Abstract: A method for the production of flexographic printing forms by means of laser engraving, wherein at least one elastomer relief layer is applied to a dimensionally-stable carrier. The relief layer comprises at least one elastomer binding agent and at least one absorber for laser radiation; the relief layer is entirely cross-linked by means of electron radiation at a minimum overall dose of 40 kGy; a printed relief is engraved into the cross-linked relief layer by means of a laser. The invention also relates to flexographic printing forms which can be obtained according to said method.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate is disclosed, and said method comprises the steps of imagewise light-exposing to infrared radiation, a presensitized plate for use in making a lithographic printing plate, said presensitized plate having an image-forming layer which comprises an IR-absorbing agent, and developing the light-exposed plate with an alkaline liquid developer comprising a polyhydric alcohol-type alkylene oxide adduct.

Abstract: A heat mode type negative image recording material is provided which comprises (A) a polymer compound that is insoluble in water but is soluble in an alkali aqueous solution and has at least one of groups represented by general formulae (1) to (3) on a side chain; (B) a photothermal conversion agent; and (C) an onium salt compound forming radicals by heat mode exposure with light that is capable of being absorbed by said photothermal conversion agent (B), said heat mode type negative image recording material being capable of recording an image by heat mode exposure. The general formulae are defined in the specification.

Abstract: In a semiconductor integrated circuit device including a plurality of semiconductor devices formed on a substrate, the principal plane of the substrate is partitioned into a plurality of device regions and into a plurality of routing regions each crossing a boundary between the plural device regions. A device group including one or more semiconductor devices among the plural semiconductor devices and a local interconnect for connecting the semiconductor devices included in the device group are disposed within the plural device regions. A global routing for connecting the device groups to each other is disposed within each of the plural routing regions.

Abstract: A method for generating a photoresist structure is disclosed in which a layer of photoresist is deposited over a semiconductor substrate. In a first exposure, the layer of photoresist is exposed to deep ultraviolet light. A second exposure is then performed using a different wavelength of light to pattern the layer of photoresist. The photoresist is then developed so as to form a photoresist structure having reduced thickness and rounded corners. This gives a photoresist structure having a reduced shadow area. An angled ion implant can then be performed using the photoresist structure as a mask.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing laser-engravable flexographic printing elements on flexible metallic supports comprising a cross-linked elastomeric layer and an absorber for laser radiation. The invention also relates to a method for producing flexographic printing plates by means of laser engraving using flexographic printing elements of the aforementioned type, and to flexographic printing plates produced using such a method.

Abstract: Infrared absorbing compounds that absorb at 800 nm±50 nm and at 1050 nm±50 nm, the two different regions of the infrared spectrum typically used for imaging, are disclosed. Thermally imageable elements that comprise these infrared absorbing compounds can be imaged with radiation in either of these two regions of the infrared spectrum. The elements are especially useful as lithographic printing plate precursors.

Abstract: A positive working printing form precursor comprises a thermally imagable composition which includes a hydroxyl group-containing polymer, for example a novolak resin. The composition has a weight of less than 1.1 gm?2. It has been found that using a low weight of the composition on the precursor improves the properties of the precursor, in particular by rendering the sensitivity of the precursor to imaging radiation less variable over time.

Abstract: Infrared absorbing compounds in which the anion is selected from the group consisting of 5-isatinsulfonate, 10-camphorsulfonate, and 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonate are disclosed. Negative-working imageable elements containing these compounds have improved dot stability.

Abstract: Negative thermosensitive lithographic printing plates comprise on a hydrophilic substrate an oleophilic thermosensitive layer comprising a polymeric binder, urethane (meth)acrylate monomer having at least 6 (meth)acrylate groups, a non-urethane (meth)acrylate monomer having at least 4 (meth)acrylate groups, a free-radical initiator, and an infrared absorbing dye; wherein the weight ratio of said urethane (meth)acrylate monomer to said non-urethane (meth)acrylate monomer is from 0.10 to 3.0, and said thermosensitive layer is capable of hardening upon exposure to an infrared radiation. Lithographic plates with such compositions have excellent press durability.

