Abstract: A printing plate element is disclosed, comprising a substrate and a component layer containing a first material which is water-insoluble or capable of varying from being water-soluble to being water-insoluble at a prescribed temperature of not less than 60° C. and a second material which is water-soluble and has a melting point of 60 to 300° C. A method of preparing a printing plate is also disclosed, comprising imagewise exposure of the printing plate element and removing an unexposed area of the printing plate element with aqueous solution.

Abstract: A positive working printing form precursor comprises a thermally imagable composition which includes a hydroxyl group-containing polymer, for example a novolak resin. The composition has a weight of less than 1.1 gm−2. It has been found that using a low weight of the composition on the precursor improves the properties of the precursor, in particular by rendering the sensitivity of the precursor to imaging radiation less variable over time.

Abstract: A photosensitive printing element is used for preparing flexographic printing plates. The photosensitive printing element comprises (a) a support and especially a flexible support, (b) a photopolymerizable layer comprising an elastomeric composition sensitive to non-infrared actinic radiation, said layer being soluble, swellable or dispersible in a liquid developer prior to exposure to said non-infrared actinic radiation, and (c) at least one layer comprising a radiation-sensitive imaging layer, such as an infrared radiation sensitive thermographic material that provides excellent image density (e.g., greater than 3.0) at least in the electromagnetic region of said non-infrared radiation sensitivity and preferably in both the visible and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum upon exposure to infrared laser radiation and thermal development. Imaging of the imaging layer (e.g.

Abstract: There is provided improvement of a light-heat conversion in a light-stimulated writing method. An image recording body includes an element, which absorbs light (electromagnetic wave), provided in a surface of a recording body 10, or in a recording layer formed on uppermost layer of the recording body having a material exhibiting thermal changeable character of wettability, or in a substrate or an intermediate layer of the recording body. After a liquid is on the recording body 10 by a liquid forming means 3, light-stimulated writing is carried out. When the light-stimulated writing is carried out with light (electromagnetic wave) from a light (electromagnetic wave) source according to image information, an efficiency of light-heat conversion can be enhanced by a light (electromagnetic wave)-absorbing element.

Abstract: Negative working thermally imageable elements useful as lithographic printing plate precursors and methods for their use are disclosed. The elements have a substrate, a layer of imageable composition over the substrate, and, optionally, an overcoat layer over the layer of imageable composition. The imageable composition has an allyl-functional polymeric binder. Optimum resolution and on-press performance can be attained without a post-exposure bake. The elements do not require a post-exposure bake and can be used in on-press development applications.

Abstract: A method for patterning a recording medium selectively thermally couples a recording medium and a heat source to alter a chemical composition of the recording medium. An apparatus for patterning a recording medium has a heat source for generating and directing an incident thermal wave to a recording medium so as to alter a chemical composition of the recording medium, and a controller for coordinating a mutual position of the incident thermal wave and the recording medium for inducing a direct thermal coupling between the recording medium and the heat source.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate for infrared laser is provided which shows an excellent coated surface state and an excellent stability with time against scratch, and which has a heat-sensitive layer containing the following (A) to (D):

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal transfer elements and processes for patterning solvent-coated layers and solvent-susceptible layers onto the same receptor substrate. These donor elements and methods are particularly suited for making organic electroluminescent devices and displays. The donor elements can include a substrate, an optional light-to-heat conversion layer, and a single or multicomponent transfer layer that can be imagewise transferred to a receptor to form an organic electroluminescent device, portions thereof, or components therefor. The methods offer advantages over conventional patterning techniques such as photolithography, and make it possible to fabricate new organic electroluminescent device constructions.

Abstract: An imaging member, such as a negative-working printing plate or on-press cylinder, comprises latex polymer-carbon black composite particles. Such imaging members can be prepared with a hydrophilic imaging layer comprised of a heat-sensitive hydrophilic polymer having ionic moieties and the latex polymer-carbon black composite particles as a photothermal conversion material. The latex polymer-carbon black composite particles can be formulated in water or water-miscible solvents without agglomeration with other components such as charged polymers.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises a support and a hydrophilic layer capable of hydrophobicizing by heat,

