Patent ID: 6428948
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: G03C

Abstract:
An imaged photographic element having a water-resistant protective overcoat comprising:(a) a support; (b) at least one imaged layer comprising a dye image, which imaged layer is derived from processing a silver-halide light-sensitive emulsion layer, superposed on a side of said support; and (c) overlying the imaged layer, a water-resistant protective overcoat having a laydown of at least 0.54 g/m2 (50 mg/ft2) and having a thickness of less than 10 microns, which protective overcoat is relatively non-swellable relative to the underlying imaged layer; wherein the Swell Ratio of the imaged photographic element is less than 0.9, wherein the Swell Ratio is defined as the Equilibrium Swell of the photographic element due to the introduction of hardening agent during or after development divided by the Equilibrium Swell of an identical photographic element identically processed without the introduction of hardening during or after development.