor.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions, wherein the S material portion of the copolymer has molecular weight and solubility properties selected to provide a three dimensional gel of controlled rigidity which can be reversibly reduced to a fluid state by application of energy. The toners as described herein surprisingly provide compositions that are particularly suitable for electrophotographic processes wherein the transfer of the image from the surface of a photoconductor to an intermediate transfer material or directly to a print medium is carried out without film formation on the photoconductor.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions, wherein the components of the composition comprise sufficient acid and base functionality to provide a three dimensional gel of controlled rigidity which can be reversibly reduced to a fluid state by application of energy. The toners as described herein surprisingly provide compositions that are particularly suitable for electrophotographic processes wherein the transfer of the image from the surface of a photoconductor to an intermediate transfer material or directly to a print medium is carried out without film formation on the photoconductor.

Abstract: Liquid toner compositions having utility in electrographic applications. Organosol liquid toner compositions comprise binder particles dispersed in a nonaqueous liquid carrier, wherein the particles are derived from ingredients comprising one or more crosslinkable amphipathic copolymer(s). The organosol is easily combined with additional ingredients, such as one or more visual enhancement additives and other desired ingredients, and subjected to mixing processes to form a liquid toner composition. Methods of making and electrographically printing liquid toners derived from these organosols are also described.

Abstract: Electrophotographic ink compositions display reduced malodor effects when at least one antagonistic odor vector compound for C10, C11 and C12 hydrocarbons is present in the ink composition. The use of appropriate amounts of the antagonistic odor vector compounds for C10, C11 and C12 hydrocarbons does not adversely affect the functional imaging properties of the ink.

Abstract: A liquid developer, a method of manufacturing the same and a method and apparatus for forming an image, which can attain high transfer efficiency and appropriate tolerance to repetitive image formation. The liquid developer includes toner particles dispersed in an electrically non-conductive liquid solvent. Each toner particle has a resin particle, which is non-soluble in the liquid developer, and pigment particles formed on the surface of the resin particle, whereby the pigment particles suppress contact between the resin particles. Preferably the resin particles have a glass transition temperature of not less than room temperature. One example of manufacturing the liquid developer includes a step of milling pigment particles in a resin particles dispersion liquid at a process temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin particles, whereby the pigments are formed on the surface of the resin particles.

Abstract: A liquid developer, a method of manufacturing the same and a method and apparatus for forming an image, which can attain high transfer efficiency and appropriate tolerance to repetitive image formation. The liquid developer includes toner particles dispersed in an electrically non-conductive liquid solvent. Each toner particle has a resin particle, which is non-soluble in the liquid developer, and pigment particles formed on the surface of the resin particle, whereby the pigment particles suppress contact between the resin particles. Preferably the resin particles have a glass transition temperature of not less than room temperature. One example of manufacturing the liquid developer includes a step of milling pigment particles in a resin particles dispersion liquid at a process temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin particles, whereby the pigments are formed on the surface of the resin particles.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer that comprises the residue of a Soluble High TgMonomer. The toners described herein exhibit surprisingly low fusion temperatures, yet are surprisingly resistant to blocking, are non-tacky and are resistant to marring and undesired erasure.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid toner compositions in which the polymeric binder is chemically grown in the form of copolymeric binder particles dispersed in a liquid carrier. The polymeric binder includes one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions, wherein the D material portion has a Tg greater than about 55° C. The toners as described herein surprisingly provide compositions that are particularly suitable for electrophotographic processes wherein the transfer of the image from the surface of a photoconductor to an intermediate transfer material or directly to a print medium is carried out without film formation on the photoconductor.

Abstract: Liquid electrographic toners are derived from organosols incorporating amphipathic copolymeric binder particles that include polymerizable, crystallizable compounds chemically incorporated into the dispersed portion of the copolymer. The invention further provides organosols that include amphipathic copolymeric binder particles that include a dispersed (D) portion and a solvated (S) portion, wherein the D portion has a high glass transition temperature, and at least one polymerizable, crystallizable compound is chemically incorporated into the D portion, the S portion, or both the D and S portion of the copolymer. Methods of making and electrographically printing liquid toners derived from these organosols are also described. The invention is particularly suited for preparing liquid toners for electrophotographic printing.

Abstract: A liquid developer, a method of manufacturing the same and a method and apparatus for forming an image, which can attain high transfer efficiency and appropriate tolerance to repetitive image formation. The liquid developer includes toner particles dispersed in an electrically non-conductive liquid solvent. Each toner particle has a resin particle, which is non-soluble in the liquid developer, and pigment particles formed on the surface of the resin particle, whereby the pigment particles suppress contact between the resin particles. Preferably the resin particles have a glass transition temperature of not less than room temperature. One example of manufacturing the liquid developer includes a step of milling pigment particles in a resin particles dispersion liquid at a process temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin particles, whereby the pigments are formed on the surface of the resin particles.

Abstract: An oil based ink composition for inkjet printer comprising colored resin particles obtained by dispersion polymerization of a monofunctional polymerizable monomer (A) and a monofunctional polymerizable monomer (B) copolymerizable with the monomer (A) having a substituent containing a silicon atom and/or a fluorine atom with coloring component fine particles comprising a surface-treated coloring agent, which are dispersed in a non-aqueous solvent having a dielectric constant of from 1.5 to 20 and a surface tension of from 15 to 60 mN/m at 25° C., as seed particles, in the presence of a dispersion stabilizer (P) soluble in the non-aqueous solvent and a polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A liquid developer for high-quality image reproduction and a method of preparing the liquid developer. The liquid developer exhibits good pigment dispersion by the introduction of organosol. The liquid developer contains fine toner particles of a uniform size with a volume-average to number-average particle diameter ratio of 1.5-2.5, and thus can produce high-resolution images. The liquid developer preparation method is environmentally friendly, simple, and cost effective because no cosolvent is used, thus eliminating the need for a cosolvent removal process.

Abstract: A liquid developer and the like which have good storage stability and can enable formation of high-quality images stably over a long period of time. The liquid developer of the present invention comprises: an insulating carrier liquid; toner particles insoluble in the insulating carrier liquid, and containing a colorant and a binder resin; and at least one of a silane coupling agent and an alkoxy-modified silicone. The silane coupling agent has at least one functional group selected from amino groups, methacryloxy groups, epoxy groups, isocyanate groups, mercapto groups, and vinyl groups.

Abstract: A liquid toner for electrostatic imaging which includes: an insulating non-polar carrier liquid, at least one charge director and toner particles dispersed in the carrier liquid. The particles include a core material which is unchargeable or weakly chargeable by the at least one charge director, but which is otherwise suitable for use as a toner material and a coating of at least one ionomer component in an amount effective to impart enhanced chargeability to the ordinarily unchargeable or weakly chargeable particles.

Abstract: A liquid developer, a method of manufacturing the same and a method and apparatus for forming an image, which can attain high transfer efficiency and appropriate tolerance to repetitive image formation. The liquid developer includes toner particles dispersed in an electrically non-conductive liquid solvent. Each toner particle has a resin particle, which is non-soluble in the liquid developer, and pigment particles formed on the surface of the resin particle, whereby the pigment particles suppress contact between the resin particles. Preferably the resin particles have a glass transition temperature of not less than room temperature. One example of manufacturing the liquid developer includes a step of milling pigment particles in a resin particles dispersion liquid at a process temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the resin particles, whereby the pigments are formed on the surface of the resin particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid toner composition prepared by dispersing toner particles consisting essentially of a colorant and a resin in a carrier liquid, the resultant composition forming an electrorheological fluid.