| abstract |
A toner is formed of toner particles each comprising a binder resin and iron oxide particles dispersed therein. The toner particles are characterized by uniform but non-surface-exposed dispersion of the iron oxide particles within the toner particles as represented by (i) a carbon content (A) and an iron content (B) giving a ratio B/A<0.001 at surfaces of the toner particles as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, (ii) an average circularity of at least 0.970, and (iii) at least 50% by number of toner particles satisfying D/C<=0.02, wherein C denotes a projection area-equivalent circular diameter of each toner particle and D denotes a minimum distance of iron oxide particles from a surface of the toner particle, based on a sectional view of the toner particle as observed through a transmission electron microscope (TEM). |