Abstract: Improved waterless lithographic plates are provided. The master which comprises a copolymer of siloxane blocks crosslinked to an elastomeric ink releasing condition and organic thermoplastic blocks which are ink accepting is imaged with a particulate material, preferably an ink accepting thermoplastic polymer, and the thermoplastic blocks heated and cooled to bond the particulate imaging material thereto.

Abstract: Prior to conversion of an offset master imaged by electrostatic technique to render the non-imaged portions of the imaged master ink repellent and water receptive, the surface is pre-wet with an organic solvent system which leaves residual solvent on the surface at the time of conversion.

Abstract: A method of controlling developer activity in the processing of photosensitized printing plates; comprising, exposing a photographic test film, comprising, a film adapted to pass substantial amounts of light through some portions thereof and substantially lesser amounts of light through other portions thereof, preferably transparent portions and opaque portions, and having a background area and a plurality of insets separated from one another and surrounded by and separated by the background area, the background area having a plurality of regularly spaced dots, having a relatively small total dot perimeter per unit area and a constant dot size and adapted to pass substantial amounts of light through said dots, separated by lines adapted to transmit substantially lesser amounts of light through said lines, each of the insets having a plurality of regularly spaced dots, having a larger total dot perimeter than the small dot perimeter and constant dot size and adapted to pass small amounts of light through said

Abstract: A photosensitive color-forming element comprises a support and a photosensitive color-forming layer carried on the support and containing therein a color-forming coupler, for example, 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol and 2,4-dichloro-1-naphthol, and a photosensitive azido compound of the formula (I) or (II): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or an alkyl, alkoxyl, diethylamino or hydroxyl radical R.sub. 2 an alkyl, alkoxyl or hydroxyl radical, and R.sub.3 a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or phenyl radical, and, if necessary, a polymeric material capable of hardening or being insolubilized in solvent when the polymeric material is exposed to radiation rays in the presence of the above azido compound, the above-mentioned azido compound and color-forming coupler being capable of forming a dark color upon exposure to radiation rays, without a color-developing agent.

Abstract: Photosensitive compositions based on soluble vinylpyrrolidone polymers, soluble or swellable polycarboxylic acids, photopolymerizable olefinically unsaturated monomers and optional additions of photoinitiators and polymerization inhibitors.The photosensitive compositions of the invention are suitable for the preparation of printing plates, particularly lithographic plates.

Abstract: A dispersion imaging material, such as tellurium, which disperses upon the absorption of energy above a certain threshold is provided in the form of a thin, continuous film, preferably on a substrate. Energy, in the form of a pulse, is applied to the continuous film in a pattern, which includes a plurality of regions, in an amount and for a length of time sufficient to cause dispersion of the dispersion imaging material simultaneously in all those regions which receive the energy. Preferably, the energy is applied through an imaging mask to produce a duplicate of the image. Sensitizing materials advantageously can be employed to form an indigenous mask on the dispersion imaging material. In addition, dispersion promoting materials can be utilized to enhance and accelerate the formation of a stable image. In the preferred embodiment of the method, the dispersion imaging material is carried on a substrate having a low heat conductivity.

Abstract: Copolymers of glycidyl acrylate and allyl glycidyl ether and terpolymers derived from addition of glycidyl methacrylate to the polymerizable mixture, having an inherent viscosity within the range of about 0.09 to 0.28 and an epoxy equivalent of at least about 0.64 per 100 g. of polymer are provided which upon admixture with a catalyst which is a radiation-sensitive aryldiazonium salt of a complex halogenide, provides compositions suitable for use in a dry photopolymer positive imaging process. In the process, the polymer which is non-tacky at room temperature, together with the catalyst is applied to a substrate and exposed to an energy source for example, electromagnetic radiation through a transparency or mask. Following exposure, the coating is heated to the softening point of the unexposed portion of the coating and a powder or toner is applied thereto, the toner being adhered to only the tacky, non-exposed area of the coating, resulting in a pigmented image.