Abstract: A method for forming an image, which comprises subjecting a photosensitive layer of a photosensitive lithographic printing plate having a photosensitive layer comprising a photopolymerizable composition formed on a support surface to scanning exposure with a laser light having a wavelength in a range of from 650 to 1,300 nm, developing an image, and then further subjecting the photosensitive lithographic printing plate having the developed image to whole image exposure with a light exposure energy of from 1 to 70 times larger than the light exposure energy at the time of the laser light scanning exposure.

Abstract: An imageable element useful as a flexographic printing plate precursor is disclosed. The element is made up of a flexible substrate; a photosensitive layer, which contains a negative working photosensitive composition; an optional barrier layer; and a masking layer. The masking layer is thermally bleachable, comprises a dye that typically has an absorption maximum between about 250 nm and about 600 nm, more typically between about 300 nm and about 500 nm, and is substantially free of photothermal conversion materials.

Abstract: A print material having a support, at least one red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer containing at least one cyan coupler, at least one green-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer containing at least one magenta coupler and at least one blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer containing at least one yellow coupler, characterised in that the silver halide crystals of the red-sensitive layer have a chloride content of at least 95 mol %, contain 20 to 500 nmol of iridium per mol of silver halide and the cyan coupler is of the formula in which R1 means a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, R2 means an alkyl, aryl or hetaryl group, R3 means an alkyl or aryl group, R4 means an alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, acyloxy, acylamino, sulfonyloxy, sulfamoylamino, sulfonamido, ureido, hydroxycarbonyl, hydroxycarbonylamino, carbamoyl, alkylthio, arylthio, alkylamino or arylamino group or a hydrogen atom and Z means a hydrogen atom or a group eliminable under the conditions of chromogenic development, is dis

Abstract: With the method according to the invention for producing a printing plate, in particular for flexoprinting, a layer of a curable elastomer is applied to a carrier (15) with a cylindrical surface area (26), subsequently the elastomer layer is cured to an essentially cylindrical endless printing form blank and possibly ground to a cylindrical peripheral form or processed otherwise, and afterwards the printing form blank (33) is separated along a line which is essentially parallel to the axial direction of the carrier and the printing plate produced in such a manner.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition comprising a resin containing a repeating unit corresponding to a monomer having a structure represented by formula (I) defined in the specification, and a negative working lithographic printing plate having a negative working photosensitive layer comprising the above-described photosensitive composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IR-sensitive compositions suitable for the manufacture of printing plates developable on-press. The IR-sensitive compositions comprise a first polymeric binder which does not comprise acidic groups having a pKa value?8; a second polymeric binder comprising polyether groups; an initiator system; and a free radical polymerizable system comprising at least one member selected from unsaturated free radical polymerizable monomers, free radical polymerizable oligomers and polymers containing C?C bonds in the back bone and/or in the side chain groups. The initiator system includes (i) at least one compound capable of absorbing IR radiation; (ii) at least one compound capable of producing radicals selected from polyhaloalkyl-substituted compounds; and (iii) at least one polycarboxylic acid of formula R4—(CR5R6)r—Y—CH2COOH, wherein oxi<redii+1.6 eV, where oxi=oxidation potential of component (i) in eV, and redii=reduction potential of component (ii) in eV.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a lithographic printing plate, which comprises imagewise exposing a presensitized plate having a photopolymerizable layer on a substrate having a hydrophilic surface by scanning the plate with laser light having a wavelength of 450 nm or shorter, developing the exposed plate with a developer and further exposing the whole surface of the developed plate to light having a wavelength of 450 nm or shorter. The method provides a lithographic printing plate by which a fog of reflection that is easily occurred in an inner drum-type exposing device during a direct process can be reduced to provide a clear image as well as a high printing durability.

