Intermediate transfer medium, combination of intermediate transfer medium and thermal transfer sheet, combination of intermediate transfer medium, thermal transfer sheet, and transfer target, transferred article, and method for producing transferred article

Abstract

To provide an intermediate transfer medium that achieves favorable transferability even with respect to a transfer target having low surface smoothness.SOLUTION: The present invention provides an intermediate transfer medium having, in this order, a base material, a foaming layer containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intermediate transfer medium, a combination of the intermediate transfer medium and a thermal transfer sheet, a combination of the intermediate transfer medium, a thermal transfer sheet and a transfer-receiving body, a transfer product, and a method for producing the transfer product. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, known methods for producing printed matter by thermal transfer include a method in which a thermal transfer sheet is used and an image is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet to a transfer recipient. Also known is a method in which a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium are used and an image is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet to the intermediate transfer medium, and then the image is retransferred from the intermediate transfer medium to a transfer recipient.

[0003] In recent years, with the diversification of uses for prints, there has been an increasing demand for forming images on any desired transfer medium. In the former method, the image is transferred directly to the transfer medium, which limits the transfer medium that can be used. On the other hand, in the latter method, an intermediate transfer medium is used, so the transfer medium is not limited.

[0004] The thermal transfer method for producing a printed product can transfer an image well to a substrate with a high degree of surface smoothness. However, when the substrate has a low surface smoothness, the image is not easily transferred to the concave portions of the substrate's surface, resulting in problems such as blurring, white spots, and unclear image edges, resulting in a decrease in print quality.

[0005] Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a thermal transfer material in which a thermally transferable ink layer containing a heat-meltable binder, a colorant, and a thermally decomposable foaming agent is formed on a support. Patent Document 2 also proposes a thermal transfer recording medium in which a foaming agent layer containing a foaming agent is provided between the support layer and the ink layer. In these techniques, during thermal transfer, the heat-decomposable foaming agent contained in the thermally transferable ink layer decomposes and generates gas due to heating, or the foaming agent contained in the foaming agent layer between the support layer and the ink layer decomposes and expands, thereby pressing the ink layer against the transfer target, making it possible to transfer ink to recesses in the surface of the transfer target. Furthermore, in the above techniques, the layer containing the foaming agent is also transferred to the transfer target.

[0006] Patent Document 3 proposes a thermal transfer recording medium having a foaming agent-containing layer, a heat-melt peelable layer, and a heat-melt coloring layer laminated in this order on a substrate. In this technology, too, during thermal transfer, the foaming agent contained in the foaming agent-containing layer foams or expands due to heating, pressing the heat-melt coloring layer against the transfer recipient, making it possible to transfer ink to recesses in the surface of the transfer recipient. Furthermore, with the above technology, the foaming agent-containing layer remains on the substrate during thermal transfer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 59-201893 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-82389 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-161799 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] A thermal transfer printer is used in the manufacturing of thermal transfer prints. In a thermal transfer printer, a thermal transfer sheet and a transfer target are superimposed and passed between a thermal head and a platen roller, and the thermal head locally heats the thermal transfer sheet, thereby transferring an image to the transfer target.

[0009] In the above technology, a foaming agent is foamed or expanded during thermal transfer. However, in a thermal transfer printer, the thermal transfer sheet is locally heated while the thermal transfer sheet and the transfer recipient are transported, so the heating time is short. Furthermore, the thermal energy from the thermal head diffuses from the transfer recipient. This makes it difficult to foam or expand the foaming agent sufficiently. Therefore, when the surface of the transfer recipient is highly uneven, it is still difficult to transfer ink to the recesses on the surface of the transfer recipient, even if foaming or expansion of the foaming agent is used.

[0010] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has as its main object to provide an intermediate transfer medium that has good transferability even to a transfer-receiving body with low surface smoothness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an intermediate transfer medium having, in order, a substrate, a foamable layer containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a combination of the above-described intermediate transfer medium and a thermal transfer sheet, the thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a combination of the above-described intermediate transfer medium, a thermal transfer sheet, and a transfer-receiving body, wherein the thermal transfer sheet has a colorant layer.

[0014] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a printed matter having a transfer object and a transfer layer having an image disposed on the transfer surface of the transfer object, wherein the arithmetic mean height of the transfer surface of the transfer object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer layer opposite the transfer object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a printed matter having a transfer object and a transfer layer having an image disposed on the transfer surface of the transfer object, wherein the transfer object is fabric, and the arithmetic mean height of the transfer layer on the surface opposite the transfer object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0016] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a printed matter having a transfer object and a transfer layer having an image disposed on the transfer surface of the transfer object, wherein Sa2 / Sa1≧0.10, where Sa1 is the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer object in an area where the transfer layer is not disposed, and Sa2 is the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer layer opposite the transfer object.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a printed matter, the method comprising: a preparation step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium having, in this order, a substrate, a foamable layer containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer; an image formation step of forming an image on the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium; a transfer step of opposing the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image has been formed to the transfer surface of a transferee, and applying heat and pressure to expand the foamable layer while transferring the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image has been formed to the transfer surface of the transferee; and a peeling step of peeling the substrate and the expanded foamable layer from the transfer layer transferred to the transfer surface of the transferee. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The present disclosure can provide an intermediate transfer medium that has good transferability even to a transfer-receiving body with low surface smoothness. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an intermediate transfer medium according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1A to 1C are process diagrams illustrating a method for producing a printed matter according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are process diagrams illustrating a method for producing a printed matter according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an intermediate transfer medium according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an intermediate transfer medium according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a thermal transfer sheet according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a print according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are process diagrams illustrating a method for producing a printed matter according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1A to 1C are process diagrams illustrating a conventional method for producing a printed matter. [Figure 10] 1A to 1C are process diagrams illustrating a conventional method for producing a printed matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Below, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings etc. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below. Furthermore, to make the explanation clearer, the drawings may show the width, thickness, and shape of each part schematically compared to the actual form, but this is merely an example and should not be interpreted as limiting.

[0021] In this specification, when describing a mode in which another component is disposed on a certain component, the term "above" or "below" refers to both a case in which another component is disposed directly above or below the certain component so as to be in contact with the component, and a case in which another component is disposed above or below the certain component with another component interposed therebetween, unless otherwise specified. Also, in this specification, when describing a mode in which another component is disposed on the surface of a certain component, the term "on the surface" refers to both a case in which another component is disposed directly above or below the certain component so as to be in contact with the component, and a case in which another component is disposed above or below the certain component with another component interposed therebetween, unless otherwise specified.

[0022] The intermediate transfer medium, the combination of the intermediate transfer medium and the thermal transfer sheet, the combination of the intermediate transfer medium, the thermal transfer sheet and the transfer-receiving body, the print, and the method for manufacturing the print in this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0023] A. Intermediate transfer medium The intermediate transfer medium of the present disclosure comprises, in order, a substrate, a foamable layer containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer.

[0024] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an intermediate transfer medium according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer medium 10 includes a substrate 1, a foamable layer 2 containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer 3, and is arranged in a thickness direction D. T The intermediate transfer medium in the present disclosure is a transfer sheet before an image is formed on the transfer layer, and is an image-forming sheet.

[0025] FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c) and 3(a) to 3(b) are process diagrams illustrating a method for producing a print using an intermediate transfer medium according to the present disclosure. First, as shown in FIG. 2(a), an intermediate transfer medium 10 is prepared. The intermediate transfer medium 10 is similar to the intermediate transfer medium 10 shown in FIG. 1 above. Next, as shown in FIG. 2(b), an image 25 is formed on the surface of the transfer layer 3 of the intermediate transfer medium 10. The image 25 may be formed on the surface of the transfer layer 3, or may be formed by transferring a colorant into the transfer layer 3. Next, as shown in FIG. 2(c), the surface of the transfer layer 3 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 on which the image 25 has been formed is placed opposite the receiving surface of a transferee 51. Next, as shown in FIG. 3(a), heat and pressure are applied to expand the foamable layer 2, and the transfer layer 3 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 on which the image 25 has been formed is transferred to the receiving surface of the transferee 51. At this time, as the foamable layer 2 expands, the transfer layer 3 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 on which the image 25 has been formed is pressed against the transfer recipient 51, and the transfer layer 3 on which the image 25 has been formed is pressed into the concave portions of the uneven transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51. This allows the transfer layer 3 on which the image 25 has been formed to be transferred also into the concave portions of the uneven transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51. Next, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the substrate 1 and the expanded foamable layer 2a are peeled off from the transfer layer 3 transferred to the transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51.

[0026] 9(a) to 9(c) show an example of a conventional thermal transfer sheet 110 having a foamable layer 102 and a colorant layer 122, in that order, on one side of a substrate 101. In the thermal transfer sheet 110, the colorant layer 122 is a melt-transfer type colorant layer, to which the colorant layer 122 itself is transferred. First, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the colorant layer 122 of the thermal transfer sheet 110 is thermally transferred to a transfer-receiving body 151, and simultaneously the foamable layer 102 of the thermal transfer sheet 110 is expanded. Next, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the expanded foamable layer 102a and the substrate 101 are peeled from the colorant layer 122 transferred to the transfer-receiving body 151. During thermal transfer, a thermal head (not shown) locally heats only the area of ​​the thermal transfer sheet 110 to which the colorant layer 122 is to be transferred. In this case, the heating temperature is high and the heating time is short. Because the heating time is short, a sufficient amount of heat cannot be applied to the thermal transfer sheet 110, making it difficult to sufficiently expand the foamable layer 102. Furthermore, if the foamable layer 102 does not expand sufficiently, the force with which the colorant layer 122 is pressed against the transferee 151 is weakened. As a result, the colorant layer 122 is not pressed into the concave portions of the uneven transfer surface of the transferee 151, and the colorant layer 122 is transferred only to the convex portions of the uneven transfer surface of the transferee 151. As a result, in the printed matter 150, the image formed by thermal transfer of the colorant layer 122 may have faded or white spots, or the edges of the image may become unclear.