Abstract: A process for preparing an image plate with continuous gradation having a continuous unevenness which comprises exposing a photosensitive resin plate comprising a supporting material and a layer of a photopolymerizable resin composition being in a solid or liquid state at room temperatures and comprising an addition polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated compound, a binding agent of polymer and a photopolymerization initiator provided thereon through a film with continuous gradation and subjecting the exposed resin plate to development, characterized in that the exposure is made in such a condition that oxygen or a gas containing oxygen is present between the photopolymerizable resin layer and the film.

Abstract: A process of producing a planographic printing plate by forming a diffusion transfer image on an aluminium sheet or foil or on a supported aluminium layer serving as image receiving material wherein the diffusion transfer of silver complexes from an image-wise exposed light-sensitive silver halide material onto said image receiving material is brought about with an alkaline aqueous processing liquid containing at least one compound being within the scope of the following formula:MOOC--X--COOMwherein X is either: --CH=CH--, ##SPC1##and M is an alkali metal.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a planographic printing plate wherein a photoexposed and developed photographic material containing a pattern of poorly water-soluble silver salt is treated with an aqueous liquid which contains in dissolved state an organic cationic compound or mixture of organic cationic compounds, iodide ions, and a sufficient amount of hydronium ions (H.sub.3 O.sup.+) for creating an acidic medium, said liquid being capable of making an unexposed and undeveloped photographic silver halide material as defined in the disclosure sufficiently receptive for a lithographic ink.

Abstract: Light-sensitive compositions including a polymer of the type that is reactable with an azide sensitizer when exposed to light and a sensitizing amount of a naphthalene sensitizer having ortho diazo and oxo substituents at the 1,2 or the 2,1 positions of the naphthalene nucleus and further having an azidosulfonyl substituent group of which the sulfonyl moiety is bonded directly to the naphthalene nucleus at the 4 or the 5-position, are advantageous in the preparation of positive-working photolithographic materials. IN the azidosulfonyl group, the azido moiety can be linked directly or indirectly to the sulfonyl moiety, such as in the compounds 2-diazo-1,2-dihydro-1-oxo-5(4'-azidophenoxysulfonyl)naphthalene and 5-azidosulfonyl-2-diazo-1,2-dihydro-1-oxonaphthalene. The light-sensitive compositions can be coated on support materials to prepare composite photographic elements having utility as photolithographic printing masters and photoresists for etching operations.

Abstract: A photosensitive printing plate having excellent reproducibility of an original of continuous tone comprising a support having an oleophilic surface and formed thereon a diffusion transfer hydrophilic image-receiving layer containing nucleating materials for physical development and a photosensitive silver halide emulsion layer, said image-receiving layer containing an alginate or an image-receiving subsidiary layer containing an alginate present between said image-receiving layer and said photosensitive emulsion layer.

Abstract: A repellent composition containing an oil of low volatility having a surface energy less than 27 dynes/cm. and a solid fluorinated polymer such as a polymer of a fluoroalkyl acrylate. In accord with certain embodiments of the invention, a resinous binder and/or a particulate fluorocarbon powder may be added to the repellent composition. The repellent composition may be used to prepare an ink repellent surface for a "waterless" lithoplate or as a coating on the surface of an electrographic element from which a liquid developed electrographic image is transferred.

Abstract: Photopolymeric image inlay articles comprising a photopolymeric image inlaid into a resilient polyester resin coated matrix of a solidified synthetic rock-like mixture.

Abstract: A method of providing a printing plate comprises coating on a support a layer having a hydrophilic surface comprising the homogeneous reaction product of hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate and hydrolyzed tetraethyl orthosilicate. The coating may also contain pigments such as titanium dioxide and the like. A printing plate is provided having a support having thereon a layer having a hydrophilic surface and over the layer a silver precipitating layer, preferably comprising nickel sulfide and silver iodide. An image is provided in the silver precipitating layer by diffusion transfer and treated with a thiol or similar sulfur-containing material to improve the ink-water balance of the plate.