Abstract: A process for producing a lithographic printing plate by on-press developing a heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor having on a metallic base in this order (1) an ink-receptive layer, (2) a hydrophilic layer containing colloidal particles of an oxide or hydroxide of at least one element, e.g., silicon or aluminum, and (3) a hydrophilic overcoat layer capable of being removed on a printing machine, which includes: rotating a plate cylinder having attached thereto the heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor which has been exposed; subsequently supplying an ink and a dampening water to the plate surface by simultaneously bringing a dampening roll and an inking roll into contact with the plate surface or by bringing a water-metering roll into contact with an inking roll and then bringing the inking roll, which functions also to dampen, into contact with the plate surface; and thereby removing the overcoat layer and the exposed parts of the hydrophilic layer.

Abstract: A plate-making method of a lithographic printing plate comprising exposing imagewise a photosensitive lithographic printing plate comprising an aluminum support and a photosensitive layer comprising a photosensitive composition of photopolymerization type, which contains a compound having a nitrogen atom and an ethylenically unsaturated double bond, a photopolymerization initiator and a polymer binder, and developing the exposed printing plate with a developing solution containing (1) an inorganic alkali agent and (2) a nonionic surface active agent having a polyoxyalkylene ether group.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate which comprises imagewise exposing to light a presensitized plate useful for making a lithographic printing plate having an intermediate layer and a photosensitive layer on an aluminum substrate in this order and developing the imagewise exposed plate with a developer, wherein said intermediate layer comprises a polymer compound comprising at least a structure unit having an acid group and a structure unit having an onium group and said developer comprises an inorganic alkali salt and a nonionic surfactant having polyoxyalkylene ether group and pH of the developer ranges from 11.0 to 12.7. The method provides a lithographic printing plate, which shows good contrast between an image area and non-image area, no background contamination during printing, good stability with time and good printing durability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a top coat layer for a printing plate precursor. The top coat layer includes polycyanoacrylate particles, but is substantially free of photothermal conversion material. The topcoat layer may be applied onto a thermally sensitive layer containing polycyanoacrylate particles and a photothermal conversion material. The top coat layer may reduce ablation during radiation exposure without adversely affecting printing plate performance.

Abstract: The photosensitive composition of the present invention comprises a photocurable component containing a urethane (meth)acrylate compound (A) having a carboxyl group; a thermosetting resin (C); a photopolymerization initiator (D); and a thermopolymerization catalyst (E); and the above-mentioned photocurable component further contains at least one of (B) a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group, excluding the component (A), and an epoxy (meth)acrylate compound (F) having a carboxyl group. Therefore, the photosensitive composition is suitable for use as an insulating protective coating film for printed circuit boards. Since the cured film made of the photosensitive composition of the present invention is particularly superior in pliability, curling does not occur even when used for a thin circuit board. Therefore, the cured film is best suited for use in an FPC board.

Abstract: A photopolymerization process is disclosed, which comprises exposing a photosensitive lithographic printing plate containing at least one of sensitizing dyes represented by the following general formula (I) to laser beam having a wavelength of not greater than 450 nm: wherein T represents OR, SR, N(R)2 or SO2R and at least one T is present in the ortho or para position of the vinyl group, with the proviso that when the site at which Y is connected to the phenyl ring is an oxygen atom, sulfur atom or nitrogen atom, T may not be present; X represents an oxygen atom, sulfur atom or NR; Y represents a nonmetallic atom group which forms a ring with the adjacent carbon atoms; and R's each represent a hydrogen atom or nonmetallic atom group and may be connected to each other.

Abstract: A laser imageable flexographic printing plate and a method of making the laser imageable flexographic printing plate using a collapsible UV cross-linkable material comprising a UV-curable elastomer, an IR dye, and microspheres is disclosed. The collapsible UV cross-linkable material is mixed together and then extruded to form a printing plate. An IR laser is used to collapse and melt the collapsible UV cross-linkable material to form a relief image on the printing plate. The printing plate is thereafter UV cured by face exposure to crosslink and cure the formed relief image. The invention addresses a market need for eliminating chemical processing of printing plates, thus going from plate to press much more quickly. The printing plate may also contain a thin layer of a high-density non-collapsible UV-curable elastomer between the collapsible layer and the cover sheet of the plate which acts as the print surface in the final plate.