[0027] In contrast, when a print is produced using the intermediate transfer medium of the present disclosure, as described above, an image is formed on the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium, and then the transfer layer on which the image of the intermediate transfer medium is formed is transferred to a transfer receiving body. Therefore, the image forming step of forming an image and the transfer step of transferring the transfer layer on which the image is formed by utilizing the expansion of the foamable layer can be carried out separately. During the transfer process, since an image is already formed on the transfer layer, there is no need to locally heat the intermediate transfer medium using a thermal head. Therefore, during the transfer process, the heating time can be extended, allowing sufficient heat to be applied to the intermediate transfer medium. Furthermore, during the transfer process, unlike conventional local heating using a thermal head, high temperatures are not required, and the heating temperature can be adjusted. For example, the heating temperature can be adjusted depending on the foaming initiation temperature or maximum foaming temperature of the foaming agent. This allows the foamable layer to expand sufficiently. Therefore, the force with which the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image has been formed is pressed against the transfer recipient is increased, making it easier for the transfer layer on which the image has been formed to be pressed into the concave portions of the transfer recipient surface. This reduces the occurrence of blurring, whiteouts, and blurred image edges.

[0028] Therefore, the intermediate transfer medium of the present disclosure can achieve good transferability even to a transfer-receiving body with low surface smoothness.

[0029] Furthermore, when a printed product is produced using the intermediate transfer medium of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 3(b) above, the substrate 1 and the expanded foamable layer 2a are peeled off from the transfer layer 3 transferred to the transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51. That is, the expanded foamable layer 2a is peeled off from the transfer layer 3 transferred to the transfer recipient 51 and remains on the intermediate transfer medium. As described above, the intermediate transfer medium of the present disclosure has good transferability, so the transfer layer 3 on which the image 25 is formed easily follows the unevenness of the transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51. Therefore, in the printed product 50, the surface of the transfer layer 3 opposite the transfer recipient 51 is likely to reflect the surface shape of the transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51. In other words, in the printed product 50, the surface of the transfer layer 3 opposite the transfer recipient 51 has a surface shape similar to the surface shape of the transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51. Therefore, in the printed matter, the difference in appearance between the surface of the transfer layer opposite the transfer object and the transfer surface of the transfer object in the area where the transfer layer is not transferred is small, and the sense of incongruity can be reduced. Therefore, the texture of the image in the printed matter can be improved.

[0030] 10(a) to 10(c) show another example of a conventional thermal transfer sheet 110 having a foamable layer 102 and a colorant layer 122, in that order, on one side of a substrate 101. In the thermal transfer sheet 110, the colorant layer 122 is a melt-transfer type colorant layer to which the colorant layer 122 itself is transferred. First, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the colorant layer 122 of the thermal transfer sheet 110 is thermally transferred to a transfer recipient 151, and simultaneously the foamable layer 102 of the thermal transfer sheet 110 is expanded. Next, as shown in FIG. 10(c), the substrate 101 is peeled off from the colorant layer 122 transferred to the transfer recipient 151 and the expanded foamable layer 102a. In this way, when the expanded foamable layer 102a is also transferred to the transferee 151, the expanded foamable layer 102a and the colorant layer 122 fill in some of the irregularities on the transferee surface of the transferee 151. Therefore, in the printed product 150, the shape of the surface of the expanded foamable layer 102a opposite the transferee 151 differs from the surface shape of the transferee surface of the transferee 151 in the region to which the colorant layer 122 and the expanded foamable layer 102a have not been transferred. Therefore, in the printed product 150, the region to which the colorant layer 122 and the expanded foamable layer 102a have been transferred may appear as if something has been pasted on the transferee 151. In particular, because peeling occurs between the substrate 101 and the foamable layer 102a, the surface of the expanded foamable layer 102a opposite the transferee 151 becomes smooth, creating an unnatural feeling due to the different surface shape. As a result, in the printed matter 150, the area where the color material layer 122 and the expanded foamable layer 102a are transferred may have a different glossiness, for example, and may look like a sticker is attached. Therefore, the texture of the transferred object is damaged in the printed matter, and the texture is deteriorated.

[0031] Thus, the intermediate transfer medium of the present disclosure can improve print quality.

[0032] Hereinafter, each configuration of the intermediate transfer medium in the present disclosure will be described.

[0033] 1. Foam layer The foamable layer in the present disclosure contains a foaming agent. The foamable layer is a layer that functions to press the transfer layer against a transfer-receiving body by expanding during thermal transfer. Furthermore, the foamable layer is a layer that remains on the intermediate transfer medium when an image is formed on the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium and the transfer layer on which the image has been formed is transferred to a transfer-receiving body.

[0034] The foamable layer may be a single layer containing a foaming agent, or may have multiple layers. When the foamable layer has multiple layers, at least one layer must contain a foaming agent. The foamable layer may also have, in order from the substrate side, a foaming agent-containing layer containing a foaming agent and a release layer. The term "single layer" means that the foamable layer is composed of one layer.

[0035] (1) First embodiment of the foamable layer The foamable layer of this embodiment is a single layer containing a foaming agent.

[0036] (a) Foaming agent The foaming agent is preferably a thermal foaming agent, which expands when heated or decomposes when heated to generate gas.

[0037] Examples of blowing agents include thermally expandable microcapsules. Thermally expandable microcapsules are particles with a core-shell structure that encapsulate a low-temperature volatile solvent. In the present disclosure, thermally expandable microcapsules are preferred. Generally, thermally expandable microcapsules are particles in which low-boiling-point hydrocarbons are microencapsulated with a shell wall made of resin. When heated at a specific temperature, their volume expands several to several hundred times compared to before heating. Examples of low-boiling-point hydrocarbons encapsulated in thermally expandable microcapsules include fluorine-containing aliphatic hydrocarbons such as methyl chloride, methyl bromide, trichloroethane, dichloroethane, n-butane, n-heptane, n-propane, n-hexane, n-pentane, isobutane, isoheptane, neopentane, petroleum ether, and Freon, as well as mixtures of these hydrocarbons. Examples of materials for the shell walls of thermally expandable microcapsules include vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile, styrene, methyl methacrylate acrylate, ethyl methacrylate acrylate, vinyl acetate, and copolymers or blends thereof. If necessary, a crosslinking agent may be added to the material of the partition walls.

[0038] In addition, a thermal decomposition type chemical blowing agent may be used as the blowing agent, and examples thereof include organic and inorganic blowing agents. Examples of organic blowing agents include azo blowing agents such as azodicarbonamide (ADCA), azobisformamide, and azobisisobutyronitrile; fluorinated alkane blowing agents such as trichloromonofluoromethane; hydrazine blowing agents such as p-toluenesulfonylhydrazide, hydrazolecarbonamide, and acetone-p-sulfonylhydrazone; semicarbazide blowing agents such as p-toluenesulfonylsemicarbazide; triazole blowing agents such as 5-morpholyl-1,2,3,4-thiatriazole; N-nitroso blowing agents such as N,N-dinitrosoterephthalamide and dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine; and azide blowing agents such as p-toluenesulfonylazide. Examples of inorganic blowing agents include ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium nitrite, ammonium borohydride, and azides.

[0039] The average particle size of the foaming agent is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 90 μm or less, or may be 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less. If the average particle size of the foaming agent is within the above range, the transferability of the transfer layer can be further improved by the expansion of the foamable layer.

[0040] The average particle size of the foaming agent is the particle size (D50) at 50% of the cumulative value in the particle size distribution determined by laser diffraction scattering. To measure the average particle size of the foaming agent, the foamable layer is dissolved in a solvent to separate the foaming agent. The solvent is not particularly limited as long as it can dissolve components other than the foaming agent contained in the foamable layer, and is appropriately selected depending on the type of resin contained in the foamable layer. For example, the solvent used in the foamable layer composition used to form the foamable layer can be used. For example, a Microtrack particle size analyzer manufactured by Microtrack Bell can be used as a measuring device.

[0041] The foaming initiation temperature of the foaming agent is, for example, 100°C or higher and 200°C or lower, and may be 120°C or higher and 160°C or lower. When the foaming initiation temperature of the foaming agent is within the above range, foaming of the foaming agent can be suppressed when the coating film is dried during the formation of each layer constituting the intermediate transfer medium. Furthermore, expansion of the foamable layer can be suppressed when an image is formed on the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium. This suppresses the occurrence of unevenness due to expansion of the foamable layer on the surface of the transfer layer, thereby suppressing the occurrence of unevenness and shading in the image when forming the image on the transfer layer. Even if the heating temperature is relatively high during the process of forming each layer constituting the intermediate transfer medium and the process of forming an image on the transfer layer, it is believed that the foaming agent will hardly foam if the heating time is very short. Furthermore, when the foaming initiation temperature of the foaming agent is within the above range, deterioration of the resin contained in the foamable layer can be suppressed.

[0042] The content of the foaming agent in the foamable layer is, for example, 5% by mass to 85% by mass. If the content of the foaming agent is within this range, the transferability of the transfer layer can be further improved by the expansion of the foamable layer.

