Thermal transfer sheet and method for producing printed matter

Abstract

A thermal transfer sheet comprising a substrate and a transfer layer, wherein the height of a protruding peak (Spk) of the transfer layer after transfer is 0.6 μm or greater. A method for producing a printed article comprises: a thermal transfer sheet having a particle layer provided on a substrate; and an image-receiving sheet having a heat-sensitive concave-convex portion-forming layer and a receiving layer having an image formed thereon laminated in this order on a second substrate. The method comprises: heating the image-receiving sheet to form concave-convex portions on the image-receiving sheet; and heating the thermal transfer sheet to transfer the particle layer to at least a portion of the convex portion of the image-receiving sheet.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-029659 filed on February 25, 2020, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-110587 filed on June 26, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a thermal transfer sheet, a printed article, a method for producing a printed article, and a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an image receiving sheet. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, various printing methods are known (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] For example, a known method is thermal melt transfer, which uses a thermal head or the like to apply energy to a thermal transfer sheet comprising a substrate and a transfer layer, thereby transferring the transfer layer to a transfer target such as paper or a plastic sheet, thereby forming an image or a protective layer. Images formed using thermal melt transfer are high-density and highly defined, enabling the production of printed materials with excellent design.

[0005] In recent years, printed materials have been required to have a tactile three-dimensional effect and to further improve their design properties. Specifically, printed materials having a concave-convex shape on the surface have been required.

[0006] For example, sublimation thermal transfer is known. This method allows for free adjustment of density and gradation, and has excellent reproducibility of intermediate colors and gradations, making it possible to form high-quality images comparable to silver halide photography.

[0007] In the sublimation thermal transfer method, a thermal transfer sheet containing a sublimation transfer colorant layer containing a sublimation dye is superimposed on a thermal transfer image receiving sheet containing a receiving layer. The thermal transfer sheet is then heated using a printer's thermal head, transferring the sublimation dye in the sublimation transfer colorant layer to the receiving layer, forming an image and producing a printed product. Furthermore, a protective layer is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet onto the receiving layer of the printed product to enhance the durability of the printed product.

[0008] In recent years, printed materials obtained by the above-mentioned methods have been required to have various design properties. For example, printed materials having a high three-dimensional effect are required for the purpose of expressing the scarcity of printed materials.

[0009] Prior art literature

[0010] Patent Literature

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6520364 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0013] A first object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal transfer sheet capable of producing a printed article having a good concavo-convex shape on the surface, and a printed article having a good concavo-convex shape on the surface.

[0014] A second object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for producing a printed article having a high three-dimensional effect, and a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an image-receiving sheet.

[0015] Means for solving problems

[0016] A thermal transfer sheet according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a substrate and a transfer layer, wherein a protruding peak height (Spk) of the transfer layer after transfer is 0.6 μm or greater.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermal transfer sheet of the first aspect includes a substrate and a transfer layer, and the transfer layer contains glass particles that do not absorb visible light.

[0018] The printed material according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a transfer-receiving member and a transfer layer, and the height (Spk) of the protruding peaks on the transfer layer side surface is 0.6 μm or more.

[0019] In the second embodiment of the method for manufacturing printed matter disclosed herein, there are used: a thermal transfer sheet having a particle layer provided on a first substrate; and an image receiving sheet having a heat-sensitive concave-convex portion forming layer and a receiving layer formed with an image stacked in sequence on a second substrate, wherein the method for manufacturing printed matter includes: a process of heating the image receiving sheet to form concave-convex portions on the image receiving sheet; and a process of heating the thermal transfer sheet to transfer the particle layer to at least a portion of the convex portion of the image receiving sheet.

[0020] In the combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an image receiving sheet according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the thermal transfer sheet comprises a first substrate and a particle layer arranged on one surface of the first substrate, the particle layer contains visible light non-absorbing particles, the image receiving sheet comprises a second substrate, a thermal concave portion forming layer arranged on the second substrate, and a receiving layer arranged on the thermal concave portion forming layer, the thermal concave portion forming layer comprises at least one of a porous film and a hollow particle-containing layer.

[0021] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, in a combination of a second type of thermal transfer sheet and an image receiving sheet, the thermal transfer sheet comprises a first substrate and a particle layer arranged on one surface of the first substrate, the particle layer contains visible light non-absorbing particles, and the image receiving sheet comprises a second substrate, a heat-sensitive protrusion forming layer arranged on the second substrate, and a receiving layer arranged on the heat-sensitive protrusion forming layer, the heat-sensitive protrusion forming layer contains foamable hollow particles.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermal transfer sheet capable of producing a printed article having a good concavo-convex shape on the surface, and a printed article having a good concavo-convex shape on the surface.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, a method for producing a printed matter capable of producing a printed matter having a high three-dimensional effect, and a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an image-receiving sheet can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the printed matter of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the printed matter of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the printed matter of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the printed matter of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the printed matter of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a thermal transfer sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the image-receiving sheet of this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of forming the recessed portion according to this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the printed matter of this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view of the printed matter of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following describes the embodiments based on the accompanying drawings as needed. In addition, in order to clarify the description, the widths and thicknesses of various parts may be schematically shown in the drawings, compared to the actual form. However, this is merely an example and is not intended to limit the interpretation of this disclosure. In some cases, in the specification and drawings of this application, elements that are identical to those previously described in connection with the accompanying drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0041] [First method]

[0042] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0043] The first method involves a thermal transfer sheet and printed matter.

[0044] Thermal transfer sheets

[0045] The thermal transfer sheet disclosed herein comprises a substrate and a transfer layer. The thermal transfer sheet can be peeled off at the interface between the substrate and the transfer layer during thermal transfer, so that the transfer layer is transferred to a transfer target.

[0046] Thermal transfer using the thermal transfer sheet of the present invention can be performed using a conventional thermal transfer printer by appropriately adjusting the energy applied by the heating unit. Examples of the heating unit include a thermal head, a heat plate, a heat press, a heat roller, a linear heater, and an iron.

[0047] The transferred body can, for example, have high smoothness or a concavo-convex structure. As the transferred body, for example, a paper substrate such as high-quality paper, art paper, coated paper, resin coated paper, cast-coated paper, cardboard, synthetic paper or impregnated paper, or the following resin film can be used.

[0048] In the thermal transfer sheet disclosed herein, the height of the protruding peaks (Spk) of the transfer layer after transfer is 0.6 μm or more. The inventors have found that the concave-convex shape on the printed matter is affected by the size of the protrusions protruding from the surface of the transfer layer. The size of the protrusions depends, for example, on the protruding state of the particles on the surface of the transfer layer. Spk is a numerical value representing the average height of the protruding peaks located on the core in the measured surface roughness curve, specifically, an indicator representing the state of local protrusion of the convex portion. Therefore, Spk can be said to be an indicator that well represents the concave-convex shape on the printed matter. Thus, a printed matter with a good concave-convex shape can be manufactured. Spk is preferably 0.6 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less, and more preferably 0.7 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less.

[0049] Spk is measured on the transfer layer side surface after the transfer layer is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet to the transfer target. The transfer conditions used to measure Spk are specifically as described in the Example column. The same applies to the parameters other than Spk below.

[0050] The thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure can produce a printed material having a better concavoconvex shape by adjusting parameters (Vmp, etc.) indicating the state of the transfer layer after transfer in addition to Spk.

[0051] In this disclosure, parameters indicating surface conditions, such as Spk, are parameters specified in ISO 25178-2:2012. Spk can be adjusted to the above range by, for example, appropriately selecting the type, content, density, and average particle size of the non-visible light absorbing particles in the transfer layer, the thickness of the layer containing the non-visible light absorbing particles, and the formation temperature and time of each layer.

[0052] In the thermal transfer sheet disclosed herein, it is preferred that at least any one of the developed area ratio (Sdr), root mean square slope (Sdq), peak apex density (Spd), extreme point height (Sxp), arithmetic mean curvature of the peak apex (Spc) and the solid volume (Vmp) of the transfer layer after transfer is within the following ranges.

[0053] Sdr is preferably 0.01 or more and 0.045 or less, more preferably 0.02 or more and 0.035 or less. Sdq is preferably 0.1 or more and 0.3 or less, more preferably 0.2 or more and 0.27 or less. Spd is preferably 105000 μm. -2 Above and 150000μm -2 Below, more preferably 120000 μm -2 Above and 135000μm -2Sxp is preferably 1.1 μm or more and 2 μm or less, more preferably 1.3 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less. Spc is preferably 350 or more and 510 or less, more preferably 400 or more and 480 or less. Vmp is preferably 0.03 mL / m 2 Above and 0.053mL / m 2 Below, more preferably 0.035mL / m 2 Above and 0.048mL / m 2 the following.

[0054] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet disclosed herein will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] In one embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the thermal transfer sheet 10 includes a substrate 11 and a transfer layer 14 including a release layer 12 and an adhesive layer 13 . The release layer 12 includes visible light non-absorbing particles 15 .

[0056] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the thermal transfer sheet 10 includes a substrate 11 and a transfer layer 14 including a release layer 12 and an adhesive layer 13 , wherein the adhesive layer 13 includes visible light non-absorbing particles 15 .

[0057] In one embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the thermal transfer sheet 10 includes a substrate 11 and a transfer layer 14 including a release layer 12 and an adhesive layer 13 . The release layer 12 and the adhesive layer 13 contain visible light non-absorbing particles 15 .

[0058] In one embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the thermal transfer sheet 10 comprises a transfer layer 14 including a release layer 12 and an adhesive layer 13 , and a protective layer 16 in this order on a substrate 11 . The adhesive layer 13 includes visible light non-absorbing particles 15 .

[0059] In one embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the thermal transfer sheet 10 comprises, on a substrate 11 , a transfer layer 14 comprising a release layer 12 and an adhesive layer 13 , and a layer comprising the release layer 12 and a protective layer 16 , in this order. The adhesive layer 13 contains visible light non-absorbing particles 15 .

