Element containing latent image suited for aqueous wash-out development

• US 5,393,580 A
• Filed: 12/20/1993
• Issued: 02/28/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (Corteva, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (Corteva, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ma, Sheau-Hwa, Matthews, Andrew E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Epstein, Henry F.
• Application Number:
  US08/170,132
• Time in Patent Office: 435 Days
• Field of Search: 427/264, 427/273, 428/29
• US Class Current: 428/29
• CPC Class Codes: B41C 1/003 the relief or intaglio pattern being obtained by imagewise deposition of a liquid, e.g. by an ink jet
• CPC Class Codes: G03F 1/68 Preparation processes not covered by groups G03F1/20 - G03F1/50
• CPC Class Codes: G03F 3/108 using a non-impact printing method, e.g. ink jet, using duplicating or marking methods covered by B41M5/00, e.g. by ablation or by thermographic means
• CPC Class Codes: G03F 7/004 Photosensitive materials G03F7/12, G03F7/14 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2203/0511 Diffusion patterning
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/0079 characterised by the method of application or removal of the mask H05K3/0091 takes precedence

Abstract

A method for preparing high resolution negative-working wash-off relief images comprising the sequential steps of: (a) providing a non-photosensitive, aqueous processable layer, preferably on a substrate, said layer comprising a dispersion of solvent-coalesceable particles in a polymer matrix; (b) imagewise applying an ink to the non-photosensitive layer to coalesce the particles and form a water-insoluble polymer blend between the particles and the polymer matrix in the ink applied areas; and (c) washing the layer with an aqueous developer solution to remove the non-ink applied areas of the layer.

Claims

1. An aqueous solution developable element containing a latent image, said element comprising a non-photosensitive, aqueous processable layer, said layer comprising:

(a) non-imaged areas comprising a dispersion of solvent-coalesceable particles in a polymer matrix;

said polymer matrix being capable of being removed with an aqueous developer; and

(b) imaged areas comprising a latent image in the form of a stable, water-insoluble polymer blend of the particles and the polymer matrix.

2. The element according to claim 1, wherein the solvent-coalesceable particles comprise a water-insoluble, solvent-coalesceable polymer.

3. The element according to claim 2, wherein the water-insoluble, solvent-coalesceable polymer is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polyacrylates, polyesters, polyvinylesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyepoxides and polyvinyl chloride.

4. The element according to claim 1, wherein the solvent-coalesceable particles have a particle size smaller than 5 μ

m.

5. The element according to claim 1, wherein the polymer matrix is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohol, polyethyleneoxide, carboxylated polymers, amine-containing polymers, sulfonate-containing polymers and sulfonamide-containing polymers.

6. The element according to claim 1, wherein the solvent-coalesceable particles have a core-shell structure comprising a water-insoluble, solvent-coalesceable core and a shell of a polymeric material that is soluble or swellable in the aqueous developer solution.

7. The element according to claim 1, wherein the non-photosensitive, aqueous processable layer contains a colorant.

8. The element according to claim 1 wherein said layer is on a substrate.

9. The element according to claim 8, wherein the substrate is a film or screen.