[0043] (b) Resin The foamable layer may generally contain a foaming agent and a resin. The resin is not particularly limited as long as it can disperse the foaming agent, and examples thereof include polyester resin, acrylic resin, phenol resin, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, cellulose resin, polyurethane resin, and polystyrene resin.

[0044] (c) Additives The foamable layer may contain a release agent. For example, the foamable layer may contain a release agent, and when the transfer layer has a release layer on the surface of the foamable layer side as described later, the release layer may contain a release agent, or both the foamable layer and the release layer may contain a release agent. In addition, the foamable layer may contain an additive as needed.

[0045] (c) Characteristics of the foam layer The foamable layer can be expanded at an expansion ratio of, for example, 2 to 25. The expansion ratio may be, for example, 2 to 15, or 2 to 12. If the expansion ratio is within the above range, the transferability of the transfer layer can be further improved by the expansion of the foamable layer. The expansion ratio is the value when the foamable layer of the intermediate transfer medium is expanded by heating at 1 atmosphere (1013 hectopascals), and is calculated using the following formula. Expansion ratio (times) = thickness of foam layer after expansion / thickness of foam layer before expansion

[0046] The thickness of the foamable layer may be equal to or greater than the average particle size of the foaming agent, for example, 5 μm to 90 μm, 5 μm to 30 μm, or 5 μm to 15 μm. If the thickness of the foamable layer is within the above range, the expansion of the foamable layer can further enhance the transferability of the transfer layer.

[0047] In this specification, the thickness of each layer is the average value of thicknesses measured at any 10 points on a cross section of the intermediate transfer medium in the thickness direction observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

[0048] (2) Second embodiment of the foamable layer As shown in Fig. 4, the foamable layer 2 of this embodiment includes, in order from the substrate 1 side, a foaming agent-containing layer 2a containing a foaming agent and a release layer 2b. This increases the flexibility in selecting the resin to be used for the foaming agent-containing layer. Furthermore, it also improves the releasability at the interface between the foamable layer and the transfer layer.

[0049] In this embodiment, the foamable layer 2 may have an intermediate adhesive layer 2c between the foaming agent-containing layer 2a and the release layer 2b, as illustrated in Fig. 4. By increasing the adhesion between the foaming agent-containing layer and the release layer, the peelability at the interface between the foamable layer and the transfer layer can be improved.

[0050] (a) Foaming agent-containing layer The foaming agent and resin contained in the foaming agent-containing layer are the same as those described in the first embodiment of the foamable layer. Other aspects of the foaming agent-containing layer are also the same as those described in the first embodiment of the foamable layer.

[0051] (b) Release layer As for the release layer, a known release layer used in a thermal transfer sheet or intermediate transfer medium for a melting type thermal transfer system or a dye sublimation type thermal transfer system can be used.

[0052] (c) Intermediate adhesive layer The material of the intermediate adhesive layer is not particularly limited as long as it can improve the adhesion between the foaming agent-containing layer and the release layer, and any conventionally known material can be used. The thickness of the intermediate adhesive layer is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 0.1 μm to 5 μm.

[0053] 2. Transfer layer The transfer layer constituting the intermediate transfer medium in the present disclosure is a transfer layer before image formation. After an image is formed on the transfer layer, the transfer layer is peeled off from the foamable layer after expansion during thermal transfer and transferred to a transfer recipient.

[0054] The transfer layer has a printable surface on the side opposite to the foamable layer. Examples of printing methods include on-demand printing. On-demand printing is a printing method that allows printing from digital data without using a plate. Examples of on-demand printing methods include thermal transfer, inkjet, and electrophotography. Examples of electrophotography methods include laser and LED (light-emitting diode) methods.

[0055] The printable surface of the transfer layer is appropriately selected depending on the printing method. The transfer layer may have a surface onto which ink can be fixed as the printable surface, or may have a receiving layer onto which ink can be received. In the case of a dye-sublimation thermal transfer method, the transfer layer has a receiving layer as the printable surface. On the other hand, in the case of a melt-transfer thermal transfer method, the transfer layer has a surface onto which a melt-transfer colorant layer of a thermal transfer sheet can be transferred as the printable surface. In this case, the transfer layer may have a receiving layer as the printable surface. In addition, in the case of an inkjet method, the transfer layer has a surface onto which ink can be fixed as the printable surface. In this case, the transfer layer may have a receiving layer as the printable surface. In addition, in the case of an electrophotographic method, the transfer layer has a surface onto which toner can be fixed as the printable surface. Among these, the thermal transfer method is preferred. Images with high design quality can be obtained. The dye-sublimation thermal transfer method enables printing with high gradation and a wide color reproduction range. The melting type thermal transfer method is capable of transferring color materials with high light resistance, and is also capable of printing metallic or pearlescent tones.

[0056] 5(a), the transfer layer 3 may have a release layer 12 on the surface facing the foamable layer 2. This can improve the releasability of the transfer layer from the foamable layer after expansion during thermal transfer.

[0057] 5(b), the transfer layer 3 may have a protective layer 13 on the surface facing the foamable layer 2. By disposing a protective layer on the outermost surface of the transfer layer facing the foamable layer, the image formed on the transfer layer can be protected after transfer, and the durability of the image can be improved. The release layer may also serve as a protective layer.

[0058] In the case of the dye-sublimation thermal transfer method, as illustrated in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the transfer layer 3 has a receiving layer 11 on the surface opposite to the foamable layer 2. In this case, the transfer layer 3 may have, in order from the foamable layer 2 side, a release layer 12 and a receiving layer 11, or a protective layer 13 and a receiving layer 11. Furthermore, as described above, the release layer may also serve as a protective layer.

[0059] Each layer constituting the transfer layer will be described below.

[0060] (1) Receptor The transfer layer may optionally have a receiving layer that receives ink.

[0061] In a dye-sublimation thermal transfer system, an image is formed on a receiving layer from a thermal transfer sheet having a dye-sublimation transfer colorant layer by thermal transfer. The transfer layer on which the image is formed on the intermediate transfer medium is then transferred to a receiving material, resulting in a printed image. The receiving layer can be made of any conventional resin material that readily accepts thermally transferable colorants such as sublimation dyes. Examples of suitable materials include polyolefin resins such as polypropylene, halogenated resins such as polyvinyl chloride or polyvinylidene chloride, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and polyacrylic esters, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene resins, polyamide resins, copolymers of olefins such as ethylene or propylene with other vinyl polymers, cellulose resins such as ionomers or cellulose diastase, and polycarbonates. Among these, vinyl chloride resins, acrylic-styrene resins, and polyester resins are preferred. The resin materials may be used alone or in combination.

[0062] In the ink jet method, a swelling type receiving layer or a porous type receiving layer can be used as the receiving layer that receives the ink, as required.

[0063] When a transfer layer including a receiving layer on which an image is formed is transferred to a receiving body via a heat seal layer, the receiving layer itself does not necessarily need to be adhesive. On the other hand, when a transfer layer including a receiving layer on which an image is formed is transferred to a receiving body without a heat seal layer, the receiving layer preferably contains an adhesive resin material such as a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0064] The receiving layer may contain various additives as required.

[0065] The receiving layer can be formed by dissolving or dispersing the resin material and, if necessary, additives in a suitable solvent such as water or an organic solvent to prepare a receiving layer composition, and then applying and drying the receiving layer composition. Examples of application methods include conventionally known application methods such as gravure printing, screen printing, and reverse coating using a gravure plate. The thickness of the receiving layer is, for example, 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0066] (2) Peeling layer The transfer layer may have a release layer on the surface facing the foamable layer. The release layer is an optional layer that constitutes the transfer layer and is transferred to a transfer-receiving material during thermal transfer. The release layer can improve the releasability of the transfer layer from the foamable layer after expansion during thermal transfer. Furthermore, when the release layer also serves as a protective layer (described later), the durability of the print formed using the intermediate transfer medium can be improved. Furthermore, when the transfer layer has a release layer and a protective layer in this order from the foamable layer side, the durability of the print can be further improved.

[0067] The release layer may be made of any known material. Examples of suitable materials include cellulose derivatives such as ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, and cellulose acetate; acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, and polybutyl acrylate; and thermoplastic resins such as polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, and vinyl butyral copolymers. Other suitable materials include thermosetting resins such as saturated or unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins, thermally crosslinkable epoxy-amino resins, and aminoalkyd resins. Other suitable materials include silicone wax, silicone resins, silicone-modified resins, fluororesins, fluoro-modified resins, and polyvinyl alcohol. These materials may be used alone or in combination.

[0068] The release layer may contain a filler, which can improve the foil tearability.

[0069] The release layer can be formed by dispersing or dissolving the above-mentioned materials in a solvent to prepare a composition for the release layer, and then applying and drying the composition. Examples of application methods include conventionally known application methods such as roll coating, gravure coating, and bar coating. The thickness of the release layer is, for example, from 0.1 μm to 5 μm, and may be from 0.5 μm to 2 μm.

[0070] (3) Protective layer The transfer layer may have a protective layer on the surface on the foamable layer side. The protective layer is an optional layer that constitutes the transfer layer and is transferred to a transfer-receiving material during thermal transfer. The protective layer can improve the durability of a print formed using the intermediate transfer medium, specifically, its abrasion resistance and plasticizer resistance.

[0071] The material of the protective layer is not particularly limited, and conventionally known materials can be used, such as polyester, polycarbonate, acrylic resin, vinyl chloride resin, ultraviolet absorbing resin, epoxy resin, polystyrene, polyurethane, acrylic urethane resin, silicone-modified resins of these resins, mixtures of these resins, ionizing radiation curable resins, and ultraviolet absorbing resins.

[0072] The protective layer may contain a filler, which can improve the foil tearability.