[0060] In one embodiment, the thermal transfer sheet comprises a color material layer and a transfer layer (not shown) in sequence along the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the thermal transfer sheet comprises a color material layer, a transfer layer, and a protective layer (not shown) in sequence along the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the thermal transfer sheet comprises a color material layer, a transfer layer comprising a release layer and an adhesive layer, and a layer comprising a release layer and a protective layer (not shown) in sequence along the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the thermal transfer sheet comprises a back layer (not shown) on the surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the transfer layer is provided.

[0061] In one embodiment, a thermal transfer sheet includes: a substrate; and a transfer layer including a release layer and a receiving layer, wherein the release layer and / or the receiving layer contain visible light non-absorbing particles (not shown).

[0062] Hereinafter, each layer included in the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure will be described.

[0063] (Base material)

[0064] The substrate can be used without particular limitation as long as it has heat resistance against heat energy applied during thermal transfer and mechanical strength or solvent resistance sufficient to support a release layer and an adhesive layer provided on the substrate.

[0065] As the base material, for example, a film made of a resin material (hereinafter simply referred to as a "resin film") can be used. Examples of resin materials include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), 1,4-polycyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate, and terephthalic acid-cyclohexanedimethanol-ethylene glycol copolymer; polyamides such as nylon 6 and nylon 6,6; polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polymethylpentene; vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl butyral, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP); (meth)acrylic resins such as polyacrylate and polymethacrylate; imide resins such as polyimide and polyetherimide; cellulose resins such as cellophane, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB); styrene resins such as polystyrene (PS); polycarbonate; and ionomer resins.

[0066] Among the above resins, polyesters such as PET and PEN are preferred from the viewpoint of heat resistance and mechanical strength, and PET is particularly preferred.

[0067] In the present disclosure, the term "(meth)acrylic acid" includes both "acrylic acid" and "methacrylic acid." Furthermore, the term "(meth)acrylate" includes both "acrylate" and "methacrylate."

[0068] A laminate of the above-mentioned resin films may also be used as the substrate. The laminate of the resin films can be produced by dry lamination, wet lamination, extrusion, or the like.

[0069] When the substrate is a resin film, the resin film may be a stretched film or an unstretched film. From the viewpoint of mechanical strength, a stretched film stretched in a uniaxial direction or a biaxial direction is preferred.

[0070] The thickness of the substrate is preferably 2 μm to 25 μm, more preferably 3 μm to 10 μm, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the substrate and the transfer of heat energy during thermal transfer.

[0071] (Transfer layer)

[0072] The transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet disclosed herein is a layer that is transferred to the transfer object during thermal transfer. In one embodiment, the transfer layer comprises at least a release layer and an adhesive layer. In one embodiment, the transfer layer comprises at least a release layer and a receiving layer.

[0073] In one embodiment, the transfer layer contains one or more types of visible light non-absorbing particles. This allows the production of a printed article having a better concavo-convex shape.

[0074] Visible light non-absorbing particles are particles that have no absorption or minimal absorption in the visible light region (absorption in the visible light region is generally 30% or less). Examples include particles of glass, zeolite, and zirconium phosphate. Glass particles are particles of silicate glass, phosphate glass, borate glass, and the like, with silicate glass being particularly preferred. In this specification, the term "visible light region" refers to the wavelength range from 400 nm to 750 nm.

[0075] The Spk of the transfer layer can also be adjusted by the affinity (wettability) of the particles in the particle-containing layer with respect to the resin material. By using particles with low wettability, the particles are easily separated from the resin material when the transfer layer is softened during transfer. Therefore, the particles are likely to protrude from the surface of the transfer layer after transfer, and there is a tendency for the Spk to increase.

[0076] The shape of the non-visible light absorbing particles is not particularly limited. For example, the non-visible light absorbing particles may be shaped like spheres, deformed spheres, go pieces, rugby pieces, or other fixed shapes, or they may be amorphous particles obtained by crushing larger blocks. Spherical shapes are preferred because they allow for the production of printed materials with better concave and convex shapes.

[0077] The non-visible light absorbing particles may be hollow particles with a glass shell or solid particles made of glass. Hollow particles are preferred because they allow for the formation of a release layer and / or adhesive layer in which the non-visible light absorbing particles are well dispersed during the manufacture of a thermal transfer sheet.

[0078] The density of the visible light non-absorbing particles is preferably 0.20 g / cm 3 Above and 3.00g / cm 3 Below, more preferably 0.50g / cm 3 Above and 2.00g / cm 3 Below, more preferably 0.80 g / cm 3 Above and 1.50g / cm 3 The density is the true density, measured using a pycnometer (a gas phase displacement type true density meter). For example, using particles with a low density can suppress sedimentation during layer formation, resulting in good dispersion of the particles within the layer.

[0079] The average particle size of the non-visible light absorbing particles is preferably from 2 μm to 20 μm, more preferably from 5 μm to 15 μm, and even more preferably from 8 μm to 15 μm. This allows for the production of printed materials with improved concave and convex shapes and improves the fingerprint resistance of the transferred layer after transfer. The average particle size of the non-visible light absorbing particles is measured by laser diffraction in accordance with JIS Z8825-1:2013. For example, using a larger average particle size tends to increase Spk.

[0080] The content of the non-visible light absorbing particles in the transfer layer is preferably 5% to 60% by mass, more preferably 10% to 50% by mass, and even more preferably 15% to 40% by mass. This allows for the production of printed materials with improved concave-convex shapes and enhances the durability and fingerprint resistance of the transferred layer after transfer.

[0081] (peel layer)

[0082] The release layer is provided to facilitate the separation of the transfer layer from the substrate during thermal transfer. The provision of a release layer allows the transfer layer to be separated from the substrate, enabling reliable and easy transfer of the transfer layer to the transfer target. The release layer is the layer that is separated from the substrate during thermal transfer and transferred to the transfer target.

[0083] In the embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure having the protective layer described below, a release layer may be provided between the substrate and the protective layer. The release layer between the substrate and the adhesive layer and the release layer between the substrate and the protective layer may be separate layers or an integrated layer.

[0084] In one embodiment, the release layer comprises one or more resin materials, such as vinyl resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, (meth)acrylic resins, cellulose resins, and polyesters.

[0085] The content of the resin material in the release layer is preferably from 10% to 80% by mass, more preferably from 15% to 70% by mass, and even more preferably from 20% to 60% by mass. This improves dispersibility and retention when the release layer contains non-visible light absorbing particles. If the release layer does not contain non-visible light absorbing particles, the upper limit of the resin material content may be 100% by mass.

[0086] In one embodiment, the release layer contains one or more types of non-visible light absorbing particles. This allows for the production of printed materials with a well-defined concave-convex shape. The types and preferred embodiments of the non-visible light absorbing particles are described above and are therefore omitted here.

[0087] The content of the non-visible light absorbing particles in the release layer is preferably 20% to 90% by mass, more preferably 30% to 80% by mass. This allows for the production of printed materials with better concave and convex shapes, and improves the durability and fingerprint resistance of the transferred layer after transfer.

[0088] The peeling layer may contain one or more waxes, including microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, wood wax, beeswax, spermaceti wax, ivory wax, wool wax, shellac wax, candelilla wax, petrolatum, partially modified wax, fatty acid esters, and fatty acid amides.

[0089] The release layer may contain one or more additives, such as fillers, plasticizers, antistatic materials, ultraviolet absorbing materials, inorganic fine particles, organic fine particles, release materials, and dispersants.

[0090] The thickness of the release layer is preferably 0.1 μm to 3 μm, more preferably 0.5 μm to 2.5 μm. This allows for the production of printed materials with better concavoconvex shapes and improves the durability and fingerprint resistance of the transferred layer after transfer.

[0091] The release layer can be formed by dispersing or dissolving the above-mentioned materials in water or a suitable solvent to prepare a coating solution, applying the coating solution to a substrate or the like to form a coating film, and drying the coating film to form the release layer. Examples of coating methods that can be used include roll coating, reverse roll coating, gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, rod coating, and bar coating.

[0092] (Adhesive layer)

[0093] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer is the outermost layer constituting the transfer layer, thereby improving the adhesion of the transfer layer to the transfer-receiving body.

[0094] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer comprises one or more thermoplastic resins that soften upon heating to exhibit adhesion. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyesters, (meth)acrylic resins, polyurethanes, cellulose resins, melamine resins, polyamides, polyolefins, and styrene resins.

[0095] The content of the thermoplastic resin in the adhesive layer is preferably 5% to 70% by mass, more preferably 10% to 60% by mass, and even more preferably 15% to 40% by mass. This further improves the adhesion between the transfer layer and the transfer object. Furthermore, if the adhesive layer contains non-visible light absorbing particles, their dispersibility and retention can be improved.

[0096] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer contains one or more types of non-visible light absorbing particles. This allows for the production of printed materials with a good concavo-convex shape. The types and preferred embodiments of the non-visible light absorbing particles are described above and are therefore omitted here.

[0097] The content of the non-visible light absorbing particles in the adhesive layer is preferably 5% to 60% by mass, more preferably 10% to 50% by mass, and even more preferably 15% to 40% by mass. This allows for the production of printed materials with better concave and convex shapes.

[0098] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer contains one or more lubricating materials. This can reduce wrinkles in printed materials (hereinafter referred to as "print wrinkles"). Examples of lubricating materials include silicones such as modified silicone oil and silicone-modified resins, metal soaps such as zinc stearate, zinc stearate phosphate, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate, fatty acid amides, polyethylene wax, carnauba wax, and paraffin wax.

[0099] The content of the lubricant in the adhesive layer is preferably 25% to 80% by mass, more preferably 30% to 70% by mass, and even more preferably 40% to 60% by mass. This can further reduce printing wrinkles.

[0100] The adhesive layer may contain one or more of the above-mentioned additives.

[0101] The thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 3 μm or less, and more preferably 0.5 μm or more and 2 μm or less.

