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Singapore – Specialty chemicals company LANXESS AG has developed a new iron oxide for the formulation of chemical toners used in the latest laser printer model lines. The product named Bayoxide E TP LXS 5248 is characterized by high tinting strength, soft magnetic properties, good flowability and a very uniform particle size distribution. As a result, it enables chemical toners to produce better printed image and a higher yield.
Bayoxide E TP LXS 5248 is produced by the LANXESS Inorganic Pigments (IPG) business unit, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of iron oxide pigments. The business unit serves a wide variety of applications and industries, including providing a comprehensive range of solutions for the toner industry.
LANXESS Asia Pacific has initially launched the new oxide to selected countries in the region. Notably in Japan, the oxide has quickly captured significant market share following its introduction in 2008. Since the new printer models gained a successful foothold in the market, a further increasing demand for the oxide can be expected.
Dr. Wolfgang Oehlert, Head of Inorganic Pigments Business Unit for Asia Pacific and General Manager of LANXESS Shanghai Pigments Co. Ltd., said, “The new oxide has proven to be of extremely high quality especially on two fronts. Firstly, it works well with the modern production technology for toners. Secondly, it embodies the stringent properties which support superior toner performance in modern printer devices.”
New toner production method – Whereas toner has previously been manufactured by the extrusion and subsequent fine grinding of synthetic resins containing iron oxides, this new generation of toners is now being manufactured by polymerizing pigment-bearing, organic monomers in a suspension.
Strict toner requirements – Besides thermoplastic resins, each magnetic one-component toner contains 30 to 60 percent black iron oxide pigments. For the new generation of laser printers, the toner powder should be extremely homogeneous to ensure an optimal printed image. The size of the particles should be as close to identical as possible. Their precisely tuned magnetic and electrical properties must be stable and, in particular, they must not be affected by humidity. The correct color is just as important: Deep black with an elegant blue undertone is preferred today. To satisfy all of these requirements, the iron oxide used must crystallize under precisely controlled conditions.
In electrophotographic printing, modern laser printers and copiers utilize the magnetism of the toner particles to transport within the device. The latest generation works with chemically manufactured toners, but can also process conventional, mechanically manufactured powders based on Bayoxide E TP LXS 5248.
LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with sales of EUR 6.58 billion in 2008 and currently around 14,600 employees in 23 countries. The company is represented at 44 production sites worldwide. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacturing and marketing of plastics, rubber, intermediates and specialty chemicals. More information at http://www.lanxessgoesasia.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by LANXESS AG management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
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