Electrophotographic apparatus containing a chemical adsorption film coating

A chemical adsorption film possessing a fluorocarbon group through siloxane coupling is applied on the surface of a photoimaging component such as a photoconductor, the surface of a cleaning blade, the surface of a fixing roller, the surface of a separation pawl used in offset of paper, the surface of a corona wire, or the surface of a corona grid. Further according to the invention, the chemical adsorption film is laminated via a siloxanebased inner layer, the inner layer being bonded by covalent bonds to the surface of the device, the inner layer and the chemical adsorption film being bonded together by covalent bonds. Furthermore according to the invention, since the chemical adsorption film of the invention is an ultrathin film, on the order of nanometers or Angstroms, it does not spoil the properties of the separation pawl such as mechanical strength.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
This invention relates to an electrophotographic apparatus. More 
particularly to a surface of a photoimaging component such as a 
photoconductor, cleaning blade, fixing roller, separation pawl, corona 
wire and corona grid etc. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
In an electrophotographic apparatus, the photoreceptor is used in a series 
of electrophotographic processes; that is, in repetitive processes of 
primary charging, forming of an electrostatic latent image by image 
exposure, development of toner charged in reverse polarity of the 
electrostatic image, transfer of the toner image on plain paper, removal 
of residual toner on the drum by a cleaning device, and removal of 
electric charge on the drum by intense exposure. 
In these processes, the talc and residual toner of the paper on the 
photoconductor drum are usually removed by using a cleaning roller or 
cleaning blade. 
The required characteristics of the blade are to remove the toner 
efficiently from the photoconductor drum and to prevent the removed toner 
from depositing on the blade. 
As the blade material, polyurethane rubber is generally used because it is 
excellent in wear resistance. 
In the fixing process, the toner is permanently adhered to the paper by 
heat or pressure. The fixing process is the step for determining the final 
image. When the adhesion of the toner and the roller surface becomes 
stronger than the aggregation of toner particles, the toner deposits on 
the roller, which causes background noise on the copy. That is, the toner 
is stuck on the white background. To prevent this, the roller surface is 
coated with polytetrafluoroethylene to weaken toner adhesion. 
In the fixing process, in order to improve the paper offset property, the 
separation pawl is used. To prevent the toner from sticking to the 
separation pawl, the surface of the separation pawl made of polyamide is 
coated with a resin containing fluorine, and is baked (Japanese Patent 
Publication Sho. 61-23554). 
In the corona charging process, the photoconductor surface is uniformly 
charged by corona discharge by means of a corona wire. The corona wire is 
usually made of gold-coated tungsten wire. 
Also in the fixing process, the photoconductor surface is uniformly charged 
by corona discharge by means of a charger. The corona grid is generally 
made of stainless steel. 
If an attempt is made to remove the toner in this method, however, a slight 
amount of paper talc and toner is not removed but is left on the 
photoconductor drum. When the image is repeatedly formed, white blanks or 
black spots may appear on the image and lower the image quality. Or if the 
cleaning roller or cleaning blade is applied by force in order to remove 
toner, the electric charge of the surface layer of the photoconductor is 
charged which lowers the durability. 
Moreover, if fixed repeatedly by using a fixing roller, the toner is 
deposited on the roller surface, and black spots appear on the image if 
the images are formed repeatedly, and the image quality drops. This is 
because, due to repeated fixings, the Teflon ("Teflon" is the trademark 
for polytetrafluoroethylene) coated surface is injured or is partly torn, 
and the toner parting property is lowered. 
In the conventional separation pawl, if used repeatedly at 200.degree. C. 
or more, the fluorine-containing resin film may be injured or partly torn, 
and the toner parting property is lowered which impairs the image quality. 
By repeating the charging process in the electrophotographic apparatus 
using a charger, the toner deposits on the corona wire, and when the 
images are formed repeatedly, image disturbance or black spots may appear 
on the image which lowers the image quality. This is because the corona 
wire is not provided with the toner parting property. 
Also by repeating the charging process in the electrophotographic apparatus 
using such charger, the toner deposits on the corona grid, and when images 
are formed repeatedly, image disturbances or black spots may appear on the 
image which lowers the image quality. This is because the corona grid is 
not provided with the toner parting property. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The invention is devised in light of the above problems, and it is hence a 
primary object to present an electrophotographic apparatus which is 
excellent in image quality. 
According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an 
electrophotographic apparatus for obtaining duplicate images comprising a 
photoimaging component coated with a chemical adsorption film containing a 
fluorocarbon group, the chemical adsorption film bonded through --SiO-- 
covalent bonds. 
It is preferable in this invention that the component is selected from the 
group consisting of a photoconductor, cleaning blade, fixing roller, 
separation pawl, corona wire and corona grid. 
It is preferable in this invention that the chemical adsorption film is a 
monomolecular film or a polymer film. 
It is preferable in this invention that the component comprises a substrate 
made of a material selected from the group consisting of metals, metal 
oxide, ceramics, glass, plastics. 
It is preferable in this invention that the component comprises a substrate 
surface having at least one functional group selected from the group 
consisting of a hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, an imino group and an 
amino group. 
It is preferable in this invention that the component comprises a plasma or 
corona treated substrate surface. 
It is preferable in this invention that the chemical adsorption film is 
laminated via a siloxane-based inner layer, the inner layer being bonded 
by covalent bonds to a surface of the device, the inner layer and the 
chemical adsorption film being bonded together by covalent bonds. 
