Dye imbibition photohardenable imaging material and process for forming positive dye images

Claim 2

In a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer for an anionic dye, and (c) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer superposed on said mordant layer, the improvement wherein: said photopolymer layer consists essentially of a photosensitive polyesterionomer represented by the formula: ##STR96## wherein: R 1 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic ether group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R 2 is an aromatic group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R 4 is an ionic group selected from those having the structures: ##STR97## M.sup.⊕ is an alkali metal or ammonium ion; x is 50 to 100 mole percent; v is 0 to 35 mole percent; w is 0 to 35 mole percent; y is 50 to 85 mole percent; and z is 15 to 40 mole percent.

Claim 3

A dye imbibition imaging element as in claim 1 wherein said polyesterionomer consists essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-sodiosulfoisophthalate].

Claim 4

A dye imbibition imaging element as in claim 1 wherein said polyesterionomer consists essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfophenoxy)-iso-phthalate].

Claim 5

A dye imbibition imaging element as in claim 1 wherein said polyesterionomer consists essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-3,3'-sodioiminodisulfonyldibenzoate].

Claim 6

A dye imbibition imaging element as in claim 1 wherein said polyesterionomer consists essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene)succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfocyclohexyloxy)-1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylate].

Claim 7

A dye imbibition imaging element as in claim 1 wherein said mordant consists essentially of a protonated polyvinylimidazole.

Claim 8

A dye imbibition imaging element as in claim 1 wherein said mordant consists essentially of a polymer having a repeating unit represented by the formula: ##STR98## wherein: T is an organo group and is a portion of a polymer backbone; Q is a chemical bond or chemical group linking Z.sup.⊕ to T; X.sup.⊖ is an acid anion; and Z.sup.⊕ is a cationic group.

Claim 9

A dye imbibition imaging element as in claim 1 wherein said mordant consists essentially of a polymer having a repeating unit represented by the formula: ##STR99## wherein: R 5 is alkylene containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R 6 and R 7 are the same or different and each is aryl, aralkyl or alkaryl containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms, or alkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; n is 0, 1 or 2; R 8 is methyl or phenyl; and X 11 ⊖ is an acid anion.

Claim 10

A dye imbibition imaging element as in claim 1 also comprising gelatin in said mordant layer.

Claim 11

A dye imbibition imaging element comprising a support having thereon: (a) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)], having superposed thereon; (b) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-sodiosulfoisophthalate].

Claim 12

A dye imbibition imaging element comprising a support having thereon: (a) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)], having superposed thereon; (b) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-sodiosulfoisophthalate].

Claim 13

A dye imbibition imaging element comprising a support having thereon: (a) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon: (b) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfophenoxy)-isophthalate].

Claim 14

A dye imbibition imaging element comprising a support having thereon: (a) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon: (b) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfophenoxy)-isophthalate].

Claim 15

A dye imbibition imaging element comprising a support having thereon: (a) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon: (b) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-3,3'-sodioiminodisulfonyldibenzoate].

Claim 16

A dye imbibition imaging element comprising a support having thereon: (a) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon: (b) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-3,3'-sodioiminodisulfonyldibenzoate].

Claim 17

A dye imbibition imaging element comprising a support having thereon: (a) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon: (b) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene)succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfocyclohexyloxy)-1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylate].

Claim 18

A dye imbibition imaging element comprising a support having thereon: (a) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon: (b) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene)succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfocyclohexyloxy)-1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylate].

Claim 19

A dye imbibition element as in claim 1 also comprising in said mordant layer a gelatino binder.

Claim 20

A dye imbibition element as in claim 1 also comprising in said mordant layer a gelatino binder and a hardener.

Claim 21

a process for formation of a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)], having superposed thereon: (c) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of photosensitive poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene)succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-sodiosulfoisophthalate]; said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; (2) developing said photopolymer layer by water rinsing the photopolymer layer; and then (3) imbibing an anionic dye into said mordant layer through the unexposed areas of said photopolymer layer.

Claim 22

a process for formation of a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)], having superposed thereon: (c) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of photosensitive poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene)succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-sodiosulfoisophthalate]; said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; (2) developing said photopolymer layer by water rinsing the photopolymer layer; and then (3) imbibing an anionic dye into said mordant layer through the unexposed areas of said photopolymer layer.

