In this study Scanning Force Microscopy (SFM) is used for the investigation of toner particles and toner-silica particle interfaces. The focus is on the simultaneous mapping of topographic features and material properties like local stiffness and adhesion. Topographic images of toner particles of different toner binder compositions were recorded in addition with phase images of hard and soft domains. A series of toner – silica blends were prepared by using a common powder blender. The toner binder resin is styrene acrylics or polyester, respectively. In the topographic images the toner surface is mapped as a rough surface. The mapping of the elastic signals of the silica free toner surface reveals the arrangement of hard and soft domains. With this technique single silica aggregates have been imaged at the toner surface mainly located on topographic rough spots.
Mario Heinemann, Herbert Barthel, Ute Voelkel, Sabine Hild, "Morphology of Toner-Silica Interfaces" in Proc. IS&T Int'l Conf. on Digital Printing Technologies (NIP17), 2001, pp 845 - 847, https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2169-4451.2001.17.1.art00092_2