Abstract: Infrared absorbing compounds that absorb at 800 nm±50 nm and at 1050 nm±50 nm, the two different regions of the infrared spectrum typically used for imaging, are disclosed. Thermally imageable elements that comprise these infrared absorbing compounds can be imaged with radiation in either of these two regions of the infrared spectrum. The elements are especially useful as lithographic printing plate precursors.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising: an aluminum support; an interlayer; and a photosensitive layer in this order, wherein the aluminum support is surface-roughened and has an anodic oxide coating, the interlayer comprises a compound comprising a di- or more valent metal element, and the photosensitive layer comprises an infrared absorbent, a radical generator and a radical polymerizable compound.

Abstract: A copper clad metal printing plate can be coated with an azide-containing photoresist comprising a polyformal resin together with a modified polyformal resin that has up to 100% of its hydroxyl groups converted to carboxyl groups, an organo azide and a photosensitive dye that absorbs light at the frequency of a patterning laser and converts it to heat energy. This de-crosslinks the resin that has been exposed to the laser light. Preferably the photoresist is flood exposed with ultraviolet light prior to laser exposure. The photoresist becomes soluble in the laser-exposed areas, exposing the underlying copper after development. The printing plates are completed by etching away the copper in the exposed areas, removing the remaining photoresist, thereby providing a patterned copper layer on the printing plate.

Abstract: Laser-engravable flexographic printing elements including a thermally crosslinked, elastomeric, laser-engravable relief-forming layer E are made by producing a multilayer composite which has at least a two-layer composite formed of a depot layer D and an uncrosslinked precursor layer V for the relief-forming layer E which is directly adjacent to the depot layer D. Optionally, the multilayer composite may include further layers, such as support foils or films and/or protective films. The precursor layer V most preferably includes at least one elastomeric binder, and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and, optionally an absorber for laser radiation and/or further additives. The depot layer D most preferably includes at least one elastomeric binder, and at least one thermally decomposing polymerization initiator and, optionally, an absorber for laser radiation and/or further additives.

Abstract: Infrared absorbing compounds in which both the anion and the cation absorb infrared radiation, imageable elements that contain these compounds, and methods for forming images using the imageable elements are disclosed. The compounds have the structure: in which Y1 and Y2 are each independently hydrogen, halo, alkyl, diphenylamino, or phenylthio; R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently hydrogen, methyl, or SO3−, with the proviso that two of R1, R2, R3, and R4 are SO3−; R5 and R6 are each independently an alkyl group; Z1, Z2, Z4, and Z5 are each independently a benzo group or a naphtho group; Z3 and Z6 are each independently two hydrogen atoms, a cyclohexene residue, or a cyclopentene residue; X1, X2, X3, and X4 are each independently S, O, NH, CH2, or C(CH3)2; and n1 and n2 are each independently 0 to 4.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises an image forming layer containing at least one polymer compound having a fluoroaliphatic group on the side chain, wherein the fluoroaliphatic group is derived from a fluoroaliphatic compound produced by a telomerization or oligomerization method.

Abstract: A lithographic process comprises the steps of imagewise heating a presensitized lithographic printing plate and removing an unheated area of an image-forming layer to form a lithographic printing plate. The presensitized lithographic printing plate comprises a hydrophilic support and the image-forming layer. The image-forming layer contains a compound or a polymer having o-quinodimethane structures or precursor structures thereof. The lithographic printing plate is prepared by a reaction of the o-quinodimethane structures.

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: Disclosed are partially fluorinated that are substantially transparent to ultraviolet radiation at wavelengths from approximately 150 nanometer to 260 nanometers.

