Patent ID: 6627374
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A process for producing toner particles comprising:polymerizing in an aqueous dispersion medium a polymerizable monomer composition containing at least a polymerizable monomer and a colorant, to form colored polymer particles, followed by washing and then dehydration to obtain toner particles; feeding the toner particles into an evacuatable and heatable container to carry out vacuum heat treatment; and conducting the vacuum heat treatment for the toner particles while introducing into the container an injection medium having a temperature lower than glass transition temperature Tg of the toner particles and selected from the group consisting of i) saturated steam, ii) superheated steam and iii) high-humidity air having an enthalpy of 2,500 kJ/kg (dry air) or higher, said injection medium being fed at a flow rate of from 0.01 m3/hrÂ·kg (toner particles) to 0.5 m3/hrÂ·kg (toner particles).