Abstract: Apparatus and methods for printing metal on a receiving substrate in a desired geometry using a foil pre-coated with a layer of material. The deposition process includes laser ablation to define desired material geometry, selective application of adhesive to the material to be deposited, and selective release of the material from a carrier substrate.

Abstract: A surface modification method involves oxidizing a surface of a material and etching the surface, and repeating the oxidizing and etching one or more times until desired nanostructures are created in the surface. The desired nanostructures make the nanostructured surface superhydrophilic. Hydrophilic properties of the surface may be further developed by application of hydrophilic material, and by application of functionalized micro/nanoparticles to the hydrophilic material. Substitution of hydrophobic material for the hydrophilic material creates a superhydrophobic surface. Further addition of an omniphobic coating to the functionalized micro/nanoparticles creates a durable omniphobic surface.

Abstract: An R-T-B-based rare earth permanent magnet in which the composition formula is represented by (R11-x-ySmxR2y)aTbBcMd, wherein: R1 is one or more rare earth elements not including Sm and Y; R2 is one or more rare earth elements from among Y, Ce, and La; T is Fe, etc.; M is Ga, etc.; x and y are in the region indicated in FIG. 1; the relationships 0.16?a/b?0.28, 0.050?c/b?0.075, and 0.005?d/b?0.028 are satisfied; the R-T-B-based rare earth permanent magnet includes a grain boundary phase and a main phase comprising an R2T14B compound; the average crystal grain diameter of the main-phase crystal grains is D50?4.00 ?m; the granularity distribution is (D90?D10)/D50?1.60; and the coverage of the grain boundary phase is at least 70.0%.

Abstract: Methods of preparing 7xxx aluminum alloy products for adhesive bonding and products made therefrom are disclosed. Generally, the methods include preparing a 7xxx aluminum alloy product for anodizing, then anodizing the 7xxx aluminum alloy product, and then contacting the anodized 7xxx aluminum alloy product with an appropriate chemical to create a functionalized layer. The new 7xxx aluminum alloy products may realize improved shear bonding performance.

Abstract: A method operates a flexographic printing press. The press contains a printing cylinder carrying a sleeve with at least one flexographic printing forme or a flexographic printing cylinder and an impression cylinder forming a printing nip with the printing cylinder to print on a web of printing substrate. The method includes automatically adjusting the transport speed of the web of printing substrate as a function of a dot density of the flexographic printing forme, i.e. of a location-dependent density of printing elevations on the flexographic printing forme, or of data computationally derived therefrom, or as a function of gaps of the flexographic printing forme or printing cylinder or data computationally derived therefrom. The printing press advantageously provides a cost-efficient way of producing high-quality prints in an industrial flexographic printing process while avoiding undesired vibration. In addition, the method of the invention advantageously provides further automation of the printing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imageable coating layer, thermal negative-working lithography printing plate, and platemaking method. The coating layer includes constituents in parts by weight: a radically polymerizable compound 20-60 parts, a radiation-absorbing compound 0.5-12 parts, a free radical initiator 1-25 parts, a binding agent 10-70 parts, and a development accelerator 0.5-15 parts. The platemaking method includes the steps: S1, preparing a printing plate precursor that includes a substrate having a hydrophilic surface or is provided with a hydrophilic layer and imageable coating layer covering the substrate; S2, patternedly exposing the printing plate precursor, forming an exposed area and an unexposed area; and S3, removing the unexposed area via a development process.

Abstract: Anaerobically curable (meth)acrylate compositions, methods for their preparation, and uses thereof. The anaerobically curable compositions proved effective at bonding a wide variety of substrates, and the tensile strength performance of said compositions is excellent.

Abstract: A non-toxic water soluble photosensitive resin composition able to function as a solder mask coating comprises a polymer containing oxazolinyl, a photosensitive monomer, and a photo-initiator. These elements are all water soluble or water dispersible. The polymer containing oxazolinyl and the photosensitive monomer have a plurality of carbon-carbon double bonds. The polymer containing oxazolinyl and the photosensitive monomer are polymerized to form a dense cross-linking network structure when the water soluble photosensitive resin composition is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. A film using the water soluble photosensitive resin composition is also provided.

