Image recording media, methods of making image recording media, imaging layers, and methods of making imaging layers

A method for preparing an optical disk including an imaging layer, the method comprising:

• providing a matrix;
• mixing a radiation-absorbing compound, an activator, a surface additive, and a color former, in the matrix to form a matrix mixture;
• and
• disposing the matrix mixture onto a substrate to form the imaging layer.

An imaging layer comprising:

• a matrix including a monoacrylate and a diacrylate, wherein the monoacrylate is about 13 to 45 wt % of the imaging layer, wherein the diacrylates is about 2 to 33 wt % of the imaging layer;
• a radiation-absorbing compound, wherein the radiation-absorbing compound has a solubility of at least 2% by weight in the matrix;
• an activator;
• a surface additive, wherein the surface additive is selected from:
• silicon based surfactants, silicone free additives, additives having repeat units of dimethyl siloxane, which is acrylate capped on both ends, or combinations thereof, wherein the surface additive is about 0.01 wt % to 10 wt % of the imaging layer;
• and
• a color former.