Abstract: A method of removing irregularities on the surface of a waterless lithographic master comprising selectively heating an imaged adhesive silicone master, which is deformable at elevated temperature, at a temperature and for a time sufficient to smooth out irregularities in the surface of the master.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate is produced by the steps of forming a latent electrostatic image on a photoconductive zinc oxide insulating layer and developing this layer with a toner which forms an imagewise deposit on the recording layer. Applicants' invention relates to contacting the portions of the recording layer which are not covered with the hydrophobic deposit with a hydrophilizing composition (commonly called a conversion wash) comprising the reaction product of (1) phosphoric acid or one of the anions derived from such acid, (2) an organic amine compound, and (3) a hydrophilic metal cation, to form a reaction product with zinc ions from the zinc oxide which reaction product of zinc ions with said composition is substantially insoluble in said composition and is preferentially wetted by water thereby repelling lithographic inks. The plate produced by this process is especially useful for use on a lithographic offset press to produce multiple copies of an original.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in processes wherein an oxidation-reduction reaction is utilized to form an image. In one aspect of this invention, the improvement comprises employing an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent which undergo imagewise redox reaction in the presence of catalytic material, the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent being so chosen that the reaction products are noncatalytic for the oxidation-reduction reaction. In another aspect of this invention, a substitution inert metal complex is utilized as the oxidant in oxidation-reduction image-forming processes. Novel processing compositions and photographic materials are also described. In a specific aspect, this divisional application relates to processes for tanning a crosslinkable colloid with the reaction products of the above redox reaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a light-sensitive copying layer containing an ester or an amide of an o-naphthoquinone diazide sulfonic acid or carboxylic acid together with an organic dyestuff and which changes its color shade upon exposure to light, the improvement comprising that it contains, calculated on its total content of o-naphthoquinone diazide compounds, 10 to 75 per cent by weight of a halide of o-naphthoquinone diazide-4-sulfonic acid and, as the dyestuff, an organic compound capable of salt formation in a quantity of 1 to 50 per cent by weight, calculated on the same basis.

Abstract: A printing plate having halftones and lines is produced by exposing a photosensitive printing plate material comprising a support having an oleophilic surface, a hydrophilic layer formed thereon and a layer of a direct positive-type photosensitive silver halide emulsion formed on top of the hydrophilic layer through a positive original, developing the exposed material to form a silver image in the emulsion layer, subjecting the developed material to an etch bleaching treatment to remove the hydrophilic layer at portions corresponding to the silver image and to reveal the oleophilic surface, and removing the emulsion layer at a portion on which the silver image is not formed, thereby to reveal said hydrophilic layer. The printing plate can given a number of good quality impressions from the outset of printing, and smeared impressions do not result during continued printing operation.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrophobic surface is disclosed. The method comprises coating a substrate surface with a stable aqueous colloidal solution, formed by a controlled hydrolysis and nucleation reaction, comprising insoluble hydrous oxide particles of an element selected from Be, In, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Tl, Cu, Zn, Sn and mixtures thereof. The coated surface is then exposed to a source of ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength ranging from 1800A to 3300A to render exposed surface regions hydrophobic.

Abstract: A positive and negative developable photosensitive composition including a photopolymerizable monomer, photoinitiator, and a blend of polymers, one an acid soluble amino containing polymer, the other a compatible, acid insoluble, film-forming, polymer. The composition, which can be developed positively with dilute aqueous acid or negatively with dilute base, is useful in silk screen printing and as a photoresist composition in general.

Abstract: Continuous tone images are reproduced on a plate having metallic images adherently and preferably conductively bonded to a physically roughened support by contacting with a photographic physical developer an imaging medium comprising a physically developable image of the continuous tone image. The process has the capability of producing an imaged plate containing metal images of varying contrast and varying tonal range and then using the imaged plate as a printing plate. A preferred copy medium comprises a thin silver halide layer coated on a grained and anodized aluminum support.

Abstract: A novel method of preparing a waterless lithographic master and a method of printing therefrom are provided. To prepare the printing master, a suitable ink accepting substrate such as aluminum, paper or plastic, is coated with a silicone gum curing catalyst, preferably suspended in a hydrophilic binder. A barrier fusable particulate hydrophobic image pattern is then deposited on said coated substrate and fused to mask said curing catalyst in the image areas. The substrate is then coated with an uncured silicone gum, preferably as an aqueous emulsion so that the gum does not adhere to the hydrophobic image pattern. The silicone gum is then cured in the nonimage areas to selectively provide ink receptive image areas and ink releasing nonimage areas. The method of printing comprises the additional steps of applying ink to the imaged master and contacting the inked master with an image receiving surface to thereby transfer the inked image.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate structure and method of manufacture, in which a support sheet of steel, normally subject to corrosion in a lithographic environment, such as a mild steel, is coated, preferably on both sides, with aluminum, zinc or an aluminum-zinc alloy to a thickness of about 1 to 3 mils, a polyvinyl phosphonic acid is disposed on the metal coating and a negative working diazo photo-sensitive layer is applied over the polyvinyl phosphonic acid coating.

