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a heat-sensitive imaging element for use in lithographic
printing
plates. The method includes forming of an image-forming layer
on a hydrophilic surface of a lithographic base wherein the
layer comprises hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles
dispersed in a hydrophilic binder (specification, page 4).
The polymer particles have an average size between 40 nm and
150 nm having a polydispersity of less than 0.2 which results
in improved sensitivity and throughput of the imaging element
(specification, pages 4 & 5). The imaging element is exposed
to light and then developed by rinsing with plain water or an
aqueous liquid (specification, page 8).
Representative independent claim 11 is reproduced as
follows:
11. A method for making a lithographic printing
plate comprising the steps of:
(1) image-wise exposing to light of a laser that
operates in infrared or near-infrared an imaging element
comprising (i) on a hydrophilic surface of a lithographic
base an image forming layer comprising hydrophobic
thermoplastic polymer particles, said hydrophobic polymer
particles having an average particle size of 40nm to
150nm based on an intensity-weighted size distribution
and a polydispersity of less than 0.2 and (ii) a compound
capable of converting light to heat, said compound being
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Last modified: November 3, 2007