It is preferable in this invention that the inner layer is a monomolecular 
film or polymer film. 
According to the invention, the photoreceptor used in the 
electrophotographic apparatus of the invention has its surface coated with 
a chemical adsorption film possessing a fluorocarbon group by chemical 
bonding through siloxane coupling, and is hence excellent in protection 
from contamination. That is, since the fluorocarbon group is present in 
the surface layer of the chemical adsorption film, the anti-fouling 
property is excellent, and the toner does not deposit on the uncharged 
portion, and the talc and toner of the paper may be easily removed at the 
time of cleaning. Since the base of the chemical adsorption film is formed 
by chemical bonding through siloxane coupling, the film is excellent in 
durability, and if the surface is cleaned repeatedly, the chemical 
adsorption film will not be easily separated from the photoconductor 
surface. Furthermore, the chemical adsorption film of the invention is 
ultrathin, on the order of nanometers or Angstroms, and therefore it will 
not spoil the characteristics of the photoconductor surface such as 
mechanical strength. 
Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in which 
the chemical adsorption film is a monomolecular film, since a thin film of 
uniform thickness is formed, it does not affect the dimensional precision 
of the photoconductor. 
A preferred second aspect of the invention for achieving the above object 
presents an electrophotographic apparatus for obtaining duplicate images, 
wherein a chemical adsorption film possessing a fluorocarbon group through 
siloxane coupling is applied on the surface of the cleaning blade. 
In this embodiment, the chemical adsorption film is desirably a 
monomolecular film. 
The cleaning blade used in the electrophotographic apparatus of the 
invention has its surface coated with a chemical adsorption film 
possessing a fluorocarbon group by chemical bonding through siloxane 
coupling, and therefore it provides excellent lubrication and prevents 
contamination. That is, since the fluorocarbon group is present in the 
surface layer of the chemical adsorption film, it provides excellent 
lubrication and prevents contamination. Besides, since the base of the 
chemical adsorption film is formed by chemical bonding through siloxane 
coupling, the film is excellent in durability, and therefore if the 
surface is rubbed repeatedly, the chemical adsorption film will not be 
easily separated from the cleaning blade surface. Furthermore, since the 
chemical adsorption film of the invention is an ultrathin film, on the 
order of nanometers or Angstroms, it does not spoil the properties of the 
cleaning blade such as mechanical strength. 
Moreover, since the chemical adsorption film is a monomolecular film in a 
preferred embodiment of the invention, a thin film of uniform thickness is 
obtained, so that it does not affect the dimensional precision of the 
cleaning blade. 
A preferred third embodiment presents an electrophotographic apparatus for 
obtaining duplicate images, wherein the chemical adsorption film 
possessing a fluorocarbon group through siloxane coupling is applied on 
the surface of a fixing roller. 
In this embodiment, the chemical adsorption film is desired to be a 
monomolecular film. 
The fixing roller used in the electrophotographic apparatus of the 
invention has its surface coated with a chemical adsorption film 
possessing a fluorocarbon group by chemical bonding through siloxane 
coupling, and therefore it is excellent separating property. That is, 
since the fluorocarbon group is present in the surface layer of the 
chemical adsorption film, it is excellent separating property. Besides, 
since the base of the chemical adsorption film is formed by chemical 
bonding through siloxane coupling, a film excellent in durability is 
obtained, and if the surface is rubbed repeatedly, the chemical adsorption 
film will not be easily peeled off the surface of the fixing roller. In 
addition, since the chemical adsorption film of the invention is an 
ultrathin film, on the order of nanometers or Angstroms, it does not spoil 
the characteristics of the fixing roller such as mechanical strength. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the chemical adsorption 
film is a monomolecular film, a thin film of uniform thickness is 
obtained, and it does not affect the dimensional precision of the fixing 
roller. 
To achieve the above objects, the invention presents an electrophotographic 
apparatus for obtaining duplicate images, wherein the chemical adsorption 
film possessing a fluorocarbon group through siloxane coupling is applied 
on the surface of a separation pawl used in the paper offset. 
In this embodiment, the chemical adsorption film is desired to be a 
monomolecular film. 
The separation pawl used in the electrophotographic apparatus of the 
invention has its surface coated with a chemical adsorption film 
possessing a fluorocarbon group by chemical bonding through siloxane 
coupling, and hence it is excellent separating property. That is, since 
the fluorocarbon group is present in the surface layer of the chemical 
adsorption film, it is excellent in parting property, and the toner does 
not deposit on the surface. Besides, the base of the chemical adsorption 
film is formed by chemical bonding through siloxane coupling, and hence 
the film is excellent in durability, and if the surface is rubbed 
repeatedly, the chemical adsorption film will not be easily peeled off the 
surface of the separation pawl. Furthermore, since the chemical adsorption 
film of the invention is an ultrathin film, on the order of nanometers or 
Angstroms, it does not spoil the properties of the separation pawl such as 
mechanical strength. 
Still more, in a preferred constitution of the invention in which the 
chemical adsorption film is a monomolecular film, since a thin film of 
uniform thickness is obtained, it does not affect the dimensional 
precision of the separation pawl. 
A preferred fifth embodiment presents an electrophotographic apparatus for 
obtaining duplicate images, wherein the chemical adsorption film 
possessing a fluorocarbon group through siloxane coupling is applied on 
the surface of a corona wire. 
