Abstract: A laminate comprising a thermoplastic film and a chemically amplified positive resist film thereon is provided, the resist film comprising (A) a base polymer having a hydroxyphenyl group and a protective group, the polymer turning alkali soluble as a result of the protective group being eliminated under the action of acid, (B) a photoacid generator, (C) an organic solvent, and (D) a polymer having an ester bond in its backbone. The resist film may be transferred to a stepped support without forming voids.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lithographic printing plate precursor includes the steps of providing a support as a web, coating an image recording layer on the front side of the support, and depositing a back layer on the back side of the support using a deposition technique which is capable of depositing the back layer according to a predefined image. The method enables stacking and recutting of lithographic printing plate precursors without the need for interleafs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diazonium aryl salt devoid of hydroxyl functions of the following general formula (1): X?+N?N-A-R1—(OR2)n—O—R4-A?-N?N+X???(1) in which: n is in a range of from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 4, X? represents a counter-ion of the diazonium cation selected from the group consisting of halogenides, BF4—, NO3—, HSO4—, PF6—, CH3COO—, N(SO2CF3)2—, CF3SO3—, CH3SO3—, CF3COO—, (CH3O)(H)PO2—, and N(CN)2—; R1, R2 and R4 are identical or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of —CH2—, a cyclic alkyl group, an acyclic alkyl group, a linear alkyl group, and a branched alkyl group; and A and A? are identical or different and independently represent a mono or polycyclic, aromatic hydrocarbonated group chosen from the group formed by phenyl, aryl groups, condensed polyaromatic groups, which may be substituted.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a substrate having transferable chiplets includes forming a photo-sensitive adhesive layer on a process side of a source substrate including active components or on a patterned side of a transparent intermediate substrate. The intermediate substrate is brought into contact with the source substrate to adhere the active components on the process side to the patterned side of the intermediate substrate via the photo-sensitive adhesive layer therebetween. Portions of the source substrate opposite the process side thereof are removed to singulate the active components. Portions of the photo-sensitive adhesive layer are selectively exposed to electromagnetic radiation through the intermediate substrate to alter an adhesive strength thereof. Portions of the photo-sensitive adhesive layer having a weaker adhesive strength are selectively removed to define breakable tethers comprising portions of the adhesive layer having a stronger adhesive strength.

Abstract: A photocrosslinkable composition has polyorganosiloxane P having a viscosity of at least 10 000 mPa·s at 25° C., wherein the polyorganosiloxane P has an acrylated silicone oil as a crosslinking agent, and a photoinitiator, the chemical structure of which comprises a diaryl ketone group.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for forming images in positive- or negative-tone chemically amplified photoresists. The methods of the present invention rely on the vertical up-diffusion of photoacid generated by patternwise imaging of an underlayer disposed on a substrate and overcoated with a polymer containing acid labile functionality. In accordance with the present invention, the vertical up-diffusion can be the sole mechanism for imaging formation or the methods of the present invention can be used in conjunction with conventional imaging processes.

Abstract: A positive planographic printing plate precursor includes a support having disposed thereon a lower thermosensitive layer containing a water-insoluble but alkali-soluble polymer compound and an upper thermosensitive layer containing a water-insoluble but alkali-soluble polymer compound, with alkali-solubility increasing under heat, wherein (i) both the upper thermosensitive layer and the lower thermosensitive layer contain an IR absorbing dye, with the ratio of the IR absorbing dye concentration in the upper thermosensitive layer to the IR absorbing dye concentration in the lower thermosensitive layer is 1.6 to 10.0, and/or (ii) the upper thermosensitive layer and the lower thermosensitive layer contain different IR absorbing dyes, and/or (iii) at least one of the upper thermosensitive layer and the lower thermosensitive layer contains an IR absorbent having, in one molecule, at least two chromophoric groups that absorb IR light, with the chromophoric groups bonding to each other via a covalent bond.

Abstract: A positive planographic printing plate precursor includes a support having disposed thereon a lower thermosensitive layer containing a water-insoluble but alkali-soluble polymer compound and an upper thermosensitive layer containing a water-insoluble but alkali-soluble polymer compound, with alkali-solubility increasing under heat, wherein (i) both the upper thermosensitive layer and the lower thermosensitive layer contain an IR absorbing dye, with the ratio of the IR absorbing dye concentration in the upper thermosensitive layer to the IR absorbing dye concentration in the lower thermosensitive layer is 1.6 to 10.0, and/or (ii) the upper thermosensitive layer and the lower thermosensitive layer contain different IR absorbing dyes, and/or (iii) at least one of the upper thermosensitive layer and the lower thermosensitive layer contains an IR absorbent having, in one molecule, at least two chromophoric groups that absorb IR light, with the chromophoric groups bonding to each other via a covalent bond.

