William J Goss

US Patent:

53709683, Dec 6, 1994

Filed:

Feb 15, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/197107

Inventors:

William K. Goss - Smyrna GA
Michael W. Yang - Marietta GA

Assignee:

W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. - New York NY

International Classification:

G03C 1492

US Classification:

430271

Abstract:

Photocurable elements which are useful for preparing flexographic printing plates are provided which comprise a printing layer and a contiguous base layer, the printing layer comprising about 40 to 95 parts by weight of an elastomeric block copolymer, about 5 to 60 parts by weight of a second elastomeric polymer which is incompatible with the block copolymer, a photopolymerizable monomer, and a photoinitiator. The printing layer preferably also comprises an actinic radiation scattering and absorbing pigment. Also provided are relief printing plates prepared from the photocurable elements. The printing plates have a tack-free surface having excellent ink transfer properties, abrasion resistance, and solvent resistance. A high level of exposure latitude may also be provided in the photocurable elements of the invention.