In the above embodiment, the chemical adsorption film is desired to be a 
monomolecular film. 
The corona wire used in the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention 
has its surface coated with a chemical adsorption film possessing a 
fluorocarbon group by chemical bonding through siloxane coupling, and 
hence it is excellent in parting property. That is, since the fluorocarbon 
group is present in the surface layer of the chemical adsorption film, the 
separating property is excellent. Besides, since the base of the chemical 
adsorption film is formed by chemical bonding through siloxane coupling, 
the film is excellent also in durability, and if charged repeatedly, the 
chemical adsorption film will not be easily peeled off the surface of the 
corona wire. In addition, since the chemical adsorption film of the 
invention is an ultrathin film, on the order of nanometers or Angstroms, 
it does not spoil the characteristics of the corona wire such as 
mechanical strength. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the chemical adsorption 
film is a monomolecular film, a thin film of uniform thickness is 
obtained, so that it does not affect the dimensional precision of the 
corona wire. 
A preferred sixth embodiment presents an electrophotographic apparatus for 
obtaining duplicate images, wherein a chemical adsorption film possessing 
a fluorocarbon group through siloxane coupling is applied on the surface 
of a corona grid. 
In this embodiment, the chemical adsorption film is desired to be a 
monomolecular film. 
The corona grid used in the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention 
has its surface coated with a chemical adsorption film possessing a 
fluorocarbon group by chemical bonding through siloxane coupling, and 
therefore it is excellent separating property. That is, since the alkyl 
fluoride group is present in the surface layer of the chemical adsorption 
film, the separating property is excellent. Besides, since the base of the 
chemical adsorption film is formed by chemical bonding through siloxane 
coupling, the film also excels in durability, and if charged repeatedly, 
the chemical adsorption film will not be easily peeled off the corona 
grid. Moreover, since the chemical adsorption film of the invention is an 
ultrathin film, on the order of nanometers or Angstroms, it does not spoil 
the properties of the corona grid such as mechanical strength. 
In a preferred embodiments of the invention in which the chemical 
adsorption film is a monomolecular film, a thin film in uniform thickness 
is formed, and therefore it does not affect the dimensional precision of 
the corona grid. 
In the first to sixth embodiments, the chemical adsorption film may be 
replaced by a polymer film. By forming a polymer film, the film is dense 
and it is excellent in durability and other properties.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The invention is described in detail below by reference to the illustrated 
embodiments thereof. 
A first embodiment of the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention 
employs, as shown in FIG. 1, an electrophotographic photoreceptor 1 having 
its surface coated with a monomolecular film 3 possessing a fluorocarbon 
group through a siloxane coupling 2. 
The materials for the electrophotographic photoconductor may include, as 
examples of inorganic photoconductor, amorphous silicon, mixture of 
amorphous Se and As.sub.2 Se.sub.3, CdS and others. 
Examples of an organic photoconductor may include, for the carrier 
generating layer (CGL), PVK, perylene pigment, indigo, bisazo pigment, 
chlorodian blue, etc. and for the carrier transfer layer (CTL), 
triphenylamine dimer, pyrazoline derivative, triphenylamine derivative, 
hydrazone derivative, oxadiazole derivative, and indolin derivative. These 
organic photoconductors are mainly used in a state being dispersed in a 
resin. 
The chemical adsorption film applied on the surface of the photoconductor 
used in the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention is composed of 
a chlorosilane surface active agent possessing an alkyl fluoride group. 
A second embodiment of the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention 
comprises, as shown in FIG. 2, a cleaning blade 21 having its surface 
coated with a monomolecular film possessing a fluorocarbon group through a 
siloxane coupling 22. 
As the material for the cleaning blade, for example, rubber materials, in 
particular, polyurethane rubber materials are widely used. 
A third embodiment of the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention 
comprises, as shown in FIG. 3, a fixing roller 31 having its surface 
coated with a monomolecular film 33 possessing a fluorocarbon group 
through a siloxane coupling 32. 
As the material for the fixing roller, for example, metal is widely used, 
in particular, aluminum. 
The chemical adsorption film applied on the surface of the fixing roller 
used in the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention is composed of 
a chlorosilane surface active agent possessing a fluorocarbon group. 
A fourth embodiment of the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention 
comprises, as shown in FIG. 4, a separation pawl 41 having its surface 
coated with a monomolecular film 43 possessing a fluorocarbon group 
through a silocane coupling 42. 
Materials for the separation pawl include heat resistant resins such as 
polyamide, polyimide, nylon, PET, PBT, polyacetal, polycarbonate, 
polyarylate, polypropylene polyethylene, and ABS. 
The chemical adsorption film applied on the surface of the separation pawl 
used in the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention is composed of 
a chlorosilane surface active agent possessing a fluorocarbon group. 
A fifth embodiment of the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention 
comprises, as shown in FIG. 5, a corona wire 51 having its surface coated 
with monomolecular film 53 possessing a fluorocarbon group through a 
siloxane coupling 52. 
As the material for the corona wire, metal, especially tungsten wire, 
coated with gold is used. 
The chemical adsorption film applied on the surface of the corona wire of 
the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention is composed of a 
chlorosilane surface active agent possessing a fluorocarbon group. 
A sixth embodiment of the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention 
comprises, as shown in FIG. 6, a corona grid 61 having its surface coated 
with a monomolecular film 63 possessing a fluorocarbon group through a 
siloxane coupling 62. 
