Abstract: A method of preparing a photosensitizer condensate comprising: condensing a phenolic compound with a diazo sulfonyl chloride, wherein from about 50 to 100 mole percent of the diazo moiety is 2,1,4-diazo and from 0 to about 50 mole percent of the diazo moiety is 2,1,5 diazo; the phenolic compound having, on average, from about 60 mole percent to about 100 mole percent of its hydroxy groups esterified by the diazo sulfonyl chloride; wherein the condensing is conducted in a lactone solvent in the presence of an acid scavenger; and then subsequently isolating the photosensitizer condensate.

Abstract: An electrophoretic positive working photosensitive composition for producing a photoresist pattern on metal base plate comprises a photosensitive compound, in which a photosensitive quinone diazide group is grafted on a polyester, and an acrylic copolymer containing carboxyl group, the composition forms a smooth photoresist film on the plate and has a good adhesion to the surface that no pinehole is found.

Abstract: A process for converting a normally positive working photosensitive composition to a negative working composition. One forms a composition containing an alkali soluble resin, a 1,2 quinone diazide-4-sulfonyl compound and an acid catalyzed crosslinker in a solvent mixture. After drying and imagewise exposing, the composition is baked and developed to produce a negative image.

Abstract: A process for preparing 7-hydroxy-1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diazide-4-sulfonic acid or salts thereof, of the general formula Z ##STR1## is disclosed in which X=hydrogen, a metal or an ammonium group, preferably an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, especially sodium or potassium and the ammonium group.The compounds can be used as much or as intermediates or starting materials for the production of light-sensitive compounds and radiation-sensitive mixtures and materials.

Abstract: A positive photosensitive composition for forming lenses, which comprises a polymer, a photosensitive agent, a thermosetting agent and a solvent, wherein said polymer is an alkali-soluble resin, said photosensitive agent is a 1,2-naphthoquinone diazide sulfonate, and said thermosetting agent is a thermosetting agent capable of imparting heat resistance and solvent resistance at the time of forming lenses by heat treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous electrodeposition coating composition for a positive working resist and an image-forming method using the same. The coating composition is very stable under storage conditions and is capable of resulting in a positive working resist which is specifically useful in the preparation of a printed circuit board with mini-via-holes.

Abstract: Process for producing dimer-free phenolic polymers, particularly novolak polymers produced from cresol mixtures, and photoresist compositions containing such dimer-free novolak polymers. The process comprises reacting phenolic polymers containing phenolic dimers with a capping agent, such as a silylating agent, to cap all of the phenolic hydroxy groups. This reduces the distillation temperature of the capped dimers and renders the capped polymer stable at such distillation temperature. The capped dimers are distilled off, and finally the phenolic polymer is uncapped. Dimer-free novolaks produce scum-free developed photoresist images.

Abstract: A positive photoresist composition containing (i) a quinone diazide polymer formed by reacting a cresol-formaldehyde novolac resin and an o-quinonediazide compound, and (ii) a sulfonamide development enhancement agent.

Abstract: The method for forming an image which comprisesI). providing a mesh fabric substrate, andII). coating said substrate with a light sensitive screen printing composition which comprises in admixtureA). at least one substantially water soluble binder resin component comprising an admixture of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate in an amount of from about 33% to about 90% polyvinyl alcohol and from about 10% to about 67% polyvinyl acetate based on the weight of the resin component, in sufficient amount to bind the composition components in a substantially uniform film when the composition is coated on a substrate and dried; andB). a photosensitive component in sufficient amount to substantially, uniformly photosensitize the composition,C).

Abstract: The resolution and stability of liquid, dual-tone photoresist formulations containing novolac resins and photoactive compounds are enhanced by the incorporation therein of certain carbodiimide resolution enhancers.

Abstract: A process for the formation of an image comprises(i) electrodepositing on a conductive surface a photosensitive film from an aqueous composition which is a solution or dispersion comprising a mixture of (A) a photosensitive o-quinone diazide such as an o-naphthoquinone diazide sulfonyl ester of a phenol, and (B) an electrodepositable film-forming resin such as a reaction product of a novolak resin, formaldehyde and diethanolamine in (C) an aqueous medium, the composition being substantially free from a resin having both a quinone diazide residue and a carboxyl, phosphonic or sulfonic acid group or amino group in the same molecule,(ii) subjecting the electrodeposited film to radiation in a predetermined pattern, such that exposed areas of the film become more soluble in aqueous base than unexposed areas, and(iii) removing the exposed areas by treatment with an aqueous base.The process is useful in the production of printing plates and printed circuits.

Abstract: A process for preparing a positive resist composition, which process includes the steps of condensation reacting a quinone diazide sulfonyl halogenide with a phenol compound, mixing a condensation reaction mixture with a solution of an alkali-soluble resin in a resist solvent and removing impurities from the mixture, whereby the overall processing time can be shortened.