Abstract: An imaging member, such as a negative-working printing plate or on-press cylinder, can be prepared with a hydrophilic imaging layer comprised of a heat-sensitive hydrophilic charged polymer (ionomer) and an infrared radiation sensitive negatively-charged oxonol dye that has a &lgr;max of greater than 700 nm. The heat-sensitive polymer and IR dye can be formulated in water or water-miscible solvents to provide highly thermal sensitive imaging compositions. In the imaging member, the polymer reacts to provide increased hydrophobicity in areas exposed to energy that provides or generates heat. For example, heat can be supplied by laser irradiation in the IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The heat-sensitive polymer is considered “switchable” in response to heat, and provides a lithographic image without conventional alkaline processing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a color photothermographic film in which particles comprising an organic silver salt is treated with a dye that functions as a passivating agent. In particular, the present invention involves passivating the organic silver salts with a dye that blocks the surface of the organic silver salt or ligand, resulting in a reduction of speed loss. The invention is also directed to a method of making a photothermographic element to improve raw stock keeping.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photothermographic element comprising silver halide, a blocked developer, a coupler, and core/shell particles, each such particle comprising a mixture of at least two non-photosensitive organic silver salts, which particle comprises a center portion comprising a non-photosensitive first organic silver salt and at least one shell portion covering the center portion, the shell comprising a non-photosensitive second organic silver salt. The organic silver salt in the shell has a lower pKsp relative to the organic silver salt in the core. This invention also provides a composition comprising the core/shell non-photosensitive organic silver salt particles, and a method of making the particles.

Abstract: Laser transfer film for durable inscription on components made from at least one backing layer, where on at least part of the underside of the backing layer there is an adhesion layer, wherein a pigment layer which comprises at least one laser-sensitive pigment has been applied to at least part of the adhesion layer and/or backing layer.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a heat mode imaging element for providing a lithographic printing plate consisting of a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface and a top layer that is sensitive to IR-radiation, comprises a polymer soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution, and is unpenetrable for an aqueous alkaline developer, characterized in that said top layer comprises a polysiloxane surfactant.

Abstract: An imaging member, such as a negative-working printing plate or on-press cylinder, has an imaging layer comprised of a thermally sensitive compound and a photothermal conversion material. The thermally sensitive compound comprises a heat-activatable aromatic cyclic sulfonium zwitterion group represented by the following Structure I: wherein Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, X and Y are independently substituted or unsubstituted methylene groups, and n is 1 or 2. The thermally sensitive compound can be a polymer or a small molecule compound. In the imaging member, the thermally sensitive compound reacts to provide increased hydrophobicity in areas exposed to energy that provides or generates heat. The imaging layer is considered “switchable” and can be used to provide a lithographic printing image without traditional alkaline wet processing.

Abstract: Photothermographic materials comprise heat-bleachable antihalation compositions in backside antihalation layers. These compositions comprise a hexaarybiimidazole and an oxonol dye that can be represented by the following Structure I: A1═L1—(L2═L3)p—(L4═L5)q—(L6═L7)r—A2−(M)k wherein A1 and A2 are the same or different activated methylene moieties, L1 through L7 independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted methine group, M represents a counterion, k is the number of M counterions necessary to provide neutral charge for Structure I, p, and q, are independently 0 or 1, and r is 0, 1, or 2. The antihalation composition is typically bleached when subjected to a temperature of at least 90° C. for at least 0.5 seconds.

Abstract: A method for treating a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, which comprises exposing the photosensitive lithographic printing plate to laser light, developing with a developer containing an alkali metal silicate and then carrying out post-exposure treatment, said photosensitive lithographic printing plate being prepared by forming a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer having a film thickness of from 1.2 to 4 g/m2 and further forming a protective layer having a film thickness of from 2 to 8 g/m2 on a support having a centerline average height (Ra) of at least 0.35 &mgr;m.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a precursor for preparing a resist pattern by heat mode imaging, the precursor comprising a heat sensitive composition, the solubility of which in an aqueous alkaline developer is arranged to increase in heated areas, and a means for increasing the resistance of non-heated areas of the heat sensitive composition to dissolution in an aqueous alkaline developer (the “developer resistance means”), wherein said developer resistance means comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of: (A) compounds which include a poly(alkylene oxide) unit; (B) siloxanes; and (C) esters, ethers and amides of polyhydric alcohols, wherein said heat-sensitive composition comprises an aqueous alkaline developer soluble polymeric substance (i.e. the “active polymer”) and a compound which reduces the aqueous alkaline developer solubility of the polymeric substance (i.e.