Claim 23

A process for formation of a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence; (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon: (c) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of photosensitive poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfophenoxy)-isophthalate], said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; (2) developing said photopolymer layer by water rinsing the photopolymer layer; and then (3) imbibing an anionic dye into said mordant layer through the unexposed areas of said photopolymer layer.

Claim 24

A process for formation of a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence; (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon: (c) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of photosensitive poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfophenoxy)-isophthalate], said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; (2) developing said photopolymer layer by water rinsing the photopolymer layer; and then (3) imbibing an anionic dye into said mordant layer through the unexposed areas of said photopolymer layer.

Claim 25

A process for formation of a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon: (c) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of photosensitive poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-3,3'-sodioiminodisulfonyldibenzoate], said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; (2) developing said photopolymer layer by water rinsing the photopolymer layer; and then (3) imbibing an anionic dye into said mordant layer through the unexposed areas of said photopolymer layer.

Claim 26

A process for formation of a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon: (c) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of photosensitive poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-3,3'-sodioiminodisulfonyldibenzoate], said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; (2) developing said photopolymer layer by water rinsing the photopolymer layer; and then (3) imbibing an anionic dye into said mordant layer through the unexposed areas of said photopolymer layer.

Claim 27

A process for forming a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon; (c) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene)succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfocyclohexyloxy)-1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylate]; said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; and then (2) imbibing at least one anionic dye through the unexposed areas of the photopolymer layer into the cationic mordant layer.

Claim 28

A process for forming a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] having superposed thereon; (c) a sensitized photohardenable photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene)succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfocyclohexyloxy)-1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylate]; said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; and then (2) imbibing at least one anionic dye through the unexposed areas of the photopolymer layer into the cationic mordant layer.

Claim 29

A process for formation of a continuous tone, dye image in a receiver layer comprising a first cationic mordant of a predetermined mordanting strength; said process comprising the steps of: (a) imagewise exposing a sender element comprising: (i) a support having thereon: (ii) a mordant layer consisting essentially of a second cationic mordant for an anionic dye, said second cationic mordant having a lesser mordanting strength than the first cationic mordant, and having superposed thereon: (iii) a sensitized photohardenable, photopolymer layer consisting essentially of a photosensitive polyesterionomer represented by the formula: ##STR100## wherein: R 1 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic ether group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R 2 is an aromatic group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R 4 is an ionic group selected from those having the structures: ##STR101## M.sup.⊕ is an alkali metal or ammonium ion; x is 50 to 100 mole percent; v is 0 to 35 mole percent; w is 0 to 35 mole percent; y is 50 to 85 mole percent; and z is 15 to 40 mole percent; to imagewise harden said photopolymer layer; (b) developing said photopolymer layer by means of water by rinsing the photopolymer layer to form hardened image areas in the photopolymer layer; (c) imbibing at least one anionic dye into the second cationic mordant layer, said dye being temporarily immobilized in the portions of the second cationic mordant corresponding to unexposed portions of said photopolymer layer; and, (d) imagewise transferring said anionic dye to said receiver layer by contacting the receiver layer with the side of the sender element containing the second cationic mordant in the presence of an aqueous solution that aids transfer of the anionic dye into the first cationic mordant.

Claim 30

A process for formation of a continuous tone, dye image in a receiver layer comprising a first cationic mordant of a predetermined mordanting strength; said process comprising the steps of: (a) imagewise exposing a sender element comprising: (i) a support having thereon: (ii) a mordant layer consisting essentially of a second cationic mordant for an anionic dye, said second cationic mordant having a lesser mordanting strength than the first cationic mordant, and having superposed thereon: (iii) a sensitized photohardenable, photopolymer layer consisting essentially of a photosensitive polyesterionomer represented by the formula: ##STR100## wherein: R 1 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic ether group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R 2 is an aromatic group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R 4 is an ionic group selected from those having the structures: ##STR101## M.sup.⊕ is an alkali metal or ammonium ion; x is 50 to 100 mole percent; v is 0 to 35 mole percent; w is 0 to 35 mole percent; y is 50 to 85 mole percent; and z is 15 to 40 mole percent; to imagewise harden said photopolymer layer; (b) developing said photopolymer layer by means of water by rinsing the photopolymer layer to form hardened image areas in the photopolymer layer; (c) imbibing at least one anionic dye into the second cationic mordant layer, said dye being temporarily immobilized in the portions of the second cationic mordant corresponding to unexposed portions of said photopolymer layer; and, (d) imagewise transferring said anionic dye to said receiver layer by contacting the receiver layer with the side of the sender element containing the second cationic mordant in the presence of an aqueous solution that aids transfer of the anionic dye into the first cationic mordant.