Abstract: A laser-engravable flexographic printing element comprising an elastomeric, relief-forming, laser-engravable, thermally and/or photochemically crosslinkable layer comprising, as binder, at least 5% by weight of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having a content of 1,2-linked butadiene units of from 80 to 100%, a degree of crystallinity of from 5 to 30% and a mean molecular weight of from 20,000 to 300,000 g/mol on a flexible, dimensionally stable support.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for lithography utilizing X-ray radiation. More particularly, the methods of the invention can be employed for lithography at wavelengths in a range between about 0.8 nm and 30 nm, and more particularly, at wavelengths in a range between 0.8 and 1.2 nm. The methods of the invention employ photoresist compositions having fluorinated polymers with a fluorine content of at least about 10% by weight to provide enhanced sensitivity for X-ray lithography.

Abstract: A method of designing a chemical amplification type photosensitive composition containing an acid generating agent, wherein the average distance between exposure particles in an exposure area of the photosensitive composition upon pattern exposure of the photosensitive composition or the average distance between the acids generated by the pattern exposure is calculated based on the sensitivity required of the photosensitive composition, and the composition of the photosensitive composition is set so that the diffusion length of the acid generated from the acid generating agent by the pattern exposure is greater than the calculated average distance.

Abstract: A method of printing an image with a printing plate prepared from a printing plate precursor, which comprises a support having thereon an image forming layer A containing a water-soluble material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) imagewise exposing the layer A of the printing plate precursor so as to form an unexposed portion and an exposed portion; (b) supplying an emulsion ink containing an oil-based ink and water onto the layer A so that the unexposed portion is removed from the layer A so as to form a non image portion and the exposed portion remains in the layer A so as to form an image portion to give the printing plate, wherein the image portion is lyophilic and the non image portion is hydrophilic; and (c) printing the image on the printing plate to an image receiving material while further supplying the emulsion ink.

Abstract: An IR-sensitive composition comprising, in addition to a polymeric binder, a free radical polymerizable system consisting of at least one member selected from unsaturated free radical polymerizable monomers, oligomers which are free radical polymerizable, and polymers containing C═C bonds in the back bone and/or in the side chain groups and an initiator system, wherein the initiator system comprises the following components: (a) at least one material capable of absorbing IR radiation, (b) at least one compound capable of producing radicals and (c) at least one hereto-substituted arylacetic acid co-initiator compound indicated by the following general structures: 1

Abstract: Thermally imageable elements and methods for their preparation and use are disclosed. The elements contain, in order, a substrate; an underlayer; and an ink-repellent layer. The underlayer contains a crosslinked allyl functional polyurethane. A photothermal conversion material is present in either in the underlayer or in an absorber layer between the underlayer and the ink-repellent layer. Thermal imaging and development removes the ink-repellent layer and reveals the underlayer in the exposed regions to form an imaged element useful as a waterless lithographic printing plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a PET-based photographic multilayer film base having improved properties with regard to cutting, stiffness and post-process curl. In particular, the polyester film base comprises a biaxially-stretched multilayer film structure, in which layers a specified amount of monomeric units derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), sulfonic-acid-substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acid and poly(alkylene glycol) is present.

Abstract: Positive-working thermally imageable elements, useful as printing plate precursors and having reduced ablation when thermally imaged, and methods for their preparation are disclosed. In one aspect, the elements contain a hydrophilic substrate, an underlayer, a barrier layer, and a top layer. The underlayer comprises a photothermal conversion material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing a printing member by coating a printing cylinder with a layer comprising ultraviolet-curable silicones and curing the layer using ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Acid-catalyzed positive resist compositions which are imageable with 193 nm radiation and/or possibly other radiation and are developable to form resist structures of improved development characteristics and improved etch resistance are enabled by the use of resist compositions containing imaging polymer having a 2-cyano acrylic monomer.