[0102] The adhesive layer can be formed by dispersing the above-mentioned materials in water or a suitable solvent, or dissolving the above-mentioned materials in water or a suitable solvent, preparing a coating liquid, applying the coating liquid on a release layer or the like using the above-mentioned coating means to form a coating film, and drying the coating film to form the adhesive layer.

[0103] (Receiving layer)

[0104] In one embodiment, the receiving layer comprises one or more resin materials. As the resin material, for example, vinyl resins such as polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, (meth) acrylic resins, cellulose resins, polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, styrene resins, epoxy resins, polyurethanes, epoxy resins, and ionomer resins can be listed.

[0105] The content of the resin material in the receiving layer is, for example, 40% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less.

[0106] In one embodiment, the receiving layer includes one or more types of non-visible light absorbing particles. This allows for the production of printed materials with a good concavo-convex shape. The types and preferred embodiments of the non-visible light absorbing particles are described above and are therefore omitted here.

[0107] The content of the visible light non-absorbing particles in the receiving layer is preferably 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and further preferably 15% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less. Thus, a printed material with a better concavo-convex shape can be produced.

[0108] In one embodiment, the receiving layer comprises one or more release materials. As the release material, for example, solid waxes such as polyethylene wax, polyamide wax and Teflon (registered trademark) powder, fluorine-based or phosphate-based surfactants, silicone oils, reactive silicone oils and curable silicone oils, and various modified silicone oils and silicone resins can be listed.

[0109] The content of the release material in the receiving layer is, for example, 0.5% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less.

[0110] The receiving layer may contain one or more of the above-mentioned additives.

[0111] The thickness of the receiving layer is, for example, 0.5 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

[0112] The receiving layer can be formed by dispersing the above-mentioned materials in water or a suitable solvent, or dissolving the above-mentioned materials in water or a suitable solvent, preparing a coating liquid, applying the coating liquid on the release layer etc. by the above-mentioned coating means to form a coating film, and drying it.

[0113] (Color layer)

[0114] In one embodiment, the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure includes one or more colorant layers in a plane-sequential manner with the transfer layer, thereby enabling formation of an image on a printed material.

[0115] In one embodiment, the color material layer comprises one or more resin materials. Examples of the resin materials include vinyl resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, (meth)acrylic resins, cellulose resins, styrene resins, and ionomer resins.

[0116] The content of the resin material in the color material layer is, for example, 50 mass % or more and 70 mass % or less.

[0117] The color material layer contains one or more color materials. The color material can be a pigment or a dye. The dye can also be a sublimable dye.

[0118] Examples of color materials include carbon black, acetylene black, lamp black, black smoke, iron black, aniline black, silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, cadmium red, Carmen red, chrome red, brilliant red, iron red, azo pigments, alizarin lake, quinacridone, cochineal perylene, yellow basil, aurelin, cadmium yellow, cadmium orange, chrome yellow, zinc yellow, Knapp Swiss yellow, nickel yellow, azo pigments, Glidge yellow, ultramarine, cobalt, phthalocyanine, anthraquinone, indigo, perilla green, cadmium green, chrome green, Sublimation dyes such as phthalocyanine, azomethine, perylene, aluminum pigments, diarylmethane dyes, triarylmethane dyes, thiazole dyes, merocyanine dyes, pyrazolone dyes, methine dyes, indoaniline dyes, acetophenoneazomethine dyes, pyrazolinemethine dyes, xanthene dyes, oxazine dyes, thiazine dyes, azine dyes, acridine dyes, azo dyes, spiropyran dyes, indoline spirofluoran dyes, naphthoquinone dyes, anthraquinone dyes and quinophthalone dyes.

[0119] The content of the color material in the color material layer is, for example, 25% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less. This allows for good density of the formed image.

[0120] The color material layer may contain one or more of the above-mentioned additive materials.

[0121] The thickness of the color material layer is, for example, 0.3 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less.

[0122] The color material layer can be formed as follows: the above-mentioned material is dispersed in water or a suitable solvent, or the above-mentioned material is dissolved in water or a suitable solvent, a coating liquid is prepared, the coating liquid is applied to a substrate etc. using the above-mentioned coating means to form a coating film, and the coating film is dried to thereby form the color material layer.

[0123] (Protective layer)

[0124] In one embodiment, the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure includes a protective layer in plane sequence with the transfer layer.

[0125] In one embodiment, the protective layer comprises one or more resin materials. Examples of the resin materials include (meth)acrylic resins, styrene resins, vinyl resins, polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, imide resins, cellulose resins, thermosetting resins, and active light-curable resins.

[0126] In the present disclosure, “active radiation curable resin” refers to a resin in a state where active radiation curable resin is cured by irradiating active radiation.

[0127] In the present disclosure, “active light” refers to radiation that chemically acts on an active light-curable resin to promote polymerization, and specifically refers to visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, electron beams, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, and the like.

[0128] The content of the resin material in the protective layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less from the viewpoint of durability.

[0129] The protective layer may contain one or more of the above-mentioned additive materials.

[0130] The thickness of the protective layer is preferably 0.5 μm to 5 μm, and more preferably 1 μm to 3 μm, thereby further improving durability.

[0131] The protective layer can be formed, for example, by dispersing the above-mentioned material in water or a suitable solvent, or dissolving the above-mentioned material in water or a suitable solvent, preparing a coating liquid, applying the coating liquid on a substrate etc. using the above-mentioned coating means to form a coating film, and drying the coating film to form the protective layer.

[0132] (Back layer)

[0133] In one embodiment, the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure includes a back layer on the surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the transfer layer is provided. This can suppress, for example, sticking and wrinkling caused by heating during thermal transfer.

[0134] In one embodiment, the back layer comprises one or more resin materials. Examples of the resin material include polyolefins, polystyrenes, vinyl resins, (meth)acrylic resins, polyvinyl acetals such as polyvinyl butyral and polyvinyl acetal, polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, polyurethanes, and cellulose resins.

[0135] The back layer may be a layer formed by crosslinking a resin material having a reactive group such as a hydroxyl group using a crosslinking material such as polyisocyanate. Examples of polyisocyanates include xylene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, and hexamethylene diisocyanate.

[0136] The back layer may contain one or more release materials. Examples of release materials include fluorine compounds, phosphate compounds, higher fatty acid amide compounds, metal soaps, silicone oils, silicone resins, and waxes such as polyethylene wax and paraffin wax. This can, for example, improve sliding properties. The content of the release material in the back layer is preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 12% by mass or less.

[0137] The back surface layer may contain one or more of the above-mentioned additives.

[0138] The thickness of the back surface layer is preferably 0.1 μm to 5 μm, and more preferably 0.3 μm to 3 μm. This can improve the heat resistance of the thermal transfer sheet.

[0139] The back layer can be formed, for example, by dispersing the above-mentioned material in water or a suitable solvent, or dissolving the above-mentioned material in water or a suitable solvent, preparing a coating liquid, applying the coating liquid to the surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the transfer layer is provided using the above-mentioned coating unit to form a coating film, and drying it to thereby form the back layer.

[0140] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0141] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermal transfer sheet includes a substrate and a transfer layer, wherein the transfer layer includes glass particles that do not absorb visible light. The substrate, transfer layer, glass particles, and other structures are as described above, and therefore are omitted here.

[0142] <Printed Materials>

[0143] The printed article disclosed herein comprises a transfer target and a transfer layer. The transfer layer can be formed using the thermal transfer sheet disclosed herein.

[0144] The printed article is characterized in that Spk of the transfer layer side surface is 0.6 μm or more, preferably 0.6 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less, and more preferably 0.7 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less.

[0145] In the present disclosure, the “transfer layer-side surface” refers to a surface located on the opposite side to the transfer-receiving body in a printed material obtained by thermally transferring the transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet.

[0146] In the printed matter of the present disclosure, it is preferable that at least any one of Sdr, Sdq, Spd, Sxp, Spc, and Vmp on the transfer layer side surface is within the following range.

[0147] Sdr is preferably 0.01 or more and 0.045 or less, more preferably 0.02 or more and 0.035 or less. Sdq is preferably 0.1 or more and 0.3 or less, more preferably 0.2 or more and 0.27 or less. Spd is preferably 105000 μm. -2 Above and 150000μm -2 Below, more preferably 120000 μm -2 Above and 135000μm -2 Sxp is preferably 1.1 μm or more and 2 μm or less, more preferably 1.3 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less. Spc is preferably 350 or more and 510 or less, more preferably 400 or more and 480 or less. Vmp is preferably 0.03 mL / m 2 Above and 0.053mL / m 2 Below, more preferably 0.035mL / m 2 Above and 0.048mL / m 2 the following.

[0148] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the printed matter disclosed herein will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0149] In one embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the printed material 20 includes a transfer target 21 and a transfer layer 14 including an adhesive layer 13 and a release layer 12 . The release layer 12 includes visible light non-absorbing particles 15 .

[0150] In one embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, the printed material 20 includes a transfer target 21 and a transfer layer 14 including an adhesive layer 13 and a release layer 12 . The adhesive layer 13 includes visible light non-absorbing particles 15 .

[0151] In one embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the printed material 20 includes a transfer target 21 and a transfer layer 14 including an adhesive layer 13 and a release layer 12 . The release layer 12 and the adhesive layer 13 contain visible light non-absorbing particles 15 .

[0152] In one embodiment, Figure 9As shown, the printed material 20 includes a transfer target 21 , a transfer layer 14 including an adhesive layer 13 and a release layer 12 , and a protective layer 16 . The adhesive layer 13 includes visible light non-absorbing particles 15 .

[0153] In one embodiment, Figure 10 As shown, the printed material 20 includes a transfer target 21 , a transfer layer 14 including an adhesive layer 13 and a release layer 12 , a protective layer 16 , and the release layer 12 . The adhesive layer 13 includes visible light non-absorbing particles 15 .