Abstract: A process for preparing monosheet black and white photothermographic recording material, the photothermographic recording material being exclusive of a dye-providing compound and comprising a support and a photo-addressable thermally developable element, the photo-addressable thermally developable element being thermally developable under substantially water-free conditions and consisting of one or more layers, the layers together comprising photosensitive silver halide, a substantially light-insensitive organic silver salt, a reducing agent therefor in thermal working relationship therewith and a binder, comprising the steps of: (i) coating at least one of the one or more layers of the photo-addressable thermally developable from an aqueous medium; (ii) drying the layer or layers coated in step (i); and (iii) heating the photothermographic recording material at a temperature of at least 35° C. in the dark for a period of at least 3 days; and a photothermographic recording material obtainable therewith.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a heat-sensitive material for making lithographic plates comprising in the order given on a support an IR-sensitive oleophilic layer and a cross-linked hydrophilic layer comprising an inorganic pigment and a hardener, characterized in that the ratio of said inorganic pigment over the hardener is comprised between 75/25 and 25/75 by weight.

Abstract: A negative-working imaging member can be used as a lithographic printing plate without ablation. The imaging member comprises a support and an imaging layer that includes a dispersion of at least 0.05 g/m2 of a cyanoacrylate polymer that is thermally degradable below 200° C., a photothermal conversion material that is present in an amount to provide a dry weight ratio to the cyanoacrylate polymer of from about 0.02:1 to about 0.8:1, and a hydrophilic binder to provide a dry weight ratio of a hydrophilic binder to the cyanoacrylate polymer of up to 1:1. Thermal imaging energy causes the exposed areas of the imaging layer to adhere to the support while unexposed areas can be readily washed off and/or simultaneously inked for press runs.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises: a support; and an image-forming layer including a fluoroaliphatic group-containing copolymer, wherein the fluoroaliphatic group-containing copolymer contains a repeating unit corresponding to monomer (i) below and a repeating unit corresponding to monomer (ii) below:

Abstract: Aqueous-based thermally sensitive emulsions and imaging materials include two or more hindered phenol silver ion reducing agents in a non-crystalline reducing agent composition. Such compositions can be provided as evaporated dispersions and can be formulated in aqueous coating compositions to provide thermally developable materials such as thermographic and photothermographic materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photothermographic element comprising silver halide, a blocked developer, a coupler, and core/shell particles, each such particle comprising a mixture of at least two non-photosensitive organic silver salts, which particle comprises a center portion comprising a non-photosensitive first organic silver salt and at least one shell portion covering the center portion, the shell comprising a non-photosensitive second organic silver salt. The organic silver salt in the shell has a higher pKsp relative to the organic silver salt in the core. This invention also provides a composition comprising core/shell non-photosensitive organic silver salt particles, and a method of making the particles.

Abstract: Improved processes and products for laser thermal imaging are described. These improved processes and products utlilize an image rigidification element and significantly reduce halftone dot movement, swath boundary cracking and banding.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate formed of a support having sequentially disposed thereon a first layer, that is structured by a heat-insulating material having a low thermal conductivity, and that is made hydrophilic by being processed with one of an alkali and a silicate in an alkali developing solution after exposure; and a second layer whose alkali developability is changed, without ablation, by being irradiated with an infrared ray. Alternatively, a support that is structured by a heat-insulating material whose thermal conductivity is low, and in which a surface thereof is made hydrophilic by being processed with one of an alkali and a silicate in an alkali developing solution after exposure, may also be used as the support.

Abstract: A recording material for producing offset printing plates includes: a support having a hydrophilic surface, and an infrared-imageable layer including a) a component which is capable of absorbing infrared radiation and converting the infrared radiation to heat, b) a compound which is capable of releasing acid under the action of the heat generated by component a), and c) a polymeric binder having at least one group which is cleaved by the acid released from the compound b), and at least one hydrophilic group, and wherein the layer becomes soluble in an aqueous-alkaline developer in areas struck by infrared radiation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reversible recording material having a liquid crystal mixture comprising at least two cholesteric liquid crystal compounds. The cholesteric liquid crystal compounds which are contained in the reversible recording material has a molecular weight of less than 2000 and a grass transition temperature equal to or more than 30° C. The two cholesteric liquid crystal compounds are compatible each other. After at least a part of the reversible recording material is heated to a temperature where the part of the reversible recording material becomes a cholesteric liquid crystal phase, the part of the reversible recording material is rapidly cooled down to below the glass transition temperature thereof, so that a reflecting color from the reversible recording material can be fixed to achieve a recording.

