Patent ID: 6352811
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: B41C,B41M

Abstract:
A positive-working thermal imaging element comprising;A. a substrate; and B. a thermally sensitive composite layer structure having an inner surface contiguous to the substrate and an outer surface, the composite layer structure comprising: (a) a first layer having the inner surface, the first layer comprising a first polymeric material, wherein the first polymeric material is soluble or dispersible in an aqueous solution, and a solubility inhibiting material which reduces the solubility of the first layer in the aqueous solution; and (b) a second layer having the outer surface, the second layer comprising a second polymeric material, wherein the second layer is insoluble in the aqueous solution, and wherein when the first layer is free of photothermal conversion material, the second layer is free of photothermal conversion material; wherein, upon heating the composite layer structure, the heated composite layer structure has an increased rate of removal in the aqueous solution.