Ionomers as charge additives

Contract electrification measurements were performed on polymeric particles containing toluenesulfonate salt. Two forms of the toluenesulfonate ion pair were studied, an ionomer, poly(styrene-co-N-methyl-4-vinylpyridinium toluenesulfonate) and a molecular salt, cetyltrimethylammonium toluenesulfonate. Both types of particles charge positive, and the ionomer produces the higher charge level. XPS analysis shows that the particles containing the ionomer have a surface salt composition that resembles the formulation composition, whereas the surface salt composition of the particles containing the molecular is significantly higher than in the formulation. The variation in the surface ion concentration is used to estimate a relative charging capacity of the salts. XPS analyses of the carriers that were used with both particles shows an S 2p signal appropriate for the toluenesulfonate anion. A mechanism for charging involving the transfer of the toluenesulfonate anion from polymer particles to the carrier is proposed.