Abstract: A hydrogel composition is provided that includes crosslinked dextran and dextran sulfate. The hydrogel composition may be included in a matrix that includes an osmotically active material immobilized in the matrix. The hydrogel composition can be combined into superabsorbent preparations that are capable of adsorbing large amounts of water. The superabsorbent preparations have advantages in the use of absorbent materials for physiological fluids, such as diapers, incontinence products, wound dressings and the like, as well as agricultural and environmental applications. In addition, biodegradable superabsorbents of the invention can be prepared.

Abstract: A hydrogel matrix and an osmotically active material immobilized in the matrix can be combined into superabsorbent preparations that are capable of adsorbing large amounts of water. The superabsorbent preparations of the invention have advantages in the use of absorbent materials for physiological fluids, such as diapers, incontinence products, wound dressings and the like, as well as agricultural and environmental applications. In addition, biodegradable superabsorbents of the invention can be prepared.

Abstract: A hardcoat composition comprises (a) one or more epoxy silane compounds, (b) one or more epoxy-functionalized perfluoropolyether acrylate oligomers, and (c) photoacid generator.

Abstract: A color photographic element has a reflective support and a blue light sensitive color record, a green light sensitive color record, and a red light sensitive color record and can be used to provide color photographic prints. The element also has a non-light sensitive layer over the red light sensitive color record. This non-light sensitive layer has (1) a hydrophilic colloid in an amount of at least 200 mg/m2 to and including 2,000 mg/m2, (2) matte particles, and (3) an acrylate latex polymer having latex particles having an average size of less than 1 ?m and a glass transition temperature of at least 70° C. The dry weight ratio of the acrylate latex polymer to the hydrophilic colloid is at least 0.8:1 and the dry weight ratio of the acrylate latex polymer to the total matte particles is at least 15:1.

Abstract: A phototool comprises an optically transparent substrate having designed pattern and a protective layer on the substrate. The protective layer comprises a cured hardcoat composition. The hardcoat composition comprises (i) one or more epoxy silane compounds (ii) one or more fluorochemical additives selected from the group consisting of perfluoropolyether-urethane silanes and silane-functionalized perfluoropolyether acrylate oligomers, and (iii) photo-acid generator.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material for movie, having a specific layer structure by using particles of at least one kind of electroconductive metal oxide and at least one kind of an electroconductive polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photothermographic material having, on one side of a support, an image forming layer including at least a photosensitive silver halide, a non-photosensitive organic silver salt, a reducing agent, and a binder, and at least one non-photosensitive layer which is disposed on the same side of the support as the image forming layer and farther from the support than the image forming layer, wherein the non-photosensitive layer includes at least a copolymer latex of an acrylate or methacrylate having a fluorine atom and a monomer component having a hydrophobic group, and the surface of the side having the image forming layer includes convex portions having a height of 1.5 ?m or higher in an amount of from 20 to 2000 per 1 mm2. A photothermographic material which exhibits excellent film physical properties and high image quality is provided.

Abstract: A composition suitable for forming a primer layer on a polymer sheet comprising: a) polyethyleneimine; b) latex; wherein the latex has a Tg lower than 25° C. and c) a hydrophilic colloid material. A method of coating the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a thermal-developable photosensitive material is provided, which prevents mixing of materials between layers to ensure that the coating surface is in a good condition. In this method, liquids for forming a photosensitive layer, an intermediate layer and a protective layer are simultaneously applied in a multilayer form on a substrate to produce a thermal-developable photosensitive material. A pH of the intermediate layer coating liquid is adjusted within a range from 5 to 10 and a viscosity of the intermediate layer coating liquid is adjusted within a range from 20 to 150 mPa·s. Moreover, a pH buffering salt is added to the intermediate layer coating liquid.

