Abstract: A method and a medium for laser imaging is herein disclosed. The medium incorporates one or more types of microstructures having a predetermined heat or radiation modifiable optical characteristic such as color, scattering, diffusion, diffraction, interference and iridescence. Associated intimately with the microstructures is a radiation antenna that acts to absorb radiation from a radiation source. The radiation antenna and source are attuned to one another to efficiently transfer energy therebetween and subsequently to the microstructures; this transfer of energy results in the modification of an optical characteristic of the microstructures to form an image on the medium. The medium has one or more layers that may include both the radiation antenna and the microstructures. Alternatively, the microstructures and radiation antenna may be included in separate layers. Coatings that incorporate one or more layers that include distinct microstructures and radiation antennae are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isocyanate composition including an adduct of a multifunctional isocyanate compound having two or more isocyanate groups in the molecule thereof with a polymer obtained by radically polymerizing in the presence of a chain transfer agent having active hydrogen at least a vinyl monomer including a polymerizable compound having a polyether represented by the following Formula (I): A1-(L-O)n-B1 ??Formula (I) wherein A1 represents a group having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond; L represents an alkylene group; B1 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group; and n is an average polymerization degree of the polyether and represents a number of 8 to 300.

Abstract: An image forming method is disclosed, comprising (a) imagewise exposing a recording material comprising on a support an image forming layer containing colored electrophoretic particles and a photopolymerizable compositon to light to perform photocuring and (b) applying an electric field to the recording material to migrate the electrophoretic particles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses printing plates comprising a substrate and a radiation-absorptive layer, wherein the radiation-absorptive layer comprises at least one modified pigment product. The modified pigment product comprises a pigment having attached at least one organic group and at least one amphiphilic counterion. Methods of imaging printing plates are also disclosed.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate precursor includes a substrate and an image recording layer provided thereon, the image recording layer being capable of recording through exposure to an infrared ray and containing at least (A) an infrared absorbing agent, (B) a polymerization initiator comprising an onium salt formed by an onium cation and a carboxylic acid anion, where the carboxylic acid anion has an acid group, a hetero atom and an aromatic group, (C) a polymerizable compound and (D) a binder polymer. The planographic printing plate precursor is exposed imagewise with an infrared laser. Then, printing is carried out using the exposed planographic printing plate precursor, which is set in a printer without being subjected to any developing process, by feeding an oil based ink and an aqueous component onto the planographic printing plate precursor. Unexposed areas of the planographic printing plate precursor are removed during the printing process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photopolymerizable composition containing a polymerizable compound having an addition-polymerizable unsaturated bond, an organic dye, and an organoboron compound represented by the following general formula (I), wherein at least one kind of the organoboron compound is included and the proportion thereof is one mole or more per mole of the organic dye B?R)4X?.

Abstract: Imaging compositions and methods of using the compositions are disclosed. The imaging compositions are sensitive to low levels of energy such that upon application of the low levels of energy the compositions change color or shade. The compositions may be applied to a work piece to mark it and removed from the work piece by peeling.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable composition comprising at least a polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond, a photo-radical generator, and an amine compound represented by the following Formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 independently represent an optionally substituted aliphatic group, or may be bound to each other to form a ring, A represents an optionally substituted divalent aliphatic linking group, or may be bound to R1 or R2 to form a ring, B represents an optionally substituted divalent linking group selected from an amide linkage, a sulfonamide linkage and an ester linkage, or may be bound to R1 or R2 to form a ring, and Ar represents an optionally substituted aromatic group.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate material is disclosed, comprising a flexible support having thereon a hydrophilic layer and an image forming layer, wherein the flexible support having the hydrophilic layer exhibits a transmission density of 0.5 to 1.2, and the outermost surface of an unexposed area of the image forming layer exhibiting a glossiness of 0.1 to 10. A printing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A recording material comprises, on a support, a recording layer including a diazo compound, a coupler compound that can react with the diazo compound to form a color, and a metal salt, wherein the coupler compound is represented by the general formula (1): General Formula (1) wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, or an amino group; R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkylsulfonyl group, an arylsulfonyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, an acyloxy group, an acyl group, a carbamoyl group, an acylamino group, a sulfamoyl group, a sulfonamide group, a cyano group, or a nitro group; and X represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom.

