Laser thermal color donors with improved aging characteristics
AssigneeKodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
InventorsKevin M. Kidnie, M. Zaki Ali, Pao C. Vang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A donor element for proofing having at least a transfer material disposed on a substrate for the preparation of a digital halftone proof having consistent dot density characteristics over time. The donor element includes a transfer material having a donor binder, a cationic infrared absorbing dye, a thermally activated crosslinking agent and a dispersible material The donor element can also include a distinct, intermediate transfer layer disposed between the substrate and the transfer material. The donor element can be used in conjunction with a receptor element to provide a thermal imaging system.
Claims59
A donor element comprising
- a donor substrate coated with a transfer layer having
- a donor binder;
- a cationic infrared absorbing dye;
- a thermally activated crosslinking agent of the formula
- wherein n is 1-50, R1 is CH2 or CH2OCH2 at either an ortho- or para-position, R2 is alkyl at the meta-position when R1 is para or alkyl at the para-position when R1 is ortho- and R3 is independently hydrogen or butyl;
- and
- a dispersible material.
A thermal imaging system comprising
- a donor element comprising a donor substrate coated with a transfer layer having
- a donor binder;
- a cationic infrared absorbing dye;
- a thermally activated crosslinking agent of the formula
- wherein n is 1-50, R1 is CH2 or CH2OCH2 at either an ortho- or para-position, R2 is alkyl at the meta-position when R1 is para or alkyl at the para-position when R1 is ortho- and R3 is independently hydrogen or butyl;
- and
- a dispersible material;
- and
- a receptor element.
A laser-induced thermal imaging system comprising:
- a donor element comprising a donor substrate coated with a transfer layer having:
- a donor binder;
- a fluorocarbon additive;
- a cationic infrared absorbing dye;
- a thermally activated crosslinking agent of the formula:
- wherein n is 0 to 50, R1 is CH2 or CH2OCH2 at either an ortho- or para-position, R2 is alkyl at the meta-position when R1 is para or alkyl at the para-position when R1 is ortho and R3 is independently hydrogen or butyl;
- and
- a dispersible material;
- and
- a receptor element comprising a receptor substrate coated with a receptor material having:
- a receptor binder;
- a bleaching agent;
- and
- particulate material.
A method of imaging comprising the steps of:
- (a) assembling a donor element in contact with a receptor element wherein the donor element comprises a donor substrate coated with a transfer layer having:
- a donor binder;
- a cationic infrared absorbing dye;
- a thermally activated crosslinking agent of the formula:
- wherein n is 0 to 50, R1 is CH2 or CH2OCH2 at either an ortho- or para-position, R2 is alkyl at the meta-position when R1 is para or alkyl at the para-position when R1 is ortho and R3 is independently hydrogen or butyl;
- and
- a dispersible material
- (b) exposing the assembly to laser radiation of a wavelength absorbed by the cationic infrared absorbing dye wherein the laser radiation is capable of being modulated in accordance with digitally stored image information, wherein the exposed portions of the donor element are transferred to the receptor element;
- and
- (c) separating the donor element and the receptor element, wherein the image residing on the receptor element is revealed.
A method of making a thermal imaging system comprising the steps of:
- (a) dissolving a donor binder, a cationic infrared absorbing dye, a thermally activated crosslinking agent of the formula:
- wherein n is 0 to 50, R1 is CH2 or CH2OCH2 at either an ortho- or para-position, R2 is alkyl at the meta-position when R1 is para or alkyl at the para-position when R1 is ortho and R3 is independently hydrogen or butyl, and a dispersible material with an organic solvent to form a donor solution;
- (b) coating the donor solution onto a donor substrate;
- (c) drying the donor solution coating;
- (d) dissolving a receptor binder and a bleaching agent with an organic solution;
- (e) coating the receptor solution onto a receptor substrate;
- and
- (f) drying the receptor solution coating.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.