Method of preparing toner and toner prepared using the method

Abstract

A method of preparing a toner, including: preparing a colorant dispersion by mixing a reactive emulsifier and a colorant; preparing a toner composition by mixing a macromonomer including a hydrophilic group, a hydrophobic group and at least one reactive functional group, at least one polymerizable monomer and a chain transfer agent with the colorant dispersion; emulsion polymerizing the toner composition in a medium; and separating and drying the polymerized toner, wherein the amounts of the macromonomer and the chain transfer agent are controlled to regulate the configuration of toner particles. A toner prepared using the method, an image forming method using the toner, and an image forming apparatus using the toner are also provided by the invention. According to the method, the size and configuration of toner particles are easily controlled. In addition, the method minimizes the use of a surfactant, and decreases polluted water and waste water, which is very advantageous environmentally.