[0154] In one embodiment, the printed material includes an image (not shown) between the transfer target and the transfer layer.

[0155] In one embodiment, the printed material includes a transfer target and a transfer layer including a receiving layer and a release layer, and the receiving layer and / or the release layer contain visible light non-absorbing particles (not shown).

[0156] Hereinafter, the transfer target and the image included in the printed matter of the present disclosure will be described in detail. The other configurations are as described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0157] (Transfer target)

[0158] The transfer substrate of the printed material is not particularly limited. For example, paper substrates such as high-quality paper, art paper, coated paper, resin-coated paper, cast-coated paper, cardboard, synthetic paper, and impregnated paper, as well as resin films similar to those used as the substrates of the thermal transfer sheets of the present disclosure, can be used as appropriate depending on the intended use.

[0159] The thickness of the transfer target is preferably changed appropriately according to the intended use. The thickness of the transfer target is, for example, 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

[0160] (image)

[0161] In one embodiment, the printed matter has an image formed on the transfer body. The image is not particularly limited to text, patterns, symbols, and combinations thereof.

[0162] [Second Method]

[0163] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0164] The second embodiment relates to a method for producing a printed article, and a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an image receiving sheet. First, the thermal transfer sheet and the image receiving sheet used in the second embodiment are described, and then the method for producing the printed article is described.

[0165] Thermal transfer sheets

[0166] The thermal transfer sheet includes a first substrate and a particle layer disposed on one surface of the first substrate. Figure 11FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a thermal transfer sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 As shown, the thermal transfer sheet 30 includes a colorant layer 33 , a protective layer 37 , and a particle layer 32 sequentially provided on one surface of a first substrate 31 , and includes a back layer 38 on the other surface of the first substrate 31 .

[0167] The color material layer 33 includes a yellow color material layer 33Y containing a yellow color material, a magenta color material layer 33M containing a magenta color material, and a cyan color material layer 33C containing a cyan color material, which are arranged in a plane-sequential manner. The color materials contained in the yellow color material layer 33Y, the magenta color material layer 33M, and the cyan color material layer 33Y are, for example, sublimable dyes. The color material layer 33 may further include a hot melt ink layer (not shown) in a plane-sequential manner.

[0168] A release layer may be provided between the protective layer 37 and the first base material 31 .

[0169] An adhesive layer may be provided on the protective layer 37 .

[0170] The particle layer 32 includes a release layer provided on the first base material 31 and an adhesive layer provided on the release layer, and at least one of the release layer and the adhesive layer contains particles P. The particles P are visible light non-absorbing particles.

[0171] When a collection of "five panels" consisting of the yellow color material layer 33Y, the magenta color material layer 33M, the cyan color material layer 33C, the protective layer 37, and the particle layer 32 is referred to as "one unit," this "one unit" is repeatedly provided on one surface of the first substrate 31 of the thermal transfer sheet 30. Using this "one unit" of panels, an image of one screen is formed on the transfer target.

[0172] Next, each structure of the thermal transfer sheet 30 will be described.

[0173] (First Base Material)

[0174] The first substrate 31 can be appropriately selected from any substrate known in the field of thermal transfer sheets. For example, a stretched or unstretched plastic film can be used. Examples of plastics include: highly heat-resistant polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate; polyolefins such as polypropylene and polymethylpentene; polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherketone, polyethersulfone, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene derivatives, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, or ionomer resins. Furthermore, composite films formed by laminating two or more of these materials can also be used.

[0175] The first substrate 31 may also be subjected to easy-adhesion treatments such as corona discharge treatment, plasma treatment, ozone treatment, flame treatment, primer (also known as anchor coating, adhesion promoter, easy-adhesion agent) coating treatment, preheating treatment, dust removal treatment, vapor deposition treatment, alkali treatment, and antistatic layer application.

[0176] The first base material 31 may contain one or more additives as needed. Examples of the additives include fillers, plasticizers, coloring materials, and antistatic materials.

[0177] The thickness of the first base material 31 is preferably 2 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0178] (Granular layer)

[0179] On one surface of the first substrate 31 ( Figure 11 In the embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface of the first substrate 31 is provided with a particle layer 32. The particle layer includes visible light non-absorbing particles ( Figure 11 Particles P in the

[0180] In one embodiment, the particle layer 32 includes a release layer provided on the first substrate 31 and an adhesive layer provided on the release layer. In this case, at least one of the release layer and the adhesive layer contains particles P. In one embodiment, the particle layer 32 includes a release layer and a receiving layer, and at least one of the release layer and the receiving layer contains particles P. The particles P are non-visible light absorbing particles.

[0181] The types and preferred aspects of the visible light non-absorbing particles are as described in the first aspect, and therefore description thereof is omitted here.

[0182] The content of the non-visible light absorbing particles in the particle layer is preferably 5 mass % or more and 60 mass % or less, more preferably 10 mass % or more and 50 mass % or less, and further preferably 15 mass % or more and 40 mass % or less.

[0183] (peel layer)

[0184] In one embodiment, the particle layer 32 includes a release layer. The release layer is provided to facilitate the release of the particle layer 32 from the first substrate 31 during thermal transfer. The release layer allows the particle layer 32 to be released from the first substrate 31 and reliably and easily transferred to the transfer target. The release layer is a layer that is released from the first substrate 31 during thermal transfer and transferred to the transfer target.

[0185] As described above, when a release layer is provided between the first base material 31 and the protective layer 37 , the release layer of the particle layer 32 and the release layer between the first base material 31 and the protective layer 37 may be separate layers or an integrated layer.

[0186] In one embodiment, the release layer comprises one or more resin materials, such as vinyl resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, (meth)acrylic resins, cellulose resins, and polyesters.

[0187] The content of the resin material in the release layer is preferably from 10% to 80% by mass, more preferably from 15% to 70% by mass, and even more preferably from 20% to 60% by mass. This improves the dispersibility and retention of non-visible light absorbing particles in the release layer.

[0188] When the release layer contains non-visible light absorbing particles, the content of the non-visible light absorbing particles in the release layer is preferably 20% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, and more preferably 30% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less.

[0189] The release layer may contain one or more waxes. Examples of the wax include microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, wood wax, beeswax, spermaceti wax, ivory wax, wool wax, shellac wax, candelilla wax, petrolatum, partially modified waxes, fatty acid esters, and fatty acid amides.

[0190] The thickness of the release layer is preferably 0.1 μm to 3 μm, more preferably 0.5 μm to 2.5 μm. When the particles P are contained in the release layer, the thickness of the release layer is the thickness of the portion of the release layer provided on the first substrate 31 where the particles P are not present.

[0191] The release layer can be formed, for example, by dispersing or dissolving the above-mentioned materials in water or a suitable solvent to prepare a coating solution, applying the coating solution to the first substrate 31 to form a coating film, and drying the coating film. Examples of coating methods that can be used include roll coating, reverse roll coating, gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, bar coating, and rod coating.

[0192] (Adhesive layer)

[0193] In one embodiment, the particle layer 32 includes an adhesive layer. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer is the outermost layer constituting the particle layer 32. This can improve the adhesion of the particle layer 32 to the transfer target.

[0194] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer comprises one or more thermoplastic resins that soften upon heating to exhibit adhesion. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyesters, (meth)acrylic resins, polyurethanes, cellulose resins, melamine resins, polyamides, polyolefins, and styrene resins.

[0195] As will be described later, the particle layer 32 is transferred onto the protective layer 37, which is then transferred onto the transferee. Therefore, by making the thermoplastic resin included in the adhesive layer of the particle layer 32 and the binder resin included in the protective layer 37 the same material, the protective layer 37 and the particle layer 32 can be firmly bonded.

[0196] The content of the thermoplastic resin in the adhesive layer is preferably 5% to 70% by mass, more preferably 10% to 60% by mass, and even more preferably 15% to 40% by mass. This further improves the adhesion between the adhesive layer and the transfer object. Furthermore, if the adhesive layer contains non-visible light absorbing particles, their dispersibility and retention can be improved.

[0197] When the adhesive layer contains non-visible light absorbing particles, the content of the non-visible light absorbing particles in the adhesive layer is preferably 5 mass % or more and 60 mass % or less, more preferably 10 mass % or more and 50 mass % or less, and further preferably 15 mass % or more and 40 mass % or less.

[0198] The thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.1 μm to 3 μm, more preferably 0.5 μm to 2 μm. When the particles P are contained in the adhesive layer, the thickness of the adhesive layer is the thickness of the portion of the adhesive layer provided on the release layer or the like where the particles P are not present.

[0199] The adhesive layer can be formed, for example, by dispersing the above-mentioned materials in water or a suitable solvent, or dissolving the above-mentioned materials in water or a suitable solvent, preparing a coating liquid, applying the coating liquid on a release layer or the like using the above-mentioned coating means to form a coating film, and drying the coating film to form the adhesive layer.

[0200] (Color layer)

[0201] In one embodiment, the color material layer 33 includes a color material and a binder resin.

[0202] Examples of colorants include diarylmethane dyes, triarylmethane dyes, thiazole dyes, merocyanine dyes, pyrazolone dyes, methine dyes, indoaniline dyes, pyrazolomethine dyes, acetophenone azomethine, pyrazoloazomethine, imidazoazomethine, azomethine dyes such as imidazoazomethine and pyridone azomethine, xanthene dyes, oxazine dyes, dicyanostyrene and tricyanobenzene. Azo dyes such as vinyl cyanostyrene dyes, thiazine dyes, azine dyes, acridine dyes, phenylazo dyes, pyridone azo, thiophene azo, isothiazole azo, pyrrole azo, pyrazole azo, imidazole azo, thiadiazole azo, triazole azo and disazo dyes, spiropyran dyes, indoline spiropyran dyes, fluoran dyes, rhodamine lactam dyes, naphthoquinone dyes, anthraquinone dyes, and quinophthalone dyes. The color material layer 33 may contain one of the above materials as a color material, or may contain two or more of the above materials as a color material.

