Abstract: A monolithic particle-containing layer in multi-layered sheeting (for example, sheeting of the type comprising resilient vinyl flooring) is produced by applying a composition comprising a liquid material having dispersed therein decorative particles (for example, a vinyl plastisol containing dispersed vinyl dryblend particles) to a surface of a layer of the multi-layered sheeting, the application of the composition being preferably by the reverse roll coating method.

Abstract: An in-mold label with a coupon composed of a base layer having formed on the back side thereof an adhesive layer, in which said base layer comprises a biaxially stretched resin film, a part of the adhesive layer has a formation density of 50% or less to form a less adhesive zone, with at least one end of the less adhesive zone remaining non-adhesive to provide a stripping starting part having a width of from 5 to 10 mm measured from the end of the less adhesive zone to the direction of stripping and an area ratio of not more than 30% based on the total area of the less adhesive zone, the surface of the base layer corresponding to the less adhesive zone has printed thereon a coupon, and the periphery of the printed coupon is perforated. The in-mold label, after integrally molded with a resin container, suffers from no blister, and the coupon can easily be stripped off the container with fingers.

Abstract: A synthetic resin decorative material including an antistatic layer containing an electrically conductive film formed on a surface thereof without changing the color, design and pattern of the decorative material. The synthetic resin may be a synthetic resin decorative sheet/plate. The antistatic function of the antistatic layer is improved such that occurrence of cracks in the antistatic layer can be prevented when the decorative material having the antistatic layer is thermally molded. To prepare the decorative material, a transfer sheet is pressed while being heated onto a surface of a synthetic resin decorative base material including a synthetic resin sheet or plate. To prepare the transfer sheet, electrically conductive paint containing an electrically conductive matter formed by coating inorganic fine powder having a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.7 with an electrically conductive tin oxide is applied onto a 1 to 5 .mu.

Abstract: A structure consisting of two cover layers sandwiching a polymer and solvent layer is useful for making automatic light valves. Mechanical and optical properties are improved by a novel continuous network of bonds which transmit stresses from one cover layer, to and among the polymer chains, and then to the second cover layer. The laboratory and factory preparation methods necessitated by this layered and bonded structure are described. These automatic light valves may be used for making optical displays, processing information, and building apertures.

Abstract: An artificial marble sheet is formed of a pair of carrier films, an SMC layer and a resin concrete layer which has plasticity but does not contain glass fibers laminated between the carrier films. A method of manufacturing the artificial marble sheet as defined above which includes forming a resin concrete layer which has plasticity but does not contain glass fiber on a first carrier film, forming an SMC layer on a second carrier film and bringing the resin concrete layer and the SMC layer into an intimate contact to each other. Carrier films are removed from the artificial marble sheet and press molding is applied under heating such that the resin concrete layer is located on the side of the surface of the product.

Abstract: A hot stamping foil comprising in order a carrier, optional release control layer, color layer, and adherence layer, wherein the adherence layer comprises a mixture of ethylene copolymer dispersion and acrylic dispersion. Also a method using such foils to form graphic patterns on articles such as retroreflective license plates, stickers, or emblems and articles bearing graphic patterns formed using such foils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recording medium which has an electroconductive layer which exhibits strong stable resistance to humidity and water, and provides high precision visual images and color reproduction of superior quality. The electroconductive substrate comprises an electroconductive layer on at least one side, wherein the electroconductive layer contains an electroconductive pigment, a normal salt and a binder; the binder contains 20 to 85 weight % of starch and the normal salt is maintained at 10 to 100 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of said electroconductive pigment. The recording medium comprises a recording layer which is formed on the electroconductive layer described above, and may contain silicone resin particles therein for further improvement of high prevision visual images.

Abstract: An image-receiving element and a method of using same in the production of images by thermal dye transfer processing, the image-receiving element comprising a support, a polymeric security layer having a printed security layer, and an image-receiving layer for receiving dye by thermal transfer from a dye donor sheet, the polymeric security layer having cohesivity less than its adhesivity for each layer contiguous and the printed security pattern being destroyed by an attempted delamination of the image-receiving layer from the image-receiving element.

