Abstract: Solvent-free extrusion processes are disclosed that are suitable for forming high bio-based polyester latexes that may be utilized in forming a toner, as well as other commercial products.

Abstract: A process for making toner particles is provided. In embodiments, a suitable process includes melt mixing a resin in the absence of an organic solvent, optionally adding a surfactant to the resin, adding to the resin at least one colorant and other optional toner additives, adding to the resin a basic agent and water to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to acoustic mixing at a suitable frequency to form to form an emulsion. A phase inversion may then be performed to create a phase inversed emulsion including a disperse phase comprising molten resin and the optional ingredients of the toner composition, at which time toner-sized droplets may be solidified from the disperse phase into toner particles, which can be recovered for use.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a toner process in which portion-wise addition of colorant(s) during particle formation is used to control the distribution of colorant within the toner particle, thereby enhancing A zone charge.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides processes for producing resins suitable for use in forming toner compositions. In embodiments, the processes described herein comprise formation of latexes, including latexes for use in toners, produced without use of solvents.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides toners and processes for making said toners. In embodiments, the toners are invisible when viewed under natural light, but possess a UV additive that renders them visible when exposed to UV light of a specific wavelength. By selecting the appropriate UV additive and ionic crosslinker, with optional chelating agent, the gloss of the toner may be tailored to match the gloss of any substrate, such as paper, to which the toner is to be applied, thereby further enhancing its invisibility under visible light.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides processes for increasing the shelf life and stability of resin emulsions suitable for use in forming toner particles. In embodiments, the pH of the resin emulsion is monitored, and a base is added as needed to maintain the pH of the emulsion at from about 6.5 to about 8. Maintaining the pH at from about 6.5 to about 8 prevents the degradation of the resin in the emulsion, including its molecular weight.

Abstract: A process for making a self-emulsifying composite suitable for use in forming latex emulsions includes contacting a resin with a solid or highly concentrated surfactant, a solid neutralizing agent in the absence of water and an organic solvent to form a mixture, melt mixing the mixture, and forming a self-emulsifying composite of the melt mixed mixture such as a granule. Self-emulsifying granules are also provided and configured to form a latex emulsion when added to water, which may then be utilized to form a toner.

Abstract: A process for making a latex emulsion suitable for use in a toner composition includes contacting a resin with a solid neutralizing agent in the absence of an organic solvent to form a mixture either via a co-feeding process or a pre-blend mixture, and adding a solid or aqueous surfactant to the pre-blend mixture or prior to melt mixing the mixture.

Abstract: Solvent-free extrusion processes are disclosed that are suitable for forming high bio-based polyester latexes that may be utilized in forming a toner, as well as other commercial products.

Abstract: A process for making a latex emulsion suitable for use in a toner composition includes contacting at least one polyester resin with a bio-based solvent to form a resin mixture, adding a neutralizing agent and deionized water to the resin mixture, removing the solvent from the formed latex, and recovering the emulsion. The solvent removed from the formed latex may be re-used, making the process very environmentally friendly.

Abstract: Various solvent-assisted extrusion processes are disclosed that are suitable for forming high yield, low coarse content, polyester latexes that may be utilized in forming a toner.

Abstract: A process for making a resin emulsion suitable for use in forming toner particles is provided. In embodiments, a suitable process includes melt mixing a resin in the absence of an organic solvent, optionally adding a surfactant to the resin, adding to the resin a basic agent and water, and subjecting the resin, basic agent and water to acoustic mixing at a suitable frequency to form an emulsion of resin particles. In embodiments, the resin emulsion thus produced may be utilized to form a toner.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides processes for reducing the particle size of latex resins and toners produced with such resins. In embodiments, a gel latex may be formed as a seed particle and then utilized to form latex resins and toner particles. In accordance with the present disclosure, one may be able to utilize materials for the production of latex resins and toners which may otherwise produce particles that are too large in the absence of the gel latex.

Abstract: Various solvent-assisted extrusion processes are disclosed that are suitable for forming high yield, low coarse content, polyester latexes that may be utilized in forming a toner.

Abstract: A pigment particle coated with at least one of a resin and a charge control surface additive, wherein the pigment particle is a pearlescent or metallic pigment. The pigment adds pearlescent effects and is of a size and charge as to be used as a toner material in electrostatographic or xerographic image formation.

Abstract: A process for making a latex emulsion suitable for use in a toner composition includes contacting at least one amorphous polyester resin with a viscosity reducing additive in the absence of an organic solvent to form a resin mixture either via an extruder or batch process, and adding a surfactant, neutralizing agent, and deionized water to the resin mixture.

Abstract: A method of making toner particles, including: mixing, at less than about 17° C. and without homogenizing, a resin emulsion with a coagulant, a colorant, an optional wax, and optional additives, to form pre-aggregated particles in a slurry; heating the slurry to form aggregated toner particles; freezing aggregation of the particles in the slurry once at a desired aggregated particle size; and further heating the aggregated particles in the slurry to coalesce the aggregated particles into toner particles.

Abstract: A method of making toner particles, including: mixing, at less than about 17° C. and without homogenizing, a resin emulsion with a coagulant, a colorant, an optional wax, and optional additives, to form pre-aggregated particles in a slurry; heating the slurry to form aggregated toner particles; freezing aggregation of the particles in the slurry once at a desired aggregated particle size; and further heating the aggregated particles in the slurry to coalesce the aggregated particles into toner particles.

Abstract: A process and system for continuously making a resin emulsion suitable for use in forming toner particles includes at least one micromixer for micromixing a resin mixture and aqueous phase to continuously produce an emulsion of a high solids content. The process comprises contacting a polyester resin possessing acid groups with a component selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent and a solvent inversion agent to form a resin mixture; neutralizing the resin mixture with a neutralizing agent; and subjecting the resin mixture to micromixing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides processes for producing resins suitable for use in forming toner compositions. In embodiments, the processes described herein comprise formation of latexes, including latexes for use in toners, produced without use of solvents.