[0203] As the binder resin, a resin having a certain degree of heat resistance and a moderate affinity for sublimation dyes can be appropriately selected and used. Examples of such binder resins include cellulose resins such as nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, and cellulose acetate propionate; vinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, and polyvinyl acetal; (meth)acrylic resins such as poly(meth)acrylate and poly(meth)acrylamide; polyurethanes, polyamides, and polyesters. The color material layer 33 may contain one of the above materials as the binder resin, or may contain two or more.

[0204] The color material layer 33 may contain one or more additives such as inorganic particles, organic particles, etc. Examples of inorganic particles include talc, carbon black, aluminum, and molybdenum disulfide, and examples of organic particles include polyethylene wax and silicone resin particles.

[0205] The color material layer 33 may contain one or more release materials. Examples of the release material include modified or unmodified silicone oil (also referred to as silicone resin), phosphate ester, and fatty acid ester.

[0206] The color material layer 33 can be formed, for example, as follows: a coating liquid for the color material layer is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the binder resin, color material, additives or release materials added as needed in an appropriate solvent, and the coating liquid is applied to the first substrate 31 or any layer provided on the first substrate 31 and dried.

[0207] The thickness of the color material layer 33 is usually not less than 0.2 μm and not more than 2.0 μm.

[0208] (Protective layer)

[0209] In one embodiment, the protective layer 37 contains one or more binder resins. Examples of the binder resin include polyester, polyester polyurethane resin, polycarbonate, (meth)acrylic resin, epoxy resin, (meth)acrylic polyurethane resin, silicone-modified resins of these resins, and mixtures of these resins.

[0210] The protective layer 37 may also contain an ultraviolet absorbing resin or an active light curing resin. Active light refers to light that chemically reacts with the active light curing resin to promote polymerization, and specifically refers to visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, electron beams, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, etc.

[0211] The content of the binder resin constituting the protective layer 37 is not particularly limited; however, the content of the binder resin is preferably 20% by mass or greater, and more preferably 30% by mass or greater, relative to the total solid content of the protective layer 37. The upper limit of the binder resin content is not particularly limited, but is 100% by mass.

[0212] The protective layer 37 may contain other materials such as various fillers, fluorescent whitening agents, and ultraviolet absorbing materials for improving weather resistance in addition to the binder resin.

[0213] The protective layer 37 can be formed, for example, by preparing a protective layer coating liquid by dissolving or dispersing the above-mentioned binder resin and additives added as needed in an appropriate solvent, applying the coating liquid to the first substrate 31 or any layer provided on the first substrate 31, and drying it.

[0214] The thickness of the protective layer 37 is usually not less than 0.5 μm and not more than 10 μm.

[0215] In order to improve the transferability of the protective layer 37, a release layer may be provided between the first substrate 31 and the protective layer 37. The material and thickness of the release layer may be the same as those of the particle layer 32. Alternatively, a release layer may be provided instead of the release layer.

[0216] In order to improve the adhesion between the transfer target and the protective layer 37, an adhesive layer may be provided on the protective layer 37. The material and thickness of the adhesive layer may be the same as those of the adhesive layer of the particle layer 32.

[0217] (Back layer)

[0218] The material of the back layer 38 is not limited. Examples thereof include cellulose resins such as cellulose acetate butyrate and cellulose acetate propionate, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl butyral and polyvinyl acetal, (meth)acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polyacrylamide, and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, and natural or synthetic resins such as polyamide, polyamideimide, polyester, polyurethane, and silicone-modified or fluorine-modified polyurethane. The back layer 38 may contain one of these resins alone or two or more.

[0219] The back layer 38 may contain one or more solid or liquid lubricants. Examples of lubricants include various waxes such as polyethylene wax, higher aliphatic alcohols, organopolysiloxanes, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, fluorine-based surfactants, organic carboxylic acids and their derivatives, metal soaps, fluorine-based resins, silicone resins, talc, and particles of inorganic compounds such as silicon dioxide.

[0220] The content of the lubricant in the back surface layer is usually 5% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and preferably 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less.

[0221] The back layer can be formed, for example, by preparing a back layer coating liquid by dissolving or dispersing the resin and, if necessary, a lubricant in a suitable solvent, applying the coating liquid on the first substrate 31 and drying it.

[0222] The thickness of the back surface layer is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0223] Image Receiving Sheet

[0224] like Figure 12 As shown, the image receiving sheet 40 as a transferable body comprises a second substrate 41, a heat-sensitive concave portion-forming layer 42, and a receiving layer 43 stacked in this order. The heat-sensitive concave portion-forming layer 42 may have a multi-layer structure. The image receiving sheet 40 may comprise any layer such as an adhesive layer between any of the layers, for example, between the second substrate 41 and the heat-sensitive concave portion-forming layer 42, or between the layers constituting the heat-sensitive concave portion-forming layer 42 having a multi-layer structure. The image receiving sheet 40 may also comprise a primer layer between the heat-sensitive concave portion-forming layer 42 and the receiving layer 43.

[0225] Each layer of the image-receiving sheet 40 will be described.

[0226] (Base material)

[0227] Examples of the second substrate 41 include paper substrates and films made of resin (hereinafter referred to as "resin films"). Examples of paper substrates include capacitor paper, glassine paper, sulphite paper, synthetic paper, high-quality paper, art paper, coated paper, uncoated paper, cast-coated paper, wallpaper, cellulose fiber paper, synthetic resin-filled paper, lining paper, and impregnated paper (synthetic resin-impregnated paper, emulsion-impregnated paper, synthetic rubber latex-impregnated paper). Examples of resins include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate; polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polymethylpentene; vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer; (meth)acrylic resins such as polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, and polymethyl methacrylate; styrene resins such as polystyrene; polycarbonate; and ionomer resins.

[0228] When the second base material 41 is a resin film, the resin film may be a stretched film or an unstretched film, but is preferably a stretched film stretched in a uniaxial direction or a biaxial direction from the viewpoint of mechanical strength.

[0229] A laminate of the above-mentioned paper substrate or resin film may also be used as the second substrate 41. The laminate can be produced by dry lamination, wet lamination, extrusion, or the like.

[0230] From the viewpoint of mechanical strength, the thickness of the second base material 41 is preferably 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less, more preferably 75 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and even more preferably 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0231] (Thermosensitive concave portion forming layer)

[0232] The image-receiving sheet 40 includes a heat-sensitive concave portion-forming layer 42. A thermal head heats the image-receiving sheet 40 at high temperatures from the image-receiving layer 43 side, thereby forming concave portions in the heat-sensitive concave portion-forming layer 42. This allows the printed material to have a high three-dimensional effect. For example, by forming concave portions in the heat-sensitive concave portion-forming layer 42, relatively convex regions are formed. By forming the concave portions so that the convex portions can represent patterns, text, etc., the design of the printed material can be enhanced.

[0233] The thermosensitive concave portion-forming layer 42 can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The thickness of the thermosensitive concave portion-forming layer 42 is preferably 40 μm or greater, and more preferably 80 μm or greater. This increases the depth of the formed concave portions and improves the ease of concave formation. From the perspective of transportability and processability within a thermal transfer printing device, the thickness of the thermosensitive concave portion-forming layer 42 is preferably 200 μm or less.

[0234] In one embodiment, the heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer 42 is a porous layer including at least one of a porous film having fine voids therein and a hollow particle-containing layer.

[0235] When the thermosensitive concave portion-forming layer 42 is a porous layer having a single-layer structure, its porosity is preferably 20% to 80%, more preferably 30% to 60%. This increases the depth of the formed concave portions and facilitates their formation. Furthermore, it increases the density of the image formed on the receiving layer 43. Furthermore, it improves the ability to suppress embossing during printing.

[0236] When the thermosensitive concave portion forming layer 42 is a porous layer having a multilayer structure, the porosity of the first thermosensitive concave portion forming layer (the thermosensitive concave portion forming layer disposed closest to the receiving layer) is preferably smaller than the porosity of the other thermosensitive concave portion forming layers. This can improve embossing suppression during printing.

[0237] The porosity of the first thermosensitive recessed portion-forming layer is preferably 10% to 60%, more preferably 20% to 50%. This further increases the depth of the recessed portions and facilitates their formation. Furthermore, it improves the ability to suppress embossing during printing.

[0238] The average porosity of the thermosensitive concave portion-forming layer other than the first thermosensitive concave portion-forming layer is preferably 10% to 80%, more preferably 20% to 80%. This facilitates the formation of the concave portions in the first thermosensitive concave portion-forming layer and improves the embossing suppression during printing.

[0239] In the present disclosure, the porosity is calculated as (1 - specific gravity of the thermosensitive concave portion forming layer / specific gravity of the resin material constituting the thermosensitive concave portion forming layer) × 100. When the specific gravity of the resin material constituting the thermosensitive concave portion forming layer 42 is unknown, a cross-sectional image of the thermosensitive concave portion forming layer is obtained using a scanning electron microscope (manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, trade name: S3400N). The porosity is calculated from the total area (a) of the cross-sectional image and the area (b) occupied by voids (pores) as ((b) / (a)) × 100.

[0240] The thickness of the first thermosensitive concave portion forming layer is preferably 20 μm to 150 μm, more preferably 30 μm to 130 μm, and even more preferably 30 μm to 100 μm. This can increase the depth of the formed concave portions and improve the ease of forming the concave portions.

[0241] The total thickness of the thermosensitive concave portion forming layers other than the first thermosensitive concave portion forming layer is preferably 10 μm to 180 μm, more preferably 20 μm to 150 μm, and even more preferably 20 μm to 130 μm. This can increase the density of the image formed on the receiving layer.

[0242] In one embodiment, the porous membrane comprises one or more resin materials. Examples of the resin material include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, styrene resins, and polyamides. Polypropylene is particularly preferred from the perspectives of membrane smoothness, thermal insulation, and cushioning properties.

