Abstract: Non-phenolic direct thermal recording media have a thermally responsive layer containing a leuco dye and a plurality of non-phenolic developers including 1,3-diphenyl urea (DPU) and urea urethane (UU). This chemistry enables multi-purpose recording materials capable of withstanding multiple different types of environmental conditions or agents—such as a water soak, contact with polyvinyl chloride meat wrapping film, boiling water, dry and humid heat, sunlight, and contact with hand sanitizer. The unique non-phenolic chemistry allows the product's thermally responsive layer to have an ultra-low coat weight, less than 1.48 g/m2.

Abstract: We disclose specialized direct thermal recording media that are both phenol-free and water-dispersible. The thermally responsive layer of such media includes a leuco dye and an acidic developer. To avoid image fade and image formation problems associated with certain demanding environmental storage conditions, the developer is not only phenol-free but also a derivative of N,N?-diphenylurea. The thermal recording medium also includes a base coat between the substrate and the thermally responsive layer, the base coat containing a non-water-soluble binder, and a top coat carried by the substrate such that the thermally responsive layer is between the top coat and the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method of providing a silicone release coating material for a thermally-responsive record material while maintaining strong printability with UV inks and water based inks, as well as scuff resistance. The thermally-responsive record material includes a substrate with first and second surfaces. The first surface includes a heat sensitive coating having a colorless dye precursor and an acidic developer material in contiguous relationship. The release coating is provided with an aqueous mixture of a water soluble or water dispersible polymeric material, a silicone release agent, an excess of platinum catalyst, and a hydrophilic silica. The platinum catalyst is preferably provided in excess of 150 ppm. The hydrophilic silica is preferably fumed silica. The release coating is cured at a temperature of 160° C. or less, or even from 70° C. to 120° C.

Abstract: Dispersible record materials or media include a water-soluble or water-dispersible paper substrate, a printable layer carried by the substrate, and a base coat between the substrate and the printable layer. The printable layer may be a thermally responsive layer, e.g. containing a leuco dye and an acidic color developer, or an inkjet receptive layer. The binder material used in the base coat, and the base coat itself, are non-water-soluble, but nevertheless tailored in such a way that the record material as a whole is water-dispersible, i.e., it breaks apart under the influence of water with minimal agitation. The binder material of the base coat is preferably a non-resinous binder, a particulate binder, and/or a binder derived from a dispersion, such as latex. Use of such a binder material in a carefully selected concentration, with other elements, provides a base coat that allows for high quality images to be thermally printed at high print speeds on the thermally responsive layer.

Abstract: Direct thermal recording media are designed to operate based on a thermally-induced change of state rather than a thermally-induced chemical reaction between a leuco dye and an acidic developer. The media use two types of scattering particles, one of which changes its state from solid to liquid during printing, and the other of which does not. The former particles, upon melting, fill spaces between the latter particles, thus eliminating or substantially reducing light scattering, which makes an underlying colorant visible at selected print locations where heat is locally applied. The latter, higher melting point particles have a caged morphology and comprise perforated particles. The media can provide high quality thermally-produced images at print speeds at least as high as 10 inches per second (ips).

Abstract: A secure substrate may include a base layer and an opacity layer disposed above the base layer. An optional background layer may be disposed above the opacity layer. The secure substrate may further include an inkjet receptive layer. A first inkjet receptive layer may be disposed above the background layer, and a second inkjet layer may be disposed below the base layer. The opacity layer may include copper such as metallic copper flakes or other particles. The opacity layer may also include a binder material such as polyvinyl alcohol, and in some cases also carbon black, process black, or the like.

Abstract: A secure substrate may include a base layer and an opacity layer disposed above the base layer. An optional background layer may be disposed above the opacity layer. The secure substrate may further include an inkjet receptive layer. A first inkjet receptive layer may be disposed above the background layer, and a second inkjet layer may be disposed below the base layer. The opacity layer may include copper such as metallic copper flakes or other particles. The opacity layer may also include a binder material such as polyvinyl alcohol, and in some cases also carbon black, process black, or the like.

Abstract: Dual functionality recording media are disclosed. The recording media or materials can impart information both by direct thermal printing, and by being receptive to a modified inkjet printing technology known in the art as Memjet™ printing, which combines microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and inkjet technology. The recording materials include a base substrate to which several coatings are applied. The coatings are selected to provide both direct thermal functionality and receptivity to Memjet-type dye-based inks as applied in Memjet-type printing systems. Heat-sensitive recording capability is provided by a leuco dye/acidic developer combination. Receptivity to Memjet-type dye-based printing is provided by a topcoat of suitable composition. The present inventors recognized that Memjet-type inks printed onto the topcoat suffer from a graying problem, but the problem is solved by appropriate selection of the leuco dye/acidic developer combination.

Abstract: Direct thermal recording media are designed to operate based on a thermally-induced change of state rather than a thermally-induced chemical reaction between a leuco dye and an acidic developer. The media use two types of solid scattering particles, one of which changes its state from solid to liquid during printing, and the other of which does not. The former particles, upon melting, fill spaces between the latter particles, thus eliminating or substantially reducing light scattering, which makes an underlying colorant visible at selected print locations where heat is locally applied. The media can provide high quality thermally-produced images at print speeds at least as high as 10 inches per second (ips).