Claim 31

A process as in claim 20 wherein said imagewise transferring is carried out at a temperature within the range of about 15° C. to about 40° C.

Claim 32

A process as in claim 20 also comprising in (b) removing unexposed portions of the photopolymer layer by water rinsing.

Claim 33

A process for formation of a continuous tone, dye image in a receiver layer comprising a first cationic mordant of a predetermined mordanting strength; said process comprising the steps of: (a) imagewise exposing a sender element comprising: (i) a support having thereon: (ii) a mordant layer consisting essentially of a second cationic mordant consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] and having superposed thereon, (iii) a sensitized photohardenable, photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfophenoxy)-isophthalate] to imagewise harden said photopolymer layer; (b) developing said photopolymer layer by water rinsing the photopolymer layer to remove unhardened areas in the photopolymer layer; (c) imbibing at least one anionic dye into the second cationic mordant layer, said dye being temporarily immobilized in the portions of the second cationic mordant corresponding to unexposed portions of said photopolymer layer; and (d) imagewise transferring said anionic dye to said receiver layer by contacting the receiver layer with the side of the sender element containing the second cationic mordant in the presence of an aqueous solution that aids transfer of the anionic dye into the first cationic mordant.

Claim 34

A process for formation of a continuous tone, dye image in a receiver layer comprising a first cationic mordant of a predetermined mordanting strength; said process comprising the steps of: (a) imagewise exposing a sender element comprising: (i) a support having thereon: (ii) a mordant layer consisting essentially of a second cationic mordant consisting essentially of poly[styrene-co-N-vinylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-cyclohexylammonium chloride-co-divinylbenzene (49:49:2)] and having superposed thereon, (iii) a sensitized photohardenable, photopolymer layer consisting essentially of poly[1,4-cyclohexylenebis(oxyethylene) succinate-co-p-phenylenebis(acrylate)-co-5-(4-sodiosulfophenoxy)-isophthalate] to imagewise harden said photopolymer layer; (b) developing said photopolymer layer by water rinsing the photopolymer layer to remove unhardened areas in the photopolymer layer; (c) imbibing at least one anionic dye into the second cationic mordant layer, said dye being temporarily immobilized in the portions of the second cationic mordant corresponding to unexposed portions of said photopolymer layer; and (d) imagewise transferring said anionic dye to said receiver layer by contacting the receiver layer with the side of the sender element containing the second cationic mordant in the presence of an aqueous solution that aids transfer of the anionic dye into the first cationic mordant.

Claim 35

A process for forming a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer for an anionic dye; and (c) a sensitized, photohardenable photopolymer layer comprising a photosensitive polyesterionomer represented by the formula: ##STR102## wherein: R 1 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic ether group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R 2 is an aromatic group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R 4 is an ionic group selected from those having the structure: ##STR103## M.sup.⊕ is an alkali metal or ammonium ion; x is 50 to 100 mole percent; v is 0 to 35 mole percent; w is 0 to 35 mole percent; y is 50 to 85 mole percent; and z is 15 to 40 mole percent, superposed on said mordant layer; said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; (2) developing said photopolymer layer by water rinsing the photopolymer layer; and, then (3) imbibing an anionic dye into said mordant layer through unexposed areas of said photopolymer layer.

Claim 36

A process for forming a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer for an anionic dye; and (c) a sensitized, photohardenable photopolymer layer comprising a photosensitive polyesterionomer represented by the formula: ##STR102## wherein: R 1 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic ether group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R 2 is an aromatic group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R 4 is an ionic group selected from those having the structure: ##STR103## M.sup.⊕ is an alkali metal or ammonium ion; x is 50 to 100 mole percent; v is 0 to 35 mole percent; w is 0 to 35 mole percent; y is 50 to 85 mole percent; and z is 15 to 40 mole percent, superposed on said mordant layer; said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; (2) developing said photopolymer layer by water rinsing the photopolymer layer; and, then (3) imbibing an anionic dye into said mordant layer through unexposed areas of said photopolymer layer.