[0243] The porous film may contain one or more additives. Examples of the additives include plasticizers, fillers, UV stabilizers, coloration inhibitors, surfactants, fluorescent brighteners, delustering agents, deodorizing agents, flame retardants, weathering agents, static charge inhibitors, friction reducing agents, sliding agents, antioxidants, ion exchangers, dispersants, UV absorbers, and coloring agents such as pigments and dyes.

[0244] The porous membrane can be produced by a known method, for example, by forming a membrane from a mixture obtained by kneading organic or inorganic particles that are incompatible with the resin material. In one embodiment, the porous membrane can be produced by forming a membrane from a mixture comprising a first resin material and a second resin material having a higher melting point than the first resin material.

[0245] The porous membrane is not limited to the one produced by the above-mentioned method, and a commercially available porous membrane may also be used.

[0246] The porous film may be laminated on the second base material 41 via an adhesive layer. Alternatively, a plurality of porous films may be laminated on the second base material 41 via an adhesive layer.

[0247] The hollow particle-containing layer is a layer containing hollow particles and a binder material.

[0248] The hollow particles are not particularly limited as long as they satisfy the depth requirement of the recesses formed by heating the image-receiving sheet 40. They may be either organic or inorganic hollow particles, but organic hollow particles are preferred from the perspective of dispersibility. The hollow particles may be either foamed or non-foamed.

[0249] In one embodiment, the organic hollow particles are composed of one or more resin materials, such as styrene resins such as cross-linked styrene-acrylic resins, (meth)acrylic resins, phenolic resins, fluororesins, polyacrylonitrile, imide resins, and polycarbonates.

[0250] In one embodiment, organic hollow particles can be produced by enclosing a foaming material such as butane gas in resin particles and heating and foaming the particles. In one embodiment, organic hollow particles can also be produced by emulsion polymerization. It should be noted that commercially available organic hollow particles can also be used.

[0251] In one embodiment, the hollow particle-containing layer comprises one or more binder materials. Examples of the binder material include polyurethane, polyester, cellulose resin, vinyl resin, (meth) acrylic resin, polyolefin, styrene resin, gelatin and its derivatives, styrene acrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, pullulan, dextran, dextrin, polyacrylic acid and its salts, agar, kappa-carrageenan, lambda-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, casein, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, alginic acid, and gum arabic.

[0252] The hollow particle-containing layer may contain one or more of the above-mentioned additives.

[0253] The hollow particle-containing layer can be formed, for example, as follows: the above-mentioned material is dispersed or dissolved in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, and the coating liquid is applied to the second substrate 41 by a known method such as roller coating, reverse roller coating, gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, rod coating or rod coating to form a coating film, and the film is dried to form a hollow particle-containing layer.

[0254] (Receiving layer)

[0255] The receiving layer 43 is a layer that receives the color material (sublimation dye) transferred from the color material layer 33 included in the thermal transfer sheet 30 and maintains the formed image.

[0256] In one embodiment, the receiving layer 43 comprises one or more resin materials. The resin material is not limited as long as it is a resin that can be easily dyed with a dye, and examples thereof include polyolefins, vinyl resins, (meth)acrylic resins, cellulose resins, polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, styrene resins, polyurethanes, and ionomer resins.

[0257] The content of the resin material in the receiving layer 43 is preferably 80% by mass or more and 98% by mass or less, and more preferably 90% by mass or more and 98% by mass or less.

[0258] In one embodiment, the receiving layer 43 comprises one or more release materials. Thus, the releasability of the receiving layer 43 and the thermal transfer sheet 30 can be improved. As the release material, for example, solid waxes such as polyethylene wax, amide wax, Teflon (registered trademark) powder, fluorine-based or phosphate-based surfactants, silicone oil, reactive silicone oil, various modified silicone oils such as curable silicone oil, and various silicone resins can be listed. As the above-mentioned release material, modified silicone oil is preferred.

[0259] As modified silicone oils, amino-modified silicone, epoxy-modified silicone, aralkyl-modified silicone, epoxy-aralkyl-modified silicone, alcohol-modified silicone, vinyl-modified silicone, urethane-modified silicone, etc. can be preferably used, and epoxy-modified silicone, aralkyl-modified silicone, and epoxy-aralkyl-modified silicone are particularly preferred.

[0260] The content of the release material in the receiving layer 43 is preferably 0.5% to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.5% to 10% by mass. This improves the releasability of the receiving layer 43 from the thermal transfer sheet 30 while maintaining the transparency of the receiving layer 43.

[0261] The thickness of the receptor layer 43 is preferably 0.5 μm to 20 μm, and more preferably 1 μm to 10 μm. This can increase the density of the image formed on the receptor layer 43 .

[0262] The receiving layer 43 can be formed, for example, by dispersing or dissolving the above-mentioned materials in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, and applying the coating liquid on the heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer 42 by a known method such as roller coating, reverse roller coating, gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, rod coating or rod coating to form a coating film, and then drying it.

[0263] <Method for producing printed matter>

[0264] Next, refer to Figures 13 to 15 , a method for manufacturing printed matter is described.

[0265] First, a thermal transfer sheet 30 and an image receiving sheet 40 are prepared. Next, the thermal transfer sheet 30 and the image receiving sheet 40 are superimposed so that the colorant layer 33 and the receiving layer 43 face each other. The thermal transfer sheet 30 is heated from the back layer 38 side using a thermal head of a thermal transfer printer, etc., to thermally transfer the colorant contained in the colorant layer 33, thereby forming an image on the receiving layer 43.

[0266] After the image forming process, the protective layer transfer process is performed. In this embodiment, the protective layer transfer process also serves as a process for forming recessed portions on the image receiving sheet 40.

[0267] During the protective layer transfer process, the thermal transfer sheet 30 and the image-receiving sheet 40 are superimposed with the protective layer 37 and the image-receiving layer 43 facing each other. The thermal transfer sheet 30 is then heated from the back layer 38 side using a thermal head 1. The energy applied by the thermal head 1 is adjusted based on the recessed pattern. In areas where recessed portions are formed, the image-receiving sheet 40 is heated with a higher energy applied than in areas where recessed portions are not formed. For example, the energy applied in areas where recessed portions are formed is 1 to 5 times greater than the energy applied in areas where recessed portions are not formed, and preferably 2 to 3 times greater.

[0268] like Figure 13 As shown, in areas where low energy is applied, the protective layer 37 is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet 30. On the other hand, in areas where high energy is applied, the protective layer 37 is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet 30, and the heat-sensitive recessed portion-forming layer 42 is recessed. The image-receiving layer 43 and the protective layer 37 on the heat-sensitive recessed portion-forming layer 42 also recess accordingly, forming recesses A on the surface. In areas where recesses are not formed, the image-receiving sheet 40 (heat-sensitive recessed portion-forming layer 42) does not undergo plastic deformation. Therefore, the thickness of the image-receiving sheet 40 after transfer of the protective layer is approximately the same as the thickness before printing. On the other hand, in areas where recesses are formed, the image-receiving sheet 40 undergoes plastic deformation, forming recesses (recesses A) of 5 μm or more on the surface.

[0269] After the protective layer transfer process and the concave portion forming process, the particle layer transfer process is performed. In the particle layer transfer process, the thermal transfer sheet 30 and the image receiving sheet 40 are overlapped so that the particle layer 32 and the protective layer 37 provided on the image receiving sheet 40 are opposite each other. The thermal transfer sheet 30 is heated from the back layer 38 side using a thermal head. The particle layer 32 is transferred from the image receiving sheet 40 to the protective layer 37, thereby producing a printed material. At this time, the energy applied by the thermal head is adjusted so that the particle layer 32 is not transferred to the concave portion A, but is transferred to an area other than the concave portion A, that is, at least a portion of the area that forms the relatively convex portion.

[0270] For example, Figure 14 As shown, the particle layer 32 is transferred to the entire region R1 excluding the recessed portion A. By transferring the particle layer 32 , the step difference from the recessed portion A is easily recognized by touch, resulting in a printed material with a high three-dimensional effect.

[0271] like Figure 15 As shown, the particle layer 32 may be transferred only to the peripheral region R2 of the recess A. By transferring the particle layer 32 only to the peripheral region R2, the tactile sense of relief can be emphasized. The width W of the peripheral region is preferably approximately 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The peripheral region R2 to which the particle layer 32 is transferred does not need to surround the recess A; it may also be a portion of the boundary with the recess A in an area outside the recess A.

[0272] The surface of the particle layer 32 transferred onto the protective layer 37 preferably has a peak height (Spk) of 0.6 μm or greater, as defined in ISO 25178-2:2012. This allows for easy perception of irregularities when the printed surface is touched with a finger. The Spk range is more preferably 0.6 μm to 2.0 μm, and even more preferably 0.7 μm to 1.2 μm.

[0273] The recessed portion may be formed at one location or at multiple locations.

[0274] In the above embodiment, the protective layer transfer process and the recessed portion forming process can also be performed separately. For example, the protective layer 37 is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet 30 to the receiving layer 43 of the image receiving sheet 40. Next, the thermal transfer sheet 30 and the image receiving sheet 40 are overlapped so that the used protective layer forming area of the thermal transfer sheet 30 after the protective layer 37 is transferred is opposite to the protective layer 37 transferred to the image receiving sheet 40. Thermal energy is applied from the thermal head to the recessed portion forming area of the image receiving sheet 40 via the used protective layer forming area. In the used protective layer forming area, the first substrate 31 of the thermal transfer sheet 30 (or the release layer if a release layer is provided) is exposed.

[0275] The order of the protective layer transfer process, the recess forming process and the particle layer transfer process is not particularly limited, but if the protective layer is transferred after the particle layer is transferred, the protrusion of the particle layer is alleviated due to the protective layer. Therefore, it is preferred to perform the particle layer transfer process after the protective layer transfer process and the recess forming process.