Abstract: A delaminating coating for use in a thermal transfer system is provided that possesses both delaminating properties and antistatic properties. This delaminating coating can be used on a donor sheet or an intermediate carrying sheet of a thermal retransfer system. The preferred delaminating/antistatic coating is formed from a composition of a vanadium oxide colloidal dispersion.

Abstract: Printing substrate materials (e.g., paper, cardboard, card stock, label stock, facsimile paper, thermally sensitive record materials, plastic film, et cetera . . . ) having at least one layer of an air dryable ultraviolet protective primer formed thereon. One or more layers of topcoat, such as a radiation curable topcoat, may be applied over top of the primer of the present invention to form a complete primer/topcoat system on the substrate material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous correcting fluid, the use of which prevents bleeding of aqueous ink dyes during correction of writing errors or erasure of documents using white out. This is accomplished according to the present invention by the fact that the correcting fluid contains an anionic or non-ionic active binder plus an aminosilanes. The aminosilane-modified correcting fluid of this invention may be substituted for solvent-based fluids, without adversely affecting other properties such as water resistance, opacity and curing.

Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet which is capable of preventing ground staining, trailing, etc., at the time of printing and has been improved in image density, resolution, etc., is provided by forming a sensitizing layer having a lower melt viscosity than an ink layer between the ink layer and a substrate film, even when such a thermal transfer sheet is used for an n-fold recording mode. Further, a thermal transfer sheet suitable for an n-fold recording mode which is capable of uniformly transferring an ink layer, is capable of preventing white dropout, ground staining, trailing, etc., at the time of printing, and has been improved in image density, resolution, etc., is provided by forming a surface layer on the surface of the ink layer, and forming the ink layer and surface layer so that the ink layer has a melt viscosity of 1000-5000 cps at 100.degree. C. and the surface layer has a melt viscosity of 2000-10000 cps at 150.degree. C.

Abstract: A thermal image transfer recording medium, containing a support, a thermal image transfer ink layer formed on the support, and a heat-resistant protective layer formed on the back side of the support, opposite to the thermal image transfer ink layer with respect to the support, the heat-resistant protective layer having a tensile strength effective to prevent the protective layer from adhering to a thermal head and to prevent loss of flexibility of the protective layer, the heat-resistant protective layer, containing an amount of each of (i) an amino-modified polysiloxane, (ii) a polyisocyanate and (iii) a reaction product of the amino-modified polysiloxane and the polyisocyanate effective for obtaining the tensile strength in the heat-resistant protective layer.

Abstract: An identification label for permanently marking a metal or other etchable surface such as an automobile part with an identifying indicia is disclosed. The label has a protective cover sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive irremovably affixed to the cover sheet, and a liner with a release coating removably affixed to the adhesive. An identifying indicia comprising an etchant in a visible vehicle such as a printing ink is printed on the adhesive at the interface of the removable liner and the adhesive so that when the liner is removed, the remaining portions of the label may be adhesively attached to the metal surface with the etchant of the identifying indicia in etching contact therewith. The identifying indicia will thus be etched into the surface of the part for a permanent marking of the part.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer medium comprises a heat-resistant base sheet and provided thereon a release layer and an image-receiving adhesive layer on which an image pattern is formed by a sublimation transfer means in accordance with image data, said image-receiving adhesive layer, on which said image pattern has been formed, being transferred to a transfer substrate together with said release layer to produce an image-recorded article, wherein said image-receiving adhesive layer is comprised of a thermoplastic resin having a glass transition point of 50.degree. C. or above and a filler added to the thermoplastic resin and selected from the group consisting of an inorganic filler having a melting point of 200.degree. C. or above and an organic filler having a softening point or decomposition point of 200.degree. C. or above.

