Thermal transfer sheet, combination of thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer medium, decorative sheet, method for manufacturing decorated product, and decorated product

Abstract

To provide a thermal transfer sheet that can transfer an adhesive layer having high adhesion to various adherends onto a decorative body.SOLUTION: A thermal transfer sheet has a first substrate layer, a release layer, and a first transfer layer in a thickness direction in the stated order. The first transfer layer has an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer contains an ethylenic polymer. The adhesive layer constitutes the surface of the first transfer layer on the first substrate layer side. The release layer contains a styrenic polymer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal transfer sheet, a combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium, a decorative sheet, a method for manufacturing a decorated product, and a decorated product. [Background technology]

[0002] A thermal transfer method is widely used as a method for producing a print. According to this thermal transfer method, a thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer on one side of a base layer is combined with a thermal transfer image receiving sheet having a receiving layer on one side of another base layer, and a thermal transfer image is formed on the receiving layer of the thermal transfer image receiving sheet, thereby obtaining a print.

[0003] Known thermal transfer methods include dye-sublimation thermal transfer and melting thermal transfer. The dye-sublimation thermal transfer method is a method in which a sublimable dye contained in a colorant layer of a thermal transfer sheet is transferred to a receiving layer of a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet by a heating means such as a thermal head. The melting thermal transfer method is a method in which a colorant layer of a thermal transfer sheet is melted or softened by a heating means such as a thermal head, and the colorant layer is transferred onto a receiving layer of a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet.

[0004] With the diversification of printed materials, there is a demand for decorated products in which thermally transferred images are formed on various transfer recipients, rather than printed products in which thermally transferred images are formed on the receiving layer of a thermal transfer image receiving sheet. To meet this demand, a method has been proposed that uses an intermediate transfer medium in which a transfer layer having a receiving layer as a surface layer is provided on one side of a base layer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this method, a thermally transferred image is formed on the receiving layer, which is the surface layer of the intermediate transfer medium, using a thermal transfer sheet, and then the transfer layer having the receiving layer on which the thermally transferred image is formed is transferred onto the transfer recipient, thereby obtaining a decorated product in which the transfer layer is provided on the transfer recipient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-351656 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The intermediate transfer medium has a receiving layer as a surface layer on one side. Therefore, when a transfer layer having a receiving layer is transferred onto a transferee, the receiving layer becomes the layer that contacts the transferee. In addition, decorative bodies are sometimes used to impart design or decorativeness to substrates other than intermediate transfer mediums. Therefore, if the adhesive layer can be interposed between the decorative body and various substrates to improve adhesion, it would be desirable because it would broaden the range of uses for the decorative body.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal transfer sheet that can transfer an adhesive layer that has high adhesion to various adherends onto a decorative body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure comprises a first substrate layer, a release layer, and a first transfer layer in this order in the thickness direction, the first transfer layer comprising an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer containing an ethylene-based polymer, the adhesive layer constituting the surface of the first transfer layer facing the first substrate layer, and the release layer containing a styrene-based polymer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermal transfer sheet that can transfer an adhesive layer having high adhesion to various adherends (including transfer recipients) onto a decorated body (including an intermediate transfer medium). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010]

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Figure 7

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings and the like. The present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the contents of the embodiments described below. Furthermore, to clarify the explanation, the drawings may schematically depict the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. In this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described with reference to the previous drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] In this disclosure, "primary transfer" refers to transferring a first transfer layer from a thermal transfer sheet onto a transfer layer such as a second transfer layer provided on an intermediate transfer medium, and "primary transfer material" refers to the transfer material obtained by this primary transfer. "secondary transfer" refers to transferring a transfer layer such as the second transfer layer provided on the primary transfer material together with the first transfer layer onto a transfer recipient, and "secondary transfer material" refers to the transfer material obtained by this secondary transfer.

[0013] [Thermal Transfer Sheet] The thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure includes a first base layer, a release layer, and a first transfer layer in this order in the thickness direction. More specifically, the thermal transfer sheet includes a first base layer, a release layer provided on the first base layer, and a first transfer layer provided on the release layer.

[0014] The first transfer layer includes an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer constitutes a surface of the first transfer layer facing the first base layer. The adhesive layer contains an ethylene-based polymer. The release layer contains a styrene-based polymer.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a thermal transfer sheet according to the present disclosure. In Fig. 1, the thermal transfer sheet 1 comprises a first substrate layer 10, a release layer 30, and a first transfer layer 20, in this order in the thickness direction of the thermal transfer sheet 1. In this embodiment, the first transfer layer 20 consists only of an adhesive layer 22.

[0016] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure. In Fig. 2, the first transfer layer 20 includes an adhesive layer 22 and an anti-blocking layer 24 in this order in the thickness direction of the thermal transfer sheet 1 from the first base layer 10 side.