[0276] Although the above embodiment describes a structure in which the color material layer 33, the protective layer 37, and the particle layer 32 are provided on the same thermal transfer sheet, any layer may be provided on a different thermal transfer sheet, or each layer may be provided on a different thermal transfer sheet.

[0277] In the above embodiment, an example of forming unevenness on the surface of the image-receiving sheet 40 by recessing the heat-sensitive recessed portion-forming layer 42 of the image-receiving sheet 40 has been described. However, a heat-sensitive recessed portion-forming layer (foaming layer) containing foamed particles having a thickness of 5 μm or greater may be provided in place of the heat-sensitive recessed portion-forming layer 42, and the projections may be formed by foaming the foamed particles, thereby providing unevenness on the surface of the image-receiving sheet 40. In this case, the area where the projections are to be formed is heated at an energy level greater than a predetermined value (greater than 1 times and less than 5 times, preferably greater than 2 times and less than 3 times) higher than that of the other areas. The projections may be formed simultaneously with the transfer of the protective layer 37, or may be performed by irradiating the protective layer 37 with laser light or ultraviolet light after the transfer. The height of the formed projections is greater than 5 μm.

[0278] The heat-sensitive convex portion-forming layer is a layer containing expandable hollow particles and a binder material. The expandable hollow particles preferably have the property of expanding only when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher and then maintaining their expanded state even when the temperature drops.

[0279] As such, examples of materials having properties that expand to significantly different degrees between low- and high-temperature regions, separated by a predetermined temperature, include thermally expandable hollow particles having a hollow portion containing an expansion agent within an outer shell composed of, for example, a thermoplastic resin. By adjusting the relationship between the softening point of the hollow particle's outer shell and the vapor pressure of the expansion agent, composed of, for example, a volatile organic solvent, enclosed within the hollow portion, various hollow particles with varying foaming and expansion initiation temperatures, as well as temperatures at which they reach maximum expansion, can be marketed.

[0280] Expandable hollow particles are also called heat-expandable microspheres, heat-expandable microspheres, etc. As materials constituting the expandable hollow particles, for example, organic foamed particles such as crosslinked styrene-acrylic resins, and inorganic hollow glass bodies can be used as the hollow particles.

[0281] Regarding the size of the expandable hollow particles, the average particle diameter before heat-foaming is, for example, in the range of 0.1 μm to 90 μm, and preferably in the range of 6 μm to 18 μm.

[0282] Regarding the degree of hollowness of the expandable hollow particles, the average hollowness in the thermal expansion region is preferably in the range of 30% to 80%, and more preferably in the range of 50% to 80%.

[0283] By adjusting the energy applied to the image receiving sheet provided with the heat-sensitive concave-convex portion forming layer (heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer or heat-sensitive convex portion forming layer), it is possible to form concave-convex on the surface of the image receiving sheet. For example, when the image receiving sheet has the heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer, a concave portion is formed in the region where high energy is applied, and the region where no concave portion is formed becomes a convex portion relatively, thereby forming concave-convex on the surface. When the image receiving sheet has the heat-sensitive convex portion forming layer, a convex portion is formed in the region where high energy is applied, and the region where no convex portion is formed becomes a concave portion relatively, thereby forming concave-convex on the surface. By not transferring the granular layer 32 to the concave portion, the granular layer 32 is transferred to at least a portion of the region (convex portion) beyond the concave portion, it is easy to identify the step difference between the depression of the granular layer transfer portion and the concave portion by touch, thereby becoming a printed matter with higher three-dimensional sense.

[0284] The present disclosure relates to, for example, the following [1] to

[23] .

[0285] A thermal transfer sheet includes a substrate and a transfer layer, wherein the transfer layer has a protruding peak height (Spk) of 0.6 μm or more after transfer.

[0286] [2] The thermal transfer sheet according to [1] above, wherein the transfer layer contains visible light non-absorbing particles.

[0287] [3] The thermal transfer sheet according to [2] above, wherein the visible light non-absorbing particles are glass particles.

[0288] [4] The thermal transfer sheet according to [2] or [3] above, wherein the visible light non-absorbing particles are hollow particles whose outer shell is made of glass.

[0289] [5] The thermal transfer sheet according to any one of [2] to [4] above, wherein the average particle size of the visible light non-absorbing particles is 2 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

[0290] [6] The thermal transfer sheet according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the transfer layer comprises at least a release layer and an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer contains a lubricating material.

[0291] [7] The thermal transfer sheet according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the transfer layer comprises at least a release layer and a receiving layer.

[0292] [8] A printed material comprising a transfer target and a transfer layer, wherein the height of a protruding peak (Spk) on a surface of the transfer layer is 0.6 μm or greater.

[0293] [9] The printed matter according to [8] above, wherein the transfer layer contains visible light non-absorbing particles.

[0294]

[10] The printed matter according to [8] or [9] above, further comprising a protective layer on the transfer layer.

[0295]

[11] A method for manufacturing a printed matter, which uses: a thermal transfer sheet having a particle layer provided on a first substrate; and an image receiving sheet formed by sequentially stacking a heat-sensitive concave-convex portion forming layer and a receiving layer having an image formed thereon on a second substrate, wherein the method for manufacturing a printed matter comprises: a step of heating the image receiving sheet to form concave-convex portions on the image receiving sheet; and a step of heating the thermal transfer sheet to transfer the particle layer to at least a portion of the convex portion of the image receiving sheet.

[0296]

[12] The method for producing a printed matter according to

[11] above, wherein the particle layer is transferred after the concavoconvexity is formed.

[0297]

[13] The method for manufacturing a printed matter according to the above-mentioned

[11] or

[12] further comprises a step of heating a thermal transfer sheet provided with a protective layer to transfer the protective layer to a receiving layer, and forming the above-mentioned concave and convex parts after transferring the protective layer or together with the transfer of the protective layer.

[0298]

[14] The method for producing a printed matter according to any one of

[11] to

[13] above, wherein the particle layer is transferred to the entire convex portion of the image receiving sheet.

[0299]

[15] A method for producing a printed matter according to any one of

[11] to

[13] above, wherein the particle layer is transferred to the peripheral area of the above-mentioned concave portion in the above-mentioned convex portion of the image receiving sheet.

[0300]

[16] The method for producing a printed matter according to any one of

[11] to

[15] above, wherein the particle layer contains visible light non-absorbing particles.

[0301]

[17] A method for producing a printed matter according to any one of

[11] to

[16] above, wherein the height (Spk) of the protruding peaks of the particle layer transferred to the image receiving sheet is 0.6 μm or greater.

[0302]

[18] A method for producing a printed matter according to any one of

[11] to

[17] above, wherein the heat-sensitive concave-convex portion forming layer is a heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer having a thickness of 40 μm or more, and a concave portion having a depth of 5 μm or more is formed on the image receiving sheet.

[0303]

[19] The method for producing a printed material according to

[18] above, wherein the heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer includes at least one of a porous film and a hollow particle-containing layer.

[0304]

[20] A method for manufacturing a printed matter according to any one of

[11] to

[17] above, wherein the heat-sensitive concave-convex portion forming layer is a heat-sensitive convex portion forming layer with a thickness of 5 μm or more, and convex portions with a height of 5 μm or more are formed on the image receiving sheet.

[0305]

[21] The method for producing a printed material according to

[20] above, wherein the heat-sensitive convex portion-forming layer contains expandable hollow particles.

[0306]

[22] A combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an image receiving sheet, wherein the thermal transfer sheet comprises a first substrate and a particle layer provided on one surface of the first substrate, the particle layer comprising visible light non-absorbing particles, and the image receiving sheet comprises a second substrate, a thermal concave portion forming layer provided on the second substrate, and a receiving layer provided on the thermal concave portion forming layer, the thermal concave portion forming layer comprising at least one of a porous film and a layer containing hollow particles.

[0307]

[23] A combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an image receiving sheet, wherein the thermal transfer sheet comprises a first substrate and a particle layer provided on one surface of the first substrate, the particle layer comprising visible light non-absorbing particles, and the image receiving sheet comprises a second substrate, a heat-sensitive protrusion-forming layer provided on the second substrate, and a receiving layer provided on the heat-sensitive protrusion-forming layer, the heat-sensitive protrusion-forming layer comprising foamable hollow particles.

[0308] [Example]

[0309] Next, the thermal transfer sheet of the first aspect of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to examples. However, the thermal transfer sheet of the first aspect of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0310] Example 1

[0311] (Production of thermal transfer sheets)

[0312] A PET film having a thickness of 4.5 μm was prepared.

[0313] A back layer-forming coating liquid having the following composition was applied to one surface of a PET film and dried to form a back layer.

[0314] <Coating liquid for forming back layer>

[0315] 2 parts by mass of polyvinyl butyral

[0316] (S-LEC (registered trademark) BX-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[0317] 9.2 parts by mass of polyisocyanate

[0318] (DIC Corporation, Burnock (registered trademark) D750)

[0319] 1.3 parts by mass of phosphate surfactant

[0320] (Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd., PLYSURF (registered trademark) A208N)

[0321] 0.3 parts by mass of talc

[0322] (Nippon Talc Industries, Inc., MicroAce (registered trademark) P-3)

[0323] 43.6 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)

[0324] 43.6 parts by mass of toluene

[0325] A peeling layer-forming coating liquid having the following composition was applied to the other side of the PET film and dried to form a peeling layer having a thickness of 1.5 μm.

[0326] <Release layer forming coating liquid>

[0327] 2.5 parts by mass of (meth)acrylic resin

[0328] (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, DIANOAL (registered trademark) BR-83)

[0329] 2.5 parts by mass of polyester

[0330] (VYLON (registered trademark) 200, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.)

[0331] 45 parts by mass of toluene

[0332] MEK 50 parts by mass

[0333] An adhesive layer-forming coating liquid having the following composition was applied onto the release layer and dried to form an adhesive layer having a thickness of 1.2 μm.