[0073] The protective layer can be formed by dissolving or dispersing the above-mentioned materials in an appropriate solvent to prepare a protective layer composition, and then applying and drying the protective layer composition. Examples of application methods include conventionally known application methods such as gravure printing, screen printing, or reverse coating using a gravure plate. The thickness of the protective layer is, for example, 2 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

[0074] 3.Base material The substrate is a member that supports the transfer layer and the foamable layer. The substrate is not particularly limited, and a resin film can be used. Examples of resins that constitute the resin film include polyester, polypropylene, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene derivatives, polyamide, and polymethylpentene. Examples of polyesters include polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate. The resin film may be a stretched film or an unstretched film. The resin film may be a single-layer film or a composite film formed by laminating two or more layers of films containing the above resins. The thickness of the substrate is appropriately selected depending on the type of resin so as to obtain the desired strength, heat resistance, and the like. The thickness of the substrate is, for example, 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0075] 4.Adhesive layer As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate transfer medium 10 of the present disclosure may have an adhesive layer 4 between the substrate 1 and the foamable layer 2. The adhesive layer can improve the adhesion between the substrate and the foamable layer. This can improve the peelability of the transfer layer from the expanded foamable layer during thermal transfer.

[0076] The material of the adhesive layer is not particularly limited as long as it can improve the adhesion between the substrate and the foamable layer, and conventionally known materials can be used. The thickness of the adhesive layer is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 0.1 μm to 5 μm.

[0077] B. Combination of intermediate transfer medium and thermal transfer sheet The combination of this embodiment is a combination of the above-described intermediate transfer medium and a thermal transfer sheet, and the thermal transfer sheet has a colorant layer.

[0078] The intermediate transfer medium is a transfer sheet before an image is formed on the transfer layer, and is an image-forming sheet. Therefore, the intermediate transfer medium can be used in combination with a thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer for forming an image.

[0079] 1. Intermediate transfer medium The intermediate transfer medium is the same as that described above in "A. Intermediate Transfer Medium."

[0080] 2. Thermal transfer sheet The thermal transfer sheet has a thermal transfer sheet 20A having a color material layer 22, as shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0081] The thermal transfer sheet may also be a thermal transfer sheet 20C having a support 21c and a colorant layer 22 and a heat seal layer 23 arranged on the same side of the support 21c, as shown in Figure 6(c), or may have a thermal transfer sheet 20A having a colorant layer 22 as shown in Figure 6(a) and a thermal transfer sheet 20B having a heat seal layer 23 as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0082] The thermal transfer sheet may also be a thermal transfer sheet 20D having a support 21d and a colorant layer 22, a concealing layer 24 and a heat seal layer 23 arranged on the same side of the support 21d, as shown in Figure 6(d); or a thermal transfer sheet 20C having a support 21c and a colorant layer 22 and a heat seal layer 23 arranged on the same side of the support 21c, as shown in Figure 6(c), and a thermal transfer sheet 20E having a concealing layer 24 as shown in Figure 6(e); or a thermal transfer sheet 20A having a colorant layer 22 as shown in Figure 6(a), a thermal transfer sheet 20B having a heat seal layer 23 as shown in Figure 6(b), and a thermal transfer sheet 20E having a concealing layer 24 as shown in Figure 6(e).

[0083] (1) Color material layer The colorant layer is a layer for forming an image on the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium.

[0084] The colorant layer may be a sublimation transfer colorant layer to which a colorant contained in the colorant layer is transferred, or a melt transfer colorant layer to which the colorant layer itself is transferred. The thermal transfer sheet may have both a sublimation transfer colorant layer and a melt transfer colorant layer.

[0085] The sublimation transfer colorant layer contains a colorant and a binder resin. A sublimation dye is used as the colorant. The colorant and binder resin contained in the sublimation transfer colorant layer can be any known material used in sublimation transfer colorant layers of thermal transfer sheets.

[0086] The melt-transfer colorant layer contains a colorant and a binder resin. The colorant may be a pigment or a dye. The colorant and binder resin contained in the melt-transfer colorant layer may be any known material used in melt-transfer colorant layers of thermal transfer sheets.

[0087] The thermal transfer sheet may have one colorant layer on one side of the support, or may have multiple colorant layers of different hues arranged in face order, such as a yellow colorant layer, a magenta colorant layer, and a cyan colorant layer.

[0088] (2) Support The support is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a resin film, such as a known resin film used in thermal transfer sheets.

[0089] (3) Heat seal layer The heat seal layer is a layer that melts or softens when heated and is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet to the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium. The heat seal layer is a layer that bonds the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium, on which an image is formed, to the transfer target. The material for the heat seal layer can be any known material used for the heat seal layer of a thermal transfer sheet.

[0090] (4) Release layer A release layer may be disposed between the support and the heat seal layer. The release layer can improve the releasability of the heat seal layer. The release layer is a layer that remains on the thermal transfer sheet when the heat seal layer of the thermal transfer sheet is transferred to the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium. The material of the release layer can be any known material used for the release layer of a thermal transfer sheet.

[0091] (5) Peel-off layer The thermal transfer sheet may have a peel-off layer. The peel-off layer is a layer for removing a part of the transfer layer on which the image of the intermediate transfer medium is formed. The material of the peel-off layer can be any known material used for the peel-off layer of a thermal transfer sheet.

[0092] (6) Back layer The thermal transfer sheet may have a back layer on the side of the support opposite to the colorant layer. The back layer can suppress fusion with a thermal head or the like during thermal transfer and improve slippage. The material for the back layer can be any known material used for the back layer of a thermal transfer sheet.

[0093] (7) Hiding layer The thermal transfer sheet may have a concealing layer. The concealing layer is a layer that is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet to the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium. Furthermore, when the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which an image has been formed is transferred to a transfer recipient, the concealing layer is disposed between the transfer recipient and the image, and serves to conceal the color of the transfer recipient. The material for the concealing layer can be any known material used for the concealing layer of a thermal transfer sheet. Furthermore, the heat seal layer may contain a material for the concealing layer, and the heat seal layer may also serve as the concealing layer.

[0094] C. Combination of intermediate transfer medium, thermal transfer sheet and transfer-receiving material The combination of this embodiment is a combination of the above-mentioned intermediate transfer medium, a thermal transfer sheet, and a transfer-receiving body, and the thermal transfer sheet has a colorant layer.

[0095] The intermediate transfer medium is a transfer sheet before an image is formed on the transfer layer, and is an image-forming sheet. Therefore, the intermediate transfer medium can be used in combination with a thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer for forming an image, and a transfer-receiving body.

[0096] 1. Intermediate transfer medium The intermediate transfer medium is the same as that described above in "A. Intermediate Transfer Medium."

[0097] 2. Thermal transfer sheet The thermal transfer sheet is the same as that described above in "B. Combination of intermediate transfer medium and thermal transfer sheet."

[0098] 3. Transferee The transfer layer on which the image of the intermediate transfer medium is formed is transferred to the transfer surface of the transfer receiving body, thereby obtaining a printed product. The transfer receiving body is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the transfer receiving surface has unevenness.

[0099] Examples of the transfer object include paper, cloth, and wood. Among these, cloth is preferred. Generally, cloth has a greater surface roughness than paper. As described above, in the present disclosure, good transferability can be obtained even when the transfer object has a greater surface roughness. Therefore, the present disclosure is useful when the transfer object is cloth. Examples of cloth include woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, knitted fabric, lace, felt, tufted fabric, and the like.

[0100] Furthermore, the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer surface of the transferee is preferably, for example, 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less, more preferably 1.2 μm or more and 150 μm or less, and even more preferably 1.5 μm or more and 100 μm or less. When the transferee is a cloth, the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer surface of the transferee is preferably, for example, 8 μm or more and 200 μm or less, more preferably 10 μm or more and 150 μm or less, and even more preferably 15 μm or more and 100 μm or less. In the present disclosure, as described above, good transferability can be obtained even when the surface roughness of the transferee is high. Therefore, the present disclosure is useful when the transfer surface Sa of the transferee is relatively high as described above.

[0101] The arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer surface of the transfer object is measured using a laser microscope in accordance with ISO 25178: 2012. Details of the measurement conditions are described in the Examples.

[0102] D. Prints The print material in the present disclosure has three embodiments, which will be described below separately.

[0103] D-1. First embodiment of printed matter The print of this embodiment is a print having a transfer object and a transfer layer having an image placed on the transfer surface of the transfer object, wherein the transfer object is cloth, and the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer layer on the surface opposite the transfer object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0104] 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a printed object of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, printed object 50 includes a transferee 51 and a transfer layer 3 having an image 25 disposed on the transferee surface of transferee 51. Transferee 51 is fabric. The surface Sa of transfer layer 3 opposite to transferee 51 is within a predetermined range.

[0105] The print of this embodiment can be produced by using the intermediate transfer medium described above, and therefore has the same effects as the intermediate transfer medium described above.

[0106] 9(a) to 9(c), when a print is produced using a conventional thermal transfer sheet 110 having a foamable layer 102 and a colorant layer 122 in this order on one surface of a substrate 101, the colorant layer 122 is transferred only to the convex portions of the uneven surface of the transferee 151 in the print 150, as shown in FIG. 9(b). In such a case, the colorant layer 122 is scattered. Therefore, it is difficult to measure Sa on the surface of the transfer layer opposite the transferee.