Abstract: A method of graft polymerization which includes a step of forming a polymerization initiating layer in which a polymer having, on a side chain thereof, a crosslinking group and a functional group having polymerization initiating capability is immobilized on a support by a crosslinking reaction, and a step of conatacting a compound having a polymerizable functional group with the polymerization initiating layer, and then bonding the compound to the polymerization initiating layer supplying energy thereto, as well as a hydrophilic member, a printing plate precursor, a pattern forming material, a pattern forming method, a method of producing a particle-adsorbed material, and a method of producing a metal particle-dispersed thin layer film, to which the above-mentioned method of graft polymerization can be applied.

Abstract: A method of making a printing plate from a heat-sensitive PS plate of a positive-working mode for lithographic printing includes the steps of exposing the heat-sensitive PS plate to light and developing the PS plate using an alkaline developing solution containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cationic surfactants and compounds having three or more of an ethylene oxide-terminal group in the molecule thereof. The PS plate has a substrate and an image forming layer formed thereon, said image forming layer comprising a lower layer which is formed on the substrate and contains a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin and an upper heat-sensitive layer which is overlaid on the lower layer and contains a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble resin and an infrared absorption dye and exhibits an elevated solubility with respect to alkaline aqueous solutions when heated.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive composition which forms an image without the removal of material, which does not require any developing treatment after the stage of exposure to heat and comprises: (a) a switchable polymer, (b) an IR absorber, (c) a triazine compound, and (d) a novolak resin.

Abstract: A presensitized plate in which an image recording layer is formed on a support for a lithographic printing plate obtainable by performing a treatment with an aqueous solution containing one or more divalent or multivalent cations at a concentration ranging from 0.0001 mol/L to less than 0.020 mol/L is excellent in both scum resistance and press life when processed into a lithographic printing plate.

Abstract: A negative-working CTP plate which is superior in resolution and printing resistance of the image area of a press plate is provided, which is obtained by forming a latent image on a heat-sensitive layer in a heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising a substrate having a hydrophilic surface and a heat-sensitive layer made of an alkali-soluble polymer formed on the surface of the substrate, using heat generated upon irradiation with laser light, and developing the heat-sensitive layer using an alkaline developing solution. In the heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising a substrate having a hydrophilic surface, and a heat-sensitive layer made of an alkali-soluble polymer formed on the surface of the substrate, an advancing contact angle (&thgr;f1) of the surface of the heat-sensitive layer with water at 25° C. is within a range from 70° to 110°, a receding contact angle (&thgr;b2) of the surface of the heat-sensitive layer with water at 25° C.

Abstract: A method for making a lithographic printing plate comprises the steps of imagewise exposing, to a laser beam, a PS plate comprising a substrate, a heat-sensitive layer containing at least one light-heat conversion agent and a binder polymer formed on the substrate and a hydrophilic or lipophobic layer applied onto the heat-sensitive layer; and then removing the hydrophilic or lipophobic layer on the laser-exposed area by developing the imagewise exposed printing plate within 120 seconds from the completion of the laser-exposure to thus give a lithographic printing plate, wherein the developing treatment comprises the step of rubbing the exposed printing plate surface with an abrasion means in the absence of any liquid. This method permits the production of a lithographic printing plate without causing any deterioration of the developing properties of the PS plate even when the imagewise exposed PS plate is developed within a short period of time after the completion of the laser-exposure.

Abstract: Flexographic printing plates are produced by thermal development by a process in which an imagewise exposed flexographic printing element is developed by heating and removing the softened, unpolymerized parts of the relief-forming layer, the flexographic printing element used comprising an olefin/(meth)acrylate copolymer having an olefin content of from 50 to 94 mol %. The photopolymerizable flexographic printing element comprises an olefin/(meth)acrylate copolymer having a content of from 50 to 94 mol % of olefin monomers, from 6 to 50 mol % of (meth)acrylate monomers and from 0 to 5 mol % of further comonomers. This flexographic printing element is used for the production of flexographic printing plates both by thermal development and by development by means of washout compositions.