[0334] <Adhesive layer forming coating liquid>

[0335] 5 parts by mass of vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer

[0336] (Made by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Solvine (registered trademark) CNL, Mn 16000, Tg 76°C)

[0337] 5 parts by mass of glass particles A

[0338] (Made by Potters Ballotin Co., Ltd., Spherical (registered trademark) 110P8 (hollow particles), average particle size 12 μm, density 1.10 g / cm 3 )

[0339] 45 parts by mass of toluene

[0340] MEK 45 parts by mass

[0341] Examples 2 to 13 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2

[0342] A thermal transfer sheet was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the configurations of the release layers and adhesive layers included in the thermal transfer sheet were changed as shown in Table 1.

[0343] The details of each component in Table 1 are as follows.

[0344] Polyvinyl butyral: S-LEC (registered trademark) BL-2H manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0345] Lubricant A: Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., epoxy-modified silicone oil, K1800U

[0346] Lubricant B: Made by Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., zinc stearate, SZ-PF

[0347] Glass particles B: EMB-20 (solid particles), manufactured by Potters Ballotin Co., Ltd., average particle size 10 μm, density 2.6 g / cm3

[0348] Glass particles C: EMB-10 (solid particles), manufactured by Potters Ballotin Co., Ltd., average particle size 5 μm, density 2.6 g / cm3

[0349] Example 14

[0350] A 4.5 μm thick PET film was prepared. The back layer-forming coating solution described in Example 1 was applied to one side of the PET film and dried to form a back layer. The release layer-forming coating solution described in Example 1 was applied to the other side of the PET film and dried to form a 1.5 μm thick release layer.

[0351] On this release layer, the adhesive layer forming coating liquid described in Example 2 and the protective layer forming coating liquid with the following composition were sequentially applied along the surface to a dry thickness of 1.2 μm and 0.5 μm, respectively, and dried to form an adhesive layer and a protective layer.

[0352] <Coating liquid for forming protective layer>

[0353] 10 parts by mass of polyester

[0354] (Elitel (registered trademark) UE-9885, manufactured by UNITIKA Co., Ltd., number average molecular weight 6000, Tg 82°C)

[0355] 45 parts by mass of toluene

[0356] MEK 45 parts by mass

[0357] [Table 1]

[0358] Table 1

[0359]

[0360] (Production of printed materials)

[0361] Using a sublimation thermal transfer printer (DS-40 from Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.), a DS-40 genuine ink ribbon, and DS-40 genuine image-receiving paper, a uniform black image (R: 0 / 255, G: 0 / 255, B: 0 / 255) was printed to produce a transfer medium. The thermal transfer sheet from the above example was heated from the back layer side using the thermal head of the following thermal transfer printer to form a transfer layer on the transfer medium, producing a printed article.

[0362] Thermal transfer printer

[0363] Thermal head: Kyocera Corporation, KEE-57-12GAN2-STA

[0364] Average resistance of heating element: 3303Ω

[0365] Print density in the main scanning direction: 300dpi

[0366] Sub-scanning direction print density: 300dpi

[0367] Printing voltage: 18.5V

[0368] 1 line period: 3msec.

[0369] Printing start temperature: 35℃

[0370] Pulse duty cycle: 85%

[0371] In Comparative Example 1, a printed material was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the printing voltage was changed to 19.5 V.

[0372] <<Measurement of printed surfaces>>

[0373] For the printed materials of the above Examples and Comparative Examples, the surface Spk, Sdr, Sdq, Spd, Sxp, Spc, and Vmp of the printed materials were measured in an area of 500 μm x 500 μm according to ISO 25178-2:2012. A shape analysis laser microscope (VK-X150, KEYENCE) was used as the measurement instrument. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0374] [Table 2]

[0375] Table 2

[0376]

[0377] <<Evaluation of the sense of concavity>>

[0378] The printed materials of the above-mentioned Examples and Comparative Examples were touched with a finger on the surface of the printed materials, and the touch was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 3.

[0379] (Evaluation Criteria)

[0380] A: Concavities and convexities can be easily perceived.

[0381] B: Able to sense bumps and depressions.

[0382] C: Slightly feel the unevenness when touching carefully.

[0383] NG: The bumps and depressions are completely undetectable.

[0384] Durability Evaluation

[0385] The printed materials of the above examples and comparative examples were subjected to a Taber test (load 500 gf, 60 cycles / min.) in accordance with ANSI-INCITS 322-2002, 5.9 Surface Abrasion, using a Taber tester (abrasion wheel CS-10F).

[0386] After every 50 cycles, the ISO visual density was measured using a reflection densitometer (i1-pro 2, manufactured by X-Rite). The number of cycles at which the ISO visual density decreased by 30% compared to the pre-test ISO visual density was determined, and evaluation was performed based on the following criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 3.

[0387] (Evaluation Criteria)

[0388] A: More than 300 cycles.

[0389] B: 200 cycles or more and less than 300 cycles.

[0390] C: 100 cycles or more and less than 200 cycles.

[0391] NG: Less than 100 cycles.

[0392] <<Printability Evaluation>>

[0393] The printability of the printed materials of the above-mentioned Examples and Comparative Examples was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 3.

[0394] (Evaluation Criteria)

[0395] A: No wrinkles were observed in the printed material.

[0396] B: Wrinkles were generated at a frequency of less than 20%.

[0397] NG: Wrinkles occur at a frequency of 20% or more.

[0398] <<Anti-fingerprint evaluation>>

[0399] Fingerprints were attached to the printed materials of the above Examples and Comparative Examples, and the surface conditions were visually observed to evaluate the anti-fingerprint properties of the printed surfaces. The evaluation results are shown in Table 3.

[0400] (Evaluation Criteria)

[0401] A: If you look closely, you can confirm fingerprints.

[0402] B: Based on the angle of observation, fingerprints are obvious.

[0403] NG: Fingerprints are obvious.

[0404] [Table 3]

[0405] Table 3

[0406]

[0407] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the thermal transfer sheets and the like disclosed herein are not limited to the foregoing embodiments. The foregoing embodiments and description are merely intended to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure. Various modifications or improvements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and such modifications or improvements are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure encompasses not only the claims but also their equivalents.

[0408] Label Description

[0409] 10: Thermal transfer film;

[0410] 11: substrate;

[0411] 12: peeling layer;

[0412] 13: adhesive layer;

[0413] 14: transfer layer;

[0414] 15: Visible light non-absorbing particles;

[0415] 16: protective layer;

[0416] 20: printed matter;

[0417] 21: transfer object;

[0418] 31: first substrate;

[0419] 32: stratum granulosum;

[0420] 33: color material layer;

[0421] 37: protective layer;

[0422] 38: back layer;

[0423] 30: Thermal transfer film;

[0424] 40: image receiving film;

[0425] 41: second substrate;

[0426] 42: heat-sensitive concave formation layer;

[0427] 43: Receiving layer.

Claims

1. A method for producing a printed article, comprising: a thermal transfer sheet having a particle layer provided on a first substrate; and an image receiving sheet having a heat-sensitive concave-convex portion-forming layer and a receiving layer having an image formed thereon laminated in this order on a second substrate, wherein: The manufacturing method of the printed matter comprises: a step of heating the image receiving sheet to form concavoconvexities on the image receiving sheet; and a step of heating the thermal transfer sheet to transfer the particle layer to at least a portion of the convex portion of the image receiving sheet; The particle layer comprises visible light non-absorbing particles, The visible light non-absorbing particles are glass particles, or hollow particles with a glass shell, The content of the visible light non-absorbing particles in the particle layer is 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

2. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 1, wherein: The particle layer is transferred after the concavoconvexity is formed.

3. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 1, wherein: The method for producing a printed article further comprises the step of heating a thermal transfer sheet provided with a protective layer to transfer the protective layer to the receiving layer. The concavoconvexity is formed after the protective layer is transferred or simultaneously with the transfer of the protective layer.

4. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 1, wherein: The particle layer is transferred to the entirety of the protrusions of the image-receiving sheet.

5. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 1, wherein: The particle layer is transferred to the peripheral region of the recessed portion in the raised portion of the image-receiving sheet.

6. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 1, wherein: The height (Spk) of the protruding peaks of the particle layer transferred to the image-receiving sheet is 0.6 μm or greater.

7. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 1, wherein: The heat-sensitive concavo-convex portion forming layer is a heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer having a thickness of 40 μm or more, and forms concave portions having a depth of 5 μm or more on the image-receiving sheet.

8. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 7, wherein: The thermosensitive concave portion forming layer includes at least one of a porous film and a hollow particle-containing layer.

9. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 1, wherein: The heat-sensitive concavo-convex portion forming layer is a heat-sensitive convex portion forming layer having a thickness of 5 μm or more, and forms convex portions having a height of 5 μm or more on the image-receiving sheet.

10. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 9, wherein: The heat-sensitive convex-portion-forming layer contains expandable hollow particles.

11. A combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an image receiving sheet, wherein: The thermal transfer sheet comprises: a first substrate; and a particle layer provided on one surface of the first substrate, the particle layer comprising visible light non-absorbing particles. The visible light non-absorbing particles are glass particles, or hollow particles with a glass shell, The content of the visible light non-absorbing particles in the particle layer is 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, The image receiving sheet includes: a second substrate; a heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer provided on the second substrate; and a receiving layer provided on the heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer, wherein the heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer includes at least one of a porous film and a hollow particle-containing layer.

12. A combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an image receiving sheet, wherein: The thermal transfer sheet comprises: a first substrate; and a particle layer provided on one surface of the first substrate, the particle layer comprising visible light non-absorbing particles. The visible light non-absorbing particles are glass particles, or hollow particles with a glass shell, The content of the visible light non-absorbing particles in the particle layer is 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, The image-receiving sheet includes: a second substrate; a heat-sensitive convexity-forming layer provided on the second substrate; and a receiving layer provided on the heat-sensitive convexity-forming layer, wherein the heat-sensitive convexity-forming layer contains expandable hollow particles.

Images