Abstract: A novel printing master and method for producing the same is disclosed which comprises the coating of a suitable substrate with an uncured silicone gum composition containing an activating proportion of a "blowing" or "foaming" agent. A particulate image pattern such as a toner image pattern, is transferred to the uncured silicone layer, followed by curing of the gum to an elastomeric ink releasable film. Activation of the "blowing" agent occurs during curing of the silicone to cause imagewise "foaming" of the silicone layer. After removal of the deposited image pattern, a "foamed" image is formed which is ink receptive and provides an imaged printing master suitable for use without a need for aqueous dampening solutions to provide ink release in non-imaged areas of the master.

Abstract: A novel printing master and method for producing the same is disclosed which comprises; coating a suitable substrate with a layer of an ink releasable material selected from the group consisting of silicone elastomers and heterophase polymeric compositions having a silicone phase. A particulate image pattern is thereafter deposited on the layer and fused thereon to provide ink receptive image areas on said layer. The material used to provide the particulate image pattern comprises a heterophase polymeric composition also having a silicone phase, thereby providing a physically compatible image pattern for adherence to the silicone containing ink release layer.

Abstract: Improved waterless lithographic plates are provided. The master which comprises a copolymer of siloxane blocks crosslinked to an elastomeric ink releasing condition and organic thermoplastic blocks which are ink accepting is imaged with a particulate material, preferably an ink accepting thermoplastic polymer, and the thermoplastic blocks heated and cooled to bond the particulate imaging material thereto.

Abstract: A method of removing irregularities on the surface of a waterless lithographic master comprising selectively heating an imaged adhesive silicone master, which is deformable at elevated temperature, at a temperature and for a time sufficient to smooth out irregularities in the surface of the master.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming waterless lithography printing masters comprising depositing a particulate image pattern on a non-tacky rubbery uncured silicone polymer, converting the non-tacky polymer into a softened gummy state and curing said softened polymer to fix the toner thereto.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline compositions having the optical properties of the cholesteric mesophase are disclosed. The compositions comprise at least one nematic liquid crystalline material and at least one potentially cholesteric material which has a molecular structure which is similar to that of a nematic liquid crystal. Uses of the novel compositions are also described.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline compositions having the optical properties of the cholesteric mesophase are disclosed. The compositions comprise at least one nematic liquid crystalline material and at least one potentially cholesteric material which has a molecular structure which is similar to that of a nematic liquid crystal. Uses of the novel compositions are also described.