Abstract: A compound represented by formula (I): a compound represented by (II): or a mixture of at least one compound represented by formula (I) with at least one compound represented by formula (II), wherein M is hydrogen, an alkali atom or an ammonium group; R1 is hydrogen, a —(CH2)mSO3M group or a R2 is an alkyl-, alkenyl- or alkynyl- group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms; and m is an integer between 1 and 5; the use of at least one compound represented by the above-mentioned formula (I), at least one compound represented by the above-mentioned formula (II) or a mixture of at least one compound represented by the above-mentioned formula (I) and at least one compound represented by the above-mentioned formula (II) as a surfactant; and a photographic material comprising a support and a layer containing photosensitive silver halide, characterized in that the photographic material contains at least one compound represented by the above-mentioned formula (I), at le

Abstract: An imaging member comprising a polymer sheet, a primer layer contacting said polymer sheet, and an image receiving layer contacting said primer layer; wherein said primer layer comprises: a) polyethyleneimine; and b) latex; wherein the latex has a Tg lower than 25° C. and c) hydrophilic colloid material.

Abstract: An imaging member comprising a polymer sheet, a primer layer contacting said polymer sheet, and an image receiving layer contacting said primer layer; wherein said primer layer comprises: a) polyethyleneimine; and b) latex; wherein the latex has a Tg lower than 25° C. and c) hydrophilic colloid material.

Abstract: An aqueous coating fluid is described comprising gelatin at a concentration of at least 1 wt % and a colloidal particle dispersed material phase at a volume fraction of at least 0.01, wherein at least 20% of the gelatin comprises a gelatin prepared from hydrolysis of ossein using sodium or potassium hydroxide. The present invention enables increasing the concentrations of a coating fluid containing gelatin and dispersed sub-micron colloidal materials, reducing the size of the sub-micron colloidal materials in such a coating fluid, and/or including higher molecular weight gelatin in such a coating fluid without detrimentally increasing the viscosity of such fluids. The invention further enables reducing the viscosity of an aqueous coating fluid containing gelatin and dispersed insoluble colloidal material, without needing to reduce the concentration of gelatin or colloidal materials, increase the size of the sub-micron colloidal materials, and/or reduce the molecular weight of the gelatin.

Abstract: The present invention is a photographic element which includes a support, at least one silver-halide emulsion layer superposed on the support and a processing-solution-permeable overcoat overlying the silver-halide emulsion layer that becomes water-resistant in the final product, without requiring lamination or fusing. The presence, in the coating composition, of a compound comprising a blocked copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide has been found to improve wet durability, prevent the retention of iron, and improve the conversion of the overcoat to a water-resistant layer during processing. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a photographic print involving developing the photographic element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic element comprising a base and hydrophillic colloid layers comprising at least one layer comprising photosensitive silver halide, wherein said hydrophilic colloid imaging layers further comprise a flexibilizer agent and said flexibilizer agent has a logP of greater than −1.2.

Abstract: The present invention is a photographic element which includes, in order, a transparent support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support, optionally a white or diffuse reflective layer, and a processing-solution-permeable protective layer on the backside, which protective layer becomes water-resistant in the final product without lamination or fusing. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a photographic print involving developing the photographic element. The resulting print is viewed through the support, which provides protection against scratches and stains, while the polymeric overcoat provides water and stain protection to the reverse of the print where minor scratches or damage are not critical, since the image is not viewed from this side. Thus, this invention provides for a tough, stain resistant and transparent viewing surface and a stain resistant back side, which is permeable to processing solutions.

Abstract: Photographic silver halide materials are prepared in a more economical and environmentally acceptable manner by using a specific matting agent in a adhesion-promoting layer between a polymeric support and one or more silver halide emulsion layers. The matting agent has an average particle size of at least 1 &mgr;m and up to about 10 &mgr;m and a glass transition temperature of at least 120° C. Specific matting agents are composed of a polymer represented by the following Structure I: wherein A represents recurring units derived from one or more polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers, and B represents recurring units derived from one or more monofunctional ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers, x is from about 5 to 100 weight %, and y is from 0 to about 95 weight %.

Abstract: The present invention is a photographic element which includes, in order, a transparent support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support, optionally a white or diffuse reflecttive layer, and a processing-solution-permeable protective layer on the backside, which protective layer becomes water-resistant in the final product without lamination or fusing. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a photographic print involving developing the photographic element. The resulting print is viewed through the support, which provides protection against scratches and stains, while the polymeric overcoat provides water and stain protection to the reverse of the print where minor scratches or damage are not critical, since the image is not viewed from this side. Thus, this invention provides for a tough, stain resistant and transparent viewing surface and a stain resistant back side, which is permeable to processing solutions.