As the material for the charging grid, stainless steel is used in 
particular. 
The chemical adsorption film applied on the surface of the corona grid used 
in the electrophotographic apparatus of the invention is composed of a 
chlorosilane surface active agent possessing a fluorocarbon group. 
Examples of trichlorosilane-based surface active materials of the present 
invention include 
CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.7 (CF.sub.2).sub.2 SiCl.sub.3, 
CF.sub.3 CH.sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.15 SiCl.sub.3, 
CF.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.15 SiCl.sub.3, 
F(CF.sub.2).sub.4 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.9 
SiCl.sub.3, 
F(CF.sub.2).sub.8 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.9 
SiCl.sub.3, 
F(CF.sub.2).sub.8 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.10 
SiCl.sub.3, 
F(CF.sub.2).sub.8 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.16 
SiCl.sub.3, 
CF.sub.3 COO(CH.sub.2).sub.15 SiCl.sub.3, 
CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.5 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 SiCl.sub.3, 
CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.9 SiCl.sub.3, 
CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.15 SiCl.sub.3, 
CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.15 SiCl.sub.3, 
CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.6 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.9 SiCl.sub.3, 
CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.10 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.9 SiCl.sub.3, 
CH.sub.3 COO(CH.sub.2).sub.15 SiCl.sub.3. 
Examples of lower-alkyl substituted monochlorosilane- or 
dichlorosilane-based surface active materials of the present invention 
include 
CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.7 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 SiCl.sub.n (CH.sub.3).sub.3-n, 
CF.sub.3 CH.sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.15 SiCl.sub.n (CH.sub.3).sub.3-n, 
CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.7 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 SiCl.sub.n (C.sub.2 
H.sub.5).sub.3-n, 
CF.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.15 SiCl.sub.n 
(CH.sub.3).sub.3-n, 
CF.sub.3 CH.sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.15 SiCl.sub.n (C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3-n, 
CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 
(CH.sub.2).sub.9 SiCl.sub.n --(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3-n, 
CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 
(CH.sub.2).sub.10 SiCl.sub.n--(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3-n, 
CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 
(CH.sub.2).sub.16 SiCl.sub.n --(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3-n, 
CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.7 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 
(CH.sub.2).sub.9 SiCl.sub.n --(CH.sub.3).sub.3-n, 
CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.5 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 SiCl.sub.n (CH.sub.3).sub.3-n, 
CF.sub.3 COO(CH.sub.2).sub.15 SiCl.sub.n (CH.sub.3).sub.3-n 
where n represents 1 or 2. 
Among these examples, trichlorosilane-based surface active materials are 
preferred in that chlorosilyl bonds other than those bonded to their 
hydrophilic groups form inter-molecular bonds with adjacent chlorosilane 
groups by siloxane bonds, thereby permitting formation of a more firmly 
adsorbed film. 
Trichlorosilane-based surface active materials are particularly preferred 
because chlorosilyl bonds other than those coupled to their hydrophilic 
groups form inter-molecular bonds with adjacent chlorosilane groups with 
siloxane bonds and thus permit formation of a more firmly adsorbed film. 
Further, CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.n (CH.sub.2).sub.2 SiCl.sub.3 where n 
represents an integer, most suitably 3 to 25, is preferred because of its 
solubility and its water-repelling, anti-contaminating and other 
functional properties. Further, with an ethylene (C.dbd.C) or acetylene 
(C.tbd.C) group added to or incorporated in the fluorocarbon chain 
portion, the chemically adsorbed film may be crosslinked after formation 
by irradiating it with an electron beam of about 5 Mrads, thus further 
improving the hardness of the chemically adsorbed film. 
It is thus possible to further improve the hardness of the chemically 
adsorbed film. 
The chlorosilane-based surface active material capable of use according to 
the invention is not limited to those in the form of a straight chain as 
noted above. It is possible to use a branched fluorocarbon or hydrocarbon 
group or those having a substituted fluorocarbon or hydrocarbon group with 
silicon at one end (i.e., those represented by the formula R.sub.2 
SiCl.sub.2, R.sub.3 SiCl, R.sup.1 R.sup.2 SiCl.sub.2 or R.sup.1 R.sup.2 
R.sup.3 SiCl where R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 represents an 
fluorocarbon group or hydrocarbon group). To increase the adsorption 
density, however, the straight chain form is preferred. 
Further, by chemically adsorbing a material for forming an inner layer 
material having a plurality of chlorosilyl groups, e.g., SiCl.sub.4, 
SiHCl.sub.3, SiH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, and Cl(SiCl.sub.2 O).sub.n Cl.sub.3 
(where n represents an integer in a range from 1 to 20), SiCl.sub.m 
(CH.sub.3).sub.4-m, SiCl.sub.m (C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4-m (where m 
represents 1, 2 or 3), and HSiCl.sub.p (CH.sub.3).sub.3-p, HSiCl.sub.p 
(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3-p (where p represents 1 or 2), and then reacting 
it with water, surface chlorosilyl bonds are converted to hydrophilic 
silanol bonds, thus making the polymer composition hydrophilic. Among the 
materials containing a plurality of chlorosilyl groups, tetrachlorosilane 
(SiCl.sub.4) is preferred in that it is highly reactive and low in 
molecular weight. It can, therefore, provide silanol bonds at a high 
density. In this way, it is possible to provide a highly hydrophilic 
composition compared to oxidation treatment of a polymer-containing 
substrate. To this surface, a chlorosilane-based surface active material 
containing fluorocarbon groups may be chemically adsorbed. In this way, a 
chemically adsorbed film suitably having an increased density can be 
obtained. 
