Abstract: This invention relates to a photopolymerizable copying composition comprising at least one binder, at least one photoinitiator, and at least one polymerizable, acid amide group-containing acrylic acid derivative or alkyl acrylic acid derivative which is not volatile at 100.degree. C and contains at least two polymerizable groups in the molecule, the polymerizable compound containing at least one compound of the following general formulaA(--X--NH--CO--G).sub.pwherein:A stands for Z(--CO--NH--).sub.2 wherein Z is ##STR1## --O--CH.sub.2 --C.sub.q H.sub.2q --O--, or --O--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O--).sub.rWhereinq is a whole number from 1 to 11, andr is a whole number from 1 to 5, or forE--C(--CH.sub.2 --O--CO--NH--).sub.3whereinE is CH.sub.3 --, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 -- or --NH--CO--O--CH.sub.2 --,G stands for ##STR2## or ##STR3## whereinn is 0, 1, or 2,m is a whole number from 1 to 11,k is 0 or a whole number from 1 to 4,R.sub.1 is alkyl with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or --R.sub.4 or --CH.sub.2 --R.sub.4,R.sub.2 and R.sub.

Abstract: A photosensitive color-forming element comprises a support and a photosensitive color-forming layer formed on said support and containing therein at least one photosensitive color-forming azido compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein [A] is a benzene ring or naphthalene ring, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each is a hydrogen or halogen atom or alkyl, alkoxyl, dialkylamino, acyl, acylamino, nitro or hydroxyl radical, and R.sub.3 is a hydrogen or halogen atom, or alkyl, alkoxyl, nitro, carboxyl, alkylcarboxyl, dialkylcarbamoyl, sulfonic acid, dialkylaminosulfonyl, alkylsulfonyl or acyl radical or a group of the formula (II), (III), (IV) or (V): ##STR2## in which formula X is an --O-- bonding or --NH-- bonding.[B] is a benzene ring or naphthalene ring, and R.sub.4 and R.sub.

Abstract: A novel printing master and method for producing the same is disclosed which comprises the coating of a suitable substrate with an uncured silicone gum composition containing an activating proportion of a "blowing" or "foaming" agent. A particulate image pattern such as a toner image pattern, is transferred to the uncured silicone layer, followed by curing of the gum to an elastomeric ink releasable film. Activation of the "blowing" agent occurs during curing of the silicone to cause imagewise "foaming" of the silicone layer. After removal of the deposited image pattern, a "foamed" image is formed which is ink receptive and provides an imaged printing master suitable for use without a need for aqueous dampening solutions to provide ink release in non-imaged areas of the master.

Abstract: Baked novolak resin based positive photoresists are either developed after exposure or stripped, following the use of the pattern resist layer as an etch mask, in aqueous solutions of a combination of permanganate and phosphoric acid.

Abstract: A method of producing gravure printing surfaces is disclosed. The method utilizes a separately produced screened negative made on orthochromatic film and a continuous tone negative. Both negatives are superimposed to produce a positive with variable size dots and variable tone densities which are then utilized to expose the carbon tissue resist used to etch the printing surface. Alternatively, the negatives are utilized to produce corresponding positives each of which is used to expose the carbon tissue.

Abstract: A positive photoresist having increased sensitivity to light and formed by the addition of an acidic compound to a 1,2-quinone-diazide sulphonic acid ester sensitizer.

Abstract: A conversion solution for zinc oxide coated electrophotographic master printing plates is provided containing triethylenetetramine or ethylenediamine which replaces the normally used ferrocyanide in conventional EP master conversions solutions.

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: Reproductions of works of art or other artifacts in which the surface irregularities are reproduced as well as the colors of the original, are prepared by forming a mold which reproduces in negative form the surface irregularities of the original, preparing a transparent moldment in said mold, preparing a photographic reproduction of the original to the same scale as the moldment, and joining the moldment and the reproduction in registry. The mold may be prepared either by casting on the original work of art or artifact to be reproduced, or on a reproduction prepared manually by a skilled artisan, the latter technique making it possible to vary the scale of the reproduction. Where the scale of the mold is different from that of the original, the scale of the photographic reproduction is changed correspondingly.

Abstract: An imaging method involves a substrate having a coating which undergoes a photochemical conversion upon being irradiated to yield only products whose vapor pressure under the operative temperature is higher than that of the coating. In this way as a result of the selective vaporization of the coating the desired image is obtained. The new method has wide applications such as photography, production of microfilms, electrophotographic document duplication, production of master prints for offset printing, etc.