[0017] The thermal transfer sheet 1 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a back layer 40 on the surface of the first base layer 10 opposite to the first transfer layer 20 .

[0018] By using the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure, an adhesive layer that has high adhesion to various adherends can be transferred to a decorative body. For example, after using this thermal transfer sheet to transfer an adhesive layer onto the decorative body, a portion of the decorative body (e.g., a second transfer layer in an intermediate transfer medium, a protective layer in a protective layer transfer sheet) or all of the decorative body (e.g., a thermal transfer image receiving sheet) can be integrated with the adherend via the adhesive layer. In the decorated article obtained in this manner, the decorative body (part or all) is well adhered to the adherend via the adhesive layer, and therefore peeling of the decorative body is suppressed.

[0019] In the present disclosure, examples of the material of the adherend include glass, metals such as aluminum, copper, and SUS, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, (meth)acrylic resins, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resins (ABS resins), and resins such as polycarbonate. Examples of the adherend include molded articles such as glass members, metal members, and resin members.

[0020] <First Base Material Layer> The first base layer can be made of any material without particular limitations as long as it has heat resistance to the thermal energy applied during thermal transfer and has the mechanical strength to support the transfer layer and the like provided on the base layer.

[0021] Examples of the first substrate layer include films made of resin materials (hereinafter also referred to as "resin films"). Examples of resin materials include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, 1,4-polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate, and terephthalic acid-cyclohexanedimethanol-ethylene glycol copolymers; polyamides; polyimides; polycarbonates; polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polymethylpentene; polystyrenes; vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone; vinyl acetal resins such as polyvinyl acetoacetal and polyvinyl butyral; (meth)acrylic resins such as poly(meth)acrylate; cellulose resins such as cellophane, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate propionate, and cellulose acetate butyrate; and ionomer resins. The resin film can contain one or more resin materials.

[0022] In the present disclosure, "(meth)acrylic" encompasses both "acrylic" and "methacrylic," and "(meth)acrylate" encompasses both "acrylate" and "methacrylate."

[0023] Among the above resin materials, polyester is preferred from the viewpoint of heat resistance and mechanical strength, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) are more preferred, and PET is even more preferred.

[0024] The first substrate layer may be a laminate of resin films, which can be produced by, for example, dry lamination, wet lamination, or extrusion.

[0025] The resin film may be a stretched film or an unstretched film. From the viewpoint of strength, a stretched film that is uniaxially or biaxially stretched is preferred.

[0026] From the viewpoint of improving the adhesion between the first base layer and the release layer, etc., the surface of the first base layer on the side of the first transfer layer may be subjected to a surface treatment. Examples of surface treatment methods include corona discharge treatment, flame treatment, ozone treatment, ultraviolet treatment, radiation treatment, roughening treatment, chemical treatment, plasma treatment, low-temperature plasma treatment, primer treatment, and grafting treatment.

[0027] The thickness of the first base layer is preferably from 1 μm to 100 μm, more preferably from 2 μm to 50 μm, and even more preferably from 3 μm to 25 μm, which can improve, for example, the mechanical strength of the first base layer and the transferability of thermal energy during thermal transfer.

[0028] <First Transfer Layer> The first transfer layer is a layer that can be peeled from the release layer by thermal transfer. The first transfer layer includes an adhesive layer. The first transfer layer may have a single-layer structure consisting of an adhesive layer, or may have a multilayer structure including an adhesive layer and other layers. When the first transfer layer has a multilayer structure, the adhesive layer constitutes the surface layer of the first transfer layer on the side of the first substrate layer.

[0029] ≪Adhesive Layer≫ When the first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure is transferred onto a decorative body such as an intermediate transfer medium (more specifically, the second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium), the adhesive layer constitutes one surface layer of the resulting transfer. When the decorative body is an intermediate transfer medium, when the second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium is transferred onto a transferee via the transferred first transfer layer, the transferee and the adhesive layer come into contact. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer functions as a heat seal layer during secondary transfer to the transferee or during integration.

[0030] The adhesive layer contains an ethylene-based polymer. An adhesive layer containing an ethylene-based polymer has excellent adhesion to various adherends. Furthermore, the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure has a release layer containing a styrene-based polymer under the adhesive layer, so that the transferability of the first transfer layer is excellent even if the adhesive layer contains an ethylene-based polymer. Therefore, this configuration can improve the adhesion between the adhesive layer and the adherend in the resulting decorated product while maintaining the transferability of the first transfer layer from the thermal transfer sheet.

[0031] Examples of ethylene-based polymers include ethylene homopolymers, copolymers of ethylene with at least one selected from α-olefins and non-polar monomers (excluding ethylene and α-olefins), and modified ethylene-based polymers. Thus, in the present disclosure, the ethylene-based polymer also encompasses modified ethylene-based polymers. Modified ethylene-based polymers are ethylene-based polymers having structural units derived from polar monomers, specific examples of which will be described later. Examples of the form of the copolymer include random copolymers and block copolymers.

