Abstract: The present invention relates to a high clarity water-sensitive carboxylated nitrile rubber composition which is particularly useful in making photopolymer formulations for printing plates utilized in flexographic printing applications. The present invention more specifically discloses a high clarity water-sensitive carboxylated nitrile rubber composition which is comprised of (a) a carboxylated nitrile rubber which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from about 33 weight percent to about 77 weight percent 1,3-butadiene, from about 15 weight percent to about 45 weight percent acrylonitrile and from about 8 weight percent to about 22 weight percent methacrylic acid and (b) from about 1 to about 10 phr of at least one organic acid which contains at least three carboxyl groups. The carboxylated nitrile rubber of this invention will typically have a Mooney ML-4 viscosity of less than about 80 and a volume swell of greater than 40 percent.

Abstract: A water processable photopolymeric composition for use in the manufacture of flexographic photopolymer printing plates is disclosed. Preferably, the flexomer blend includes a flexomer having an affinity for water combined with a hydrophilic crosslinking agent, a nonhydrophilic crosslinking agent, a swell enhancing filler, a hydrophilic plasticizer, a compatibilizer and a surfactant. The compatibilizer aids the blending of the hydrophilic components with the flexomer blend.