[0107] 1. Transfer layer In this embodiment, the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer layer on the surface opposite to the transfer target is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0108] Furthermore, if the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer recipient in the area where the transfer layer is not disposed is Sa1 and the arithmetic mean height of the transfer layer on the surface opposite the transfer recipient is Sa2, the ratio of Sa2 / Sa1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably Sa2 / Sa1≧0.10, more preferably Sa2 / Sa1≧0.20, and even more preferably Sa2 / Sa1≧0.25. If the ratio of Sa2 / Sa1 is within the above range, the transfer layer is transferred without damaging the texture of the transfer recipient, thereby obtaining a printed product with excellent design.

[0109] The arithmetic mean height Sa1 of the surface of the transfer object in the region where the transfer layer is not disposed and the arithmetic mean height Sa2 of the surface of the transfer layer opposite the transfer object are measured using a laser microscope in accordance with ISO 25178: 2012. Details of the measurement conditions are described in the Examples.

[0110] It is preferable that the transfer layer have a textured surface on the side opposite the transferee that differs from the shape of the transferee and from the shapes of the layers constituting the transfer layer other than the layer on the side opposite the transferee. The print of this embodiment is produced using the intermediate transfer medium described above. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8(a), when the transfer layer 3 on which the image 25 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 is formed is transferred to the transfer surface of the transferee 51 while expanding the foamable layer 2 by applying heat and pressure, a textured surface originating from the expanded foamable layer 2 is formed on the surface of the transfer layer 3 facing the expanded foamable layer 2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(b), in the print 50, the transfer layer 3 has a textured surface on the side opposite the transferee 51 that differs from the shape of the transferee 51 and from the shapes of the layers constituting the transfer layer 3 other than the layer on the side opposite the transferee.

[0111] The uneven shape on the surface of the transfer layer opposite to the transfer target is observed using a laser microscope under the same measurement conditions as those for Sa above.

[0112] The transfer layer has an image. The image is preferably an image formed by an on-demand printing method. The printing method is the same as that described above in "A. Intermediate Transfer Medium 2. Transfer Layer." The image is a thermal transfer image in the case of a thermal transfer method, a toner image in the case of an electrophotographic method, or an ink image in the case of an inkjet method.

[0113] The transfer layer may have a release layer on the surface opposite to the transfer-receiving material. When a print is produced using the intermediate transfer medium, the release layer can be improved in release properties from the expandable layer after thermal transfer.

[0114] The transfer layer may have a protective layer on the side opposite to the transfer target. The protective layer can protect the image on the transfer layer and improve the durability of the image. The release layer may also serve as the protective layer.

[0115] The transfer layer is the same as that described above in "A. Intermediate Transfer Medium 2. Transfer Layer" except that the transfer layer has an image.

[0116] 2. Transferee The transfer-receiving material in this embodiment is a cloth. The cloth is the same as that described above in "C. Combination of intermediate transfer medium, thermal transfer sheet, and transfer-receiving material."

[0117] 3. Other layers The printed matter of this embodiment may have a heat seal layer between the transferee and the transfer layer having an image. The printed matter of this embodiment may also have a concealing layer between the transferee and the transfer layer having an image. The printed matter of this embodiment may also have a heat seal layer and a concealing layer, in this order from the transferee side, between the transferee and the transfer layer having an image. The heat seal layer and the concealing layer are the same as those described above in "B. Combination of intermediate transfer medium and thermal transfer sheet."

[0118] 4. Manufacturing method of printed matter The print of this embodiment is preferably produced by a print production method described below.

[0119] D-2. Second embodiment of printed matter The print of this embodiment is a print having a transfer object and a transfer layer having an image and placed on the transfer surface of the transfer object, wherein the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer surface of the transfer object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and the arithmetic mean height Sa of the surface of the transfer layer opposite the transfer object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0120] 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a printed object of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, printed object 50 has a transferee 51 and a transfer layer 3 disposed on the transferee surface of transferee 51 and carrying an image 25. Sa of the transferee surface of transferee 51 is within a predetermined range, and Sa of the surface of transfer layer 3 opposite to transferee 51 is also within a predetermined range.

[0121] The print of this embodiment can be produced by using the intermediate transfer medium described above, and therefore has the same effects as the intermediate transfer medium described above.

[0122] 1. Transfer layer The transfer layer in this embodiment is the same as the transfer layer in the first embodiment of the print.

[0123] 2. Transferee In this embodiment, the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer surface of the transfer receiver is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less. The arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer surface of the transfer receiver and the surface properties of the transfer receiver are the same as those described above in "C. Combination of intermediate transfer medium, thermal transfer sheet, and transfer receiver, 3. Transfer receiver."

[0124] The transfer medium is not particularly limited as long as it has the above-mentioned surface properties, but is preferably cloth. The cloth is similar to the above "C. Combination of intermediate transfer medium, thermal transfer sheet, and transfer medium."

[0125] 3. Other layers The printed matter of this embodiment may have a heat seal layer between the transferee and the transfer layer having an image. The printed matter of this embodiment may also have a concealing layer between the transferee and the transfer layer having an image. The printed matter of this embodiment may also have a heat seal layer and a concealing layer, in this order from the transferee side, between the transferee and the transfer layer having an image. The heat seal layer and the concealing layer are the same as those described above in "B. Combination of intermediate transfer medium and thermal transfer sheet."

[0126] 4. Manufacturing method of printed matter The print of this embodiment is preferably produced by a print production method described below.

[0127] D-3. Third embodiment of printed matter The print of this embodiment is a print having a transfer object and a transfer layer having an image and placed on the transfer surface of the transfer object, and when the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer object in the area where the transfer layer is not placed is Sa1 and the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer layer opposite the transfer object is Sa2, Sa2 / Sa1≧0.10.

[0128] Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a printed object of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, printed object 50 has a transferee 51 and a transfer layer 3 that is disposed on the transfer surface of transferee 51 and has an image 25. Although not shown, there is a predetermined relationship between an arithmetic mean height Sa1 of the surface of transferee 51 in an area where transfer layer 3 is not disposed and an arithmetic mean height Sa2 of the transfer surface of transferee 51.

[0129] The print of this embodiment can be produced by using the intermediate transfer medium described above, and therefore has the same effects as the intermediate transfer medium described above.

[0130] 1. Transfer layer In this embodiment, if the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer object in the area where the transfer layer is not placed is Sa1 and the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer layer opposite the transfer object is Sa2, then the transfer layer, for which Sa2 / Sa1≧0.10, is the same as the transfer layer in the first embodiment of the printed matter described above.

[0131] 2. Transferee The transfer object is the same as that described above in "C. Combination of intermediate transfer medium, thermal transfer sheet and transfer object, 3. Transfer object."

[0132] 3. Other layers The printed matter of this embodiment may have a heat seal layer between the transferee and the transfer layer having an image. The printed matter of this embodiment may also have a concealing layer between the transferee and the transfer layer having an image. The printed matter of this embodiment may also have a heat seal layer and a concealing layer, in this order from the transferee side, between the transferee and the transfer layer having an image. The heat seal layer and the concealing layer are the same as those described above in "B. Combination of intermediate transfer medium and thermal transfer sheet."

[0133] 4. Manufacturing method of printed matter The print of this embodiment is preferably produced by a print production method described below.

[0134] E. Manufacturing method of printed matter The method for producing a print in the present disclosure includes a preparation step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium having, in this order, a substrate, a foamable layer containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer; an image formation step of forming an image on the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium; a transfer step of opposing the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image has been formed to the transfer surface of a transferee, and applying heat and pressure to expand the foamable layer while transferring the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image has been formed to the transfer surface of the transferee; and a peeling step of peeling the substrate and the expanded foamable layer from the transfer layer transferred to the transfer surface of the transferee.

[0135] FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c) and 3(a) to 3(b) are process diagrams illustrating a method for producing a printed matter according to the present disclosure. First, as shown in FIG. 2(a), an intermediate transfer medium 10 is prepared. The intermediate transfer medium 10 is similar to the intermediate transfer medium 10 shown in FIG. 1 above. Next, as shown in FIG. 2(b), an image 25 is formed on the surface of the transfer layer 3 of the intermediate transfer medium 10. Next, as shown in FIG. 2(c), the surface of the transfer layer 3 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 on which the image 25 has been formed is placed opposite the transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51. Next, as shown in FIG. 3(a), heat and pressure are applied to expand the foamable layer 2, while the transfer layer 3 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 on which the image 25 has been formed is transferred to the transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51. At this time, as the foamable layer 2 expands, the transfer layer 3 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 on which the image 25 has been formed is pressed against the transfer recipient 51, and the transfer layer 3 on which the image 25 has been formed is pressed into the concave portions of the uneven transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51. This allows the transfer layer 3 on which the image 25 has been formed to be transferred also into the concave portions of the uneven transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51. Next, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the substrate 1 and the expanded foamable layer 2 are peeled off from the transfer layer 3 transferred to the transfer surface of the transfer recipient 51.

[0136] In the present disclosure, the above-described intermediate transfer medium is used, and therefore the effects described above in "A. Intermediate transfer medium" are achieved.

[0137] 1. Preparation process In the preparation step, an intermediate transfer medium having a substrate, a foamable layer containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer in this order is prepared. The intermediate transfer medium is the same as that described above in "A. Intermediate Transfer Medium."

[0138] 2. Image forming process In the image forming step, an image is formed on the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium. The image is preferably formed by an on-demand printing method. The on-demand printing method is the same as that described above in "A. Intermediate Transfer Medium."

[0139] In the case of the thermal transfer method, a thermal transfer sheet is used, which is the same as that described above in "B. Combination of intermediate transfer medium and thermal transfer sheet."

