| abstract |
Hydrophobic inorganic fine particles are provided which prevent a toner from fusing to a photoreceptor or fouling a contact charging member and which enable the toner to be excellent in flowability, electrification characteristics, and durability even after long-term storage in a high-temperature high-humidity atmosphere. The fine particles prevent the toner from dropping or fouling the inside of the printer. The hydrophobic inorganic fine particles are obtained by: treating the surface of inorganic fine particles with a silicone oil and then with a silane compound and/or a silazane compound or treating the surface of inorganic fine particles with a silane compound and/or a silazane compound in the presence of a silicone oil; and further treating the treated inorganic fine particles with a silicone oil. |