Abstract: A transfer sheet material for forming retroreflective graphic images on a substrate, the sheet material comprising a monolayer of transparent microspheres; a color layer printed over the microspheres in a first graphic segment of the sheet material in an imagewise pattern, the color layer comprising a transparent colorant in a transparent resin; a reflective layer printed over the microspheres in a second graphic segment of the sheet material in an imagewise pattern, the reflective layer comprising reflective flakes in a transparent binder, wherein the microspheres are partially embedded in at least one of the color layer and the reflective layer, individual microspheres having the reflective flakes arranged in cup-like fashion about their embedded portions; and a bonding layer printed over the color layer and the reflective layer, the bonding layer being sufficiently thick to embed all exposed surfaces of the color layer and the reflective layer and being adapted for use in securing the sheet material to a s

Abstract: A process for producing a labeled hollow container comprising inserting a label having a multi-layer structure into a hollow mold and blow molding a molten parison of thermoplastic resin C in the mold is disclosed, in which the label is composed of a base layer comprising thermoplastic resin A having on one side thereof a heat-sealable resin layer comprising a mixture of at least lower-melting thermoplastic resin B and higher-melting themoplastic resin B' both having a melting point at least 20.degree. C. lower than that of the themoplastic resin A, the mixture of themoplastic resins B and B' satisfying relationships:5<T.sub.mc -T.sub.mB' <8015<T.sub.mB -T.sub.mB <50wherein T.sub.mc is a melting point of thermoplastic resin C constituting the parison; T.sub.mB, is a melting point of higher-melting thermoplastic resin B'; and T.sub.

Abstract: An image protecting film useful for protecting an image recorded on a porous recording medium by an ink jet recording system, which film comprises a light transmitting non-porous support and a layer composed mainly of a polyester resin formed on the support, said polyester resin being a copolymer comprising aliphatic dicarboxylic acid units, aromatic dicarboxylic acid units and aliphatic polyol units. Also disclosed is an image protecting method which comprises overlaying the above image protecting film on a porous recording medium having an image recorded thereon, so that the layer composed mainly of the polyester resin is in contact with the recording medium, followed by hot press bonding. The image protected by the image protecting film and the image protecting method of the present invention is excellent in the light resistance, the water resistance and the color development.

Abstract: Methods for applying decalcomanias to various porous surfaces, including textile surfaces such as canvases, are disclosed, including applying a bonding agent to the porous surface, providing a water slide-off decalcomania, including a backing sheet with a water-soluble coating, a first coating layer on the backing sheet, a design layer, and a second coating layer disposed on the design layer, and applying the decalcomania to the bonding agent.

Abstract: A security element that can be embedded in the form of a thread or strip in a security document, in particular a paper of value, is composed of two carrier sheets, each of which bears each of the marking substances allowing for detection of authenticity. The two carrier sheets are put together in such a way that the marking substances to be protected from mechanical abrasion and other external influences come to lie on the inside.The thread not only offers special protection for the marking substances, but can also be embedded in the paper substance easily due to its symmetrical structure and without showing any tendency to curl.

Abstract: An optical recording medium comprising a substrate and a thin organic film containing at least one kind of dye selected from polymethine family dyes, perylium family dyes, and cyanine family dyes, and a recording process comprising scanning the optical recording medium with a high intensity light beam such as a laser beam to form optically detectable pits on the recording medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating coverings for floors or walls and to such coverings comprising at least an upper sheet (21), a lower sheet (23) charged and made flexible, and a decoration interleaved between said sheets, substantially comprised of a material derived from propylene polymer.

Abstract: A placemat defining a translucent upper surface supporting a red/yellow obscuring design; a plate formed of a transparent red material; and a latent image formed on the placemat obscured by the red/yellow design, the plate being placed upon the placemat overlying the latent image to filter out the obscuring design and reveal the latent image.

Abstract: A process for decoration of the surfaces of an object by sublimation of ink consisting in; using as a sublimable ink support a material which is sufficiently extensible and air-permeable so as to conform to the shape of the object to be decorated without adversely effecting the decoration to be sublimated, enveloping the object in the ink support, and placing the enveloped object in a vacuum machine which is introduced into a heated space to thereby cause transfer of the decoration to the object.

Abstract: A method of protecting machine-readable markings on the surfaces of articles consisting in applying to the machine-readable markings a thin layer of an amorphous fluoropolymer, which may be, i.a., a copolymer of perfluoro(1,3-dioxole) or of perfluoro(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole) with a fluoromonomer selected from a specifically recited group, especially, with tetrafluroethylene; or a cyclic aliphatic homopolymer in which the repeating unit contains an aliphatic ring of 5-9 members, at least two of the ring members being carbon atoms independently substituted either by fluorine atoms or by perfluoromethyl groups, at most two of the ring atoms being oxygen atoms, the remaining portions of the repeating units, when present, being pefluoromethylene groups.