Abstract: Photographic silver halide materials are prepared in a more economical and environmentally acceptable manner by using a specific matting agent in a adhesion-promoting layer between a polymeric support and one or more silver halide emulsion layers. The matting agent has an average particle size of at least 1 &mgr;m and up to about 10 &mgr;m and a glass transition temperature of at least 120° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising a polymer sheet, a primer layer comprising polyethyleneimine and gelatin contacting said polymer sheet, and an image receiving layer contacting said primer layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a photographic element which includes a support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support and a processing-solution-permeable protective overcoat overlying the silver halide emulsion layer that becomes water-resistant in the final product without lamination or fusing. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a photographic print involving developing the photographic element.

Abstract: Photographic elements are described which comprise a support, at least one image-forming layer, and at least one surface protective layer that contains a polymeric binder and composite wax particles having a wax phase and a polymer phase, wherein the polymer phase is soluble in alkaline photographic processing solutions. The surface protective layer advantageously enables a change in frictional characteristics after film processing in alkaline solutions which enables the photographic element to have both pre-processed wound roll stability and high post-processed lubricity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a silver halide photographic element comprising a support and at least one gelatin containing imaging or non-imaging layer wherein during chemical processing the maximum swell of the layer is greater than the equilibrium swell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a silver halide photographic element comprising a support and at least one gelatin containing imaging or non-imaging layer wherein during chemical processing the maximum swell of the layer is greater than the equilibrium swell.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaged photographic element having a protective overcoat thereon. The protective overcoat is formed by providing a photographic element having at least one silver halide light-sensitive emulsion layer. A first coating of hydrophobic polymer particles having an average size of 0.01 to 1 microns, a melting temperature of from 55 to 200 ° C. at a weight percent of 30 to 95, and one or more hydrophilic polymers at a total weight percent of 5 to 70 is applied to form a first layer over the silver halide light-sensitive emulsion layer. A second coating of abrasion resistant particles having an average size of from 0.01 to 1 microns is applied to form a second layer over the first layer. The coatings are dried at temperatures not exceeding the melting point of the particles used in the first coating, or of the glass transition temperature of the abrasion resistant particles used in the second coating, whichever is the lowest.

Abstract: An overcoat composition for imaging products containing: 30-95 weight %, based on the dry laydown of the overcoat, of a hydrophobic polymer, said hydrophobic polymer being homopolymers or copolymers containing at least 30% by weight, based on the total weight of monomers, of the monomer described in structurel; and 5 to 70 weight %, based on the dry laydown of the overcoat, of gelatin: wherein: R is H, CH3, C2H5, and C3H7; and X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 are H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, CH3O, C2H5O, C3H7O, C4H9O, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, n-C4H9, sec-C4H9, tert-C4H9, CF3, C2F5, C3F7, iso-C3F7, n-C4F9, sec-C4F9, tert-C4F9, CH3NH, (CH3)2N, n-C5H11, C4H9, n-C6H13, n-C7H15, n-C8H17, n-C9H19, n-C10H21, or n-C12H25.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photographic elements having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. The overcoat comprises an epoxy material, an acid polymer, and a water-soluble hydrophilic binder. In one embodiment, a photographic element includes a support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support and a processing-solution-permeable overcoat overlying the silver halide emulsion layer that becomes water-resistant in the final product without requiring lamination or fusing. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a print involving developing the photographic element.

Abstract: Photographic silver halide materials are prepared in a more economical and environmentally acceptable manner by using a specific matting agent in a hydrophilic subbing layer between a polymeric support and one or more silver halide emulsion layers. The matting agent has an average particle size of at least 1 &mgr;m and up to about 10 &mgr;m and a glass transition temperature of at least 120° C.

Abstract: A red sensitive photographic recording material is disclosed having an emulsion layer with low silver halide and low binder content. It further comprises a polyester support having subbing layers on both sides and an anti-halation layer on the back side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaged elements having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. In particular, an overcoat composition comprising water-dispersible epoxy-functional particles is coated over an imaging element, including photographic elements and recording media. In one embodiment, a photographic element includes a support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support and a processing-solution-permeable protective overcoat overlying the silver halide emulsion layer that, after fusing, becomes water-resistant in the final product. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a print involving developing the photographic element and subsequently fusing the overcoat.