Abstract: A colored image in a polymer binder is obtained by polymerization of a mixture comprising (1) at least one polymerizable monomer, (2) a halogen containing activator (free radical source), (3) a binder, and (4) at least one normally bleachable dye, dissolved in said mixture; the polymerization being accomplished by imagewise exposure of said composition to a suitable dose of radiation, and is accompanied by fixing of the dye to the photopolymer. As a consequence, the dyes lose their bleaching characteristic and when the exposed areas are developed with a strong acid such as one which would normally bleach the dye, the dye is leached from only the unexposed areas. If the developer also includes an aliphatic alcohol, the unexposed areas may be removed, leaving a relief image with color in the raised portions.

Abstract: A subtractive developer for negative working lithographic plates comprising an aqueous solution of an alcohol, preferably n-propanol, a small quantity of ammonium sulfite, and polyvinylpyrolidone in the range of 0.05 - 0.12% by weight. The developer may also contain a small quantity of ammonium sulfate or ammonium chloride.

Abstract: A presensitized lithoprinting plate which needs no fountain solution on printing comprising a support and a coating layer of a mixture of a photosensitive material and a silicone rubber.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable element for the preparation of relief printing plates. The element comprises an addition polymerizable monomer (e.g. trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate), a free radical initiator for polymerizing the monomer (e.g. benzophenone) and a polyester-based polyurethane binding agent which is the reaction product of 4,4'-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate), a polycaprolactone diol having a molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 2,500, and a mixture of at least two aliphatic diol extenders. Optionally the photopolymerizable element is provided with a support layer such as a polyester film or paper.Processes for the preparation of relief printing plates from said elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing coatings, particularly imaged surfaces such as photoresists, printing plates, etc. which includes coating the surface of a substrate with a solid curable composition containing liquid polyene and solid styrene-allyl alcohol copolymer based polythiol components, curing the composition by exposing selected areas thereof to a free radical generating source, e.g. actinic radiation and removing, e.g., by dissolving, the uncured, unexposed areas of the curable composition to bare the underlying substrate. The solid polythiol is a reaction product of a copolymer of styrene-allyl alcohol and a mercaptocarboxylic acid, e.g. .beta.-mercaptopropionic acid.

Abstract: A new dry planographic plate having a non-ink receptive silicone rubber background area that does not require a fountain solution to repel printing ink and process of producing this new plate comprising applying the photoresponsive sensitizer to a polymeric support film and bringing the sensitizer layer into intimate adhesive contact with an uncured silicone gum and thereafter curing the silicone gum.

Abstract: A dry presensitized planographic plate composed of a support having coated thereon one or two layers of (a) a silicone rubber, (b) a photosensitive azide compound, (c) a cyclized rubber, and (d) a copolymer of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile, the uppermost layer, when the planographic plate has two layers, containing at least the component (a) and (b) and the lower layer containing at least the component (c).

Abstract: A dry planographic printing ink composition which comprises a vehicle for an ink, a pigment and a solvent, characterized by using as a portion of the vehicle 1 to 40% by weight of silicone modified alkyd resin containing 5 to 50% by weight of organopolysiloxanes represented by the average composition formula: ##EQU1## WHEREIN R.sup.1 stands for a mono-valent unsubstituted hydrocarbon group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 stands for a hydrogen atom or mono-valent hydrocarbon group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n is an integer of 1.0 to 2.0, m is an integer of 0.1 to 2.5, but n + m is less than 4. The ink composition is a very favorable dry planographic printing ink composition having a practicable printing adaptability.