Abstract: A negative-type image recording material comprising a support having a rear surface and an image recording layer disposed on the support, the image recording layer having a front surface and including (A) a radical-generating agent and (B) a radically polymerizable compound, wherein a static friction coefficient between the front surface and the rear surface is less than 0.50. In order to achieve such a specified static friction coefficient, it is preferable that the image recording layer contains (D) a compound represented by the following formula (1): R1—X ??(1) wherein R1 represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group having a total of 8 to 32 carbon atoms, and X represents CO—Y—R2, NH—CO—NH—R2, SO2—Y—R2, or Y—R3 in which Y represents O, S, NR4 or a single bond.

Abstract: A negative-type planographic printing plate having, disposed on a support, a recording layer comprising an image recording material which contains an infrared ray absorbing agent and can be recorded by irradiation with an infrared ray, in which, as for the infrared ray absorbing agent comprising a cyanine dye, at least one of substituents on nitrogen atoms at both ends was selected from the group consisting of the following substituents: —C(?X)R1; —C(?X)NR2R3; —CH?CR4R5; —C?CR6; —CHR7R8;—CR9R10R11; and —Ar, wherein X represents O, S or Se; R1 to R6 each independently represent H or a hydrocarbon group having 20 or fewer carbon atoms which may have a substituent; R7 to R11 each independently represent a hydrocarbon group having 20 or fewer carbon atoms which may have a substituent; and Ar represents an aromatic group which may have a substituent.

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: A planographic printing plate precursor comprising: a substrate; a photosensitive layer disposed on the substrate, the photosensitive layer including a light-to-heat conversion agent and a compound, which is at least one of crosslinkable and polymerizable, with solubility of the photosensitive layer in an alkali developing solution being decreased by the effect of at least one of light and heat; and an overcoat layer including a polymer, which is hydrophobic and soluble in an aqueous alkali solution.

Abstract: The invention provides a photosensitive composition including (A) a vinyl polymer containing a copolymerization component having a carboxyl group, having a content of the carboxyl group in a molecule of 2.0 meq/g or higher and having a solubility parameter less than 21.3 MPa1/2, (B) a polymer compound including a phenolic hydroxyl group, and (C) an IR absorber.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a hydrophilic support, an alkali-soluble layer and provided on the alkali-soluble layer a recording layer which contains an infrared ray absorbent, an alkali-soluble resin and an inhibitor of inhibiting the alkali-soluble resin from dissolving in an alkali aqueous developer and increases in the solubility in an alkaline aqueous solution upon irradiation of infrared light, and a developing method of the lithographic printing plate precursor with a non-silicate developer.

Abstract: Contrast enhanced photolithography methods and devices formed by the same are described. In accordance with these methods, a photoresist layer is formed on a substrate. A contrast enhancing system including a solution or dispersion of a photobleachable dye is formed on the photoresist layer. The photoresist layer is exposed through an imaging pattern and through the contrast enhancing system to radiation having a wavelength between about 230 nm and about 300 nm. The contrast enhancing layer is removed, and the photoresist layer is developed to form a photoresist pattern on the substrate. The contrast enhancing system may be removed and the photoresist layer may be developed in a single process step or in different process steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recording material for the production of offset printing plates, having a web- or plate-form support, a radiation-sensitive layer on the front of the support and a continuous, pigment particle-free layer on the back of the support. The back layer essentially consists of an organic polymeric material having a glass transition temperature Tg of at least 45° C., and its surface has a Bekk smoothness of from 5 to 800 s. It also relates to a process for the production of this recording material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recording material having a dimensionally stable, two-dimensional support, preferably an aluminium support, and a negative-working, radiation-sensitive layer which comprises a diazonium salt, a polymeric binder and a sulphobetaine. In addition, the layer may also comprise a polymerizable monomer or oligomer and a photopolymerization initiator. The front of the recording material may be matted or pigmented, and the back may be coated with an organic polymeric material. The sulphobetaine improves the solubility of the diazonium salts in aqueous-alkaline developers without reducing the resistance of the offset printing plates produced from the recording material.

