Abstract: Provided is a thermal transfer sheet that can suppress thermal fusion of the thermal transfer sheet and a transfer-receiving article and can improve the durability of a printed article obtained by transferring a transfer layer onto the transfer-receiving article, even if energy applied to the thermal transfer sheet was increased upon transferring the transfer layer onto the transfer-receiving article. This thermal transfer sheet 100 comprises a thermal transfer layer 10 on one surface of a substrate 1. The transfer layer 10 comprises one or more layers, and among the layers constituting the transfer layer 10, the layer closest to the substrate 1 contains a copolymer of isobutyl (meth)acrylate and a monomer having a carboxyl group, and the acid value of the copolymer is not less than 40 mg KOH/g.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon comprises a substrate, and a clear thermal transfer coating disposed on one side of the substrate, wherein the clear thermal transfer coating is substantially devoid of pigment material. Also, a method of manufacturing a thermal transfer ribbon for finishing a printed label comprises applying to one major side surface of a substrate a clear thermal transfer coating which is substantially devoid of pigment material. Further, an apparatus comprises a label printer, a thermal transfer printer, and an in-line feeding mechanism which interconnects the label printer and the thermal transfer printer to feed a printed label from the label printer to the thermal transfer printer so that the thermal transfer printer can thermally transfer a clear thermal transfer coating to the printed label to provide a finished label.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet, having, on a transparent support, a lenticular lens and at least one receptor layer in which the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet has a subbing layer which contains a resin that is identical with at least one resin constituting the lenticular lens, on the side of the transparent support opposite to the side on which the lenticular lens is provided, and the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet has a receptor layer containing a latex polymer on the subbing layer.

Abstract: A method of producing a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet, having the steps of: conveying a transparent support by web handling; providing at least one receptor layer on the transparent support; and drying the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet, in which the at least one receptor layer contains a latex polymer having a weighted average glass transition temperature of 30° C. or more, the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet is dried at a temperature that is higher than the weighted average glass transition temperature by 30° C. or more, and the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet has a lenticular lens on the side of the transparent support opposite to the side on which the receptor layer is provided.

Abstract: A heat transferable material includes a light stabilizer that is an N-oxyl radical derived from a hindered amine and having the formula, wherein R1, R2, R5, and R6 are each independently selected from a straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl or alkene, and R3 and R4 are each independently selected from H, CH2CH3, CH3, OH, OR, COOH, or COOR, wherein R is a straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl or alkene, and having a molecular weight of 600 or less, except that all of R1, R2, R5, and R6 are not methyl when both R3 and R4 are hydrogen. The heat transferable material can be in one or more sections or patches on a thermal donor element to provide a protective overcoat material. The heat transferable material provides better image stability and improved iridescence when applied to a receiver.

Abstract: A heat transferable material includes a heat transferable polymeric binder and a light stabilizer that is an N-oxyl radical derived from a hindered amine, the N-oxyl radical having the following formula, wherein R1, R2, R5, and R6 are each independently selected from a straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl, and R3 and R4 are each independently selected from H, OH, OR, COOH, or COOR, wherein R is a straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl or alkene, and having a molecular weight of 600 or less, is described. The heat transferable material can be in one or more sections or patches on a thermal donor element to provide a protective overcoat material. Optionally, a patch in the donor element can also include a dye. The heat transferable material provides better image stability and improved iridescence when applied to a thermal, inkjet, electophotographic, or silver halide receiver.

Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element can be used to provide a clear protective overcoat on a thermal image receiver element from a thermal transferable protective clear film on the donor element. This thermal transferable protective clear film includes a transparent poly(vinyl acetal) binder to which are attached silicone groups to improve scratch resistance of the transferred protective overcoat. Such protective overcoats can also be applied over thermally transferred dye images.

Abstract: Provided are compositions derived from a polycarboxylic acid, water soluble blue dyes and blue pigments in a fixed weight ratio. The compositions can be used to prepare thermal transfer donor elements that can be used to make blue pixels of a color filter element with improved surface characteristics and lightfastness.

Abstract: An image-forming method: by superposing a heat-sensitive transfer sheet on a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet so that a receptor layer can be contacted with a thermal transfer layer; and providing thermal energy in accordance with image signals; in which the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet comprises the receptor layer containing one of polyester and/or polycarbonate polymers, vinyl chloride polymers and/or a polymer latex; and in which the heat-sensitive transfer sheet comprises the thermal transfer layer containing a dye represented by formula (1) or (2): wherein, X141 represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or NR146; X142 represents a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, or NHR147; R141 to R154 each represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent; A151 represents a group of atoms necessary to form a hetero ring together with the two carbon atoms; and n153 represents an integer of 0 to 4.