Abstract: A reimageable recording medium includes a substrate, a display layer, and a protective layer. The protective layer comprises a microencapsulated diarylethene material that is capable of switching between a UV absorbing and UV transparent state. During an imaging process, the protective layer is switched from a UV absorbing state to a UV transparent state to allow UV light of a sufficient wavelength to convert a photochromic material of the display layer to a colored state to form an image. The protective material is then switched back to a UV absorbing state to prevent the UV light component from a reading source to convert unimaged areas of the display layer to change color, which would reduce the contrast and resolution of the imaged medium.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a lithographic printing plate, which comprises the steps of: imagewise recording on a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support having a hydrophilic surface and a thermosensitive layer, the thermosensitive layer comprising at least one of polymer particles and a microcapsule encapsulating an oleophilic compound therein; and rubbing the printing plate precursor by a rubbing member in the presence of a processing liquid to remove the thermosensitive layer of non-image portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of coating multiple layers on a support comprising a) taking a support; b) simultaneously coating on said support a chill settable layer and a non-chill settable layer; c) lowering the temperature of the layers to immobilize said layers; and d) drying said layers. It further relates to imaging elements made by this process.

Abstract: The planographic printing plate precursor of the present invention comprises a support, and a hydrophilic layer disposed on the support and having a hydrophilic graft chain and a crosslinked structure formed by hydrolyzing or polycondensing an alkoxide of an element selected from Si, Ti, Zr and Al, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises a photothermal conversion agent (A) and a compound (B) capable of forming a hydrophobic surface area by being heated or irradiated with radiation, and the photothermal conversion compound (A) is not included in the compound (B). This planographic printing plate precursor can be set, without being developed, onto a printer after images are formed, so as to perform printing. In addition, the precursor has remarkably improved printing stain resistance and printing resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exposure processing method of a planographic printing plate comprising: providing an image recording layer containing a polymerizable compound which is solid at the room temperature, a polymerization initiator, and a light-to-heat converting agent, and a microcapsule encapsulating at least one of the monomer and the polymerization initiator, such that the light energy quantity absorbed in the lower part of the image recording layer is more than the light energy quantity absorbed in the upper and middle parts of the image recording layer; exposing the image recording layer, and thereafter post-heating the image recording layer at a temperature in a range equal to or above the melting point of the monomer and below the glass transition point of the wall of the microcapsule. As a result, the printing resistance of a planographic printing plate is enhanced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing plate material comprising a hydrophilic support and provided thereon, an image formation layer containing thermoplastic resin particles in an amount of from 60 to 100% by weight, the thermoplastic resin particles having a glass transition point (Tg) and an average particle size of from 0.01 to 2 ?m.

Abstract: While the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Abstract: This invention relates to an imaging element comprising in order a support: a light sensitive image forming unit comprising microcapsules and a developer: an inner protective overcoat layer: and an outer protective overcoat layer.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an image forming method for a planographic printing plate. In the method, a planographic printing plate precursor in which an image recording layer containing a thermally sensitive and thermally curable material is formed on an aluminium support is scanning exposed with a relatively weak laser beam, and a latent image is formed, which is composed of an image recording layer part whose surface layer is thermally cured corresponding to an image and an unexposed image recording layer part which is not thermally cured. The unexposed image recording layer part which is not thermally cured is then removed by simple water development. Then, by carrying out heating, the whole image recording layer part remaining on the surface of the aluminum support is uniformly cured and firmly fixed. The invention also provides an image forming apparatus for a planographic printing plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antistatic article comprising a substrate or support having thereon at least one antistatic layer, wherein the antistatic layer comprises a conductive material having areas of patterned coverage. The present invention also relates to a display comprising a substrate having an electrically modulated imaging layer thereon, at least one electrically conductive layer, and at least one transparent antistatic layer, wherein said antistatic layer comprises a conductive material having areas of patterned coverage.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor comprising on a support, a hydrophilic layer having a protrusion structure on at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: Imaging compositions and methods of using the compositions are disclosed. The imaging compositions are sensitive to low levels of energy such that upon application of the low levels of energy the compositions change color or shade. The compositions may be applied to a work piece to mark it and removed from the work piece by peeling.