Abstract: A visually seamless method of joining a first piece of metal and a second piece of metal is described. The first piece of metal is placed in contact with an edge of the second piece of metal. In some embodiments, the edge includes a sacrificial lip. The first piece of metal forming a junction area with the edge of the second piece of metal, applying a forging force to the first piece of metal, the forging force having an effect of creating an extremely tight fit up between the first and the second pieces of metal, welding the first and the second pieces to form an assembly and forming a cosmetically enhancing protective layer on the surface of the assembly, the protective layer obscuring any visible artifacts on the surface of the assembly, the obscured visible artifacts including any discoloration or discontinuity created by the laser welding.

Abstract: A lithographic printing method including exposing an imaging surface layer of a printing plate to a first expose source to render the surface layer uniformly hydrophilic; the surface layer comprising a compound having reversible light controlled wettability whereby the surface layer is reversibly hydrophilic and hydrophobic. The surface layer is disposed over a variable image portion of the printing plate imaging surface or disposed over substantially all of the printing plate imaging surface. The surface is exposed to a second expose source to render image areas of the surface layer hydrophobic. Polar liquid attracts to non-image hydrophilic areas. Hydrophobic liquid colorant attracts to hydrophobic image areas. The surface layer is contacted an offset receiving member and the image is transferred to an image receiving substrate.

Abstract: Cyanine dyes with improved fluorescence intensity and photostability.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion obtained by mixing oxide particles and water is sprayed to a raw aluminum foil from a direction opposite to a travelling direction of the raw aluminum foil while the raw aluminum foil is allowed to travel. In this way, a roll-pressed mark of the raw aluminum foil is eliminated, and thus aluminum foil for aluminum electrolytic capacitor electrode is produced. Pyramidal-shaped recesses each having an acute angle tip are present all over a surface of the aluminum foil.

Abstract: A thermally-sensitive, positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor can be used to prepare lithographic printing plates using high pH, silicate-free processing solutions. The precursor has a grained an anodized aluminum-containing substrate including a poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) interlayer. A first ink receptive layer, and optionally a second ink receptive layer, is disposed directly on the poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) interlayer. This first ink receptive layer comprises an aromatic acid dye that comprises at least two aromatic groups in an amount of least 0.5 weight %. In addition, the precursor comprises an infrared radiation absorber in one of the layers.

Abstract: A presensitized plate having a long press life and excellent resistance to scum and corrosive micro-stains and capable of on-press development is provided. The presensitized plate includes a photosensitive layer containing (A) a sensitizing dye, (B) a polymerization initiator, (C) a polymerizable compound, and (D) a binder polymer; and a protective layer which are formed on a support in this order. The support is prepared from an aluminum alloy plate containing intermetallic compound particles with a circle equivalent diameter of 0.2 ?m or more at a surface density of 35,000 pcs/mm2 or more and aluminum carbide particles with a maximum length of 1 ?m or more in an amount of up to 30,000 pcs/g.

Abstract: A printing plate comprises a substantially planar substrate, a porous non-anodic ungrained coating, having a thickness within the range of about 0.1 to about 30 microns and comprising at least one of metals, metal oxides and admixtures thereof, and an image recording layer, provided that where the porous coating consists essentially of oxide(s) only, it comprises at least one oxide of copper, magnesium, cadmium, aluminum, zirconium, hafnium, thorium, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum and (or) cobalt, and further provided that where the porous coating consists essentially of alumina only, it comprises specified pores. The invention also relates to an article of manufacture having a nanometric porous surface layer comprising at least one of metals, metal oxides and mixtures thereof, which comprises pores in the surface layer having a width in a range 0-100 nm, and wherein a major number of pores in this range have a width in a band of about 1 to about 30 nm.

Abstract: An aluminum-containing substrate can be provided for use in lithographic printing plate precursors. Before radiation-sensitive layers are applied, a grained and sulfuric acid anodized aluminum-containing support is treated with an alkaline or acidic pore-widening solution to provide its outer surface with columnar pores. The diameter of the columnar pores at their outermost surface is at least 90% of the average diameter of the columnar pores. Directly on this treated surface, a hydrophilic layer is applied, which hydrophilic layer contains a non-crosslinked hydrophilic polymer having carboxylic acid side chains.

