1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge.
2. Related Art
Recently, attention has been focused on increasing the speed and extending the operational lifetime of image forming apparatuses including a charging means, an exposure means, a developing means, a transfer means and a fixing means, in other words, xerographic image forming apparatuses, as a result of technological developments in these members and systems. Similarly, demands for increased response speeds and increased reliability of subsystems have also intensified. In this regard, electrophotographic photoreceptors used for image forming are exposed to large outside electrical and mechanical forces due to chargers, developing devices, transfer devices, cleaners and the like, and thus are susceptible to image defects such as scratches, abrasion, cracking and the like. Therefore, there is specifically a strong demand for improved response speeds and reliability.
In order to suppress scratches, abrasions and the like, and to improve operational lifetime, resins having high mechanical strength may be used for electrophotographic photoreceptors.