Thermal transfer donor element comprising a substrate having a microstructured surface

Abstract

Laser-addressable thermal transfer donor elements for producing color proofs, printing plates, films, printed circuit boards, and other media are disclosed. The thermal transfer donor elements include a substrate having a microstructured surface. The microstructured surface contain a plurality of randomly positioned discrete protuberances of varying heights and shapes. The donor elements further include a black metal layer on the microstructured surface and a gas-producing polymer layer over the black metal layer. The gas-producing polymer in the gas-producing polymer layer has a thermally available nitrogen content of greater than about 10 weight percent. A thermal mass transfer material (e.g., a colorant such as a dye or pigment) is included in or over the gas-producing polymer layer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.