Abstract: A presensitized plate comprising a support for a lithographic printing plate including an anodized layer formed on an aluminum plate and a recording layer recordable by infrared laser exposure on the support, wherein in a section of the anodized layer after the recording layer is provided, an atomicity ratio of carbon to aluminum (C/Al) represented by Auger Electron Spectroscopic analysis is 1.0 or less. In the case of being used as an on-machine development type, it exhibits a good on-machine development characteristic, a high sensitivity, a high press life, and high scum resistance during printing and while left (ink discharging). In the case of being used as a conventional thermal positive or negative working type, it exhibits an efficient use of heat for image formation, a high sensitivity, a high press life, and a slight possibility of scum occurrence at non-image areas.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved process for preparing a population of microcapsules having a substantially uniform size distribution, especially useful for manufacture of carbonless paper. The improved process teaches use of membrane material having a pre-selected pore size in the capsule manufacture process. A core material is provided along with a receiving solution for receiving the core material. The receiving solution is a nonsolvent for the core material. The core material is passed under pressure through the membrane into a moving or turbulent receiving solution forming uniform droplets of core material dispersed in the receiving solution. Wall-forming material is added to the receiving solution for coating the core material droplets. The coating on the droplets is polymerized forming microcapsules. This novel process also lends itself to microcapsule formation in a continuous process.

Abstract: This invention provides a support for a lithographic printing plate, and an original form of a heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate, which comprises a hydrophilic film formed on a metallic base whose surface has been roughened, said hydrophilic film having a heat conductivity of 0.05–0.5 W/(m·K) in the direction of its film thickness, which when used as the development on machine type, exhibits good on-press, or good non-treatment developability, a high sensitivity, a long press life and a preferable stain resistance and ink removal property upon printing and which, when used as a conventional thermal positive or negative type, makes efficient utilization of heat for the formation of image, has a high sensitivity and exhibits a long press life and a good stain resistance in a nonimage area, wherein the non-treatment in which the development is not performed.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate of the present invention, which enables image recording by infrared-ray scanning exposure based on digital data and has excellent on-press developability, high resistance to scumming and a long press life, the heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate having on a support with a hydrophilic surface an image-forming layer made up of microcapsules in which a reactive group-containing hydrophobic compound is enclosed, a light-to-heat converting agent and a water-soluble compound which has a reactive group capable of reacting with the hydrophobic compound and is situated outside the microcapsules.

Abstract: Imageable elements that contain silicate-coated polymer particles in the imageable layer, stacks of these elements, and methods for forming images using these elements are disclosed. The elements do not stick to each other when stacked without interleaving paper, and only one imageable element is lifted at a time when the imageable elements are handled by automatic processing equipment. Blanket piling is not observed when silicate-coated particles are present in the imageable layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antistatic article comprising a substrate or support having thereon at least one antistatic layer, wherein the antistatic layer comprises a conductive material having areas of patterned coverage.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising: a hydrophilic support; and an image-forming layer which comprises (A) at least one of: hydrophobic polymer particles comprising a compound having an onium group; and microcapsules encapsulating a compound having an onium group and a hydrophobic compound, and (B) a light-to-heat converting agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel reactive protective colloid system suitable for stabilizing an electrophoretic display in which a halogenated solvent, particularly a fluorinated, more particularly a perfluorinated, solvent, or a mixture thereof, is used as the dielectric solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrophilic member precursor having a hydrophilic surface that is formed by contacting a hydrophobic polymer-containing layer formed on a substrate with a composition that contains a polymerizing group-having hydrophilic polymer followed by applying energy thereto to thereby directly chemically bond the polymerizing group-having hydrophilic polymer to the hydrophobic polymer-containing layer. The invention also provides a hydrophilic member from the hydrophilic member precursor, as well as a pattern forming material, a support for planographic printing plates, and a planographic printing plate precursor.

