Abstract: A releasable lithographic ink composition comprising (a) air-curable lithographic inks and (b) a release additive. The preferred additives to the air curable inks are combinations of lecithin and components having release functionality that cover a wide range of chemical structures. Functional moieties include silicones, long chain hydrocarbons, and fluorocarbons. In addition, the additive may also contain a moiety which has the ability to interact with the anionic and/or cationic sites of the lecithin. Moieties that can interact with the anionic site are cationic species such as, but not limited to, zinc, sodium, calcium, and quaternary ammonium. Moieties that can interact with the cationic site on the lecithin are anionic species such as, but not limited to, carboxylic acids (and their salts), sulfates, sulfonates, and phosphates.

Abstract: Disclosed are image release sheets which comprise a dielectric coated substrate and a silicone-urea block polymer coating for the dielectric substrate. The silicone-urea block polymer functions as a release coating when the image sheet is used in electrographic processes. Excellent transfer of an image from a donor element, comprising the silicone-urea block polymer as a release coating, to a receptor substrate occurs. In a preferred embodiment, a pH sensitive indicator such as thymolphthalein can be added to the release coating in order to monitor the thickness of the coating.