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: The invention relates to relief plates for flexographic printing comprising a relatively soft elastomeric base (U) having a modulus of elasticity of from 10 to 200 kg/cm.sup.2 and a thickness of from 0.5 to 6 mm and, firmly bonded thereto, a thin, relatively hard, difficultly soluble intermediate layer Z having a modulus of elasticity of from 1 .times. 10.sup.3 to 2.1 .times. 10.sup.6 kg/cm.sup.2 and a thickness of from 5 to 500 .mu. and, firmly bonded to said intermediate layer Z, a relief layer P' consisting of a photocrosslinked elastomeric mixture having a modulus of elasticity of from 30 to 2000 kg/cm.sup.2 and a thickness of from 200 to 300 .mu., the modulus of elasticity of the photocrosslinked relief layer P' being the same as or higher than that of the base U and the neutral surface of the relief plate lying in or near the intermediate layer Z. The invention also relates to photosensitive laminates for the production of such plates.

Abstract: The present invention is a driograhic imaging method which employs an ink comprised of an organic material which is convertible from a state of high viscosity to a state of low viscosity by exposure to high energy radiation. The ink is applied to an inking roller in its initial state of high viscosity and exposed to activating radiation in an imagewise manner to convert the material to a state of low viscosity and thereby reduce the viscosity of the ink in a configuration corresponding to the pattern of radiation. Contacting the irradiated inking roller with a receiving member results in transfer of the ink in imagewise configuration from the inking roller to the receiving member.

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: This invention relates to photopolymerizable compositions comprising an ethylenically unsaturated organic compound and a visible light photosensitizing composition comprising a combination of Mn.sub.2 (C0).sub.10 and a co-catalyst selected from the group consisting of a compound characterized by the formula ##SPC1##Wherein R.sub.1 is --H, --Br, or --CH.sub.3, R.sub.2 is --H or --CH.sub.3, and R.sub.3 is --H or --CH.sub.3 ; cumene; diisopropyl benzene; alkyl mercaptans containing from 10 to 16 carbon atoms; thiourea; and mixtures thereof and to polymerized products thereof. The invention also provides a process for photopolymerizing ethylenically unsaturated organic compounds with visible light in the range of 4,000 to 7,000 angstroms.

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: 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: Disclosed is a method for the preparation of a relief printing master which is based on irradiation of a film of a composition comprisingA. a degradable polymer containing segments characterized by the structural formula ##EQU1## wherein R is H, an alkyl radical of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a chlorine or fluorine substituted alkyl radical of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a cyano substituted aliphatic hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, andB. a photosensitizer which upon exposure to actinic radiation assumes a .sup.3 (n, .pi.*) or a .sup.1 (n, .pi.*) state.The polymer and photosensitizer combination, which is in the form of a thin film upon a suitable substrate, is exposed in an imagewise manner to actinic radiation to thereby degrade the polymer. Upon such degradation, depressions are formed in the exposed areas thereby rendering the exposed film suitable for use as a relief printing master.

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 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 photosensitive resin composition comprising pullulan, which is a polymer having repetition units of maltotriose and is represented by the formula, ##SPC1##Wherein n is an integer of 20 to 8,000, and/or a derivative thereof, a photopolymerizable monomer, a photosensitizer and a thermal polymerization inhibitor, or comprising the said pullulan, which has been incorporated with a photoactive reaction group to provide photosensitivity, and a photosensitizer, is a novel composition low in viscosity which can be prepared by use of water and can be formed into a photosensitive plate capable of being developed with water to give a clear image. Since the pullulan in said composition has no toxicity, the waste water formed at the time of development of said photosensitive plate can be treated with ease.

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: Laminates for the production of relief plates for flexographic printing, by imagewise exposure and washing out with a developer solution have, on a base optionally provided with an elastomeric layer, a photo-crosslinkable layer containing a photoinitiator and consisting of a polyurethane elastomer which has been prepared in a special manner from an aliphatic saturated polyesterglycol, an aliphatic diisocyanate, but-1-ene-3,4-diol and, if desired, another diol and which has a Shore A hardness of 30 to 90.degree. in the photo-crosslinked state, the elastomer being optionally mixed with a photo-crosslinked monomer.

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: This invention relates to an electrophotographic process for the production of a printing form which comprises electrostatically charging a supported photoconductive and photopolymerizable layer, exposing the charged layer to light under a master, developing the resulting latent image with an electroscopic material, again exposing the layer to light, and removing the developed image areas from the support.

Abstract: Delicate and high grade nickel screen rolls or plates for printing are prepared by using corrosion-resistant mother roll and a specified powderless etching composition comprising HNO.sub.3, H.sub.2 O.sub.2, surfactants and an organic solvent.

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.

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.