Abstract: A reflective laminated strip includes an aluminum alloy or steel strip having a cleaned and conversion coated outer surface, an adhesive layer adjacent the conversion coated outer surface, and a polymer layer joined to the adhesive layer. An exterior side of the polymer layer is coated with a reflective metal layer that is preferably stainless steel, chromium, nickel or aluminum having a thickness of less than about 5000 .ANG.. In a preferred embodiment, an interior side of the polymer layer is coated with an adhesion-promoting metal layer or metal oxide layer having a thickness of about 50-5000 .ANG..

Abstract: A sheet material suitable for imaging by laser radiation includes a substrate, an adhesive layer comprising a thermoplastic or elastomeric polymer coated onto the substrate, and a particle layer adhered to the adhesive layer and comprising a plurality of carbon or metal or mineral particles that are subject to laser ablation. The particle layer preferably contains alumina particles. The adhesive layer may be filled with particles and is preferably filled with titanium dioxide particles that are more sensitive to laser radiation than the thermoplastic or elastomeric polymer. Preferably, a silicone or silicate layer that is not subject to laser ablation overlies the particle layer.

Abstract: A lithographic sheet material comprising a metal substrate coated with a non-photosensitive thermoplastic adhesive layer, and a coating of mineral or metal particles adhered to and within the adhesive layer. A photosensitive layer is coated over the particles.

Abstract: A reflective laminated strip includes an aluminum alloy strip having a cleaned and conversion coated outer surface, an adhesive layer adjacent the conversion coated outer surface, and a polymer layer joined to the adhesive layer. An exterior side of the polymer layer is coated with a reflective metal layer that is preferably stainless steel, chromium or aluminum having a thickness of less than about 5000 .ANG..

Abstract: A printing plate is made by coating a metal substrate with a polymer layer having an outer surface, coating the polymer layer with solid particles having an average particle size of less than about 30 microns, and compressing the solid particles so that most of them are below the polymer layer outer surface. The solid particles are preferably alpha-alumina particles having an average size of about 1-10 microns. The printing plate has improved wear resistance.

Abstract: A process for making lithographic sheet material. A metal sheet substrate is coated with a thermoplastic adhesive layer, and a particle layer is adhered to and within the adhesive layer while it is near its melting point. The adhesive layer is preferably polyethylene terephthalate and the particle layer preferably contains alumina particles.