[0140] 3. Transfer process In the transfer process, the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image is formed is placed opposite the transfer surface of the transferee, and heat and pressure are applied to expand the foamable layer, while the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image is formed is transferred to the transfer surface of the transferee.

[0141] The heating conditions and pressure conditions are appropriately set depending on the type of foaming agent, the material of the transfer layer, and the like. The heating temperature is preferably higher than the foaming initiation temperature of the foaming agent, more preferably within ±45° C. of the maximum foaming temperature of the foaming agent, and even more preferably within ±30° C. of the maximum foaming temperature of the foaming agent. Specifically, the heating temperature is preferably 80° C. or higher and 200° C. or lower, more preferably 85° C. or higher and 185° C. or lower, and even more preferably 90° C. or higher and 170° C. or lower. The heating time is, for example, preferably 30 seconds or higher and 6 minutes or lower, and more preferably 1 minute or higher and 4 minutes or lower.

[0142] The pressing method is not particularly limited as long as it is a method that can apply pressure while heating. The pressing conditions are appropriately adjusted to the conditions for transferring the transfer layer to the transfer-receiving material. For heating and pressing, a heat roll, a laminator, an iron, a heat press, a heating drum, etc. may be used.

[0143] The transfer-receiving body is the same as that described above in "C. Combination of intermediate transfer medium, thermal transfer sheet and transfer-receiving body."

[0144] 4. Peeling process In the peeling step, the substrate and the expanded foamable layer are peeled off from the transfer layer transferred to the transfer surface of the transfer-receiving material, thereby obtaining a printed matter.

[0145] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and anything that has substantially the same configuration as the technical idea described in the claims of the present disclosure and exhibits similar effects is included within the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Example]

[0146] The present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to examples and comparative examples.

[0147] [Example 1] (1) Preparation of intermediate transfer medium A 38 μm thick polyethylene terephthalate film was used as the substrate, and adhesive layer composition 1 having the following composition was applied to the substrate by gravure coating, and dried at 100°C for 1 minute to form an adhesive layer with a thickness of 0.5 μm. <Adhesive layer composition 1> 30 parts urethane-modified copolymer polyester resin (Vylon UR1400, manufactured by Toyobo MC Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 70 parts

[0148] Next, the following foamable layer composition 1 was applied onto the adhesive layer by gravure coating so that the thickness after drying would be 10 μm, and dried at 120° C. for 1 minute to form a foamable layer. <Foamable Layer Composition 1> Acrylic resin 15 parts (Celltop 226, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., solid content 50%) Aluminum catalyst 3 parts (Celltop CAT-A, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., solid content 10%) Foaming agent 7.8 parts (Matsumoto Microsphere FN-100SSD, manufactured by Matsumoto Yushi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 74.2 parts

[0149] Next, the release layer composition 1 having the following composition was applied to the foamable layer by gravure coating and dried at 100°C for 1 minute to form a release layer having a thickness of 2.0 μm, which also served as a protective layer. <Release layer composition 1> 20 parts acrylic resin (Dianal BR-87, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 80 parts

[0150] Next, the receiving layer composition 1 having the following composition was applied onto the release layer and dried to form a receiving layer having a thickness of 2 μm, thereby obtaining a transfer layer having the release layer and the receiving layer. <Receptor layer composition 1> Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer 19 parts (Solvine CNL, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 1 part organically modified silicone (X-22-3000T, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 80 parts

[0151] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet The thermal transfer sheet was a modified 8 x 10 inch dye ribbon from "Pure Premium Digital" media for the "DP-DS820" dye-sublimation digital photo printer manufactured by Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. The colorant layer used was a Ye, Mg, and Cy panel as is. The protective layer (OP) of the ribbon was replaced with a layer consisting of a backing layer, support, release layer, and heat seal layer, as shown below.

[0152] A polyethylene terephthalate film having a thickness of 5 μm was used as a support, and a composition for a back layer having the following composition was applied onto the support and dried to form a back layer having a thickness of 1 μm. <Coating liquid for back layer> Polyvinyl acetal 36 parts (S-LEC KS-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) Isocyanate compound 25 parts (Burnoc D750, manufactured by DIC Corporation) Silicone resin microparticles: 1 part (Tospearl 240, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan, LLC) Zinc stearyl phosphate 10 parts (LBT1830 refined, Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) Zinc stearate 10 parts (SZ-PF, Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 3 parts polyethylene wax (Polywax 3000, manufactured by Toyo ADL Co., Ltd.) Ethoxylated alcohol-modified wax 7 parts (Unitox 750, manufactured by Toyo ADL Co., Ltd.) ·Methyl ethyl ketone 200 parts ·Toluene 100 parts

[0153] Next, a release layer composition having the following composition was applied by gravure coating to the surface of the support opposite to the back layer, and dried at 100° C. for 1 minute to form a release layer having a thickness of 0.25 μm. <Release layer composition> 1 part polyvinyl alcohol (Poval 27-96, manufactured by Kuraray Trading Co., Ltd.) Polyolefin resin 10 parts (Arrowbase SD-1205J2, manufactured by Unitika Ltd., solid content 20%) 39 parts water 50 parts isopropyl alcohol (IPA)

[0154] Next, a composition for a heat seal layer having the following composition was applied onto the release layer by gravure coating and dried at 100° C. for 1 minute to form a heat seal layer having a thickness of 2.0 μm. <Heat seal layer composition> 20 parts polyester (Elitel UE-3380, manufactured by Unitika Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 80 parts

[0155] [Example 2] (1) Preparation of intermediate transfer medium An intermediate transfer medium was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a foamable layer was formed as follows. The following foamable layer composition 2 was applied by gravure coating so that the thickness after drying would be 10 μm, and dried at 120° C. for 1 minute to form a foamable layer. <Foamable Layer Composition 2> Acrylic resin 20 parts (Celltop 226, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., solid content 50%) Aluminum catalyst 4 parts (Celltop CAT-A, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., solid content 10%) Foaming agent 5.2 parts (Matsumoto Microsphere FN-100SSD, manufactured by Matsumoto Yushi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 70.8 parts

[0156] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A thermal transfer sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0157] [Example 3] (1) Preparation of intermediate transfer medium Using the same substrate as in Example 1, adhesive layer composition 2 having the following composition was applied onto the substrate by gravure coating and dried at 100°C for 1 minute to form an adhesive layer with a thickness of 1.0 µm. <Adhesive layer composition 2> 50 parts polyester (Vylonal MD1930, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., solid content 31%) ·Water 50 parts

[0158] Composition 1 for foaming agent-containing layer having the following composition was applied onto the adhesive layer by gravure coating and dried at 100° C. for 3 minutes to form a foaming agent-containing layer having a thickness of 10 μm. <Composition 1 for foaming agent-containing layer> Foaming agent: 15 parts (Matsumoto Microsphere FN-100SSD, manufactured by Matsumoto Yushi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) Polyester 48 parts (Vylonal MD1930, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., solid content 31%) 37 parts isopropyl alcohol (IPA)

[0159] Next, a composition for an intermediate adhesive layer having the following composition was applied onto the foaming agent-containing layer by gravure coating and dried at 100° C. for 1 minute to form an intermediate adhesive layer having a thickness of 0.3 μm. <Composition for intermediate adhesive layer> 30 parts of urethane-modified copolymer polyester resin (Vylon UR1400, manufactured by Toyobo MC Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 70 parts

[0160] Next, the release layer composition 1 having the following composition was applied onto the intermediate adhesive layer by gravure coating and dried at 120°C for 1 minute to form a release layer having a thickness of 2.0 µm, thereby obtaining a foamable layer having a foaming agent-containing layer, an intermediate adhesive layer, and a release layer. <Release layer composition 1> Acrylic resin 15 parts (Celltop 226, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., solid content 50%) Aluminum catalyst 3 parts (Celltop CAT-A, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., solid content 10%) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 82 parts

[0161] The same release layer composition 1 as in Example 1 was applied onto the release layer by gravure coating and dried at 100° C. for 1 minute to form a release layer having a thickness of 2.0 μm.

[0162] Next, the receiving layer composition 2 having the following composition was applied onto the release layer and dried to form a receiving layer having a thickness of 4 μm, thereby obtaining a transfer layer having a release layer and a receiving layer. <Receptor layer composition 2> Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer 15 parts (Solvine C, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) Epoxy-modified silicone 0.75 parts (X-22-3000T, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Methylstyrene-modified silicone 0.05 parts (X-24-510, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 77 parts

[0163] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A thermal transfer sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0164] [Example 4] (1) Preparation of intermediate transfer medium An intermediate transfer medium was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that a foaming agent-containing layer was formed as follows.

[0165] Composition 2 for foaming agent-containing layer having the following composition was applied onto the adhesive layer by gravure coating and dried at 100° C. for 3 minutes to form a foaming agent-containing layer having a thickness of 10 μm. <Composition 2 for foaming agent-containing layer> Foaming agent 10 parts (Matsumoto Microsphere FN-100SSD, Matsumoto Yushi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) Polyester 64.5 parts (Vylonal MD1930, Toyobo Co., Ltd., solids content 31%) 25.5 parts isopropyl alcohol (IPA)

[0166] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A thermal transfer sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0167] [Example 5] (1) Preparation of intermediate transfer medium An intermediate transfer medium was produced in the same manner as in Example 3, except that a release layer was formed as follows.

[0168] Composition 2 for release layer having the following composition was applied onto the intermediate adhesive layer by gravure coating and dried at 120° C. for 1 minute to form a release layer having a thickness of 2 μm. <Release layer composition 2> Acrylic resin 15 parts (Celltop 226, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., solid content 50%) Aluminum catalyst 3 parts (Celltop CAT-A, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., solid content 10%) Modified silicone oil 0.325 parts (KF-101, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 81.675 parts

[0169] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A thermal transfer sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0170] [Example 6] (1) Preparation of intermediate transfer medium An intermediate transfer medium was produced in the same manner as in Example 3, except that a release layer was formed as follows.