Abstract: Diazotype material includes a light-sensitive diazonium compound of the general formula ##SPC1##Wherein:R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aralkyl, or cycloalkyl groups, or form, with the nitrogen atom, a heterocyclic radical, which may be substituted;R.sub.3 is hydrogen or the group OR.sub.6 ;R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, or OR.sub.6 groups;R.sub.6 is alkyl; or fluorinated alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkenyl; andX is the anion of the diazonium compound;At least one of the radicals R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is hydrogen; and at least one of the radicals R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 is one of said fluorinated radicals, at least one of said fluorinated radicals being further substituted by other halogen atoms, hydroxy groups, acyloxy groups, alkoxy groups, alkylated or acylated amino groups, or aryl radicals.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition useful in providing a positive or negative presensitized coating on a hydrophilic substrate in photosensitive reproduction comprises1. a cumulene compound having the general formula: ##EQU1## WHERE N= 1-6 AND R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c and R.sub.d are selected from the group consisting of ##SPC1##Or H and wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different alkyl or aryl radical and each ##EQU2## group can be positioned at any other position on the benezene ring, such as ##SPC2##2. an organic polyhalogenated initiator solid at room temperature such as CBr.sub.4, and CHI.sub.3 ; and3. one or more solvents suitable to dissolve the cumulene compound and the organic polyhalogenated initiator such as CHI.sub.3.

Abstract: A method of treating aluminium, particularly as a means of anodising an aluminium lithographic plate, which method forms an anodised layer which has improved porosity, thickness, abrasion resistance, and chemical inertness but physical adhesion to overcoatings; the method comprises the steps of firstly anodising the aluminium by electrolysis in sulphuric acid solution, and secondly, anodising the aluminium by electrolysis in phosphoric acid solution. The same anodising potential, preferably of 10 to 15 volts d.c. can be used for both steps, which are substantially continuous with one another. The surface is preferably grained first, by electrolysis in dilute hydrochloric acid. Preferred values of specific gravity for the sulphuric and phosphoric acids are given.

Abstract: An aqueous developable subtractive printing plate is presented comprising a photosensitized hydrophilic surface having a photosensitive diazo-borofluoride salt thereon.A method for making a photosensitized printing plate is also presented wherein a photosensitive diazo-borofluoride salt is coated on the plate.

Abstract: A presensitized planographic printing plate which can be used in both negative and positive work comprising a support, a layer formed on the support of a photosensitive substance prepared by the reaction at a pH of not more than 7.5 of a diazonium compound with a coupling agent, e.g., hydroxybenzophenone, and a layer formed on the photosensitive layer of a "one-package" silicone rubber curable at room temperature. A planographic printing plate per se is produced by imagewise exposing the presensitized plate through a negative or positive film, and treating the exposed plate with a treating liquid capable of removing those portions of the presensitized plate which correspond to the image area of the original. Dampening water is not required when printing is carried out using the resulting printing plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photopolymerizable copying composition comprising at least one polymerizable compound, at least one photo-initiator, and at least one copolymer of (A) an unsaturated carboxylic acid, (B) an alkyl methacrylate with at least 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, and (C) at least one additional monomer which is capable of copolymerization with monomers (A) and (B), the homopolymer of said additional monomer having a glass transition temperature of at least 80.degree.C.

Abstract: A light-sensitive material comprising a support carrying a coating of a phopolymerisable epoxy resin composition containing, as a photo-sensitive compound capable of catalyzing hardening of the epoxy resin, a diazonium salt soluble in organic solvents and whereof the cation is devoid of basic groups and the anion is selected from the following: difluorophosphate, phosphotungstate, phosphomolybdate, tungstogermanate, silicotungstate and molybdosilicate.

Abstract: A light-sensitive composition comprising novel arylglyoxyalkyl acrylates that exhibits useful light sensitivity. The basic structure of the new compositions, which may also themselves be polymerized are as follows: ##EQU1## wherein Ar represents an aromatic structure selected from the group consisting of benzene, naphthalene and substituted products of each, R.sub.1 represents an alkyl group having from one to ten carbon atoms, R.sub.2 represents a grouping selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, or a lower alkyl group having from one to five carbon atoms and R.sub.3 represents an alkenyl group having from one to 10 carbon atoms and singular unsaturation. The light-sensitive compositions may themselves be utilized in photochemistry as photopolymers, they may be combined with suitable solvents and additives or polymerized with suitable backbone polymers to provide substances which can be used as light-sensitive coatings.