Abstract: A positive working lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a lower layer containing a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin, and an upper heat-sensitive layer containing a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin and an infrared absorbing dye and increasing the solubility in an alkaline aqueous solution by heating, provided in this order on a hydrophilic support, and (a) the upper heat-sensitive layer containing at least two kinds of surface active agents, or (b) the lower layer and upper heat-sensitive layer each containing a surface active agent different from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-sensitive recording material containing an ultraviolet light absorber precursor which forms an ultraviolet light absorber by being irradiated with light, and a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive recording material includes a support having disposed thereon a heat-sensitive recording layer and a protective layer. The heat-sensitive recording layer contains at least two components that react to develop color by imagewise heating. At least one layer contains a compound represented by the following general formula (I). In the general formula (I), R represents a hydrophobic group or a hydrophobic polymer, and n represents an integer.

Abstract: The invention provides a negative image-recording material for heat-mode exposure systems, which comprises (A) an IR absorbent including cyanine dye having a substituent that contains an atom having an atomic weight of at least 28 such as halogen atom, or a substituent that contains a non-covalent electron pair such as carbonyl group, (B) a radical generator and (C) a radically-polymerable compound, and which is imagewise exposed to IR rays for image formation thereon.

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: A planographic printing plate precursor includes a support having disposed thereon a recording layer containing a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin, a development inhibitor and an infrared absorber and exhibiting enhanced solubility in an aqueous alkali solution through light exposure. The recording layer may have either a mono-layer construction or a multi-layer construction containing a lower layer and an upper layer. In the case of the multi-layer construction, a layer containing the water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin is used as the lower layer, and a layer containing the water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin and the development inhibitor and exhibiting enhanced solubility in an aqueous alkali solution through light exposure is used as the upper layer, and at least one of the lower layer and the upper layer contains the infrared absorber.

Abstract: Vesicular images are formed by thermal imaging of imageable layers containing thermally imageable vesicular imaging compositions. The vesicular images can be used as masks for imaging printing plate precursors. In one aspect, a printing plate precursor made up of a flexible substrate; a photosensitive layer that contains a negative working photosensitive composition; an optional barrier layer; and the imageable layer is thermally imaged to produce an integral mask. Blanket exposure through the mask with ultraviolet and/or visible radiation followed by development produces a printing plate. The method is especially suited for the production of flexographic printing plates.

Abstract: A recording material includes a support having disposed thereon a recording layer including at least: a diazo compound having no diazonio group; a coupler compound that colors by reacting with the diazo compound; and a polymerizable compound.

Abstract: A diazonium salt represented by the following general formula (1) and a thermal recording material using the diazonium salt: 1

Abstract: The present invention includes an imageable element, which includes a sheet substrate, an imaging layer and a silicone layer, which comprises a crosslinked silicone polymer. The crosslinked silicone polymer is the curing product of a vinyl functional polysiloxane copolymer and a hydrosiloxane compound. The curing is catalyzed by a platinum carbonyl complex. Upon imagewise exposure and development, an imaged element is obtained, which is mounted on a dry printing press containing lithographic ink and used to produce printed stock.

Abstract: Positive-working imageable elements and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The elements comprise a hydrophilic substrate; a bottom layer, which contains a positive-working photosensitive composition; and a protective overlayer, which has an overlayer material that reduces the solubility of the photosensitive composition in an aqueous alkaline developer. The overlayer may be conveniently applied by a dip and rinse procedure.

Abstract: The invention provides a negative image recording material comprising: a support and an image recording layer disposed on the support, the image recording layer comprising an amide-acid compound containing a carboxyl group and an amide group expressed by the following General Formula (1): 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a negative-working photosensitive composition which can widen the preheat latitude upon exposure without increasing ablation, and a negative-working photosensitive lithographic printing plate. The negative-working photosensitive composition comprises (a) an alkali-soluble resin, (b) a compound capable of being crosslinked by an acid, (c) a compound capable of generating an acid by heat, (d) a photothermal converting agent, and (e) a sulfone compound represented by the following general formula (I).

Abstract: This invention relates to a photosensitive element for use as a flexographic printing plate and a process for preparing the plate from the element. The photosensitive element has at least one photopolymerizable elastomeric layer that comprises a binder, a monomer, a photoinitiator, an onium salt, and a leuco dye. Upon exposure to actinic radiation, the onium salt and leuco dye react resulting in a change of color in polymerized portions of the photopolymerizable layer. The color change provides enhanced image color contrast in the photosensitive element.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate having an average curvature in a rolling direction of 1.5×10−3 mm−1 or less, a curvature distribution in a crosswise direction of 1.5×10−3 mm−1 or less, and a curvature in a direction perpendicular to said rolling direction of 1.0×10−3 mm−1 or less and a method for producing the printing plate are disclosed. A method for producing a support for a lithographic printing plate is also disclosed, which comprises roughening a surface of an aluminum web having a center line average surface roughness of 0.15 to 0.35 &mgr;m and a maximum surface roughness of 1 to 3.5 &mgr;m by at least one of mechanical surface roughening, chemical etching and electrochemical surface roughening, and then applying anodization thereto.

