Process for the formation of an image

Abstract

A process for the formation of an image comprises (i) applying to a substrate a layer of a liquid composition comprising (A) a residue which is cationically polymerizable or polymerizable by means of free radicals, (B) a radiation-activated polymerization initiator for (A) and (C) a radiation-solubilizable residue, (ii) subjecting the composition to radiation having a wavelength at which (B) is activated but at which (C) is not substantially activated, optionally followed by heating, thereby polymerizing (A) such that the layer of liquid composition is solidified, (iii) subjecting the solidified layer in a predetermined pattern to radiation having a wavelength which is different from that of the radiation used in stage (ii) and at which the residue (C) is activated, such that the solidified layer is rendered more soluble in a developer in exposed areas than in unexposed areas, and (iv) removing the exposed areas by treatment with a developer. The process is useful in the production of printing plates and printed circuits.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.