Abstract: A multi-layer sheet material imageable by both direct thermal printing devices and digital offset printing presses (e.g., Hewlett-Packard (HP) Indigo digital offset printing presses), is provided. In one contemplated embodiment, the inventive sheet material demonstrates good ink/media adhesion when imaged using HP Indigo presses, and is comparable or superior to standard direct thermal grades in terms of printability and durability. Where HP Indigo and direct thermal are on demand printing devices, the present invention makes it possible to have a production line where both are in operation at various process steps.

Abstract: A dual purpose receiver sheet suitable for use in both digital offset printing presses and xerographic (dry toner) printers and presses, is provided. The inventive receiver sheet employs a microporous toner receiving layer(s) prepared from fine particles in combination with at least one film forming binder, these components being present within a fixed ratio range. The inventive dual purpose receiver sheet with microporous toner receiving layer(s) exhibits good heat stability and good to excellent adhesion to both liquid toners used in digital offset presses and dry toners used in xerographic printing systems.

Abstract: A multifunction, direct thermal recording material made up of a base support having opposing planar surfaces, at least one thermal layer formed on at least one such planar surface for displaying a digital photographic image, graphical, numerical or textual information, or combinations thereof, and at least one machine readable information storage system (e.g., magnetic stripes, bar codes, RFIDs) contained on or within the base support and/or the thermal recording layer, is provided. In one embodiment, the inventive multifunction, direct thermal recording material is a hotel or hospitality establishment guest card which serves as both an identification card as well as a room access “key card”, and in another embodiment, the inventive recording material is a “declining balance” gift card or credit voucher which serves as a debit card and displays (or is capable of displaying) the original and declining value of the card or voucher.

Abstract: An aqueous coating formulation for use in preparing ink jet recording materials is provided. The coating formulation, which employs porous pigments and/or metal oxide gels in combination with inorganic pigments (i.e., calcium carbonate and mixtures of calcium carbonate and alumina), has a relatively high binder-to-pigment dry weight ratio. An ink jet recording material prepared using such an aqueous coating formulation is also provided. The ink jet recording material demonstrates good printability and provides images having excellent water and humidity resistance and high image densities. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive recording material further demonstrates good light or fade resistance.

Abstract: An ink jet coating composition comprising a blend of silicas, a blend of super and/or fully and partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohols, and a cationic resin is provided, where ink jet recording materials prepared from such compositions demonstrate a balance of properties including improved imaging performance and good water resistance.

Abstract: An ink jet coating composition comprising a blend of silicas, a blend of super and/or fully and partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohols, and a cationic resin is provided, where ink jet recording materials prepared from such compositions demonstrate a balance of properties including improved imaging performance and good water resistance.