With a machine part consisting of a plastic molding, a chemically adsorbed 
film containing fluoroalkyl groups is formed on the plastic molding 
surface via siloxane bonds. The method of forming the film suitably 
comprises a step of making the plastic molding surface hydrophilic by 
oxidiation treatment, and a step of chemically adsorbing a 
chlorosilane-based surface active material to the oxidized surface by 
contacting the surface with a non-aqueous organic solvent by means of 
dipping, thus forming a chemically adsorbed film containing fluoroalkyl 
groups via siloxane bonds. 
The plastic material may be oxidized by ordinary means, e.g., oxygen plasma 
treatment, corona treatment, and dipping into a mixed solution containing 
concentrated sulfuric acid and potassium dichromate (i.e., a 
chromium-containing mixture solution treatment). 
The non-aqueous solvent to be used according to the invention may be any 
organic solvent, which does not dissolve the plastic material with the 
chemically adsorbed film to be formed thereon and is free from active 
hydrogen able to react with the chlorosilane-based surface active 
material. Suitable examples of the solvent are fluorine-based solvents, 
e.g., 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane, 
1,1-dichloro-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 
1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3-heptafluoropropane, etc., hydrocarbon-based 
solvents, e.g., hexane, octane, hexadecane, cyclohexane, etc., ether-based 
solvents, e.g., dibutylether, dibenzylether, etc., and ester-based 
solvents, e.g., methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, amyl 
acetate, etc. 
Incidentally, the chemical adsorption film applied on the surface of the 
photoconductor, cleaning blade, fixing roller, separation pawl, corona 
wire and corona grid used in the electrophotographic apparatus of the 
invention sufficiently exhibits its desired advantages with only one layer 
of a monomolecular chemical adsorption film. To form only one layer of a 
monomolecular chemical adsorption film, after chemically adsorbing a 
substance containing a plurality of chlorosilyl groups or chlorosilane 
surface active agent, it is washed in a nonaqueous solvent without contact 
with moisture, and is then allowed to be contacted with moisture. It is 
therefore done easily without any particular process. Needless to say, the 
chemical adsorption film may be formed by accumulating monomolecular 
films. In this way, when the chemical adsorption film forms a 
monomolecular film, the groups showing the given function are oriented and 
the density is enhanced, so that added benefits may be exhibited. When 
forming a chemical adsorption polymer film, the step of washing in 
nonaqueous solvent is skipped. 
The invention is further described below by referring to some of the 
practical embodiments. 
Embodiment 1 
On an aluminum cylinder support of 80 mm in diameter and 360 mm in length, 
2 .mu.m thick undercoat layer was disposed by applying a 5 wt. % methanol 
solution of nylon resin by a dipping method. On this undercoat layer, as a 
photoconductor layer, amorphous silicon was formed in a thickness of 0.3 
.mu.m by a sputtering method. The material was dipped and held in a 
10.sup.-2 mol/liter cyclohexane solution of heptadecafluorodecyl 
trichlorosilane (surface active agent) for 120 minutes at room temperature 
in a nitrogen atmosphere, and successively the unreacted surface active 
agent was washed in a nonaqueous cyclohexane solution and then in pure 
water, and a chemical adsorption monomolecular film through a siloxane 
coupling containing a fluorocarbon group was formed on the surface of the 
photoconductor surface. In this process, if the formed film is not washed 
in a nonaqueous solution, a chemical adsorption polymer film will be 
formed. 
Embodiment 2 
On an aluminum cylinder support of 80 mm in diameter and 360 mm in length, 
a 2 .mu.m thick undercoat layer was disposed by applying a 5% methanol 
solution of nylon resin by a dipping method. 
To 88 parts of a mixed solvent of MEK (ethyl methyl ketone) and 
dichloromethane, 12 parts of a pyrazoline derivative and 10 parts of a 
bisphenyl A polycarbonate resin were dissolved. The solution was dipped 
and applied on the undercoat layer, and was dried by hot air for 1 hour at 
100.degree. C., and a 19 .mu.m thick charge transfer layer was formed. 
Having 10 parts of perylene pigment dissolved in a mixed solvent of 
bisphenol Z polycarbonate monochlorobenzne/dichloromethane=1:1 to make up 
100 parts of solution (2% concentration by weight), the solution was 
dispersed in a ball mill for 24 hours. This dispersion was applied on the 
charge transfer layer, and by drying for 20 minutes at 100.degree. C., a 2 
.mu.m thick charge generation layer was formed. 
This photoconductor was treated in a UV dry stripper for 10 minutes with 
oxygen plasma (oxygen flow: 1 liter/min) to oxidize the surface, and it 
was dipped and held in a 1 wt. % tetrachlorosilane solution [solvent: 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl) amine] for 60 minutes at room temperature in a 
nitrogen atmosphere, and in succession the unreacted tetrachlorosilane was 
washed in tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine, then in pure water, and using a 
dried sample, and using heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane as a 
chlorosilane surface active agent containing a fluorocarbon group, it was 
dipped and held in tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solution at a concentration 
of 10.sup.-2 mol/liter for 120 minutes at room temperature in a nitrogen 
atmosphere, and the unreacted heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was 
washed in a tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solvent, then in pure water, 
thereby forming a chemical adsorption monomolecular film containing a 
fluorocarbon group through a siloxane coupling on the photoconductor 
surface. 