Abstract: A photosensitive element which comprises a substrate having a release surface; a photosensitive layer having a photosensitizer, pigment, and mixture of binders with different solubility characteristics; and an adhesive layer coated directly on the photosensitive layer. The adhesive solution dissolves one of the resins in the photosensitive layer but does not dissolve the photosensitizer and the resin used to bind the pigment. During overcoating of the adhesive on the photosensitive layer, an increasing gradient of the soluble resin towards the adhesive layer and a decreasing gradient of the photosensitizer and nonsoluble resin is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to desensitized quinone diazide compounds for use as photoactive components in radiation-sensitive compositions, such as, especially, photoresists, which compounds contain microcrystalline cellulose as desensitizing agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a positive working photosensitive element with increased photospeed which comprises coating a formulation containing at least one novolak or polyvinyl phenol resin, at least one o-quinone diazide and a propylene glycol alkyl ether acetate on a substrate, drying, exposing to imaging energy and developing.

Abstract: A light-sensitive composition comprising an admixture of:(a) at least one alkali-soluble binder resin;(b) at least one photoactive compound;(c) a sufficient amount of a solvent mixture comprising ehtyl lactate and ethyl 3-ethoxy propionate to dissolve (a) and (b);wherein the amount of said binder resin is from about 60% to 95% by weight, the amount of said photoactive compound is from about 5% to about 40% by weight, both based on the total solids content of said light-sensitive composition, and wherein the weight ratio of ethyl lactate to ethyl 3-ethoxy propionate is from about 30:70 to 80:20.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous electrodeposition coating composition for a positive working resist and an image-forming method using the same. The coating composition is very stable under storage conditions and is capable of resulting in a positive working resist which is specifically useful in the preparation of a printed circuit board with mini-via-holes.

Abstract: This invention discloses a photo- and heat-sensitive recording material excellent in fixability comprising a support having on one side of which at least one photo- and heat-sensitive layer having a haze % of less than 60 and containing a diazo compound and a coupler, wherein either the diazo compound or the coupler is enclosed in a microcapsule and a process to manufacture it.

Abstract: The invention provides a positive working photosensitive element with improved odor and increased photospeed which comprises coating a formulation containing at least one novolak or polyvinyl phenol resin, at least one o-quinone diazide and a solvent mixture comprising propylene glycol alkyl ether and propylene glycol alkyl ether acetate, onto a substrate, drying, exposing to imaging energy and developing.

Abstract: Printing plates having a photosensitive layer coated on a support wherein said photosensitive layer contains a powdered solid adhered to the surface of said plate by means of powdering followed by the application of heat or solvent before exposure. Said powders are capable of being removed from said surface during the developing process.

Abstract: Positive working polyamic acid photoresist compositions are disclosed having improved high resolution upon image development and exhibiting stable photosensitivity and superior dielectric performance. The compositions comprise polyamic acid condensation products of an aromatic dianhydride and an aromatic di-primary amine wherein a percentage of the diamine comprises special dissolution inhibiting monomers. The compositions may be further improved by the presence of particular supplemental additives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation sensitive composition which comprises a radiation sensitive compound decreased in absorption of radiation upon irradiation with radiation and an organic polymer which, upon being formed into a film, changes in its solubility and decreases in solubility in a desired solvent due to the presence of decomposition product of said radiation sensitive compound which is produced by irradiation with the radiation. A process of formation of pattern using said composition is also disclosed. Fine resist pattern of 0.5 .mu.m line-and-space patterns or less can be formed with sufficiently high contrast.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixture suitable for treating a photographic composition which comprises from about 1 to about 10 parts by weight of a propylene glycol alkyl ether and from about 1 to about 10 parts by weight of a propylene glycol alkyl ether acetate.

Abstract: The invention provides a positive working photosensitive element with improved odor and increased photospeed which comprises coating a formulation containing at least one novolak or polyvinyl phenol resin, at least one o-quinone diazide and a solvent mixture comprising propylene glycol alkyl ether and propylene glycol alkyl ether acetate, onto a substrate, drying, exposing to imaging energy and developing.

Abstract: The invention provides a photosensitive resin composition specifically useful for microfabrication resist films and photosensitive materials for use in lithographic plates because of excellent flexibility and adhesion, and moreover, when developed, non-exposed parts being of extremely less swelling nature.

Abstract: The dissolution rate in alkaline developer solutions of image-wise exposed photoresist systems based on diazoquinone sensitized polyamic acid is reduced to prepare relief images of fine line resolution by reducing the acidity of the polyamic acid prior to exposure.