Abstract: There is provided a lithographic printing plate precursor having good on-machine development quality, and moreover high sensitivity and high printing durability, which comprises a support having provided thereon an image forming layer containing (1) at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of fine particles containing a compound having two or more vinyloxy groups and microcapsules encapsulating a compound having two or more vinyloxy groups, (2) a light-to-heat conversion agent, (3) a hydrophilic resin and (4) an acid precursor, wherein the acid precursor is not contained in the fine particles or the microcapsules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diazonium salt represented by the following general formula (1) and a synthesizing method thereof, as well as a recording material using the diazonium salt. In general formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group. R2 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group. Each of R3, R4, R5 and R6 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Here, at least one of R3, R4, R5 and R6 represents —N2+X?. X? represents an anion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal recording material comprising a support and at least a thermal recording layer disposed on the support, wherein at least one of the thermal recording layer includes, together with an electron donating colorless dye, at least an electron accepting compound represented by the following general formula (1). R1 and R2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group; and Ar is represented by the following general formula (2). In the general formula (2), R11 to R14 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image-forming device that comprises a roller that includes a plurality of micromembers. The micromembers are preferably hook or loop-like members made of a compliant material such as plastic or rubber. The micromembers on the roller essentially define a compliant surface, which is self-correcting for unintentional media thickness variations within a print area. The roller is rotational such that when the roller contacts the media the rotational or spinning force is converted to a compressional force, which is sufficient to rupture the microcapsules in the media.

Abstract: A method of multiphoton photosensitizing comprises (a) providing a multiphoton-activatable, photoreactive composition comprising (1) at least one reactive species that is capable of undergoing an acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction, and (2) a photoinitiator system comprising photochemically-effective amounts of (i) at least one type of semiconductor nanoparticle that has at least one electronic excited state that is accessible by absorption of two or more photons, and (ii) a composition that is capable of interacting with the excited state of the semiconductor nanoparticle to form at least one reaction-initiating species; and (b) irradiating the multiphoton-activatable, photoreactive composition with light sufficient to cause absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light.

Abstract: A presensitized lithographic printing plate comprises a hydrophilic support and an image-forming layer. The image-forming layer contains microcapsules and a hydrophilic compound. The microcapsules are dispersed in the image forming layer. The hydrophilic compound is arranged outside of the microcapsules. The microcapsules comprise a core and a shell. The core comprises a polymerizable compound. The shell comprises a polymer. The polymer of the shell has adherence to a surface of the hydrophilic support.

Abstract: Laser imageable flexographic printing elements, including printing plates and printing sleeves and methods of making the laser imageable flexographic printing elements using a collapsible cross-linkable material comprising a curable elastomer, a material that absorbs laser radiation at a selected wavelength, and microspheres are disclosed. A laser is used to collapse and melt the collapsible cross-linkable material to form a relief image on the printing element. The printing element is thereafter cured by face exposure to crosslink and cure the formed relief image. The invention addresses a market need for eliminating chemical processing of printing elements, thus going from printing element to press much more quickly and using an environmentally friendly process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising microcapsules suspended in an aqueous media, said microcapsules comprising a water immiscible material contained within an encapsulating wall of polymeric material, wherein the aqueous media contains a stabilizer comprising an anionic polymer mixture comprising a first sulfonated polystyrene polymer and a second sulfonated polystyrene polymer wherein the ratio of the weight average polymer molecular weight of the first polymer to the second polymer is greater than 2. It further relates to an imaging element comprising said microcapsules.

Abstract: Thermo-expansive microcapsules comprising a shell of a polymer produced by polymerizing a mixture of monomers, which comprises (I) a nitrile monomer, (II) a monomer having an unsaturated double bond and carboxyl groups in a molecule, (III) a monomer having two or more of polymerizable double bonds in a molecule, and optionally, (IV) a monomer different from and copolymerizable with the monomers (I), (II) and (III) and a blowing agent encapsulated in the shell. The volume retention of the expanded microcapsules of the thermo-expansive microcapsules is 50% or more after loaded with 15 MPa.

Abstract: An on-press developable heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor comprising: a support having a water-wettable surface; and an image forming layer, wherein the image forming layer comprises microcapsules containing a lipophilic compound and one of a leuco dye which forms a color by an action of an acid and a dye which reduces the maximum absorption intensity in a visible region by an action of an acid, an acid generator capable of generating an acid on heat application, and a light-heat converting substance.