Embodiment 3 
A similar experiment was conducted by forming a mixture (30:70:30 by 
weight) of urethane resin, silicon resin and silica particles as a 
protective layer on the photoconductor layer in Embodiment 1. 
Reference 1 
The processing was same as in Embodiment 1, except that the step of forming 
the chemical adsorption film was skipped. 
Reference 2 
The processing was same as in Embodiment 2, except that the step of forming 
the chemical adsorption film was skipped. 
The photoconductor obtained in Embodiments 1 to 3 and References 1 and 2 
were installed in a commercial electrophotographic apparatus, and corona 
charging, image exposure, development by toner, transfer and cleaning were 
repeated 10,000 times at 25.degree. C. and 55% RH, and images were 
produced. The quality of the image obtained after 10,000 times was 
evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 1. 
Table 1 
Image quality after 10,000 times 
Embodiment 1 As high as initial quality 
Reference 1 Sharpness extremely lowered, showing many black spots and white 
blank areas 
Embodiment 2 As high as initial quality 
Reference 2 Sharpness extremely lowered, showing blurry image, black spots, 
and white black areas 
Embodiment 3 As high as initial quality 
As clear from Table 1, in the electrophotographic apparatus using the 
photoconductors of the reference examples, the image quality was extremely 
lowered when used repeatedly and continuously, but in the apparatus using 
the photoconductors of the invention, the image quality was not lowered 
after repeated continuous use. 
Embodiment 4 
Polyurethane rubber of 50 mm in length, 360 mm in width and 3 mm in 
thickness was dipped and held for 120 minutes in a 10.sup.-2 mol/liter 
cyclohexane solution of heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane at room 
temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere, and the unreacted 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was washed in cyclohexane, then in 
pure water, and a chemical adsorption monomolecular film containing 
fluorocarbon group through a siloxane coupling was formed on the surface 
of the cleaning blade. 
Embodiment 5 
Polyurethane rubber of 50 mm in length, 360 mm in width and 3 mm in 
thickness was treated in a UV dry stripper for 10 minutes with oxygen 
plasma (oxygen flow rate: 1 liter/min) to oxidize the surface, and it was 
dipped and held in 1 wt. % tetrachlorosilane solution [solvent: 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine] for 60 minutes at room temperature in a 
nitrogen atmosphere, and the unreacted tetrachlorosilane was washed in 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine, then in pure water, and using the dried 
sample, and using heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane as the chlorosilane 
surface active agent containing fluorocarbon group, it was dipped and held 
in a tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solution at a concentration of 10.sup.-2 
mol/liter for 120 minutes at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere, 
and successively the unreacted heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was 
washed in a tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solvent, then in pure water. A 
chemical adsorption monomolecular film containing fluorocarbon groups 
through siloxane coupling was formed on the surface of the cleaning blade. 
Embodiment 6 
A similar experiment was done to Embodiment 4, except that 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was replaced by 
9-(heptadecafluorodecyl dimethylsilyl) nonyltrichlorosilane. 
Reference 3 
Same as in Embodiment 4, except that the step for forming the chemical 
adsorption film was skipped. 
The cleaning blades of Embodiments 4 to 6 and Reference 3 were installed in 
a commercial electrophotographic apparatus, and corona charging, image 
exposure, development by toner, transfer and cleaning were repeated 10,000 
times at 25.degree. C. and 55% RH, and images were reproduced. The quality 
of the images obtained after 10,000 times was evaluated, and the result is 
shown in Table 2. 
Table 2 
Image quality after 10,000 times 
Embodiment 4 As high as initial quality 
Embodiment 5 As high as initial quality 
Embodiment 6 As high as initial quality 
Reference 3 Sharpness extremely lowered, showing blurry image, black spots 
As clear from Table 2, in the electrophotographic apparatus using the 
cleaning blade of the reference example, the image quality was extremely 
lowered after repeated and continuous use, but in the electrophotographic 
apparatus using the cleaning blade of the invention, the image quality was 
not lowered after repeated use. 
Embodiment 7 
An aluminum roller of 30 mm in diameter and 360 mm in length was dipped and 
held in 10.sup.-2 mol/liter cyclohexane solution of heptadecafluorodecyl 
trichlorosilane for 120 minutes at room temperature in nitrogen 
atmosphere, and the unreacted heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was 
washed in cyclohexane, then in pure water, and a chemical adsorption 
monomolecular film containing fluorocarbon groups through siloxane 
coupling was formed on the surface of the fixing roller. 
Embodiment 8 
The same aluminum roller as in Embodiment 7 was first dipped and held in a 
1 wt. % tetrachlorosilane solution [solvent: tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine] 
for 60 minutes at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere, and the 
unreacted tetrachlorosilane was washed in tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine, 
then in pure water, and using the dried sample and using 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane as the chlorosilane surface active 
agent containing fluorocarbon groups, it was dipped and held in 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solution at a concentration of 10.sup.-2 
mol/liter for 120 minutes at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere, 
and the unreacted heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was washed in a 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solvent, then in pure water, and a chemical 
adsorption monomolecular film containing fluorocarbon groups through 
siloxane coupling was formed on the surface of the fixing roller. 
