Patent ID: 6231964
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: B41M,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A thermal transfer medium which comprises a flexible substrate and a thermal transfer layer deposited thereon, said thermal transfer layer comprising a sensible material dispersed in a binder, said binder consisting essentially of(a) 2 to 35 wt. %, based on total solids, of large particles of a water-dispersible or emulsifiable wax or thermoplastic resin having an average particle size in the range of 5 to 20 microns, said particles having a melting point or softening point in the range of 50.degree. C. to 150.degree. C.,(b) a water-dispersible or emulsifiable wax having a particle size of less than 5 microns and a melting temperature or softening temperature in the range of 50.degree. to 150.degree. C.,(c) 0 wt. % to 15 wt. % of a water-dispersible or emulsifiable thermoplastic resin having a particle size less than 5 microns and a melting temperature or softening temperature in the range of 50 to 150.degree. C., and(d) a total amount of water-dispersible or emulsifiable wax having a melting/softening temperature in the range of 50.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. falling within the range of 35 to 95 wt. %, based on total solids,said thermal transfer layer having an average thickness less than the average particle size of said large particles of water-dispersible or emulsifiable wax or thermoplastic resin.