Image transfer material and polymer composition

Abstract

Provided is an image transfer material, comprising a support, optionally at least one barrier layer, a melt transfer layer, and an image receiving layer. Also provided is a process for preparing the image transfer material. Further provided is a heat transfer process using the disclosed material. In the heat transfer process, after imaging, the image receiving layer and melt transfer layer are peeled away from the optionally barrier-coated support material and placed, preferably image side up, on top of a receptor element. A non-stick sheet is then optionally placed over the imaged peeled material and heat is applied to the top of the optional non stick sheet. The melt transfer layer then melts and adheres the image to the receptor element. A composition comprising: at least one self-crosslinking polymer; and at least one dye retention aid.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image transfer material, comprising a support, optionally at least one barrier layer, a melt transfer layer, and an image receiving layer. The top surface of the image receiving layer is receptive to images, for instance, ink jet images, photocopy images, etc. Optionally, one or more opaque layers may be coated between the melt transfer layer and the image receiving layer. The optional opaque layer(s) adds a rigid or stiff quality to the transfer material for ease of handling, as well as having opacity, especially white, to enhance visibility of the image when placed thereon. When optional opaque layers are placed between the melt transfer layer and the image receiving layer, the support and barrier layers are both optional since the combination of melt transfer layer, opaque layer(s) and image receiving layer may function independently as an image transfer sheet, which may be opt...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In order to attract the interest of consumer groups that are already captivated by the tee shirt rage described above, the present invention provides, in one embodiment, an improved transfer sheet. In another embodiment, the present invention provides for a process for preparing the transfer sheet. In another embodiment, the present invention provides for a heat transfer of images to a receptor element.

[0011] The present invention relates to an image transfer material, comprising a support, an optional barrier layer, a melt transfer layer, and an image receiving layer. Optionally, one or more opaque layers may be coated between the melt transfer layer and the image receiving layer.

[0012] Further, when one or more opaque layer is placed between the melt transfer layer and the image receiving layer, both the support and the barrier layer are optional since the combination of melt transfer layer, opaque layer(s) and image receiving layer may function as an image transfer sheet, which may be optionally imaged prior to transfer to a receptor element. For instance, a material comprising the melt transfer layer, one or more opaque layers and an image receiving layer may be optionally imaged, placed melt transfer layer down on a receptor element, optionally imaged and then adhered using a heat source. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing the above image transfer material. According to the present invention, the optional barrier layer is coated on the support, the transfer layer is applied onto the optionally barrier-coated support, and the image receiving layer is coated onto the laminated transfer layer. Ways of applying the melt transfer layer include extrusion and lamination.

[0013] The embodiment using one or more opaque layers between a melt transfer layer and an image receiving layer may be prepared by coating the melt transfer layer on one side of the opaque layer(s) and the image receiving layer on the other. A

Problems solved by technology

Problems with many known transfer sheets is the expense involved in coating numerous solutions onto a support material and the overall feel of the imaged product.

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