Abstract: Provided is an image transfer material, comprising a support, optionally at least one barrier layer, a melt transfer layer, and an image receiving layer. Also provided is a process for preparing the image transfer material. Further provided is a heat transfer process using the disclosed material. In the heat transfer process, after imaging, the image receiving layer and melt transfer layer are peeled away from the optionally barrier-coated support material and placed, preferably image side up, on top of a receptor element. A non-stick sheet is then optionally placed over the imaged peeled material and heat is applied to the top of the optional non stick sheet. The melt transfer layer then melts and adheres the image to the receptor element. A composition comprising: at least one self-corsslinking polymer, and at least one dye retention aid.

Abstract: Methods of imparting functionality to a food surface are described. In general, a tubular food casing having a surface coated with a polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer is contacted with a food surface. The functionality is imparted onto the food surface, and in some instances, the polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer is subsequently removed.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet, containing; a support; at least one receptor layer containing at least two kinds of latex polymers, said latex polymers having different elastic moduli from each other; and at least one heat-insulation layer containing hollow latex polymer particles and a water-soluble polymer, said at least one heat-insulation layer being provided between the support and the at least one receptor layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes an image transfer sheet. The image transfer sheet comprises a release layer and a polymer layer. One or more of the release layer and the polymer layer comprise titanium oxide or other white pigment.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes a first polyimide substrate layer and a second layer of a polyetherimide/polysiloxane polymer.

Abstract: The invention is related to thermal imageable dielectric layers and thermal transfer donors and receivers comprising dielectric layers. The thermal transfer donors are useful in making electronic devices by thermal transfer of dielectric layers having excellent resistivity, good transfer properties and good adhesion to a variety of receivers.

Abstract: A heat transferable material includes a heat transferable polymeric binder and a light stabilizer that is an N-oxyl radical derived from a hindered amine, the N-oxyl radical having the following formula, wherein R1, R2, R5, and R6 are each independently selected from a straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl, and R3 and R4 are each independently selected from H, OH, OR, COOH, or COOR, wherein R is a straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl or alkene, and having a molecular weight of 600 or less, is described. The heat transferable material can be in one or more sections or patches on a thermal donor element to provide a protective overcoat material. Optionally, a patch in the donor element can also include a dye. The heat transferable material provides better image stability and improved iridescence when applied to a thermal, inkjet, electophotographic, or silver halide receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions derived from a polycarboxylic acid, and an ionic liquid. The compositions can be used to prepare thermal transfer donor elements.

Abstract: Provided are compositions derived from a polycarboxylic acid, a polyhydroxy compound, a dye and a vanadium catalyst. The compositions can be used to prepare films that can be used to prepare color filter elements via thermal transfer processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions derived from a polycarboxylic acid, a polyhydroxy compound, a dye and a basic crosslinking agent. The compositions can be used to prepare cross-linked films that exhibit low solvent-swell characteristics. The cross-linked films can be used to prepare color filter elements via thermal transfer processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions derived from a polycarboxylic acid, a polyhydroxy compound, a dye and a basic crosslinking agent. The compositions can be used to prepare cross-linked films that exhibit low solvent-swell characteristics. The cross-linked films can be used to prepare color filter elements via thermal transfer processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions derived from a polycarboxylic acid, a polyhydroxy compound, a dye and a basic crosslinking agent. The compositions can be used to prepare cross-linked films that exhibit low solvent-swell characteristics. The cross-linked films can be used to prepare color filter elements via thermal transfer processes.

Abstract: An image-forming method having: superposing a heat-sensitive transfer sheet on an image-receiving sheet so that a receptor layer can be contacted with a thermal transfer layer; and providing thermal energy in accordance with image signals given from a thermal head; in which the heat-sensitive transfer sheet is a sheet containing the thermal transfer layer that contains a colorant and at least one polyester as a binder component of the thermal transfer layer, in which at least one-second by molar ratio of the acid component of said polyester is terephtharic acid, or a sheet containing a thermal transfer layer that contains a colorant on one surface of a substrate film and a heat-resistant sliding layer formed so as to contain a hardener on the other surface of the substrate film; and the image-receiving sheet contains, on a support, the receptor layer that contains one of polyester and/or polycarbonate polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive composition comprising a copolymer (a) of a methylmethacrylate (MMA) and/or a butylmethacrylate (BMA) and a styrene (St), also provides an adhesive composition comprising a mixture of an acrylic polymer (b) and a ketone resin, wherein the acrylic polymer (b) is at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a poly MMA, a poly BMA, a MMA/BMA copolymer or a MMA/BMA/St copolymer, and also provides a thermal transfer sheet having a layer comprising the adhesive composition. The adhesive composition has excellent heat sealing characteristics and resistance to blocking when it is used for the formation of an adhesive layer, is also superior in miscibility with various organic or inorganic additives and allows these additives to exhibit their functions sufficiently when these additives are added and has high transparency.

