Process for forming an electrophotographic member having a protective layer

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, FIGS.
1-3 represent several variations of the electrophotographic light-sensitive member within the scope of this invention.
They are all basically similar in that they comprise a protective outer layer, a photoconductive layer, and a conductive layer.
In FIG.
1, the electrophotographic light-sensitive member consists of a protective outer layer 1 comprising metal oxide particles having a mean particle size below about 0.
3 .
mu.
m dispersed in a resin; a photoconductive layer 2; an adhesive layer 3; and a conductive layer 4.
This electrophotographic light-sensitive member may be made by initially forming a protective outer layer 1 and thereafter applying the other layers as coatings or laminates.
If desired, this sequence may be reversed and the electrophotographic light-sensitive member may be manufactured by initially forming conductive layer 4.
In FIG.
2, the protective outer layer 1 is formed as a coating on release layer 5.
Photoconductive layer 2 is thereafter applied to the protective outer layer 1.
An adhesive layer 3 is then deposited on photoconductive layer 2.
Finally, a conductive layer 4 is secured to adhesive layer 3.
The release layer 5 has suitable release properties well known in the molding art and is peeled away from the protective outer layer 1.
Any suitable release material may be employed in or on the surface of the release layer 5.
Typical materials having release properties include fluorocarbon resins, silicone resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, and the like.
These materials may be in the form of a film or may merely be employed as a coating on the release layer 5.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
2, if the photoconductive layer 2 is applied to the protective outer layer 1 as a coating with the aid of a solvent, the resin used for dispersing the metal oxide particles should be selected from those that are solvent resistant.
Thus, a resin that dissolves in a solvent but hardens after drying to become solvent resistant may be employed in the protective outer layer 1