Abstract: A recording process is provided for producing recorded images having enhanced durability. The process includes applying droplets of ink by means of an ink-jet printer or a pen plotter in an image-wise fashion onto the surface of an ink-receiving layer supported on a transparent, plastic film support to record an image thereon, contacting the surface of the ink-receiving layer containing the recorded image against an opaque or transparent substrate to form a composite of the supported ink-receiving layer and the opaque or transparent substrate so that the ink-receiving layer containing the recorded image is positioned between the substrate and the transparent, plastic film support and then applying sufficient heat and pressure to the composite thus formed to adhere or laminate the supported ink-receiving layer to the substrate so that the recorded image is protected by the transparent, plastic film against abrasion, smearing, fading and water damage.

Abstract: This invention is a screen-printable ink receptive composition. It contains (a) a hydrophilic polymer and (b) a thickener and has (c) a viscosity of 10 to 1,000 poise at shear rates less than 10.degree. s.sup.-1 and exhibits (d) a shear thinning behavior defined by the following relationship:log(viscosity)=A ?log(shear rate)!wherein A represents (e) the slope of the line obtained by plotting log(viscosity) against log(shear rate) and has (f) a value of up to -0.1 when calculated over shear rates ranging from 10.degree. to 10.sup.-2 s.sup.-1.

Abstract: An optical element is provide which has a durability enhancing layer. There is provided an optical disk comprising a support having on one surface thereof, in order:a) a recording layer such that said recording layer does not cover the entire surface of said disk but leaves an annular portion at the outer diameter;b) a reflective layer such that said reflective layer does not cover the entire surface of said disk but leaves an annular portion at the outer diameter;c) a first protective layer having a thickness between about 2-20 .mu.m, said protective layer being of a material having good adhesion to said support and covering a portion of the surface of said disk having said reflective layer, including at least a portion of said annular portion;d) a second protective layer having a thickness of at least about 3 .mu.m, said second layer covering at least the area of said surface having the reflective layer and having good adhesion to said first protective layer.