[0171] Onto the release layer, peeling composition 2 having the following composition was applied by gravure coating and dried at 100°C for 1 minute to form a 2 μm-thick release layer, which also served as a protective layer. <Composition 2 for release layer> Acrylic resin 19.2 parts (Dianal BR-87, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) Modified silicone oil 0.8 parts (KF-101, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 80 parts

[0172] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A thermal transfer sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0173] [Example 7] (1) Preparation of intermediate transfer medium An intermediate transfer medium was produced in the same manner as in Example 3, except that a release layer and a peeling layer were formed as follows.

[0174] Composition 3 for release layer having the following composition was applied onto the intermediate adhesive layer by gravure coating and dried at 120° C. for 1 minute to form a release layer having a thickness of 2 μm. <Release layer composition 3> Acrylic resin 15 parts (Celltop 226, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., solid content 50%) Aluminum catalyst 3 parts (Celltop CAT-A, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., solid content 10%) Modified silicone oil 0.0970 parts (KF-101, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 81.903 parts

[0175] Composition 3 for release layer having the following composition was applied onto the release layer by gravure coating and dried at 100°C for 1 minute to form a release layer having a thickness of 2 μm. This release layer also serves as a protective layer. <Composition 3 for release layer> Acrylic resin 19.8 parts (Dianal BR-87, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) Modified silicone oil 0.2 parts (KF-101, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 80 parts

[0176] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A thermal transfer sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0177] [Example 8] (1) Preparation of intermediate transfer medium An intermediate transfer medium was produced in the same manner as in Example 3, except that a release layer was formed as follows.

[0178] Composition 4 for release layer having the following composition was applied onto the release layer by gravure coating and dried at 100°C for 1 minute to form a release layer having a thickness of 2 µm. This release layer also serves as a protective layer. <Composition 4 for release layer> Acrylic resin 10 parts (Dianal BR-87, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer 10 parts (Solvine CNL, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) Solvent (toluene / MEK=1 / 1) 80 parts

[0179] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A thermal transfer sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0180] [Comparative Example 1] (1) Preparation of intermediate transfer medium The same substrate as in Example 1 was used, and a release layer and a receiving layer were formed in this order on the substrate by the same method as in Example 1 to prepare an intermediate transfer medium.

[0181] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A thermal transfer sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0182] Comparative Example 2 (1) Preparation of intermediate transfer medium An intermediate transfer medium was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the foaming agent-containing layer in Example 3 was replaced with the following foaming agent-free layer.

[0183] The following composition was applied onto the adhesive layer by gravure coating so that the thickness after drying would be 10 μm, and then dried at 100° C. for 3 minutes to form a layer containing no foaming agent. <Composition> Polyester 96.8 parts (Vylonal MD1930, Toyobo Co., Ltd., solids content 31%) 3.2 parts isopropyl alcohol (IPA)

[0184] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A thermal transfer sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0185] [Reference example] (1) Preparation of direct printing media A medium for fabric transfer (for direct printing) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the following was used as the support.

[0186] A polyethylene terephthalate film having a thickness of 5 μm was used as a support, and a composition for a back layer having the following composition was applied onto the support and dried to form a back layer having a thickness of 1 μm. <Coating liquid for back layer> Polyvinyl acetal 36 parts (S-LEC KS-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) Isocyanate compound 25 parts (Burnoc D750, manufactured by DIC Corporation) Silicone resin microparticles: 1 part (Tospearl 240, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan, LLC) Zinc stearyl phosphate 10 parts (LBT1830 refined, Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) Zinc stearate 10 parts (SZ-PF, Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 3 parts polyethylene wax (Polywax 3000, manufactured by Toyo ADL Co., Ltd.) Ethoxylated alcohol-modified wax 7 parts (Unitox 750, manufactured by Toyo ADL Co., Ltd.) ·Methyl ethyl ketone 200 parts ·Toluene 100 parts

[0187] On the surface of the support opposite to the back layer, an adhesive layer, a foaming agent-containing layer, an intermediate adhesive layer, a release layer, a peel layer, and a receiving layer were formed in this order in the same manner as in Example 3.

[0188] (2) Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A thermal transfer sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0189] [evaluation] Prints were produced using the intermediate transfer medium and the thermal transfer sheet, and the transferability and surface condition were evaluated.

[0190] (1) Creation of prints (1-1) Primary transcription First, a receiving paper for a Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. dye-sublimation digital photo printer "DP-DS820" was prepared, and the receiving layer and other components on the surface of the receiving paper were wiped off with a solvent (toluene / MEK = 1 / 1). Next, a weak adhesive (Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd., LKG-1104) was applied to the wiped surface of the receiving paper to a dry thickness of 3 μm and dried at 100°C for 1 minute to form an adhesive layer. Next, the adhesive layer side of the ribbon was bonded to the substrate side of the intermediate transfer medium. Next, using a thermal transfer printer, the colorant layer (Yellow, Mg, Cy) and heat seal layer of the thermal transfer sheet were transferred to the receiving layer side of the intermediate transfer medium under the following conditions, forming a 10 cm x 10 cm solid black image.

[0191] <Conditions for thermal transfer printers> Thermal head: F3589 (Toshiba Hokuto Electronics Co., Ltd.) Heating element average resistance: 5015Ω Printing voltage: 19V Main scanning resolution: 300 dpi (dots per inch) Sub-scanning resolution: 300 dpi Line speed: 6.0 msec. / line Pulse duty ratio: 85% Tone value: 255 / 255 (maximum energy tone)

[0192] (1-2) Secondary transfer (a) Examples 1 to 8, Comparative Examples 1 and 2 First, the intermediate transfer medium on which the image was formed was peeled off from the image receiving paper. Next, the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image was formed was placed on the following cloth, and the cloth was pressed with a load of 320 g / cm using the following press machine. 2 The image was transferred to the fabric by heating and pressing at a temperature of 160°C for 180 seconds. After cooling, the expanded foamable layer and the substrate were peeled off from the transfer layer transferred to the fabric. This resulted in a printed image. Fabric: 3.5 oz. interlock dry T-shirt (white), manufactured by TOM'S Co., Ltd. Press: Manual iron press Kabuto PCA-3223 manufactured by Europort Co., Ltd.

[0193] (b) Reference example The image side of the direct printing medium on which the image was formed was placed on the above-mentioned cloth, and a thermal transfer printer was used to print an entire area of ​​10 cm x 10 cm under the following conditions. This resulted in a printed product. Since a thermal head was used for secondary transfer, this method is referred to as a direct printing method and is used as a reference example.

[0194] <Conditions for thermal transfer printers> Thermal head: F3589 (Toshiba Hokuto Electronics Co., Ltd.) Heating element average resistance: 5015Ω Printing voltage: 19V Main scanning resolution: 300 dpi (dots per inch) Sub-scanning resolution: 300 dpi Line speed: 6.0 msec. / line Pulse duty ratio: 85% Tone value: Image (sublimation) 255 / 255 (maximum energy tone)

[0195] (2) Transferability The printed matter was visually observed to confirm whether the image had been transferred to all of the recessed and protruding parts of the surface of the fabric in the printed area. A: The image is transferred to the entire surface of the fabric, regardless of whether it is a concave or convex part. B: There are areas where the transfer has not occurred in the recesses on the fabric surface (white spots have occurred).

[0196] (3) Surface condition The printed matter was visually observed, and the printed part was compared with the T-shirt fabric to evaluate the sense of incongruity. A: The image is formed following the unevenness of the fabric, making the most of the fabric material (no sense of incongruity). B: There are uneven shades (uneven transfer) and glossy areas (appearing as if a sticker has been stuck on), and the printed area feels strange compared to the fabric.

[0197] [Table 1]

[0198] In Examples 1 to 8, prints were produced using an intermediate transfer medium having a foamable layer, and the expanded foamable layer was peeled off together with the substrate after secondary transfer, resulting in good transferability and surface condition. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the intermediate transfer medium did not have a foamable layer, resulting in poor transferability and surface condition. In the Reference Example, a thermal head was used for secondary transfer, resulting in insufficient heat and pressure during secondary transfer, resulting in poor transferability and surface condition.

[0199] (4) Arithmetic mean height Sa The Sa of the transfer surface of the fabric used to produce the print and the Sa of the surface of the printed portion of the print of Example 3 were measured in accordance with ISO 25178:2012 using a Keyence VK-X150 shape measurement laser microscope. The measurement range was 1070 μm × 1400 μm, and the magnification was 10x. When producing the print, two methods were used: peeling method 1, in which the fabric was peeled from the substrate of the intermediate transfer medium and the expanded foamable layer after secondary transfer, and peeling method 2, in which the substrate of the intermediate transfer medium and the expanded foamable layer were peeled from the fabric after secondary transfer. Furthermore, when calculating the ratio Sa2 / Sa1, the value of Sa of the transfer surface of the fabric was used as Sa1.

[0200] [Table 2]

[0201] In Examples 5 to 8, the same foamable layer as in Example 3 was used, and therefore it is believed that the same results as in Example 3 were obtained.

