Abstract: When the counter ion of hydrophilic cationic dyes is substituted with an organic anion including a sulfosuffinate anion such as diethylhexylsulfonate anion, an alkylbenzenesulfonate anion such as a dodecylbenzenesulfonate, an alkylsulfate anion such as a laurylsulfate anion, or a soap anion such as a laurylsulfate anion, the cationic dyes are imparted with hydrophobicity. An ink layer 3 containing the hydrophobic cationic dye is formed on a support 2 to provide a thermal transfer ink ribbon 10.

Abstract: When the counter ion of hydrophilic cationic dyes is substituted with an organic anion including a sulfosuffinate anion such as diethylhexylsulfonate anion, an alkylbenzenesulfonate anion such as a dodecylbenzenesulfonate, an alkylsulfate anion such as a laurylsulfate anion, or a soap anion such as a laurylsulfate anion, the cationic dyes are imparted with hydrophobicity. An ink layer 3 containing the hydrophobic cationic dye is formed on a support 2 to provide a thermal transfer ink ribbon 10.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus for expelling an ink from a print head (1) toward a recording medium (2) to form an image thereon has a fixing solution head (10) for forming on the recording medium (2) a dye acceptor layer composed of an intercalation compound which fixes and holds a dye of the ink by way of an intercalation. The fixing solution head (10) expels a solution (fixing solution) containing the intercalation compound. The ink jet recording apparatus is capable of forming images of excellent water resistance and light resistance.

Abstract: A sheet of the type which comprises a release base sheet and a thermal transfer image-receiving layer formed on the release base sheet and which is capable of releasing the thermal transfer image-receiving layer from the base sheet is described. The receiving layer is made of a dispersion, in a resin binder, of a layer compound capable of fixing cationic dyes through ion exchange reaction therewith. The receiving layer can be readily formed on a desired type of substrate by superposing the receiving layer on the substrate, after which the release base sheet is peeled off from the receiving layer. A thermal transfer image can be formed on the receiving layer by superposition with an ink ribbon containing a cationic dye and application of image information to the ink ribbon or by re-transfer of a cationic dye image from a printing paper. The thermal transfer image may be formed prior to the transfer of the receiving layer on the substrate.

Abstract: An ink composition for thermal transfer using a basic dye, or a cationic dye, is disclosed. The ink composition for thermal transfer contains the basic dye and an organic high polymer, with the basic dye being dissolved or dispersed into the organic high polymer with a solubilizing agent compatible with both the basic dye and the organic high polymer. The solubilizing agent is an amphipathic compound, preferably, having an HLB value of 7 or greater. By forming an ink layer containing the ink composition for thermal transfer on a base, an ink ribbon for thermal transfer is formed. A thermal transfer target sheet having a receptor layer containing an interlayer compound substituted by an ion exchangeable with the basic dye and a binder resin is used. The ion exchangeable with the basic dye is exemplified by an organic ion, such as an organic onium ion.

Abstract: A sheet of the type which comprises a release base sheet and a thermal transfer image-receiving layer formed on the release base sheet and which is capable of releasing the thermal transfer image-receiving layer from the base sheet is described. The receiving layer is made of a dispersion, in a resin binder, of a layer compound capable of fixing cationic dyes through ion exchange reaction therewith. The receiving layer can be readily formed on a desired type of substrate by superposing the receiving layer on the substrate, after which the release base sheet is peeled off from the receiving layer. A thermal transfer image can be formed on the receiving layer by superposition with an ink ribbon containing a cationic dye and application of image information to the ink ribbon or by re-transfer of a cationic dye image from a printing paper. The thermal transfer image may be formed prior to the transfer of the receiving layer on the substrate.

Abstract: Video printing paper used for a video printer is disclosed. A receiving layer comprising a polymeric material is formed on a surface of the video printing paper. Polyvinyl aromatic carboxylic acid ester or copolymer of it is used for the receiving layer. In the receiving layer, resin compatible with the polyvinyl aromatic carboxylic acid ester or its copolymer may also be used by 50 percent by weight or less. It is also possible to add a compound enhancing the dyeing property to the receiving layer. The compound for enhancing the dyeing property are exemplified by ester compounds and urethane compounds. This enables formation of an image superior in light resistance and weather resistance.