Abstract: Multi-layer, positive working, thermally sensitive imageable elements, useful as lithographic printing plate precursors, are disclosed. The elements comprises a substrate, an underlayer over the substrate, and a top layer over the underlayer. The top layer comprises polymeric material, which is a solvent soluble novolac resin or a derivative thereof. The polymeric material is a (a) novolac that has a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000, a derivative thereof functionalized with polar groups, or a derivative thereof functionalized with quadruple hydrogen bonding entities; (b) a solvent soluble m-cresol/p-cresol novolac resins that comprises at least 10 mol % p-cresol and has a weight average molecular weight of at least 8,000, a derivative thereof functionalized with polar groups, or a derivative thereof functionalized with quadruple hydrogen bonding entities; or (c) a mixture thereof. The imageable elements have increased scuff resistance and are thus less susceptible to damage during handling.

Abstract: Infrared absorbing compounds in which both the anion and the cation absorb infrared radiation, imageable elements that contain these compounds, and methods for forming images using the imageable elements are disclosed. The compounds have the structure: in which Y1 and Y2 are each independently hydrogen, halo, alkyl, diphenylamino, or phenylthio; R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently hydrogen, methyl, or SO3−, with the proviso that two of R1, R2, R3, and R4 are SO3−; R5 and R6 are each independently an alkyl group; Z1, Z2, Z4, and Z5 are each independently a benzo group or a naphtho group; Z3 and Z6 are each independently two hydrogen atoms, a cyclohexene residue, or a cyclopentene residue; X1, X2, X3, and X4 are each independently S, O, NH, CH2, or C(CH3)2; and n1 and n2 are each independently 0 to 4.

Abstract: Lithographic printing form precursors comprising positive working polymeric coatings on substrates may during storage or transportation undergo undesirable changes in their imaging properties. It has been found that acceptable properties can be restored by carrying out a heat treatment which involves a relatively short heating stage followed by accelerated cooling.