Abstract: A process is described for producing a presensitized lithographic printing plate by coating onto a surface-roughened aluminum plate a solution having dissolved in a solvent containing at least 10 wt % 1-methoxy-2-propanol a negative-working, light-sensitive composition which contains a light-sensitive diazo resin and a high-molecular weight compound and which is developable with an aqueous alkali developer, and drying the coated solution.

Abstract: A process for producing a photosensitive lithographic plate comprises coating onto a substrate having a hydrophilic surface a solution of a negative working photosensitive composition containing a photosensitive diazo resin and a linear organic polymer dissolved in a solvent mixture comprising:(a) at least 10 wt. % of 1-methoxy-2-propanol,(b) an amino group-free polar solvent having a boiling point under 1 atm of 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. and a dielectric constant at 20.degree. C. of at least 5.5, and(c) 2 to 50 wt. % of methyl lactate,and drying the coated solution.

Abstract: A positive-working radiation-sensitive coating solution is disclosed which contains a radiation-sensitive compound, e.g., a 1,2-naphthoquinone diazide, or a radiation-sensitive combination of compounds, e.g., a compound with at least one C-O-C bond which can be split by acid and a compound which upon radiation forms a strong acid, and at least one organic solvent which comprises a mono-C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 -alkyl ether of 1,2-propanediol. The coating solution is less toxic and results in a better layer leveling than known positive-working photoresist solutions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radiation polymerizable composition for use in a photographic element such as a lithographic printing plate comprising in admixturea) a polymeric binder;b) a photoinitiator;c) a diazonium salt; andd) a photopolymerizable mixture ofi) a polyfunctional acrylic monomer having from 3 to 6 unsaturated groups; andii) a monofunctional acrylic monomer having 1 unsaturated group.

Abstract: A presensitized printing plate suitable for waterless planographic printing is disclosed, which comprises a layer support, a radiation-sensitive layer, an outer, ink-repellent, cross-linked silicone elastomer layer, and an intermediate layer of amorphous silicic acid, by which the adhesion of the silicone elastomer layer to the radiation-sensitive layer is improved. The adhesive layer is physiologically safe and effects a good anchoring of the silicone elastomer layer. The process of making and using the presensitized printing plate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The photosensitive composite of the present invention is obtained by including a nonsubstitutional or substitutional benzyl radical in the phenol side chain of polyvinylphenol. The photosensitive composites have not only excellent heat resistivity, RIE resistivity, and resolving power but also have a wide tolerance for the variations in the development temperature and developer concentration at the time of development. Therefore, it is possible to obtain resist patterns with fine structure.

Abstract: A process for preparing a positive-acting photosensitive lithographic printing plate precursor is described, comprising a combination of the steps of (a) electrolytically graining an aluminum plate in a nitric acid-based electrolyte, (b) etching the grained plate with an alkali, (c) anodizing the etched plate, and (d) forming a photosensitive layer containing an o-quinonediazide on the anodized plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition which comprises from about 3 to about 50% by weight of a hexa-alkyl disilazane and a solvent composition which comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of a propylene glycol alkyl ether and a propylene glycol alkyl ether acetate.

Abstract: A positive-working radiation-sensitive coating solution is disclosed which contains a radiation-sensitive compound, e.g., a 1,2-naphthoquinone diazide, or a radiation-sensitive combination of compounds, e.g., a compound with at least one C--O--C bond which can be split by acid and a compound which upon radiation forms a strong acid, and at least one organic solvent which comprises a mono-C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 -alkyl ether of 1,2-propanediol. The coating solution is less toxic and results in a better layer leveling than known positive-working photoresist solutions.

Abstract: A process for preparing a lithographic support, and the printing plate made therefrom, are described, wherein the process comprises the steps of (a) liquid-honing a surface of an aluminum sheet, and (b) electrochemically graining the surface of the aluminum sheet in an electrolyte comprises hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming an image on a substrate is described which comprises blending a desired coloring pigment, adding the coloring pigment to a water soluble photoresist, coating the substrate with the pigmented photoresist, exposing the photoresist to actinic radiation to harden the parts of the photoresist occupying the desired image area, and removing with a water based solvent the unexposed photoresist.

Abstract: In a process for reducing halations during the imagewise irradiation of a reproduction layer exposed through a planar image original, at least one lubricant either is contained in the layer or is interposed between the layer and the image original. Suitable lubricants include organic polysiloxanes, hydrocarbon polymers, polyaryl esters, and alkanoic acids or alkenoic acids having at least 9 carbon atoms. Excluded are lubricants comprising copolymers of dimethyl dichlorosilane, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, provided they are located in the reproduction layer.

Abstract: The invention features a lithographic composition fabricated from a process wherein an acidic novolak resin is neutralized in solution. The solution comprises a common compatible solvent with the other ingredients of the coating composition, such as a positive sensitizer, a color changing dye, and a light activated, acid-releasing compound.