Abstract: An infrared sensitive and chemical treatment free photosensitive composition, includes, based on weight percentage, 30-70% of a water soluble thermally cross-linking resin, 1-20% of a water-soluble photocross-linking polymerized resin, 10-50% of a photopolymerizable oligomer, 1-30% of a multifunctional monomer, 1-20% of a cationic photopolymerization initiator, and 1-20% of an infrared irradiation absorption dye. The photosensitive composition of the present invention is useful for preparation of an infrared sensitive and chemical treatment free lithographic plate. The lithographic plate of the present invention has a high sensitivity and a good mesh point reduction, and after exposure to an infrared light source, can be printed directly after being washed with tapped water or without any washing and processing step, and has a long run length.

Abstract: Thick film photoresist compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: On-press developable, negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors have a sulfuric acid anodized aluminum-containing substrate in which the oxide layer pores have been widened using an acidic or alkaline treatment. Over the widened pores, a hydrophilic coating is applied, which coating comprises a non-crosslinked hydrophilic polymer having carboxylic acid side chains. This particular substrate provides improved adhesion and printing durability for on-press development and printing.

Abstract: A thermally-sensitive, positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor can be used to prepare lithographic printing plates using high pH, silicate-free processing solutions. The precursor has a grained an anodized aluminum-containing substrate including a poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) interlayer. A first ink receptive layer, and optionally a second ink receptive layer, is disposed directly on the poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) interlayer. This first ink receptive layer comprises an aromatic acid dye that comprises at least two aromatic groups in an amount of least 0.5 weight %. In addition, the precursor comprises an infrared radiation absorber in one of the layers.

Abstract: A presensitized plate bringing about the lithographic printing plate which exhibits a high resistance to scumming and in which formation of bulges causing image dropouts is suppressed is provided with the lithographic printing plate support which includes an aluminum plate and an anodized film of aluminum provided on the aluminum plate, and has a micropore extending in the anodized film in the direction of depth from a film surface opposite with a film surface facing the aluminum plate. The micropore is sealed at least partially on its inside with protrusions made of boehmite, and the protrusions made of boehmite which are located on the anodized film have a mean height of less than 15 nm.

Abstract: Electrochemically grained and anodized aluminum supports are treated with a post-treatment coating solution containing a polymer derived at least in part from vinyl phosphonic acid and phosphoric acid. This post-treated support is useful as substrates in the preparation of lithographic printing plate precursors. The post-treatment substrate treatment enables wide latitude in manufacturing and compatibility with silicate-free developers to achieve negligible background staining and oxide attack.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of fabricating microelectronics structures, and the resulting structures formed thereby, using EUV lithographic processes. The method involves utilizing an assist layer immediately below the photoresist layer. The assist layer can either be directly applied to the substrate, or it can be applied to any intermediate layer(s) that may be applied to the substrate. The preferred assist layers are formed from spin-coatable, polymeric compositions. The inventive method allows reduced critical dimensions to be achieved with improved dose-to-size ratios, while improving adhesion and reducing or eliminating pattern collapse issues.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition which does not contain any halogenated compound or any antimony compound that has a high risk of putting a load on the environment, which exerts good flame retardancy after being cured, and which particularly meets the recent exacting requirements with respect to bending resistance and insulation reliability. Specifically disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition comprising: (A) a (meth)acrylate compound represented by the general formula (1); (B) a polyimide precursor; and (C) a photopolymerization initiator [in the formula, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a univalent organic group; n and m independently represent an integer of 1 to 5; p represents an integer of 0 to 6; q and r independently represent an integer of 0 to 4; and s represent an integer of 0 to 6, provided that the sum of p, q, r and s is 6, and the sum total of p and s may range from 3 to 6 and is preferably 6].

Abstract: Electrochemically grained and anodized aluminum supports are treated with a post-treatment coating solution containing a polymer derived at least in part from vinyl phosphonic acid and phosphoric acid. This post-treated support is useful as substrates in the preparation of lithographic printing plate precursors. The post-treatment substrate treatment enables wide latitude in manufacturing and compatibility with silicate-free developers to achieve negligible background staining and oxide attack.