Embodiment 9 
An experiment was conducted the same as in Embodiment 7, except that 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was replaced by 
9-(heptadecafluorodecyl dimethylsilyl) nonyltrichlorosilane. 
Reference 4 
An experiment was conducted the same as in Embodiment 7, except that a 
coating film of polytetrafuloroethylene was formed at a thickness of 10 
.mu.m, instead of forming the chemical adsorption film. 
The fixing rollers of Embodiments 7 to 9 and Reference 4 were installed in 
the fixing unit of the commercial electrophotographic apparatus, and 
corona charging, image exposure, development by toner, transfer, fixing 
and cleaning were repeated 10,000 times at 25.degree. C. and 55% RH, and 
images were reproduced. The quality of the image obtained after 10,000 
times was evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 3. 
Table 3 
Image quality after 10,000 times 
Embodiment 7 As high as initial quality 
Embodiment 8 As high as initial quality 
Embodiment 9 As high as initial quality 
Reference 4 Sharpness lowered, showing partly black spots 
As clear from Table 3, in the electrophotographic apparatus using the 
fixing roller of the reference example, the image quality was lowered by 
repeated and continuous use, but in the electrophotographic apparatus 
using the fixing roller of the invention, the image quality was not 
lowered by repeated and continuous use. 
Embodiment 10 
A block of core material of a separation pawl in a shape as shown in FIG. 7 
was obtained from polyamide imide by cutting or injection forming. This 
molding was dipped and held in a 10.sup.-2 mol/liter cyclohexane solution 
of heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane for 120 minutes at room 
temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere, and the unreacted 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was washed in cyclohexane, then in 
pure water, and a chemical adsorption film containing fluorocarbon groups 
through siloxane coupling was formed on the surface of the separation 
pawl. 
Embodiment 11 
The same separation pawl as in Embodiment 10 was dipped and held in 1 wt. % 
tetrachlorosilane solution [solvent: tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine] for 60 
minutes at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere, and the unreacted 
tetrachlorosilane was successively washed in tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine, 
then in pure water, and using the dried sample, and using 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane as the chlorosilane surface active 
agent containing alkyl fluoride groups, it was dipped and held in a 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solution at a concentration of 10.sup.-2 
mol/liter for 120 minutes at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere, 
and successively the unreacted heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was 
washed in a tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solvent, then in pure water, and a 
chemical adsorption monomolecular film containing fluorocarbon groups 
through siloxane coupling was formed on the surface of the separation 
pawl. 
Embodiment 12 
An experiment was conducted the same as in Embodiment 10, except that 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was replaced by 
9-(heptadecafluorodecyl dimethylsilyl) nonlyltrichlorosilane. 
Reference 5 
An experiment was conducted the same as in Embodiment 10, except that a 
coating film of Teflon ("Teflon" is the trademark for 
polytetrafluoroethylene) was formed at a thickness of 10 .mu.m instead of 
forming the chemical adsorption film. 
The separation pawls of Embodiments 10 to 12 and Reference 5 were installed 
in the fixing unit of the commercial electrophotographic apparatus, and 
corona charging, image imposture, development by toner, transfer, fixing 
and cleaning were repeated 10,000 times at 25.degree. C. and 55% RH, and 
the images were reproduced. The quality of the images obtained after 
10,000 times was evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 4. 
Table 4 
Image quality after 10,000 times 
Embodiment 10 As high as initial quality 
Embodiment 11 As high as initial quality 
Embodiment 12 As high as initial quality 
Reference 5 White spots seen in separation pawl fixing portion. 
As clear from Table 4, in the electrophotographic apparatus using the 
separation pawl of the reference example, the image quality was lowered by 
repeated and continuous use, but in the electrophotographic apparatus 
using the separation pawl of the invention, the image quality was not 
lowered after repeated and continuous use. 
Embodiment 13 
A tungsten wire of 50 .mu.m in diameter and 360 mm in length was dipped and 
held in a 10.sup.-2 mol/liter cyclohexane solution of heptadecafluorodecyl 
trichlorosilane for 120 minutes at room temperature in a nitrogen 
atmosphere, and the unreacted heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was 
successively washed in cyclohexane, then in pure water, and a chemical 
adsorption monomolecular film containing fluorocarbon groups through 
siloxane coupling was formed on the surface of the corona wire. 
Embodiment 14 
The same tungsten wire as in Embodiment 13 was first dipped and held in a 1 
wt. % tetrachlorosilane solution [solvent: tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine] 
for 60 minutes at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere, and the 
unreacted tetrachlorosilane was washed in tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine, 
then in pure water, and using the dried sample, and using 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane as the chlorosilane surface active 
agent containing fluorocarbon groups, it was dipped and held in a 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solution at a concentration of 10.sup.-2 
mol/liter for 120 minutes at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere, 
and the unreacted heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was washed in a 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solvent, then in pure water, and a chemical 
adsorption monomolecular film containing fluorocarbon groups through 
siloxane coupling was formed on the corona wire. 
Embodiment 15 
An experiment was done the same as in Embodiment 13, except that 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was replaced by 
9-(heptadecafluorodecyl dimethylsilyl)nonyltrichlorosilane. 
Reference 6 
The corona wire in Embodiment 13 was used as reference example without 
surface treatment. 