Claim 37

A process for forming a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer for an anionic dye, and (c) a sensitized, photohardenable photopolymer layer comprising a photosensitive polyesterionomer represented by the formula: ##STR104## wherein: R 1 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic ether group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R 2 is an aromatic group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R 4 is an ionic group selected from those having the structure: ##STR105## M.sup.⊕ is an alkali metal or ammonium ion; x is 50 to 100 mole percent; v is 0 to 35 mole percent; w is 0 to 35 mole percent; y is 50 to 85 mole percent; and z is 15 to 40 mole percent; said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; and then (2) imbibing at least one anionic dye through the unexposed areas of the photopolymer layer into the cationic mordant layer.

Claim 38

A process for forming a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a dye imbibition imaging element comprising, in sequence: (a) a support having thereon, (b) a cationic mordant layer for an anionic dye, and (c) a sensitized, photohardenable photopolymer layer comprising a photosensitive polyesterionomer represented by the formula: ##STR104## wherein: R 1 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic ether group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R 2 is an aromatic group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R 4 is an ionic group selected from those having the structure: ##STR105## M.sup.⊕ is an alkali metal or ammonium ion; x is 50 to 100 mole percent; v is 0 to 35 mole percent; w is 0 to 35 mole percent; y is 50 to 85 mole percent; and z is 15 to 40 mole percent; said process comprising the steps of: (1) imagewise exposing said photopolymer layer to activating radiation to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; and then (2) imbibing at least one anionic dye through the unexposed areas of the photopolymer layer into the cationic mordant layer.

Claim 39

A process for forming a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a receiver layer comprising a first cationic mordant of a predetermined mordanting strength comprising the steps: (a) imagewise exposing a sender element comprising: (i) a support having thereon: (ii) a mordant layer comprising a second mordant having a lesser mordanting strength than the first cationic mordant, and having thereon and contiguous to the mordant layer: (iii) a sensitized, photohardenable, photopolymer layer consisting essentially of a photosensitive polyesterionomer represented by the formula: ##STR106## wherein: R 1 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic ether group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R 2 is an aromatic group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R 4 is an ionic group selected from those having the structure: ##STR107## M.sup.⊕ is an alkali metal or ammonium ion; x is 50 to 100 mole percent; v is 0 to 35 mole percent; w is 0 to 35 mole percent; y is 50 to 85 mole percent; and z is 15 to 40 mole percent, to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; (b) imbibing at least one anionic dye through the unexposed areas of the photopolymer layer into the second cationic mordant layer without the need of removing portions of the photopolymer layer; and then (c) imagewise transferring the anionic dye from the second cationic mordant layer, through unexposed areas of the photopolymer layer into the receiver layer in the presence of an aqueous solution which aids transfer of the anionic dye.

Claim 40

A process for forming a positive, continuous tone, dye image in a receiver layer comprising a first cationic mordant of a predetermined mordanting strength comprising the steps: (a) imagewise exposing a sender element comprising: (i) a support having thereon: (ii) a mordant layer comprising a second mordant having a lesser mordanting strength than the first cationic mordant, and having thereon and contiguous to the mordant layer: (iii) a sensitized, photohardenable, photopolymer layer consisting essentially of a photosensitive polyesterionomer represented by the formula: ##STR106## wherein: R 1 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, or an aliphatic ether group containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R 2 is an aromatic group containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R 3 is straight or branched chain alkylene containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R 4 is an ionic group selected from those having the structure: ##STR107## M.sup.⊕ is an alkali metal or ammonium ion; x is 50 to 100 mole percent; v is 0 to 35 mole percent; w is 0 to 35 mole percent; y is 50 to 85 mole percent; and z is 15 to 40 mole percent, to imagewise harden the photopolymer layer; (b) imbibing at least one anionic dye through the unexposed areas of the photopolymer layer into the second cationic mordant layer without the need of removing portions of the photopolymer layer; and then (c) imagewise transferring the anionic dye from the second cationic mordant layer, through unexposed areas of the photopolymer layer into the receiver layer in the presence of an aqueous solution which aids transfer of the anionic dye.