Abstract: A controlled-modulus fusing station member inclusive of a durable, tough, elastically deformable layer incorporating hollow flexible filler particles. The elastically deformable layer can be a single layer on a substrate, the substrate preferably a core member of a fuser roller or a pressure roller. Alternatively, a protective or gloss control fluoropolymer layer is formed on the elastically deformable layer. The elastically deformable layer is made from a dry formulation inclusive of: a fluoroelastomer powder; microspheres in the form of unexpanded microspheres or expanded microballoons; and solid filler particles including strength-enhancing filler particles and thermal-conductivity-enhancing filler particles. The dry formulation is thermally cured or electron-beam cured.

Abstract: A replaceable fuser member including a thin, seamless or welded high temperature nickel sleeve, a base cushion positioned around the sleeve, a primer coat of a silane coupling agent containing epoxies on the sleeve, and an outside coating applied over the base cushion elastomer layer. The sleeve is replaceable on a mandrel positioned in an electrophotographic copying machine in a fuser station of the electrophotographic copying machine.

Abstract: An improved donor member for applying a toner release agent to a toned receiver comprises a support an intermediate layer disposed on the support, and an outermost layer formed from a cured composition comprising a fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer, a curing agent, a particulate filler containing zinc oxide, and a curable aminosiloxane, wherein the fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer has subunits of: —(CH2CF2)x—, —(CF2CF(CF3)y—, and —(CF2CF2)z—, and x is from 1 to 40 or 60 to 80 mole percent, y is from 10 to 90 mole percent, z is from 10 to 90 mole percent, and x+y+z equals 100 mole percent.

Abstract: In a process for forming a fluoroelastomer composite material for use in preparing an image member containing a substrate, a curable fluorocarbon elastomer is combined with preformed polysiloxane particles in an organic solvent, thereby forming a composite mixture. Milling the composite mixture produces a uniform coating dispersion of the fluoroelastomer composite material in the organic solvent.

Abstract: A fusing apparatus for heat fixing toner images onto a receiver medium. The apparatus includes a fuser member including an elastomeric contact surface; a pressure member forming a fusing nip to receive the receiver medium; a heater member including a conformable base cushion layer and an outer polymeric layer disposed over the base cushion layer, the heater member being in contact with the fuser and external thereto; and a radiant heat subsystem positioned externally of the heater member to provide heat to the surface of the first heater member which then contacts the fuser member so as to transfer heat thereto. The heater member is adapted to controllably exert pressure on the fuser member in order to controllably transfer heat to the fuser member, thereby providing control over the fusing capabilities of an eletrophotographic process.

Abstract: A fusing station including an externally heated deformable fuser roller and a relatively harder pressure roller, the fuser roller including a heat distribution layer. A fuser roller embodiment includes a core member, a base cushion layer around the core member, a heat storage layer around the base cushion layer, a heat distribution layer around the heat storage layer, and a thin gloss control layer around the heat distribution layer. Ratios of thermal conductivity divided by thickness for the layers are, respectively: for the base cushion layer, less than approximately 13.3 BTU/hr/ft2/°F.; for the heat storage layer, approximately between 300 BTU/hr/ft2/°F.-1400 BTU/hr/ft2/°F.; for the heat distribution layer, approximately between 600 BTU/hr/ft2/°F.-4,800 BTU/hr/ft2/°F.; and, for the gloss control layer, approximately between 600 BTU/hr/ft2/°F.-6,000 BTU/hr/ft2/°F.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fusing apparatus for heat fixing toner images onto a receiver medium, the apparatus including:

Abstract: An improved donor member for applying a toner release agent to a toned receiver comprises a support an intermediate layer disposed on the support, and an outermost layer formed from a cured composition comprising a fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer, a curing agent, a particulate filler containing zinc oxide, and a curable aminosiloxane, wherein the fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer has subunits of:

Abstract: A composite material for coating an imaging member comprising: a fluorocarbon elastomer; preformed polysiloxane particles; and a means to cure the fluorocarbon elastomer. A method of making the material and an imaging member coated with the material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an externally heated, external heater member for transferring heat to a fusing member used to heat fix a toner image to a substrate, such as a fuser employed in an electrophotographic process. The heater member includes: a core; a conformable base cushion layer overlying the core; and an outer layer overlying the base cushion layer, the outer layer comprising a cured fluorocarbon thermoplastic random copolymer. In embodiments, the copolymer has subunits of: —(CH2CF2)x—, —(CF2CF(CF3))y—, and —(CF2CF2)z—, wherein x is from 1 to 50 or 60 to 80 mole percent, y is from 10 to 90 mole percent, z is from 10 to 90 mole percent, x+y+z equals 100 mole percent.

Abstract: A material for coating an imaging member comprising: a crosslinked poly(dialkylsiloxane), zirconium silicate and optional T-resin.

Abstract: A method for preparing silicone particles having an average particle size of 6 microns or less, said method comprising the following steps. First, a multifinctional vinyl terminated polysiloxane is mixed with a hydride terminated polysiloxane, surfactant, and polymerization catalyst under ambient conditions. This mixture is then dispersed in water under ambient conditions. The dispersion is the heated to cure the silicone. Afterwards the dispersion is broken and the particles are washed.

Abstract: A method of making a polymeric composition comprising a fluorocarbon-silicone interpenetrating network, comprising the steps of: a) mechanically compounding a fluorocarbon copolymer and metal oxide or hydroxide acid acceptor to form a homogenous mixture; and b) dispersing in solvent the mixture formed by step a) with a polymer selected from a curable polyfunctional poly(C(1-6) alkyl)siloxane polymer; a curable polyfunctional poly(C(1-6) alkyl)arylsiloxane polymer; and combinations thereof, and c) solution milling the dispersion of b) to form a homogeneous blend.

Abstract: A fuser member having a support metallic core and a layer of material formed over the metallic core, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer, the intermediate layer including a cross-linked poly(dialkylsiloxane); one or more multifunctional silanes; one or more amino functional silane crosslinking agents; catalyst; and optional fillers.

Abstract: A fuser member having a support metallic core and a layer of material formed over the metallic core, an intermediate layer, and an outermost layer, the intermediate layer including a cross-linked poly(dialkylsiloxane) incorporating an oxide; one or more multifunctional silanes; one or more amino functional silane crosslinking agents; catalyst; and optional fillers.