Abstract: A package of photosensitive planographic printing plates which comprises a stack of the photosensitive planographic printing plates between each of which a protection paper is interposed, wherein the coefficient of static friction between the surface of the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive planographic printing plate and the surface of the protection paper is 0.3 or more. In the package, slippage between the photosensitive planographic printing plate and the protection paper and abrasion of the photosensitive layer rarely occur through transport.

Abstract: The invention provides a negative image-recording material for heat-mode exposure systems, which comprises (A) an IR absorbent including cyanine dye having a substituent that contains an atom having an atomic weight of at least 28 such as halogen atom, or a substituent that contains a non-covalent electron pair such as carbonyl group, (B) a radical generator and (C) a radically-polymerable compound, and which is imagewise exposed to IR rays for image formation thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sensitive recording material comprising a substrate having disposed thereon at least a heat-sensitive recording layer comprising: microcapsules; diazonium salt compounds contained within the microcapules and represented by the following general formula (I); and a coupler which undergoes coupling-reaction with the diazonium salt compounds to cause color development, wherein three or more of the diazonium salt compounds represented by the general formula (I) are contained in the same microcapsule: 1

Abstract: A heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed, which comprises an aluminum support having provided thereon an ink-receptive layer and a hydrophilic layer containing a colloidal particle oxide or hydroxide of at least one element selected from the group consisting of beryllium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, titanium, boron, germanium, tin, zirconium, iron, vanadium, antimony and transition metals, wherein at least one layer of the ink-receptive layer and the hydrophilic layer contains a compound capable of converting light into heat, the aluminum support has an anodic oxide film in an amount of 2 g/m2 or more, and the anodic oxide film has been subjected to sealing treatment at a sealing rate of 50% or more.

Abstract: The photosensitive printing plate of the present invention comprises a substrate, a photosensitive layer formed on the substrate, and mat particles formed on the photosensitive layer, wherein the mat particles contain a copolymer which contains at least one (meth)acrylamides as a unit. The method of producing the photosensitive printing plate of the present invention is a method which comprises the steps of forming a photosensitive layer on a substrate, and coating the photosensitive layer with a solution prepared by dissolving a copolymer containing at least one (meth)acrylamides as a unit in a solvent to form mat particles. The photosensitive printing plate of the present invention has excellent vacuum contact properties and resistance to friction and pressure and is free from tack on the surface when used, avoids problems in developing properties during long storage times, and is superior in terms of solubility in an exhausted developer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recording material for the production of offset printing plates, having a web- or plate-form support, a radiation-sensitive layer on the front of the support and a continuous, pigment particle-free layer on the back of the support. The back layer essentially consists of an organic polymeric material having a glass transition temperature Tg of at least 45° C., and its surface has a Bekk smoothness of from 5 to 800 s. It also relates to a process for the production of this recording material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recording material having a dimensionally stable, two-dimensional support, preferably an aluminium support, and a negative-working, radiation-sensitive layer which comprises a diazonium salt, a polymeric binder and a sulphobetaine. In addition, the layer may also comprise a polymerizable monomer or oligomer and a photopolymerization initiator. The front of the recording material may be matted or pigmented, and the back may be coated with an organic polymeric material. The sulphobetaine improves the solubility of the diazonium salts in aqueous-alkaline developers without reducing the resistance of the offset printing plates produced from the recording material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a planographic printing plate employed in the field of offset printing, and more particularly, to a preparation method for a printing plate employing a conventional planographic printing original plate with a novel light source. In this method, an image is formed to a planographic printing original plate, in which at least one photosensitive layer sensitive in the region of 300 nm˜450 nm is provided on a substrate, by scan irradiating the plate with high density energy light in the form of the image, and then performing wet development and a post-treatment. This preparation method for the printing plate is characterized in that the output wavelength of the high density energy light is within the range of 300 nm or more, but less than 370 nm, and the high density energy light is high density energy light of the second or third harmonic obtained from a solid-state semiconductor or a solid-state exited by semiconductor.

