Abstract: A method of printing using an ink or meltable ink layer which comprises dyes, pigments or other colorants. Bonding and/or crosslinking of the colorants is provided by the reaction between compounds selected from each of two chemical groups. The first group comprises compounds with functional groups capable of reacting with active hydrogen. The second group comprises compounds with functional groups containing active hydrogen, or compounds with functional groups containing active hydrogen after a conversion process. Either the first group or the second group is present in the ink, and an image is printed with the ink onto a substrate. The substrate comprises either the first or second group, as appropriate, to set up a later reaction with the ink. The reaction is delayed until the image is subsequently transferred to another substrate or is permanently fixed on the substrate, by the presence of protecting or blocking agents, which are removed by the application of heat or other energy.

Abstract: A method of digitally printing a liquid ink by means of a printer which uses liquid ink such as an ink jet printer. The ink contains dyes or pigments or other colorants, a liquid carrier, and compounds with functional groups capable of reacting with active hydrogen, and compounds with functional groups containing active hydrogen, or functional groups capable of conversion to active hydrogen containing groups. One or more emulsifying agents emulsify the liquid ink. An image is printed onto a substrate, at a relatively low temperature, so that the ink is not activated during the process of printing on to the medium. The image is subsequently transferred or permanently fixed on the substrate by the application of heat and pressure, which activates the ink, and bonds the colorant to the substrate. The reactive compounds may be blocked with blocking agents which are removed by the application of heat or other energy during activation of the ink.

Abstract: A color image is printed onto a first substrate, which acts as an intermediate medium, using lithography, intaglio, gravure, relief printing or other printing process which uses plates. The image is subsequently transferred from the intermediate medium to a final substrate, which may be a textile of natural fabric, such as cotton.Bonding and/or crosslinking of the color images are provided by the reaction between compounds selected from each of two chemical groups. The first group comprises compounds with functional groups capable of reacting with active hydrogen, such as isocyanate or epoxy groups. The second group comprises compounds with functional groups containing active hydrogen, or compounds with functional groups containing active hydrogen after a conversion process. The functional groups of one or both reactive chemical groups are protected either by chemical blocking with blocking agents or by physical barrier such as encapsulating agents.

Abstract: A method of printing an ink or meltable ink layer which comprises dyes or pigments or other colorants. The ink or ink melt layer comprises compounds with functional groups capable of reacting with active hydrogen, and compounds with functional groups containing active hydrogen, or functional groups capable of conversion to active hydrogen containing groups. An image is printed onto a substrate, at a relatively low temperature, so that the ink is not activated during the process of printing on to the medium. The image is subsequently transferred or permanently fixed on the substrate by the application of heat and pressure, which activates the ink, and bonds the colorant to the substrate. The reactive compounds may be blocked with blocking agents which are removed by the application of heat or other energy during activation of the ink.