Abstract: QHB-Modified free radical polymerizable compounds and free radical polymerizable compositions that comprise these compounds are disclosed. A QBH-modified free radical polymerizable compound has at least one moiety that comprises at least one free radical polymerizable group; a supporting backbone, and at least one and preferably at least two moieties capable of forming four or more, typically four, hydrogen bonds with similar or complementary units on other molecules or portions of molecules. Free radical polymerizable compositions that contain these compounds may be used in any of the well-known applications for free radical polymerizable compositions. They are especially useful for the formation of imageable elements useful as lithographic printing plate precursors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imageable element, which includes: a substrate; a crosslinked layer disposed on the substrate; and an imageable ink-receptive layer disposed on the crosslinked layer, the imageable ink-receptive layer including an ablation free imageable composition. The present invention provides methods of producing the above imaged element.

Abstract: QHB-Modified free radical polymerizable compounds and free radical polymerizable compositions that comprise these compounds are disclosed. A QBH-modified free radical polymerizable compound has at least one moiety that comprises at least one free radical polymerizable group; a supporting backbone, and at least one and preferably at least two moieties capable of forming four or more, typically four, hydrogen bonds with similar or complementary units on other molecules or portions of molecules. Free radical polymerizable compositions that contain these compounds may be used in any of the well-known applications for free radical polymerizable compositions. They are especially useful for the formation of imageable elements useful as lithographic printing plate precursors.

Abstract: Thermally imageable elements and methods for their preparation and use are disclosed. The elements contain, in order, a substrate; an underlayer; and an ink-repellent layer. The underlayer contains a crosslinked allyl functional polyurethane. A photothermal conversion material is present in either in the underlayer or in an absorber layer between the underlayer and the ink-repellent layer. Thermal imaging and development removes the ink-repellent layer and reveals the underlayer in the exposed regions to form an imaged element useful as a waterless lithographic printing plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative-working radiation imageable lithographic printing plate precursor, preferably having only two polymeric layers on a support. The first (bottom) layer is composed of oleophilic polymers and a photothermal converter which converts radiation to heat. The second polymeric layer (top) is composed of crosslinked hydrophilic polymers which absorb aqueous fountain solution and repel ink. The oleophilic polymers in the first layer contain functional groups are interlayer chemically bonded to the hydrophilic polymer in the second layer to provide interlayer adhesive bonding between the two layers. The plate is imagewise exposed to radiation, such as with an IR laser, resulting in non-ablative adhesion-weakening between the two layers so that the plate can be developed by fountain solution and/or ink on press whereby the top layer in the exposed area is removed on the press to reveal the ink-receptive image area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative-working radiation imageable lithographic printing plate precursor, preferably having only two polymeric layers on a support. The first (bottom) layer is composed of oleophilic polymers and a photothermal converter which converts radiation to heat. The second polymeric layer (top) is composed of crosslinked hydrophilic polymers which absorb aqueous fountain solution and repel ink. The oleophilic polymers in the first layer contain functional groups are interlayer chemically bonded to the hydrophilic polymer in the second layer to provide interlayer adhesive bonding between the two layers.

Abstract: The present invention includes a radiation-imageable element for lithographic printing having a hydrophilic anodized aluminum base with a surface having pores and a image-forming layer having polymer particles coated on the aluminum base. The ratio of the average pore diameter to the average particle diameter is from 0.4:1 to 10:1. The present invention further includes a method of producing the imaged element. The method includes the steps of imagewise exposing the radiation-imageable element to radiation to produce exposed and unexposed regions and contacting the imagewise exposed radiation-imageable element and a developer to remove the exposed or the unexposed regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imageable element, which includes: a substrate; a crosslinked layer disposed on the substrate; and an imageable ink-receptive layer disposed on the crosslinked layer, the imageable ink-receptive layer including an ablation free imageable composition. The present invention provides methods of producing the above imaged element.

Abstract: Thermally imageable elements and methods for their preparation and use are disclosed. The elements contain, in order, a substrate; an underlayer; and an ink-repellent layer. The underlayer contains a crosslinked allyl functional polyurethane. A photothermal conversion material is present in either in the underlayer or in an absorber layer between the underlayer and the ink-repellent layer. Thermal imaging and development removes the ink-repellent layer and reveals the underlayer in the exposed regions to form an imaged element useful as a waterless lithographic printing plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an imageable element that can be imaged and developed to produce a printing plate. The imageable element comprises a substrate and a radiation-sensitive imageable composition applied to the substrate. The imageable composition comprises (a) a first layer having (i) a photosensitive composition which undergoes a decrease in solubility in developer upon absorption of actinic radiation and (ii) an inhibitor, and (b) a second layer comprising an ink-repellent polymeric material. In one embodiment, the inhibitor is activated by heat or radiation of longer wavelength than actinic radiation. Upon activation, the inhibitor retards the solubility decrease of the photosensitive composition upon absorption of actinic radiation. In another embodiment, the inhibitor initially retards the solubility decrease of the photosensitive composition upon absorption of actinic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tropane analog having the structure (I) 1

Abstract: The present invention includes a radiation-imageable element for lithographic printing having a hydrophilic anodized aluminum base with a surface having pores and a image-forming layer having polymer particles coated on the aluminum base. The ratio of the average pore diameter to the average particle diameter is from 0.4:1 to 10:1. The present invention further includes a method of producing the imaged element. The method includes the steps of imagewise exposing the radiation-imageable element to radiation to produce exposed and unexposed regions and contacting the imagewise exposed radiation-imageable element and a developer to remove the exposed or the unexposed regions.

Abstract: Presensitized lithographic plates are prepared which permit direct formation of printable images on plates by digital computerization without the intervening formation of a photographic image with a quality that allows the plates to be used for high volume printing applications. The lithographic printing plate has a structure which contains a substrate; a positive or negative working photosensitive layer; and a thermally sensitive masking layer which is opaque to the actinic radiation but which is soluble in an aqueous medium. The masking layer contains a heat softenable disperse phase which is insoluble in the aqueous medium; a polymeric continuous phase which is soluble or swellable in the aqueous medium; and a colorant which strongly absorbs radiant energy and converts the radiant energy to heat.