Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a printing form from a photopolymerizable element. The photopolymerizable element includes a layer of a photopolymerizable composition containing an elastomeric block copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene having less than 15% by weight of 1,2-coupled bond segments in the polybutadiene block, an ethylenically unsaturated compound, and a photoinitiator. The method includes imagewise exposing the photopolymerizable element to actinic radiation in the presence of atmospheric oxygen; heating the element to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the layer to liquefy; and contacting an exterior surface of the photopolymerizable element with a development medium to allow at least a portion of the liquefied layer to be removed by the development medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a printing form from a photopolymerizable element. The photopolymerizable element includes a layer of a photopolymerizable composition containing an elastomeric block copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene having less than 15% by weight of 1,2-coupled bond segments in the polybutadiene block, an ethylenically unsaturated compound, and a photoinitiator. The method includes imagewise exposing the photopolymerizable element to actinic radiation in the presence of atmospheric oxygen; heating the element to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the layer to liquefy; and contacting an exterior surface of the photopolymerizable element with a development medium to allow at least a portion of the liquefied layer to be removed by the development medium.

Abstract: A photosensitive element for use as a flexographic printing plate comprises a support, an elastomeric photopolymerizable layer having a surface opposite the support that defines a plane, and a matted layer disposed above the surface of the photopolymerizable layer comprising a polymeric binder and at least one matting agent which is capable of forming depressions from the plane into the photopolymerizable layer. Also described is a process for preparing such a photosensitive element and a process for preparing a flexographic printing plate from the photosensitive element.

Abstract: Disclosed are silver halide elements that contain an arylhydrazine compound useful in producing high contrast images. The elements can be handled in bright light room conditions for extended periods of time without increasing minimum density of the element.

Abstract: A process of developing exposed silver halide elements comprises developing said element in a developer in the presence of a development accelerator compound as defined. The development accelerator compounds include pyridinium, or pyridinium and and imidazolium compounds. The process is applicable to standard and hydrazine-containing films and to hydroquinone and/or ascorbic acid-based developers. The development accelerator may be incorporated into the developer or into the silver halide emulsion.

Abstract: A photographic silver halide emulsion comprising silver halide grains having a chloride content of at least 90 mole percent and a rhodium salt, wherein said grains have been sensitized with a black and white developing agent, provides a substantial improvement in bright room tolerance as compared to emulsions sensitized with more conventional sensitizing agents, without loss of speed or contrast. A process for improving the bright room tolerance of a photographic emulsion comprising silver halide grains having a chloride content of at least 90 mole percent and a rhodium salt comprises the step of sensitizing the grains with a black and white developing agent.

Abstract: High contrast photographic images suitable for lithographic use are obtained with stable (nonlithographic) developers when iodide is released from a surface-sensitized iodobromide emulsion to induce development of the exposed areas in an internally sensitized core-shell emulsion. A bromoiodide or trihalide core is produced by balanced double jet precipitation, then the core is chemically sensitized and covered with a chlorobromide or chloride shell by balanced double jet precipitation or preferably by a cyclic pAg addition technique. The core-shell emulsion must have a sensitivity equal to or greater than the surface sensitized emulsion.