Abstract: A dielectric composition for forming a dielectric layer usable in circuitized substrates such as PCBs, chip carriers and the like, the composition including at least two fluoropolymers and two inorganic fillers. A circuitized substrate including at least one such dielectric layer and at least one conductive layer thereon is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective heat transferable overcoat element comprising a support having thereon a protective polymer layer of at least one benzoated phenoxy resin of Formula I. The present invention also relates to a thermal transfer dye donor element comprising a support having on one side thereof at least one dye layer and a protective polymer layer of at least one benzoated phenoxy resin of Formula I and a thermal transfer assemblage comprising at least one thermal transfer donor element comprising a support having on one side thereof a protective polymer layer of at least one benzoated phenoxy resin of Formula I. Finally, the present invention relates to a protected image reproduction comprising a support, an imaging layer containing an image, and a transferred protective heat transferable overcoat comprising a protective polymer layer of at least one benzoated phenoxy resin of Formula I.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label assembly and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the assembly is particularly well-suited for decorating flexible plastic articles and comprises a paper substrate overcoated with a layer of polyethylene, a skim coat of wax overcoated onto the polyethylene layer, and one or more spaced apart, heat-transfer labels printed onto the skim coat. Each label is bondable to the article when activated by heat and consists of one or more ink design layers, each ink design layer comprising a mixture of polyester resins, a pigment, a cross-linking resin and a catalyst. When initiated by label transfer, the catalyst causes the cross-linking resin to partially cross-link the polyester resin to an extent that the label is endowed with protective properties while still retaining sufficient flexibility to avoid cracking when the article is flexed.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermal transfer donor element comprising a support layer and a transfer layer supported by the support layer and comprising a binder containing carboxylic acid groups. The transfer layer includes an organic compound containing a plurality of hydroxyl groups with a hydroxyl group concentration of less than 18 mM/g and at least one connecting group, wherein the organic compound is free of any N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)amide and any rosin ester. In another embodiment, a method of using the donor element is provided, particularly in the manufacture of a color filter.

Abstract: A thermally conductive material, a donor element including the material, a method of printing using the donor element, and a print assembly including the donor element are described, wherein the thermally conductive material includes at least two immiscible or incompatible organic polymers, or a block or graft copolymer, wherein the constituent homopolymer repeat units that form the copolymer are prepared from chemical species that would form mutually immiscible or incompatible polymers, and thermally conductive particles having a short axis of less than or equal to 0.2 microns.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording medium include a support; and a heat-sensitive transfer layer on the support, and wherein the heat-sensitive transfer layer includes: a resin made from monomer which includes a glycidyl ester of an unsaturated carboxylic acid; and sulfonamide. The present invention also provides a thermal transfer recording method including transferring an image from the thermal transfer recording medium to an image receiving member.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording medium is provided wherein the thermal transfer recording medium has a substrate; a separation layer on the substrate, wherein the separation layer contains a resin and a wax; and an ink layer on the separation layer, wherein the ink layer contains a colorant and a metal salt of an ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, and, optionally, one or more diols or diol derivatives containing an acetylene group, a thermal transfer recording method using the medium, and a recorded medium and recorded label prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A printing foil for foil printing a region of an image comprising: a substrate; a layer of foil bonded to the substrate; and a layer covering the foil which layer is formed from a material chosen from the group of materials consisting of methacrylic copolymer resin, polyester, polycarbonate and polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A dye-donor element, a method of printing using the dye-donor element, and a print assembly including the dye-donor element are described, wherein the dye-donor layer of the dye-donor element includes a polyvinylacetal copolymer as a binder.

Abstract: The present invention includes an image transfer sheet. The image transfer sheet comprises a release layer and a polymer layer. One or more of the release layer and the polymer layer comprise titanium oxide or other white pigment.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label is particularly well-suited for use on silane-treated glass containers of the type that are subjected to pasteurization conditions, regardless of whether the glass containers have been pre-treated previously with polyethylene, oleic acid, stearate or the like. The heat transfer label comprises (a) a support portion consisting of a sheet of paper or film overcoated with a layer of releasable material such as polyethylene and (b) a transfer portion over the support portion for transfer of the transfer portion from the support portion to an article, upon application of heat to the support portion, and placing the transfer portion in contact with the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal transfer sheet, a thermal transfer method and a thermal transfer system using said thermal transfer sheet. The thermal transfer sheet provided with a coloring layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the coloring layer is formed of a mixture comprising a copolymerization product (A) obtainable by polymerizing an &agr;-olefin/a maleic acid anhydride copolymer with a maleic acid anhydride monoester and an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (B). The thermal transfer sheet is superior in storage stability in a coiled state, anti-background soiling property and the adaptability to high-speed printing, and also capable of forming a print products having excellent functions as to durability such as wear resistance and heat resistance.

Abstract: The present invention includes an image transfer sheet. The image transfer sheet comprises a release layer and a polymer layer. One or more of the release layer and the polymer layer comprise titanium oxide or other white pigment.