Abstract: An overcoat composition for imaging products containing: 30-95 weight %, based on the dry laydown of the overcoat, of a hydrophobic polymer, said hydrophobic polymer being homopolymers or copolymers containing at least 30% by weight, based on the total weight of monomers, of the monomer described in structurel; and 5 to 70 weight %, based on the dry laydown of the overcoat, of gelatin: 1

Abstract: An imaging element is disclosed comprising a support, an imaging layer, and an outermost protective layer on at least one side of the support which comprises a lubricant and an additive which is immiscible with and more surface active than the lubricant, wherein the lubricant is present in an amount of at least 5 mg/m2 and the additive is present in an amount of at least 25 wt percent relative to that of the lubricant, the amount of additive being effective to increase the coefficient of friction for the outermost layer after coating and drying thereof relative to that obtained in the absence of the additive material. Imaging elements comprising highly lubricated protective outermost layers in accordance with the invention advantageously provide increased scratch and wear resistance, while the presence of an additive which is immiscible with and more surface active than the lubricant surprisingly has been found to increase the coefficient of friction to provide good manufacturability of the imaging element.

Abstract: A latex comprising a polymer having an ethylenically unsaturated monomer unit containing an active methylene group and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer unit selected from methacrylic acid ester, acrylic acid ester, maleic acid ester and diene derivative, wherein said polymer is produced in the presence of a water soluble polymer through emulsion polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging elements, including photographic elements and recording media, having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. More particularly, the present invention provides a processing-solution-permeable protective overcoat that is water resistant in the final processed product. The overcoat, before formation of the image, comprises hydrophobic polymeric particles in a gelatin matrix. Subsequent treatment of the overcoat, after formation of the image, to remove the gelatin, causes coalescence of the hydrophobic particles, resulting in the formation of a water-resistant continuous protective overcoat.

Abstract: A light-sensitive silver halide photographic material has been provided comprising a support and on one or both sides thereof at least one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, a gelatinous protective antistress layer and, adjacent thereto as an outermost layer, a gelatinous afterlayer characterized in that said afterlayer comprises at least one polymer latex, being a polybutylacrylate, a polybutylmethacrylate latex or a polyurethane latex, or a copolymer latex being a copolymer poly(butyl methacrylate) polyacrylamide N-substituted sulfo-isobutyl salt, in a ratio amount by weight of (co)polymer latex to gelatin from 0.2:1 up to 5:1 and a total amount of (co)polymer latex and gelatin of at least 0.10 g/m2.

Abstract: A photosensitive photographic element is described which comprises a support having at least one ? hydrophilic silver halide containing layer. On the hydrophilic silver halide containing layers there is an overcoat layer. The overcoat layer comprises a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer that is present in the form of a porous membrane. The pores of the membrane are occupied by a hydrophilic composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging elements, including photographic elements and recording media, having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. More particularly, the present invention provides a processing-solution-permeable protective overcoat that is water resistant in the final processed product. The overcoat, before formation of the image, comprises hydrophobic polymeric particles in a gelatin matrix. Subsequent treatment of the overcoat, after formation of the image, to remove the gelatin, causes coalescence of the hydrophobic particles, resulting in the formation of a water-resistant continuous protective overcoat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gelatin-based aqueous-coatable overcoat for a photographic element that allows for appropriate diffusion of photographic processing solutions. The overcoat comprises 10 to 50% by weight gelatin and 50 to 90% by weight of hydrophobic particles (by weight of dry laydown of the entire overcoat) having an average diameter of 10 to 500 nm. A proteolytic enzyme is applied to the clement in reactive association with the overcoat layer. A photographic element according to one embodiment of the invention can be exposed and processed using normal photofinishing equipment, with no modifications, to provide an imaged element together with a protective, water-resistant layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a grained and anodized aluminium substrate having coated thereon a silver halide emulsion layer, the back surface of said substrate being coated with an inert coating which does not chemically or physically interact with an adjacent silver halide layer when two plates are placed in front to back contact. Fogging of the silver halide layer is avoided and the use of the back coating eliminates the requirement for the use of tissue interleaving when wrapping and packing the lithographic printing plate precursors.

