Abstract:
A photocurable thermally transferable composition containing a multifunctional monomer that is substantially non-liquid at room temperature and a thermoplastic binder is disclosed. The composition is suitable for use in thermal transfer ribbons. After thermal transfer, the compositions are photocured to provide a durable, weatherable image on a graphic article.
Abstract:
Coatable thermal mass transfer precursor compositions, suitable for producing thermal mass transfer donor elements, are described, the coatable compositions comprising a polyalkylene binder precursor; an acrylic binder precursor; an effective amount of a pigment to provide the desired color to a thermal mass transfer composition using the coatable composition; and d) a diluent (preferably water) in which the polyalkylene binder precursor, acrylic binder precursor, and pigment are all dispersed therein. Signage articles produced using the donor elements are also described.
Abstract:
A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.
Abstract:
A process for forming an image on a transparent or translucent substrate comprising the steps of providing an imageable element comprising a transparent or translucent glass or polymeric film having a coating of a black metal on one surface thereof, directing radiation in an imagewise distributed pattern at said black metal layer with sufficient intensity to substantially increase the light transmissivity of the medium in the irradiated region in an imagewise distributed pattern, said element having no layers comprising a thermally activated gas-generating composition. The image comprises residual black metal on the film base, and may be used for overhead transparencies, contact negatives/positives, and the like.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a process for thermal mass transfer of metallic images, the process comprising the steps of(a) providing(1) a toner fluid dispersion comprising electrostatically charged, colloidal elemental metal particles dispersed in an electrically nonconductive organic carrier liquid and an amount of a soluble surfactant effective to charge and stabilize said dispersion,(2) a dielectric or photoconductive substrate, and(3) a thermoplastic receptor substrate,(b) electrophoretically depositing the charged colloidal elemental metal particles of the toner fluid in a uniform or imagewise fashion on the dielectric or photoconductive substrate using standard electrographic techniques to provide a donor substrate bearing an electrically nonconductive, colloidal, elemental metal coating thereon;(c) transferring, by application of energy, said metal coating from said donor substrate to said thermoplastic receptor substrate, to provide a metallic image on said receptor substrate,(d) optionally, subjecting the colloidal, elemental metal coated donor or receptor substrate to an electroless metal plating solution to provide a second elemental metal coating which is electrically conductive on said substrate.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to toner fluid dispersions comprising electrostatically charged colloidal elemental metal particles dispersed in nonconductive organic liquid media of low dielectric constant and containing a charge-inducing surfactant. In other aspects, processes are disclosed for electrophoretically depositing the colloidal elemental metal particles of the toner fluid to produce nonconductive, continuous coatings or patterns and methods of enhancing the coatings or patterns to make them electrically conductive.
Abstract:
A novel donor construction is used for thermal mass transfer imaging applications. The donor constructions are coated from pigment dispersions which are flushed in solutions containing a chlorinated wax. Because of near refractive index matching to the coloring pigments and the low cohesive strength of the chlorinated wax, this novel thermal mass transfer system is characterized by low transfer energy requirements and high transparency in the transferred images.
Abstract:
Methods of preparing a liquid electrographic toner composition are provided, wherein a polymeric binder comprising at least one amphipathic copolymer comprising one or more S material portions and one or more D material portions is first prepared in a hydrocarbon reaction solvent, wherein the hydrocarbon reaction solvent comprises less than about 10% aromatic components by weight and has a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL. Toner particles are then formulated in the hydrocarbon reaction solvent and dried. The dried toner particles are then redispersed in a carrier liquid that is different from the reaction solvent, wherein the carrier liquid comprises less than about 10% aromatic components by weight and has a Kauri-Butanol number less than about 30 mL, to form a redispersed liquid electrographic toner composition. Preferred carrier liquids are silicone oils. Products and kits are also provided.
Abstract:
Emissive displays can include a plurality of independently operable light emitters that emit light through one or more transmissive layers. The emissive displays further include elements disposed between the light emitters and the transmissive layers to frustrate total internal reflections that can occur at one or more of the interfaces created by the transmissive layers, such as at an interface between the light emitter and a transmissive layer or at an interface between a transmissive layer and air. By frustrating total internal reflections, the brightness of the emissive display can be enhanced. Elements for frustrating total internal reflections include volume diffusers, surface diffusers, microstructures, and combinations of these or other suitable elements.
Abstract:
A testing procedure and method is provided for assessing the quality or acceptability of performance of individual liquid ink electrostatic toners on individual receptor surfaces. An approximately standard drop of the individual liquid toner is placed on the receptor to be tested. The drop is pressed onto the receptor and spread on the surface of the receptor (preferably before the drop has had time to partially evaporate or to have the liquid in the drop absorb or naturally spread on the receptor surface) under controlled conditions. The characteristics of the spread drop on the receptor surface are measured, and the characteristics are compared to parameters defining the characteristics expected from a liquid toner that define acceptable performance between toner and receptor. In this manner the relative performance of individual toners on individual receptor surfaces can be evaluated independent of electrostatic effects. This can be important, as the electrostatic effects bring another parameter of performance into evaluation of the compatibility of the toner and receptor and can misdirect research for adjusting their compatibility.