Abstract: Novel, developer-soluble anti-reflective coating compositions and methods of using those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a multi-functional acid reacted with a multi-functional vinyl ether to form a branched polymer or oligomer. In use, the compositions are applied to a substrate and thermally crosslinked. Upon exposure to light and post-exposure baking, the cured polymers/oligomers will decrosslink and depolymerize, rendering the layer soluble in typical photoresist developing solutions (e.g., alkaline developers).

Abstract: Novel, developer-soluble, hard mask compositions and methods of using those compositions to form microelectronic structures are provided. The composition comprises the compound a compound for controlling development rate, and a crosslinking agent in a solvent system. The methods involve applying the composition to a substrate and curing the composition. An imaging layer is applied to the composition, followed by light exposure and developing, during which the light-exposed portions of the imaging layer are removed, along with portions of the hard mask composition adjacent said light-exposed portions. The size of the hard mask composition structures are controlled by the development rate, and they yield feature sizes that are a fraction of the imaging layer feature sizes, to give a pattern that can ultimately be transferred to the substrate.

Abstract: Negative-working, infrared radiation-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursors have an imageable layer on a substrate. The imageable layer includes a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating free radicals upon exposure to infrared radiation, a polymeric binder, one or more infrared radiation absorbing compounds, and an inorganic phosphoric acid or inorganic phosphoric acid precursor. The lithographic printing plate precursors can be designed for either off-press or on-press development after IR imaging.

Abstract: A presensitized plate bringing about the lithographic printing plate which exhibits a high resistance to scumming and in which formation of bulges causing image dropouts is suppressed is provided with the lithographic printing plate support which includes an aluminum plate and an anodized film of aluminum provided on the aluminum plate, and has a micropore extending in the anodized film in the direction of depth from a film surface opposite with a film surface facing the aluminum plate. The micropore is sealed at least partially on its inside with protrusions made of boehmite, and the protrusions made of boehmite which are located on the anodized film have a mean height of less than 15 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a negative type lithographic printing plate material comprising a surface-roughened and anodically oxidized aluminum substrate and a photosensitive layer provided thereon, characterized in that: said photosensitive layer comprises a novolac resin, which contains a binder resin (a), a crosslinking agent (b), an infrared-absorbing agent (c) and an acid-generating agent (d), and in which the binder resin (a) contains 20-100 mass % inclusive of a phenol part expressed in ratio by mass, and a polyvinylphenol polymer; the content ratio of the novolac resin to the polyvinylphenol polymer (the mass of the novolac resin:the mass of the polyvinylphenol polymer) is 7:3 to 3:7; and the ratio by mass [(b)/(a)] is 0.25 to 0.50 inclusive.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor can be used to prepare a printing plate using thermal ablation. The precursor has a non-thermally ablatable first layer on a substrate. Over the first layer is a thermally ablatable outer layer that includes an IR absorbing compound in an ablatable polymeric binder. The first layer includes a sol gel as a continuous inorganic matrix and a discontinuous inorganic phase (inorganic particles) dispersed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor including on a support a photosensitive layer that contains a polymerizable composition containing a specific binder polymer having a repeating unit of formula (I), an infrared absorbent, a polymerization initiator and a polymerizable compound, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents a linking group which includes two or more atoms selected from a carbon atom, a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom and has a number of atoms of 2 to 82; A represents an oxygen atom or —NR3— in which R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and n represents an integer of 1 to 5. The invention also provides a planographic printing plate precursor provided with a specific photosensitive layer with respect to an alkaline developer.

Abstract: Negative-working imageable elements have an imageable layer comprising a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating radicals sufficient to initiate polymerization of the free radically polymerizable component upon exposure to imaging radiation, a radiation absorbing compound, one or more polymeric binders, and at least 5 weight % of core-shell particles comprising a hydrophobic polymeric core and a hydrophilic polymeric shell that is covalently bound to the polymeric core. The hydrophilic polymeric shell has one or more zwitterionic functional groups. These elements can be imaged such as by IR lasers to provide lithographic printing plates.