Abstract: An image forming material having a support having disposed in an order thereon an acid-crosslinkable layer, which contains a compound that generates an acid by light or heat and a compound crosslinkable by the acid generated and whose alkali solubility is lowered by the crosslinking, and a radical-polymerizable layer, which contains a compound that generates a radical by light or heat and a compound capable of undergoing a radical polymerization and whose alkali solubility is lowered by the polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a water-developable plate package comprising water-developable plates packaged in a laminated state. The water-developable plate is a sheet-like plate comprising a photosensitive layer made of a photosensitive resin composition having water-developability and protective films covering both surfaces of this photosensitive layer. The package of the present invention is obtained by sandwiching an open cell foamed sheet (2) between a water-developable plate (1) and between a water-developable plate (1) to make a laminate (3), packaging the laminate (3) with a light-screening film and fixing the packaging ends with a tape. The subject of the present invention is to prevent the occurrence of deformation of the plates in the package during transportation or storage at a high temperature and high humidity in summer, without complicating the operations at the time of use or packaging of the plates and without increasing the cost remarkably.

Abstract: A recording material is provided, having, in this sequence, a support, a radiation-sensitive layer and a silicone layer. The radiation-sensitive layer contains, as a radiation-sensitive component, a diazonium salt polycondensation product and, as a binder, a homopolymer of (C1-C12) alkyl vinyl ether units and/or a copolymer including at least 5 mol-% of such units, and being free of aliphatic hydroxyl groups. In a process to produce a printing plate for driographic offset printing, this recording material is exposed imagewise and subsequently developed using water or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light absorbing material that resists blooming and migration is made up of a polyurethane or polyurea polymer and an amide functional ultraviolet light absorbing compound, wherein the polymer and the amide functional ultraviolet light absorbing compound are hydrogen bonded to one another. Polymeric films that contain a polymeric matrix and the ultraviolet light absorbing material are useful as the top layer in multilayer constructions such as retroreflective sheetings and conformable marking sheets.

Abstract: An imaging medium comprises a substrate carrying a color-change layer. This color-change layer comprises two layers or phases comprising two color-forming reagents which react upon heating to cause a change in the color of the layer. The color-change layer is deactivated by exposure to actinic radiation such that after deactivation it no longer undergoes its thermal color-change. The color-change layer is detachable from the substrate by heating to a temperature lower than required to cause the color change, so that upon contact of the imaging medium with a receiving sheet each individual pixel of the color-change layer may be left attached to the substrate, transferred to the receiving sheet but left uncolored, or transferred to the receiving sheet and colored to a color level determined by the energy used in the associated thermal print head element.

Abstract: A positive acting, photoimageable composition having, a photoacid generator capable of generating an acid upon exposure to actinic radiation, an organic acid anhydride polymer, an epoxy, a nitrogen-containing curing catalyst, and an optional phenol-containing monomer or polymer. A photographic element has this composition coated and dried on a substrate. A positive acting image is produced by imagewise exposing the element to actinic radiation, optionally postbaking and development with a liquid developer.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for making lithographic printing plates including the following steps:a) preparing a light sensitive imaging element having on a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface a first layer including a polymer, soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and a top layer on the same side of the lithographic base as the first layer which top layer is unpenetrable for an alkaline developer containing SiO.sub.2 as silicate;b) exposing imagewise said light sensitive imaging element to actinic light;c) developing said imagewise exposed light sensitive imaging element with said alkaline developer so that the exposed areas of the top layer and the underlying areas of the first layer are dissolved and the unexposed areas of the first layer remain undissolved characterized in that said top layer includes a diazonium salt and for at least 20% of its weight one or more non-proteinic hydrophilic film-forming polymers.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an imaging element for making a lithographic printing plate comprising on a support having a hydrophilic surface a photosensitive layer and a thermosensitive layer, said thermosensitive layer being opaque to light for which said photosensitive layer has spectral sensitivity and said thermosensitive layer being capable of rendered transparent upon exposure to laser light characterised in that said thermosensitive layer is soluble or swellable in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: In a photosensitive lithographic plate including a photosensitive layer coated on the surface of a substrate and a mat layer formed on the photosensitive layer, plural resinous protrusions are provided on the back surface of the substrate in the form of a layer. Deterioration of vacuum adhesion due to the mat collapsed in a production process of a photosensitive lithographic plate including a step of winding is prevented, consequently, a photosensitive lithographic plate with uniform quality is obtained regardless of its wound position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording material comprising a substrate and a recording layer thereon characterized in that the oxygen transmission rate of the substrate, as measured in accordance with Method B of JIS K 7126, is not greater than 50 cc/m.sup.2 /day. If necessary, a protective layer is formed on the recording layer. The substrate is composed of a sheet of base paper and a plastic film layer present at least on the side of the paper which faces a recording layer to be formed. The plastic film layer is appropriately selected from the group consisting of a polyester film, a polyvinylidene chloride film, a polycarbonate film, a polyvinylchloride film and a film of a random copolymer of ethylene and vinylalcohol. The recording material according to the present invention is excellent in the long-term preservation of images, fading resistance and light fastness.