The corona wires of Embodiments 13 to 15 and Reference 6 were installed in 
the fixing unit of the commercial electrophotographic apparatus, and 
corona charging, image exposure, development by toner, transfer, fixing 
and cleaning were repeated 10,000 times at 25.degree. C. and 55% RH, and 
the images were reproduced. The quality of the images obtained after 
10,000 times was evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 5. 
Table 5 
Image quality after 10,000 times 
Embodiment 13 As high as initial quality 
Embodiment 14 As high as initial quality 
Embodiment 15 As high as initial quality 
Reference 6 Sharpness lowered, showing black spots partially 
As clear from Table 5, in the electrophotographic apparatus using the 
corona wire of the reference example, the image quality was lowered by 
continuous and repeated use, but in the electrophotographic apparatus 
using the corona wire of the invention, the image quality was not lowered 
after repeated and continuous use. 
Embodiment 16 
A stainless steel corona grid of 1.5 cm in width and 360 mm in length was 
dipped and held in a 10.sup.-2 mol/liter cyclohexane solution of 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane for 120 minutes at room temperature 
in a nitrogen atmosphere, and the unreacted heptadecafluorodecyl 
trichlorosilane was successively washed in cyclohexane, then in pure 
water, and a chemical adsorption monomolecular film containing 
fluorocarbon groups through siloxane coupling was formed on the surface of 
the corona grid. 
Embodiment 17 
The same stainless steel grid as in Embodiment 16 was first dipped and held 
in a 1 wt. % tetrachlorosilane solution [solvent: 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine] for 60 minutes at room temperature in a 
nitrogen atmosphere, and the unreacted tetrachlorosilane was washed in 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine, then in pure water, and using the dried 
sample, and using heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane as chlorosilane 
surface active agent containing fluorocarbon group, it was dipped and held 
in a tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solution at a concentration of 10.sup.-2 
mol/liter for 120 minutes at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere, 
and the unreacted heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was washed in a 
tri(n-nonafluorobutyl)amine solvent, the in pure water, and chemical 
adsorption film containing fluorocarbon groups through siloxane coupling 
was formed on the corona grid. 
Embodiment 18 
An experiment was conducted the same as in Embodiment 16, except that 
heptadecafluorodecyl trichlorosilane was replaced by 
9-(heptadecafluorodecyl dimethylsilyl) nonyltrichlorosilane. 
Reference 7 
The corona grid of Embodiment 16 was used as a reference example without 
surface treatment. 
The corona grid of Embodiments 16 to 18 and Reference 7 were installed in 
the fixing unit of the commercial electrophotographic apparatus, and 
corona charging, image exposure, development by toner, transfer, fixing 
and cleaning were repeated 10,000 times at 25.degree. C. and 55% RH, and 
the images were reproduced. The quality of images after 10,000 times was 
evaluated, and the result is shown in Table 6. 
Table 6 
Image quality after 10,000 times 
Embodiment 16 As high as initial quality 
Embodiment 17 As high as initial quality 
Embodiment 18 As high as initial quality 
Reference 7 Sharpness lowered, showing black spots partially 
As clear from Table 6, in the electrophotographic apparatus using the 
corona grid of the reference example, the image quality was lowered after 
repeated and continuous use, but in the electrophotographic apparatus 
using the corona grid of the invention, the image quality was not lowered 
after repeated and continuous use. 
The electrophotographic apparatus of the first embodiment has the surface 
of the electrophotographic photoconductor covalently bonded with a 
monomolecular film containing a fluorocarbon group through siloxane 
coupling, so that the photoreceptor excellent in anti-fouling property and 
durability may be obtained. 
Besides, since the surface of the photoconductor is covered with a chemical 
adsorption film containing a fluorocarbon film through siloxane coupling, 
as compared with the prior art, the anti-fouling property is outstanding. 
As a result, if used continuously, images of high quality are obtained. 
The electrophotographic apparatus of the second embodiment has the surface 
of the cleaning blade coated with a chemical adsorption film containing a 
fluorocarbon film through siloxane coupling, and therefore as compared 
with the prior art, the lubrication and anti-fouling properties are 
notably excellent. As a result, images of high quality are obtained if 
used continuously. 
The electrophotographic apparatus of the third embodiment has the surface 
of the fixing roller coated with a chemical adsorption film containing a 
fluorocarbon group through siloxane coupling, and therefore as compared 
with the prior art, the anti-fouling property is excellent. As a result, 
if used continuously, images of high quality are obtained. 
The electrophotographic apparatus of the fourth embodiment has the surface 
of the separation pawl coated with a chemical adsorption film containing a 
fluorocarbon group through siloxane coupling, and therefore the parting 
property is superb as compared with the prior art. As a result, if used 
continuously, images of high quality are obtained. 
The electrophotographic apparatus of the fifth embodiment has the surface 
of the corona wire coated with a chemical adsorption film containing a 
fluorocarbon group through siloxane coupling, and therefore the toner 
parting property is superb as compared with the prior art. As a result, if 
used continuously, images of high quality are obtained. 
The electrophotographic apparatus of the sixth embodiment has the surface 
of the corona grid coated with a chemical adsorption film containing an 
alkyl fluoride group through siloxane coupling, and therefore the toner 
parting property is superb as compared with the prior art. As a result, if 
used continuously, images of high quality are obtained. 
Thus, the invention brings about outstanding industrial uses. 
As has been shown, the invention is greatly beneficial to industry. 
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing 
from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present 
embodiment is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not 
restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended 
claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come 
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to 
be embraced therein.