Abstract: Wallpaper comprises a coating layer (2) containing latex binder and pigment on top of a base paper (1). The coating layer (2) contains a surface coating (PP) containing pigment and latex binder and its amount is at least 20 g/m.sup.2 as dry matter. The total amount of the coating layer (2) is at least 30 g/m.sup.2 as dry matter. The surface coating (PP) contains at least 30-70 parts of the latex binder per 100 parts of a water-insoluble pigment, whereof the amount of a water-insoluble inorganic mineral pigment is at least 40 wt-%. The wallpaper has essentially the same external properties as an ordinary PVC coated wallpaper and improved printing and embossing properties.

Abstract: Striped films of the invention can have two or more preferably polymeric layers, of which at least one continuous or discontinuous layer includes a pigmented resin. The striped film is produced by modifying conventional coextrusion dies to restrict the flow of a pigmented melt stream. The result is a striped film useful for identifying the contents of a package made from the film, tamper evidence, counterfeit protection and verification of properties. The stripes can be of one or more colors, and vary in width and spacing. The pigment can be a material visible in ordinary light, or a material invisible in ordinary light but visible in e.g. ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A method of protecting machine-readable markings on the surfaces of articles consisting in applying to the machine-readable markings a thin layer of an amorphous fluoropolymer, which may be, i.a., a copolymer of perfluoro(1,3-dioxole) or of perfluoro(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole) with a fluoromonomer selected from a specifically recited group, especially, with tetrafluoroethylene; or a cyclic aliphatic homopolymer in which the repeating unit contains an aliphatic ring of 5-9 members at least two of the ring members being carbon atoms independently substituted either by fluorine atoms or by perfluoromethyl groups, at most two of the ring atoms being oxygen atoms, the remaining portions of the repeating units when present, being pefluoromethylene groups.

Abstract: A seal comprising a substrate which is at least translucent to light having a transparent masking material disposed in an indicia-defining pattern on the inner surface of the substrate. A colorant layer is disposed over the masking material and extends beyond the pattern. There is an adhesive disposed at least over the area of the colorant. The present invention also includes a tamper indicating opaque container such as an envelope or carton has a window defined within the closure flap. A translucent or transparent panel overlaying the window has a transparent masking material of low adhesion properties disposed in an indicia-defining pattern. A colorant layer is disposed over the transparent masking material and an adhesive in turn is disposed over the colorant layer and transparent masking material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel printed glass grating decorative plate, to be used as building decorations, articles of daily use and furniture ornaments. It includes a glass plate coated by silk-screen printing technology with a layer of pattern in colored printing ink or of vitreous enamel, a layer of adhered transparent resin and a layer of resin in grating relief with reflexive metal film. This plate has not only an excellent quality of wear-resistance but also magnificent and attractive color effects.

Abstract: A heat-transfer recording medium is disclosed, which produces no lowering in transfer density even when the medium is used under such higher-temperature conditions as in a facsimile equipment and is capable of providing an easily readable transferred image having a low surface gloss, as well as having an excellent keep-secrecy and producing few voids. The recording medium comprises a support; a heat-transfer layer, provided on the support, comprising a thermo-fusible substance and a colorant; and a non-transfer layer which is interposed between the support and the transfer layer and comprises a colorant, a thermoplastic polymer selected from the following Group A and a thermoplastic polymer selected from the following Group B:Group A: an .alpha.-olefin polymer, an .alpha.-olefin-maleic anhydride copolymer, an .alpha.-olefin-alkyl acrylate and methacrylate copolymer, an .alpha.-olefin-vinyl acetate copolymer, an .alpha.