[0202] In the present disclosure, for example, the following inventions are provided. [1] An intermediate transfer medium having, in order, a substrate, a foamable layer containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer. [2] The intermediate transfer medium according to [1], wherein the transfer layer has a printable surface on the side opposite to the foamable layer. [3] The intermediate transfer medium according to [2], wherein the printable surface of the transfer layer is a surface that can be printed by an on-demand printing method. [4] The intermediate transfer medium according to [3], wherein the on-demand printing method is at least one printing method selected from the group consisting of a thermal transfer method, an inkjet method, and an electrophotographic method. [5] The intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the foaming agent is a thermal foaming agent. [6] The intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the foamable layer is a single layer or multiple layers. [7] The intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the foamable layer has, in order from the substrate side, a foaming agent-containing layer containing the foaming agent and a release layer. [8] The intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising an adhesive layer between the substrate and the foamable layer. [9] The intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the transfer layer has a release layer on the surface facing the foamable layer.

[10] The intermediate transfer medium according to [9], wherein the release layer also serves as a protective layer.

[11] The intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the transfer layer has a receiving layer on the surface opposite to the foamable layer.

[12] The intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the transfer layer has, in order from the foamable layer side, a release layer and a receiving layer.

[13] A combination of the intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to

[12] and a thermal transfer sheet, wherein the thermal transfer sheet has a colorant layer.

[14] The combination according to

[13] , wherein the thermal transfer sheet further has a concealing layer.

[15] The combination according to

[13] or

[14] , wherein the thermal transfer sheet has the colorant layer and the heat seal layer on the same side of the support.

[16] A combination of the intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to

[12] , a thermal transfer sheet, and a transferee, wherein the thermal transfer sheet has a colorant layer.

[17] The combination according to

[16] , wherein the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transferred surface of the transferred body is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[18] The combination according to

[16] , wherein the substrate is a cloth.

[19] The combination according to

[16] , wherein the object is a cloth, and the arithmetic mean height Sa of the object's surface is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[20] A print product comprising: a transfer layer having an image and disposed on a transfer surface of the transfer layer; the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transferred surface of the transferred body is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less, The printed matter has an arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer layer on the surface opposite to the transfer-receiving body, which is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less. [twenty one] A print product comprising: a transfer layer having an image and disposed on a transfer surface of the transfer layer; the transfer object is a cloth, The printed matter has an arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer layer on the surface opposite to the transfer-receiving body, which is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less. [twenty two] A print product comprising: a transfer layer having an image and disposed on a transfer surface of the transfer layer; A printed matter in which Sa2 / Sa1≧0.10, where Sa1 is the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer object in the area where the transfer layer is not disposed, and Sa2 is the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer layer opposite the transfer object. [twenty three] The printed matter according to any one of

[20] to

[22] , wherein the transfer layer has an uneven shape on the side opposite to the object to be transferred, which is different from the shape of the object to be transferred and the shapes of the layers constituting the transfer layer other than the layer located on the side opposite to the object to be transferred of the layers constituting the transfer layer. [twenty four] The printed matter according to any one of

[20] to

[23] , which has a concealing layer between the transfer object and the transfer layer having the image. [twenty five] a preparation step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium having, in order, a substrate, a foamable layer containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer; an image forming step of forming an image on the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium; a transfer step of placing the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image has been formed, facing the surface of a transferee, and applying heat and pressure to expand the foamable layer while transferring the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image has been formed to the surface of the transferee; a peeling step of peeling the substrate and the expanded foamable layer from the transfer layer transferred to the transfer surface of the transfer recipient; A method for producing a printed matter comprising the steps of:

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

[25] , wherein in the image forming step, the image is formed by an on-demand printing method.

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

[26] , wherein the on-demand printing method is at least one printing method selected from the group consisting of a thermal transfer method, an inkjet method, and an electrophotographic method.

[28] The method for producing a print according to any one of

[25] to

[27] , wherein the foamable layer is a single layer or multiple layers.

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

[25] to

[28] , wherein the foamable layer has, in order from the substrate side, a foaming agent-containing layer containing the foaming agent and a release layer.

[30] The method for producing a print according to any one of

[25] to

[29] , wherein an adhesive layer is provided between the substrate and the foamable layer.

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

[25] to

[30] , wherein the transfer layer has a release layer on the surface on the foamable layer side.

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

[31] , wherein the release layer also serves as a protective layer.

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

[25] to

[32] , wherein the transfer layer has a receiving layer on the surface opposite to the foamable layer.

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

[25] to

[33] , wherein the transfer layer has, in order from the foamable layer side, a release layer and a receiving layer.

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

[25] to

[34] , wherein the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer surface of the transfer object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

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

[25] to

[35] , wherein the object to be transferred is cloth. [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 1 … Base material 2... Foam layer 2a ... foaming agent-containing layer 2b... Release layer 2c … Intermediate adhesive layer 3... Transfer layer 10... Intermediate transfer medium 11... Receptor 12... Peel layer 13…protective layer 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E Thermal transfer sheets 22 … Coloring material layer 23... Heat seal layer 24... Hidden Layer 25 … Images 50...printed materials 51 … Transferred object

Claims

1. An intermediate transfer medium having, in order, a substrate, a foamable layer containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer.

2. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 1 , wherein the transfer layer has a printable surface on the side opposite the foamable layer.

3. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 2 , wherein the printable surface of the transfer layer is a printable surface by a print-on-demand process.

4. The intermediate transfer medium according to claim 3 , wherein the on-demand printing method is at least one printing method selected from the group consisting of a thermal transfer method, an inkjet method, and an electrophotographic method.

5. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 1 wherein the blowing agent is a thermal blowing agent.

6. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 1 , wherein the foamable layer is a single layer or multiple layers.

7. 2. The intermediate transfer medium according to claim 1, wherein the foamable layer comprises, in order from the substrate side, a foaming agent-containing layer containing the foaming agent and a release layer.

8. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive layer between the substrate and the foamable layer.

9. The intermediate transfer medium according to claim 1 , wherein the transfer layer has a release layer on the surface facing the foamable layer.

10. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 9 , wherein the release layer also serves as a protective layer.

11. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 1 , wherein the transfer layer has a receiving layer on the side opposite the foamable layer.

12. The intermediate transfer medium according to claim 1 , wherein the transfer layer has, in order from the foamable layer side, a release layer and a receiving layer.

13. 13. A combination of the intermediate transfer medium according to claim 1 and a thermal transfer sheet, the thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer.

14. The combination of claim 13 , wherein the thermal transfer sheet further comprises an opacifying layer.

15. 14. The combination of claim 13, wherein the thermal transfer sheet has the colorant layer and the heat seal layer on the same side of a support.

16. 13. A combination of the intermediate transfer medium according to claim 1, a thermal transfer sheet, and a transfer-receiving body, wherein the thermal transfer sheet has a colorant layer.

17. The combination according to claim 16, wherein the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transferred surface of the transferred body is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

18. The combination of claim 16 , wherein the receiver is a fabric.

19. The combination according to claim 16, wherein the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transferred surface of the transferred object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and the transferred object is a cloth.

20. A print product comprising: a transfer layer having an image and disposed on a transfer surface of the transfer layer; the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transferred surface of the transferred body is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less, A printed matter, wherein the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer layer on the surface opposite to the transfer object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

21. A print product comprising: a transfer layer having an image and disposed on a transfer surface of the transfer layer; the transfer object is a cloth, A printed matter, wherein the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer layer on the surface opposite to the transfer object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

22. A print product comprising: a transfer layer having an image and disposed on a transfer surface of the transfer layer; A printed matter in which Sa2 / Sa1≧0.10, where Sa1 is the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer object in the area where the transfer layer is not disposed, and Sa2 is the arithmetic mean height of the surface of the transfer layer opposite the transfer object.

23. 23. The printed matter according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the transfer layer has an uneven shape on the side opposite to the object to be transferred, which is different from the shape of the object to be transferred and the shapes of the layers constituting the transfer layer other than the layer located on the side opposite to the object to be transferred of the transfer layer.

24. 23. The print according to claim 20, further comprising a masking layer between the transfer-receiving body and the transfer layer having the image.

25. a preparation step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium having, in order, a substrate, a foamable layer containing a foaming agent, and a transfer layer; an image forming step of forming an image on the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium; a transfer step of placing the surface of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image has been formed, facing the surface of a transferee, and applying heat and pressure to expand the foamable layer while transferring the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the image has been formed to the surface of the transferee; a peeling step of peeling the substrate and the expanded foamable layer from the transfer layer transferred to the transfer surface of the transfer recipient; A method for producing a printed matter comprising the steps of:

26. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 25, wherein the image is formed by an on-demand printing method in the image forming step.

27. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 26, wherein the on-demand printing method is at least one printing method selected from the group consisting of a thermal transfer method, an inkjet method, and an electrophotographic method.

28. The method for producing a print according to claim 25, wherein the foamable layer is a single layer or a plurality of layers.

29. The method for producing a print product according to claim 25, wherein the foamable layer has, in this order from the substrate side, a foaming agent-containing layer containing the foaming agent and a release layer.

30. The method for producing a print according to claim 25, further comprising the step of: providing an adhesive layer between the substrate and the foamable layer.

31. The method for producing a print according to claim 25, wherein the transfer layer has a release layer on the surface on the side of the foamable layer.

32. The method for producing a print according to claim 31 , wherein the release layer also serves as a protective layer.

33. The method for producing a print according to claim 25, wherein the transfer layer has a receiving layer on the surface opposite to the foamable layer.

34. The method for producing a print according to claim 25, wherein the transfer layer has, in order from the foamable layer side, a release layer and a receiving layer.

35. The method for producing a print according to claim 25, wherein the arithmetic mean height Sa of the transfer surface of the transfer object is 1.0 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

36. The method for producing a print according to claim 25, wherein the object is a cloth.

Images