Abstract: The present invention is drawn to compositions and coated substrates wherein a hydrophobic backside coating layer can be implemented for use that mitigates ink transfer, surface damage, smudging, and sticking between stacked sheets in output trays of ink-jet ink printers. The backside coating can comprise hydrophobic beads suspended in a polymeric blend having a hydrophilic polymeric binder component and a hydrophobic polymeric binder component. Alternatively, the coating can comprise a hydrophobic binder blended with a natural wax. Either coating can be applied directly to the backside of a media substrate or on top of an existing hydrophilic layer that is typically applied for curl and sheet feed performance.

Abstract: A flexible material for optical applications in a wavelength range of ?1 to ?2, ?1 being smaller than ?2, composed of a flexible support and at least one multilayer that comprises a porous or nanoporous layer which has a low refractive index and contains inorganic nanoparticles and at least one binder, and a non-porous polymer layer which has a high refractive index and is in direct contact with the porous or nanoporous layer; said flexible material is characterized in that the maximum thicknesses of the boundary layers, in which the refractive index changes from one value to the other and which are located between the porous or nanoporous layers and the non-porous polymer layers that are in direct contact therewith, amount to 0.2 times wavelength ?2; and the difference in the refractive indices of the porous or nanoporous layers and the non-porous polymer layers is at least 0.20, 200 nm and 2500 nm being typical values for ?1 and ?2.

Abstract: A recording material which comprises a polymeric substrate having two surfaces, wherein one surface is coated with a sealing layer comprising a particulate polymer having a film forming temperature of between 60° C. and 160° C. and an average particle size between 1 ?m and 50 ?m together with at least one binder, and at least one ink receiving layer; and the opposite surface is coated with an adhesive layer covered by a release liner. A related printing method whereby an image printed on the recording material is heated after printing to seal the sealing layer to provide a protected surface.

Abstract: There is described a recording medium and related ink jet printing method which comprises the steps of: 1) printing onto a receiving medium which comprises a substrate coated with at least one ink receiving layer comprising polymeric particles having film forming temperatures between 60° to 140 ° C. and a binder, and 2) heating the printed image to form a stable image-protecting coating. Preferably the printed image is heated by passing through a laminator. Alternatively the printed image is heated by passing through a laminator in conjunction with a second, inert releasing sheet which is held against the top surface of the print material. The second sheet may be used to produce a particular appearance to the final image such as high gloss or a security pattern. The receiving layers of the invention provide bright images after printing and fusing which show a high level of scratch and rub resistance even when wet.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to compositions and coated substrates wherein a hydrophobic backside coating layer can be implemented for use that mitigates ink transfer, surface damage, smudging, and sticking between stacked sheets in output trays of ink-jet ink printers. The backside coating can comprise hydrophobic beads suspended in a polymeric blend having a hydrophilic polymeric binder component and a hydrophobic polymeric binder component. Alternatively, the coating can comprise a hydrophobic binder blended with a natural wax. Either coating can be applied directly to the backside of a media substrate or on top of an existing hydrophilic layer that is typically applied for curl and sheet feed performance.

Abstract: A recording medium comprising a substrate coated with at least one ink receiving layer and at least one protective layer which comprises polymeric particles having film forming temperatures between 60 to 140° C., preferably between 100 to 120° C., and at least one binder. In the related printing method, the printed medium is heated to form a stable image protecting coating.