Abstract: An aluminum object is manufactured by a process including chromate conversion coating of the aluminum object; sequentially applying a primer coat to the outer surface and thereafter applying a dielectric substrate basecoat; vacuum metallizing a corrosion prone metal, namely indium, on the dielectric substrate basecoat to form "islands" of the indium that are top coated with a clear resinous layer to encapsulate and insulate the islands, one from another. The indium islands are less than one thousand angstroms thick and have an average diameter of less than three thousand angstroms. The island structure is etched following the growth of the metal as it is deposited between the nucleation stage and the stage of channelization of formation of an electrically conductive film. The etchant is selected to clear channels between island structures to improve adhesion of a dielectric resinous top coat to the dielectric substrate by order of magnitude to adhesion to the islands.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording medium comprising a substrate and a hot-melt ink layer, provided on one surface of the substrate, and a back-coated layer, provided on the other surface of the substrate, said hot-melt ink layer comprising a polyether resin having a basic bisphenol structure and hydroxyl groups at the terminal ends thereof as a binder, and a colorant, said back-coated layer comprising a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and an amino-modified silicone oil, is disclosed.The thermal transfer recording medium of the present invention is capable of forming a transferred image of high quality substantially without being affected by the surface properties of the image receiving paper, and has a high stability.

Abstract: The invention provides decorative, inlaid sheet materials which incorporate a matrix layer of discrete, low aspect ratio particles embedded in a resinous coating. The use of printed patterns which are visible beneath the adhesive matrix containing the particles constitutes a characteristic of the invention. The sheet materials of this invention are real through-patterned inlaids which do not lose their pattern due to wear in use, and which offer unique design advantages and flexibility, as well as superior properties.

Abstract: Damage resistant high pressure decorative laminate having excellent scratch, mar, scrape and abrasion resistance, as well as excellent appearance and cleanability and methods of producing same.

Abstract: A novel method of making a laminated label construction is provided which involves (1) providing a temporary carrier having a first relatively strong release surface and a second relatively weak release surface on opposite sides thereof, (2) forming a heat sealable lacquer on said first release surface so as to form a label face film having a predetermined edge configuration, (3) forming indicia on at least one selected portion of said label face film (in the case where printed labels are desired), and (4) forming a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive in overlying bonded relationship with the indicia (when present) and the protective lacquer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive has lateral dimensions less than those of the label face film. The lacquer face film comprises at least one heat-activatable ingredient that becomes tacky when heated and thereby provides heat-sealing properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to an imaging sheet manifold comprising a transparent polymeric sheet imageable in an imaging machine and an opaque sheet adhered thereto by means of a removable pressure-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive comprises a) 50-90% by weight of a lower alkylacrylate the alkyl chains of which can be from 4-12 carbon atoms; b) 10-50% by weight of a higher alkylacrylate or methacrylate, the alkyl chains of which can be from 12 to 26 carbon atoms, and c) a crosslinker. This invention also comprises a method of making the novel imaging manifold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process in which1. a water-dilutable basecoat composition is applied which contains at least one water-dilutable binder, metallic pigments, if desired color pigments, if desired conventional auxiliaries and additives and up to 20% by weight of organic solvents,2. a polymer film is formed from this basecoat composition,3. a transparent topcoat containing a polymer containing silyl groups and obtainable by copolymerization of p1 p.sub.1) 0.1 to 40% by weight of ethylenically unsaturated silane monomers of the general formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is alkyl, aryl, acyl, aralkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atomsR.sup.2 is an organic radical having a polymerizable double bondX is a hydrolyzable groupn is 1, 2 or 3p.sub.2) 5 to 30 % by weight, preferably 8 to 25% by weight, of monomers having at least 2 polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated double bonds andp.sub.

Abstract: An optical recording medium comprising a substrate and a thin organic film containing at least one kind of dye selected from polymethine family dyes, perylium family dyes, and cyanine family dyes, and a recording process comprising scanning the optical recording medium with a high intensity light beam such as a laser beam to form optically detectable pits on the recording medium.

Abstract: A wall covering is arranged to provide for opaque panels mounted with transparent panels, and wherein the opaque panels are arranged to include transparent windows therethrough to permit viewing of a wall surface accommodating the wall covering structure. A modification of the invention includes vertical reservoirs arranged in adjacency and coextensively relative to one another to define the panels, wherein the reservoirs are arranged for the reception and subsequent selective drainage of contrastingly colored fluids therewithin. Photochromic panel members are arranged for positioning as desired on the outer surface of the reservoirs.