Abstract: A process for forming photosensitive microcapsules having discrete capsule walls comprising the steps of forming an emulsion of an oily core material in a continuous aqueous phase containing a carboxyvinyl polymer and enwrapping particles of the oily core material in an amine-formaldehyde condensation product produced by in situ condensation of an amine and formaldehyde wherein the carboxyvinyl polymer comprises a crosslinked polymer of acrylic acid is disclosed.

Abstract: Thermally imageable elements useful as on-press developable lithographic printing plate precursors are disclosed. The elements comprise a substrate and a layer of an imageable composition over the substrate. The imageable composition comprises a photothermal conversion material, particles of a polyurethane polymer, and, optionally, a water soluble polymer. The polyurethane polymer comprises urethane linkages in the main chain, but does not comprise side chain urethane groups.

Abstract: A presensitized lithographic printing plate comprises a hydrophilic support and an image-forming layer. The image-forming layer contains microcapsules. The microcapsules consist of a shell and a core. The shell comprises a polymer. The polymer has a decomposition temperature in the range of 150 to 280° C. The core comprises a polymerizable compound.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed, which comprises an image-forming layer which contains a hydrophilic resin, an acid precursor and at least one component selected from fine particles containing a compound having a vinyloxy group and microcapsules containing a compound having a vinyloxy group, on a hydrophilic support, which can be development processed on a printing machine.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising an aluminum substrate, an image-recording layer and a hydrophilic film, the aluminum substrate being subjected to an electrochemical surface-roughening treatment in an aqueous solution comprising hydrochloric acid and provided with the hydrophilic film having a heat conductivity of 0.05 to 0.5 W/mK and/or at least one of a density of 1,000 to 3,200 kg/m3 and a porosity of 20 to 70%; and a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising an aluminum substrate, an image-recording layer and a hydrophilic film, the aluminum substrate having a surface-roughened shape comprising a small pit wherein an average opening size of the small pit is 0.01 to 3 ?m and a ratio of an average depth of the small pit to the average opening size is 0.1 to 0.5, and being provided with the hydrophilic film having a heat conductivity of 0.05 to 0.5 W/mK and/or at least one of a density of 1,000 to 3,200 kg/m3 and a porosity of 20 to 70%.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive recording material including a substrate having disposed thereon a heat-sensitive recording layer containing a diazo compound and a coupler compound capable of reacting with the diazo compound to develop color, wherein the coupler compound includes at least one of anilide derivatives represented by the following formula (1) or tautomers thereof: wherein R1 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group; R2, R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a hydroxycarbonyl group, an aminocarbonyl group, an acylamino group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an arylthio group or an alkylthio group; L represents a group which can leave upon coupling with the diazo compound; m represents 1 or 2; and n represents 1 or 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processless printing plate precursor including a thermally sensitive layer applied onto a substrate. The thermally sensitive layer includes polycyanoacrylate particles having a major dimension between about 50 and about 500 nm, and a mean major dimension of no greater than about 350 nm. The printing plate precursor may be exposed to radiation and may then be developed “on press” with a suitable fountain solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photopolymerizable composition, which is highly sensitive to visible light rays to IR rays and has an excellent raw storage property, and a recording material capable of carrying out highly sensitive image recording and having an excellent raw storage property and humidity dependency. Namely, the invention provides a photopolymerizable composition containing at least a polymerizable compound having an ethylenic unsaturated bond, a photoradical generating agent, and a thiol compound represented by the following general formula (I) and a recording material using the photopolymerizable composition: [R represents an alkyl or an aryl, either of which may have substituents; A represents an atom group forming a 5-member or 6-member heteroring having an N?C—N portion and carbon atoms and A may further have a substituent group.].

Abstract: A thermosensitive plate material for lithographic plate formation according to the present invention includes a substrate (1) and a thermosensitive layer (2) formed thereon. The thermosensitive layer (2) includes an organic polymer (4) containing lipophilic portion forming particles (3). In the thermosensitive layer (2), a surface portion (21) having a thickness of 0.1 ?m or more does not contain the lipophilic portion forming particles (3) but contains a metal oxide (5). The surface portion (21) includes a hydrophilic organic polymer (41), which has been cured with the metal oxide (5). A portion (22) of the thermosensitive layer (2) on the substrate side contains the lipophilic portion forming particles (3). The organic polymer (42) constituting the base portion (22) need not be the hydrophilic organic polymer.