Abstract: The present invention is a photographic element which includes a support, at least one silver halide emulsion superposed on a front side of the support and an outermost backing layer superposed on a backside of the support. The outermost backing layer is composed of a hydrophobic binder and a hydrophilic binder wherein the backing layer has an advancing water contact angle of 70 or greater and a receding water contact angle of at least 40 less than the advancing water contact angle.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging element which includes a support, at least one image forming layer, and a surface protective layer. The surface protective layer includes polymer particles having a mean particle size of less than 500 nm including a polymer or copolymer of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a water insoluble lubricant and a water soluble polymeric stabilizer coated on an outer surface of the polymer particle, and a binder. The polymeric stabilizer has affinity for both the organic solvent and the surface of the polymer particle.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material IS DISCLOSED. The light-sensitive material comprises a support, a silver halide emulsion layer provided on one side of the support, and a non-light-sensitive hydrophilic colloid layer provided on the other side of the support, in which the non-light-sensitive hydrophilic colloid layer comprises a polymer latex and gelatin and the weight ratio of the polymer latex to gelatin is from 0.5 to 3.0.

Abstract: A colour photographic material in which a package of layers is provided which consists, in the stated sequence, of (a) a silver halide-free layer containing colour coupler, (b) a layer containing silver halide and (c) a silver halide-free layer containing colour coupler, wherein at least one of layers (a) and (c) consists to an extent of at least 20 vol. % of a synthetic polymer, is distinguished by an improved grain/sensitivity ratio.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging element which includes a support, an image-forming layer superposed on the support and an electrically-conductive layer superposed on the support. The electrically-conductive layer contains a modified gelatin binder and an electrically-conductive polymer. The modified gelatin is a graft copolymer of gelatin and a vinyl polymer having acid functionality.

Abstract: A method for producing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is disclosed, which comprises a support having thereon a silver halide emulsion layer and optionally another hydrophilic colloid layer. The method comprises the steps of (1) coating a coating solution of the silver halide emulsion layer or that of the hydrophilic colloid layer on the support, and (2) drying the coated layer, and the coating solution of the silver halide emulsion layer or that of the hydrophilic colloid layer comprises gelatin and a sugaralcohol.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging element which includes a support, at least one imaging layer superposed on the support and a protective topcoat superposed farthest from the support. The topcoat includes a binder and lubricant droplets. The lubricant droplets are composed of a lubricant and a water soluble polymer containing heterocyclic aromatic nitrogen groups wherein the droplets are surrounded by a particulate stabilizer. The present invention is also directed to the lubricant droplets.

Abstract: In a photothermographic element comprising a photosensitive layer containing an organic silver salt, a silver halide, and a reducing agent on one surface of a support, and a back layer on the other surface of the support, the outermost back layer is based on a polymer latex binder, and the back layer contains a dye of formula (I) satisfying a specific maximum absorption wavelength relationship. The element produces an image with high Dmax, ultrahigh contrast, satisfactory resolution, and minimized residual color.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a silver halide photographic material having improved antiblocking property without deterioration of film brittleness and image quality due to addition of a polymer latex.A silver halide photographic material having at least one silver halide emulsion layer and at least one nonsensitive protective layer on a support, in which the nonsensitive protective layer contains polymer grains represented by the following General Formula (1) in a proportion by weight of 5 to 300% to a hydrophilic colloid as a binder, and the polymer grains have a mean grain diameter of at most 0.1 .mu.m,--(A).sub.x --(B).sub.y --(C).sub.

Abstract: This invention comprises a thermally processable imaging element comprising:(1) a support;(2) a thermally processable imaging layer on one side of the support; and(3) a protective layer comprising:(A) a film-forming binder;(B) matte particles comprising a core surrounded by said film-forming binder.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material is disclosed, comprising a support having on one side the support photographic component layers, wherein at least one of the component layers contains a composite polymeric material comprising inorganic particles and a hydrophobic polymer, a silver halide emulsion layer comprising a silver halide emulsion containing silver halide grains having an average chloride content of not less than 60 mol % and containing a metal dopant.