Abstract: This invention relates to paper translites comprising a translucent paper sheet or web bearing on the front facing thereof an image area of a right reading in one or more colors, and on the back facing thereof an image area but of a reverse image and of the same colors. Each of the image areas is printed by halftone dots, and the image area of the reverse image has substantially dot-for-dot registration with the image area of the right reading. The printing plate used for printing the image area for the reverse image has about the same or a lower percentage of halftone dots than the printing plate used for printing the image area for the right reading, thereby resulting in a lighter value for each color of the reverse image relative to the same color of the right reading. The resulting translite is equally pleasing viewed by reflective light only and viewed by transmitted light.

Abstract: Graphic laminar sheet material in which a barrier layer separates a base layer and an eradicable layer of color contrasting with the base layer.

Abstract: A decorative sheet comprises a transparent or translucent base sheet having a rear surface on which protrusion and recess patterns are formed and a bright set-solid print layer or bright pattern print layer formed on a side of the protrusion and recess patterns of the base sheet. Each of the protrusion and recess patterns is composed of parallel lines, continuous curved lines or a combination of the parallel lines and the curved lines each composed of protruded and recessed portions each in form of a groove having a width of 1 to 100 .mu.m. The base sheet has a front surface on which a transparent resin layer may be formed. The transparent resin layer is formed of a hardenable resin.

Abstract: A curable polymer composition for use in providing a dimensionally stable coating comprises a semi-interpenetrating polymer network. The semi-interpenetrating polymer network includes a reactive polymer component, cross-linking agent, and non-reactive polymer component. The non-reactive polymer component has a molecular weight of about 7,000-30,000, and preferably about 15,000. In preferred embodiments, the reactive polymer has a molecular weight of about 30,000-200,000, and preferably about 40,000-60,000. Spacecoat compositions made with formulations described, exhibit good long-term stability, and resistance to failure upon embossing of a substrate to which the retroreflective sheeting is applied.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a substrate of foil and/or synthetic organic polymer and a water-based ink affixed thereto which is water-resistant upon curing. A method of disposing a water-based, water-resistant ink on foil and/or synthetic organic polymer substrates.

Abstract: The invention provides decorative, inlaid sheet materials which incorporate one or more selectively deposited matrix layers of discrete, low aspect ratio particles embedded in a resinous coating. The use of printed patterns which are visible beneath the adhesive matrix containing the particles constitutes one embodiment of the invention. The sheet materials of this invention are real through-patterned inlaids which do not lose their pattern due to wear in use, and which offer unique design advantages and flexibility, as well as superior properties.

Abstract: Thermal transfer image recording material and a method of its production for an ID card which bears a distinct gradation image with high durabilty without using a laminate film, is disclosed. It is coated with a UV-setting resin and has a UV absorbing layer underneath for protecting the image from discoloring by UV irradiation.

Abstract: A process for producing a decorative sheet having the appearance of localized single or multi-colored patterns comprising: adding to a furnish of fibrous material in an aqueous dispersing medium about 0.1 to 25%, based on the weight of the fibers, of wax-encapsulated pigment beads containing numerous individual pigment particles of one or more colors, the beads having a particle size of about 0.1 to 2.0 millimeters; removing the aqueous dispersing medium from the furnish to form a fibrous sheet having the wax-encapsulated pigment beads dispersed therein; and heating the sheet to a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt the wax from the pigment beads, the pigment beads exhibiting random patterns of one or more distinct colors and intensity extending from the upper surface of the sheet to the bottom surface of the sheet; the decorative sheet formed by the method; and decorative laminates employing the decorative sheet are described.

Abstract: The invention provides decorative, inlaid sheet materials which incorporate a matrix layer of discrete, low aspect ratio particles embedded in a resinous coating. The use of printed patterns which are visible beneath the adhesive matrix containing the particles constitutes a characteristic of the invention. The sheet materials of this invention are real through-patterned inlaids which do not lose their pattern due to wear in use, and which offer unique design advantages and flexibility, as well as superior properties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heat transfer ink ribbon characterized by that the ink layer is made with a binder resin which is a graft polymer formed by grafting a backbone polymer with a vinyl compound of cyclic structure having a ring comprised of 4 or more atoms. This binder resin helps the ink ribbon to have an optimum gamma value and reproduce the smooth gradation.