Abstract: The undercoating composition of the invention, useful for providing an undercoating layer for a top coat of a photosensitive resist layer on a substrate surface, comprises, as a principal ingredient thereof, a condensation product obtained by the condensation reaction between a hydroxy-substituted diphenylamine and a melamine compound substituted on the nitrogen atoms with methylol groups and/or alkoxymethyl groups. The undercoating obtained of the composition is highly resistant against the attack by the overcoating solution applied thereon so that the fidelity of the pattern reproduction by the photolithographic technique is greatly improved by virtue of the absence of any disorder at the interface between the undercoating and top coat layers. The advantage is further increased when the undercoating composition further comprises a photoextinctive agent, e.g. a dye, having absorptivity in the wave length region where the photosensitive resist of the top coat has sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition which comprises from about 3 to about 50% by weight of a hexa-alkyl disilazane and a solvent composition which comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of a propylene glycol alkyl ether and a propylene glycol alkyl ether acetate.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing materials in the form of sheets, foils or webs comprising chemically, mechanically and/or electrochemically roughened and anodically oxidized aluminum or one of its alloys, wherein the resultant aluminum oxide layers are post-treated with an aqueous solution containing phosphoroxo anions, is performed such that a post-treatment of the aluminum oxide layers is effected by immersion in an aqueous solution containing hexametaphosphate anion. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous solution is adjusted to a pH of 1 to 5 by addition of an acid. The resulting materials, which have reduced adsorption properties, are preferably employed as support materials for offset printing plates.

Abstract: A developer is provided for lithographic plates or the like having a layer including a diazonium material, which developer enhances the effectiveness of the photolysis to which the plate had been subjected, with the result that the exposure time needed for the plate is substantially reduced. The developer, which thus enhances the apparent photospeed of the plate, includes an insolubilizing reactant that reacts with diazonium groups of diazonium materials on the plate that were not removed by photolysis during exposure in order to decrease the solubility of the diazonium material.

Abstract: A method of preparing an anodized aluminum printing plate comprising treating the aluminum support with aqueous solution of a condensed aryl sulfonic acid having a neutral pH, anodizing the support before or after the treating step, and coat, radiation expose through a mask, as well as develop a radiation-sensitive composition to produce the lithographic printing plate.

Abstract: A water developable printing plate is provided with a photopolymerizable system as a latex comprising a water soluble diazopolymer reaction product of a diazoaryl amine and an aldehyde and an aqueous cationic or nonionic dispersion of a water insoluble polymer. The inclusion of a water miscible organic solvent improves the shelf-life of the photopolymerizable system and the printing plate especially under high humidity conditions.

Abstract: Reduction of the alkaline developer solubility of novolak-diazoquinone positive resists by acylation of phenolic hydroxyl groups of the novolak resin.

Abstract: A photosensitive material of the diazonium type which comprises a support, a precoat layer thereon and a photosensitive layer of a diazonium compound is improved by using a graft copolymer on a cellulose derivative as the precoat layer. A hydrophilic epoxy compound may be used in the precoat layer and a coupler and a benzenediazonium hexafluorophosphate derivative may be used in the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A light-sensitive mixture comprising a water-insoluble binder soluble in aqueous alkaline solutions, and the reaction product of a naphthoquinonediazidesulfonyl halide with a mixture composed of a low molecular weight compound having a definite structure and molecular size containing at least one phenolic hydroxyl group, and of a polymeric compound having recurring units, each of which contains at least one phenolic hydroxyl group. The mixture is useful in producing printing plates and photoresists and has the advantage that the naphthoquinonediazidesulfonic acid ester contained therein is non-explosive.

Abstract: A novel photoresist formulation is provided which provides low striations and excellent wetting properties. The photoresist composition may be applied by spin casting on various substrates used in integrated circuit manufacture. The essential component in this invention is the solvent composition which consists of cyclopentanone (or cyclopentanone-cyclohexanone blend) in combination with an aliphatic alcohol of 5-12 carbon atoms. These solvent components when used in certain specific ratios provide unexpectedly good wetting of various substrates and low striation films.

Abstract: A novel photosensitive film structure comprises a generally continuous minor phase material and a generally discontinuous major phase material. The minor phase includes a photosensitive compound whose solubility relative to a selected solvent changes upon exposure to electrromagnetic radiation, while the major phase is not photosensitive nor soluble in the solvent. The two phases are uniformly interdispersed throughout the film structure. Imagewise exposure to electromagnetic radiation renders the film structure selectively permeable to the selected solvent, and, after development, the film structure exhibits the chemical and physical properties of the major phase material. The film structure finds varied application in the manufacture of graphic arts articles such as lithographi printing plates and photoresists.