Abstract: This invention comprises an imaging element comprising an imaging layer having associated therewith a compound of Structure I: In the above Structure I, the substituents are as defined in the application. Such compounds have good reactivity and can by used to block photographically useful compounds such as developing agents until thermally activated under preselected conditions. Compounds according to the present invention are especially useful in color photothermographic imaging elements.

Abstract: A presensitized plate comprising a support for a lithographic printing plate including an anodized layer formed on an aluminum plate and a recording layer recordable by infrared laser exposure on the support, wherein in a section of the anodized layer after the recording layer is provided, an atomicity ratio of carbon to aluminum (C/Al) represented by Auger Electron Spectroscopic analysis is 1.0 or less. In the case of being used as an on-machine development type, it exhibits a good on-machine development characteristic, a high sensitivity, a high press life, and high scum resistance during printing and while left (ink discharging). In the case of being used as a conventional thermal positive or negative working type, it exhibits an efficient use of heat for image formation, a high sensitivity, a high press life, and a slight possibility of scum occurrence at non-image areas.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition can be directly written on by a solid laser or semiconductor laser emitting infrared rays and is superior in storage stability and baking scum resistance, a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, and a process for producing a lithographic printing plate are provided. The photosensitive composition contains an alkali-soluble resin, an infrared absorber which absorbs light to generate heat, and an antioxidant which prevents the alkali-soluble resin and the infrared absorber from oxidizing. The antioxidant is preferably a phosphite compound and/or a mercaptoimidazole compound. Preferably, the photosensitive composition further contains a cyclic acid anhydride. In a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, a photosensitive layer made of the photosensitive composition described above is formed on a substrate.

Abstract: There is provided improvement of a light-heat conversion in a light-stimulated writing method.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a heat sensitive imaging element comprising on a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface an image forming layer including thermoplastic particles of a homopolymer or a copolymer of styrene and a hydrophilic polymer containing carboxyl groups, characterized in that said imaging element further contains an anionic IR-cyanine dye being present in said image forming layer or a layer adjacent thereto.

Abstract: In order to provide a computer-to-plate (CTP) plate in which an image can be inscribed by a laser beam having Ithe maximum strength in a near infrared or infrared region, and heat processing is not necessary prior to developing a latent image, and which allows the use of a conventional printing apparatus as it is upon printing, (I) a lithographic printing plate is provided which has on a substrate, a photosensitive layer comprising a photosensitive composition containing a crosslinking agent, an aqueous dispersion of resin fine particles made of a resin which is self water-dispersible having a carboxylic group and a functional group capable of performing cross-linking reactions with the crosslinking agent, and an infrared absorption agent; and (II) an image forming method is provided which is characterized in that after an image has been formed on a photosensitive layer of the lithographic printing plate set forth in the above (I) by using a laser beam, the image is subjected to wet development.

Abstract: A cost efficient method of making a lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of

Abstract: This invention relates to a photothermographic color element containing a mixture of blocked developers in the same emulsion layer, which blocked developers having different onset temperatures. Such a mixture has been found to allow for lower film processing temperatures and/or shorter times of development with respect to the blocked developer having a higher onset temperature. Conversely, improved discrimination can be obtained with respect to the blocked developer having the lower onset temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a lithographic printing plate, said method comprising:

Abstract: A process is described for the direct production of an imaged pattern of resist on a substrate surface (such as a pattern of etch-resistant organic resin material on the surface of a copper-clad dielectric in connection with a printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication process or in the process of producing printed plates), which process utilizes thermo-resists rather than photoresists, i.e., compositions which undergo thermally-induced, rather than photo-induced, chemical transformations. A film of thermo-resist composition applied to the substrate surface is scanned by a focused heat source (e.g., a thermal laser emitting in the IR region) in a predetermined pattern, without a phototool, to bring about localized thermally-induced chemical transformations of the composition which either directly produce the resist pattern or produce in the film a developable latent image of the pattern.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive composition of the positive type comprising a polymeric binder and a solubility inhibitor, wherein the said solubility inhibitor is a hydroxylated acrylic polymer, a hydroxylated acrylic copolymer or of a derivative thereof wherein some hydroxyl groups have been esterified by a carboxylic acid or a reactive derivative thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal transfer elements and processes for patterning solvent-coated layers and solvent-susceptible layers onto the same receptor substrate. These donor elements and methods are particularly suited for making organic electroluminescent devices and displays. The donor elements can include a substrate, an optional light-to-heat conversion layer, and a single or multicomponent transfer layer that can be imagewise transferred to a receptor to form an organic electroluminescent device, portions thereof, or components therefor. The methods offer advantages over conventional patterning techniques such as photolithography, and make it possible to fabricate new organic electroluminescent device constructions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a color photothermographic film in which particles comprising an organic silver salt is treated with a passivating agent. In particular, the present invention involves passivating the organic silver salts with an organic adsorbate that blocks the surface of the organic silver salt or ligand, resulting in a reduction of speed loss. The invention is also directed to a method of making a photothermographic element to improve raw stock keeping.

Abstract: A laser-induced thermal transfer ink sheet for forming a transfer image, comprising a support having thereon a light-to-heat converting layer containing a light-to-heat converting compound, an interlayer containing a resin, and an ink layer in that order, wherein the light-to-heat converting compound and the resin satisfy one of the following requirements (a) and (b);

Abstract: This invention relates to a color photothermographic element comprising a support, at least one photothermographic imaging layer, and at least one antihalation layer or filter layer, wherein the antihalation or filer layer comprises an aqueous heat-bleachable composition comprising at least one zwitterionic 1-aminopyridinium dye having a methine linkage terminated by a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic nucleus.

Abstract: The present invention uses a thermal transfer film in combination with a thermally sensitive color developing paper. The hue of the thermal transfer ink layer or the hue of the developed color of the color developing paper can be recorded on the color developing paper when the applied energy is low, and a plurality of colors can be recorded on the color developing paper by color mixture of the transfer from the thermal transfer ink layer and the developed color of the color developing paper when the applied energy is high.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer fine particles comprising: dispersing a solution obtained by dissolving a hydrophobic polymer in a solvent immiscible with water in an aqueous phase comprising fine particles of an oxide or hydroxide of at least one element selected from the group consisting of elements belonging to 2 to 15 groups in the periodic table using a surfactant; or dispersing a solution obtained by dissolving a hydrophobic polymer in a solvent immiscible with water in an aqueous phase comprising a water-soluble resin; and then removing the solvent from the oil droplets to form polymer fine particles dispersed in water.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an IR radiation-sensitive imaging element comprising on a hydrophilic surface of a lithographic base an image forming layer comprising (1) a water insoluble, alkali soluble or swellable resin having a phenolic hydroxy group, (2) a latent Bronsted acid, and (3) an amino crosslinking agent capable of reacting with the water insoluble, alkali soluble or swellable resin under the influence of an acid, characterized in that said image forming layer comprises a carbon black pigment as infrared absorber.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a heat mode imaging element for making a lithographic printing plate comprising on a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface a first layer including a polymer, soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and a top layer on the same side of the lithographic base as the first layer which top layer is IR-sensitive and unpenetrable for an alkaline developer wherein said first layer and said top layer may be one and the same layer; characterized in that said top layer contains at least one blockcopolymer in an amount between 0.5 and 500 mg/m2.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for obtaining a high quality printing plate by spraying a spray solution on a receiving surface of grained and anodized aluminum, characterized in that the spray factor (SF) is between 48 and 70 10 mN/m, wherein SF=(P/d×&sgr;) SF: Spray Factor (mN/m) P: Spray Profile (mm) d: distance between spray head and receiving surface (mm) &sgr;: surface tension (mN/m) and wherein the spray solution comprises hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles and a compound capable of converting light into heat.

Abstract: Thermally imageable lithographic printing plate precursors and heat-sensitive compositions for use in these printing plate precursors are disclosed. The compositions contain an aqueous developer soluble polymer, such as a phenolic resin; a compound that reduces the aqueous developer solubility of the polymer; and optionally, and infrared absorber. Examples of compounds that reduce the aqueous developer solubility of the polymer are those that contain at least one quarternized nitrogen atom, such as quinolinium compounds, benzothiazolium compounds, pyridinium compounds, and imidazoline compounds. On thermal imaging, the irradiated areas become more soluble in the aqueous developer and can be removed to form a positive image.