Abstract: Negative-working, on-press developable imageable element have improved shelf life and press run length because they include a free radically polymerizable composition comprising two or more ethylenically unsaturated compounds, each of which has two or more terminal acrylate groups, provided at least one of the ethylenically unsaturated compounds further comprises alkylene glycol units. In addition, the molar ratio of terminal acrylate groups to the alkylene glycol units in the non-polymeric free radically polymerizable composition is from about 1.25:1 to about 3:1.

Abstract: A negative-working photopolymerization type photosensitive lithographic printing plate precursor capable of conducting image recording with laser, includes: a hydrophilic support; a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer containing (i) a sensitizing dye having an absorption maximum in a wavelength range of from 360 to 450 nm, (ii) a hexaarylbiimidazole compound and (iii) an addition polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond; and a protective layer, in this order, wherein the protective layer has oxygen permeability at 25° C. under one atmosphere of from 25 ml/m2·day to 200 ml/m2·day.

Abstract: A recording layer including a novel dye for a high density optical recording medium, employing short wavelength laser source with a wavelength not longer than 530 nm for recording high density information and reproduction/playback of the high density information recordings, is provided.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plate precursor comprising (a) a lithographic substrate with a hydrophilic surface and (b) a radiation-sensitive coating on the hydrophilic surface comprising (i) one or more types of monomers and/or oligomers and/or polymers, each comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated group accessible to a free radical polymerization, (ii) at least one sensitizer, and at least one coinitiator capable of forming free radicals together with the sensitizer (ii); characterized in that the at least one sensitizer is an oligomeric or polymeric compound comprising the following structural unit (Formula (I)), wherein ?1 is an aromatic or heteroaromatic unit or a combination of the two so that a conjugated n-system is present between the two groups Z in structure (I), each Z independently represents a heteroatom, each R1 and R2 is independently selected from a halogen atom, an alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or aralkyl group, a group —NR3R4 and a group —OR5, each R3, R4 and R5 is independently selected from a

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support and a layer containing a polymer compound having at least one support-adsorbing group at a terminal of a main chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to negative-working imageable elements that can be used for the manufacture of printing plates. These imageable elements can be developed on on-press by the action of a lithographic printing ink used in combination with either water or a fountain solution. The imageable elements comprise an imageable layer that is not removable in water or fountain solution alone. The imageable layer includes a free radically polymerizable compound, a free radical initiator composition, an infrared radiation absorbing compound, and a polymeric binder comprising poly(alkylene oxide) pendant groups, and preferably additionally pendant cyano groups.

Abstract: Phosphono-substituted siloxanes suitable as interlayer material in lithographic substrates and for post-treating developed lithographic printing plates, obtainable by reacting (a) a first organosilicon compound of the general formula (I) and (b) a second organosilicon compound of the general formula (II).

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor having a photosensitive layer containing (A) at least one saccharide selected from the group consisting of an oligosaccharide and a polysaccharide, (B) a binder polymer, (C) a compound having an addition polymerizable ethylenic unsaturated bond, and (D) a polymerization initiator, or a lithographic printing plate precursor having an undercoat layer comprising (A) at least one saccharide selected from the group consisting of an oligosaccharide and a polysaccharide, and a photosensitive layer containing (B) a binder polymer, (C) a compound having an addition polymerizable ethylenic unsaturated bond, and (D) a polymerization initiator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor including a support and a positive recording layer formed on the support and containing: (A) a polymer having a structural unit represented by the following general formula (1), (B) a photo-thermal converting agent, and (C) an amino compound having a methylol group or an alkoxymethyl group; and a positive recording layer whose solubility in an alkaline developer is improved by exposure to light or by heating. In general formula (1), R1 represents an alkyl group or a cyclic group, x represents 0 or 1, and A represents a bivalent bonding group. According to the invention, a positive planographic printing plate precursor for use with infrared lasers having excellent chemical resistance and wide image development latitude can be obtained.

