| abstract |
Disclosed is a release agent donor roller, and methods and fusing systems which incorporate the donor roller, for applying a polymeric release agent to a fuser roller in an electrophotographic apparatus. The donor roller comprises a base member with a polymeric outer layer thereover comprising a silicone material with a controlled, relatively high swelling characteristic in the release agent, i.e., the layer has a swell in 300 cts poly(dimethylsiloxane) oil maintained at a temperature of 175° C. after 24 hours exposure of greater than 15% by weight. When operated in a fusing system, the donor roller exhibits relatively low toner contamination levels, even for relatively low melting polymer binder resins used in producing toners, such as polyester resins. The swell characteristic is still at an acceptable level such that the donor roller has adequate mechanical stability. |