Abstract: Radiation-sensitive element comprising a substrate and a radiation-sensitive coating comprising (a) at least one component selected from photoinitiators and sensitizer/coinitiator systems which absorbs radiation of a wavelength in the range of 250 to 1,200 nm; (b) at least one free-radical polymerizable oligomer A having an average molecular weight in the range of 3,500 to 9,000 determined by GPC, obtainable by reacting a triisocyanate with (i) at least one acrylic or methacrylic monomer with two free OH groups and at least one (meth)acrylic group and (ii) at least one compound comprising one OH group, at least one (meth)acrylic group and at least one poly(alkyleneoxide) chain in the molecule, wherein the (meth)acrylic monomer (i) is present in an amount of 2 to 20 mole-%, based on the total amount of (meth)acrylic compounds with OH functionality.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate support includes a surface which has a surface area ratio ?S5(0.02-0.2) defined by formula (1): ?S5(0.02-0.2)(%)=[(Sx5(0.02-0.2)?S0)/S0]×100(%) (Sx5(0.02-0.2)??(1) is the true surface area of a 5 ?m square surface region as determined by three-point approximation based on data obtained by extracting 0.02 to 0.2 ?m wavelength components from three-dimensional data on the surface region measured with an atomic force microscope at 512×512 points and S0 is the geometrically measured surface area of the surface region) of 50 to 90%; and an arithmetic average roughness Ra of 0.35 ?m or less. The lithographic printing plate support can be used to obtain a presensitized plate, which exhibits both an excellent scumming resistance and a particularly long press life when being made into a lithographic printing plate.

Abstract: A presensitized lithographic plate comprises a support and a hydrophilic image-recording layer. The hydrophilic image-recording layer contains a hydrophilic polymer and an agent capable of converting hydrophilic to hydrophobic when the agent is heated. The hydrophilic polymer comprises a main chain and branched chains. Each of the branched chain comprises a hydrophilic chain having a molecular weight in the range of 200 to 1,000,000. A hydrophilic substrate and a lithographic printing process are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an aluminum alloy blank for a lithographic printing plate including iron in a range of 0.20 to 0.80 wt %; and the balance being aluminum, a crystal grain refining element, and unavoidable impurity elements. The unavoidable impurity elements may include silicon and copper, wherein a content of silicon is in a range of 0.02 to 0.30 wt % and a content of copper is equal to or below 0.05 wt %. A solid solution amount of silicon is in a range of 150 ppm to 1500 ppm.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive composition includes a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating free radicals sufficient to initiate polymerization upon exposure to imaging radiation, an infrared radiation absorbing dye having a tetraaryl pentadiene chromophore, a polymeric binder comprising a polymer backbone to which are directly or indirectly linked poly(alkylene glycol) side chains, and a nonionic phosphate acrylate having a molecular weight of at least 250. This composition can be used to prepare a negative-working imageable element that is sensitive to suitable imaging radiation and can be imaged at relatively low energy and developed either on-press or off-press.

Abstract: A method of conditioning the surface of a work piece, particularly of a strip or sheet, more particularly of a lithostrip or lithosheet, including an aluminium alloy is provided. The method for conditioning the surface of a work piece and a work piece including an aluminium alloy enabling an increasing manufacturing speed in electro-chemically graining and maintaining at the same time a high quality of the grained surface, includes a conditioning method which comprises at least the two steps, degreasing the surface of the work piece with a degreasing medium and subsequently cleaning the surface of the work piece by pickling.

Abstract: A litho strip for use as an offset printing plate is described which has a composition of 0.05-0.25% Si, 0.30-0.40% Fe, 0.10-0.30% Mg, max. 0.05% Mn, and max. 0.04% Cu. The strip is produced from a continuous cast ingot of the above composition which is hot rolled to a thickness of up to 2-7 mm. The residual resistance ratio of the hot rolled strip is RR=10-20. The cold rolling is carried out with or without intermediate annealing, wherein the degree of rolling reduction after intermediate annealing is >60%. The further processing up to the EC roughening takes place with the microstructure adjusted in the rolling process at <100° C. The litho strip is characterized by a high thermal stability, a good roughening behavior in the EC processes, and a high reverse bending fatigue strength perpendicular to the rolling direction.

Abstract: New polymers and new anti-reflective compositions containing such polymers are provided. The compositions comprise a polymer (e.g., epoxy cresol novolac resins) bonded with a chromophore (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, trimellitic anhydride). The inventive compositions can be applied to substrates (e.g., silicon wafers) to form anti-reflective coating layers having high etch rates which minimize or prevent reflection during subsequent photoresist exposure and developing.