[0032] In the ethylene-based polymer, the proportion of ethylene-derived structural units is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, and even more preferably 70% by mass or more. In the present disclosure, the proportion of each structural unit is a value measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

[0033] Examples of α-olefins include propylene, 1-butene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, and 1-decene. The number of carbon atoms in the α-olefin is preferably 3 or more and 20 or less, more preferably 3 or more and 10 or less. The α-olefin is preferably propylene.

[0034] Examples of non-polar monomers other than ethylene and α-olefins include conjugated dienes such as butadiene, and cyclic olefins such as norbornene. The copolymer may contain structural units derived from non-polar monomers other than ethylene and α-olefins in an amount of 10% by mass or less.

[0035] In one embodiment, the ethylene polymer may be, for example, very low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, or high density polyethylene. These polyethylenes are classified in accordance with JIS K6922-1.

[0036] As the ethylene polymer, a modified ethylene polymer is preferred from the viewpoint of high releasability (and therefore transferability) from a release layer containing a styrene polymer and the ability to form an adhesive layer with high adhesion to various adherends. In the present disclosure, examples of the modified ethylene polymer include copolymers of ethylene, a polar monomer, and, if necessary, at least one selected from α-olefins and non-polar monomers; and graft-modified products of the above-mentioned ethylene homopolymers or copolymers with polar monomers. Examples of the form of the copolymer include random copolymers and block copolymers.

[0037] Specific examples of the α-olefin and the non-polar monomer are as described above. As the polar monomer, unsaturated carboxylic acids and their derivatives are preferred from the viewpoint of forming an adhesive layer that has high releasability (and therefore transferability) from the release layer containing a styrene polymer and has high adhesion to various adherends. The polar monomer may be one type or two or more types.

[0038] Examples of unsaturated carboxylic acids include (meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tetrahydrophthalic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, crotonic acid, isocrotonic acid, norbornene dicarboxylic acid, and bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene-5,6-dicarboxylic acid. Among these, (meth)acrylic acid is preferred.

[0039] Examples of unsaturated carboxylic acid derivatives include unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydrides, acid halides, amides, imides, esters, and salts. Among these, unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydrides are preferred. Examples of unsaturated carboxylic acid derivatives include maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, citraconic anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene-5,6-dicarboxylic anhydride, malenyl chloride, acrylamide, methacrylamide, malenylimide, dimethyl maleate, monomethyl maleate, diethyl maleate, monoethyl maleate, diethyl fumarate, dimethyl itaconate, diethyl citraconic acid, dimethyl tetrahydrophthalate, dimethyl bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene-5,6-dicarboxylate, alkyl(meth)acrylate, hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate, glycidyl(meth)acrylate, and ammonium salts or amine salts of unsaturated carboxylic acids.

[0040] Specific examples of the copolymer of ethylene, a polar monomer, and, if necessary, at least one selected from α-olefins and non-polar monomers include ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid-maleic anhydride copolymer, ethylene-alkyl(meth)acrylate copolymer, and ethylene-alkyl(meth)acrylate-maleic anhydride copolymer. Among these, ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer is preferred.

[0041] In a copolymer of ethylene, a polar monomer, and optionally at least one monomer selected from α-olefins and non-polar monomers, the proportion of structural units derived from ethylene is preferably 50% by mass or more and 99.99% by mass or less, more preferably 75% by mass or more and 99.9% by mass or less; the proportion of structural units derived from polar monomers is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less; and the proportion of structural units derived from at least one monomer selected from α-olefins and non-polar monomers is the remainder (which may be 0% by mass).

[0042] The polar monomer (graft monomer) used in the graft modification may be any of the polar monomers described above, preferably unsaturated carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and more preferably unsaturated carboxylic acids and their acid anhydrides. The proportion of the structural units derived from the polar monomer (graft monomer) in the graft modified product is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less.

[0043] The modified ethylene polymer is preferably an acid-modified ethylene polymer, and more preferably an acid-modified ethylene polymer having a carboxy group or an acid anhydride group, from the viewpoint of being able to form an adhesive layer that has high releasability (and therefore transferability) from a release layer containing a styrene polymer and has high adhesion to various substrates. Examples of the acid-modified ethylene polymer include copolymers of ethylene, at least one selected from unsaturated carboxylic acids and their acid anhydrides, and optionally at least one selected from α-olefins and nonpolar monomers, and the above-mentioned graft-modified products with at least one selected from unsaturated carboxylic acids and their acid anhydrides. In particular, maleic acid-modified ethylene polymers and maleic anhydride-modified ethylene polymers are more preferred.

[0044] In the acid-modified ethylene polymer, the total proportion of structural units derived from unsaturated carboxylic acids and their acid anhydrides is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. In the acid-modified ethylene polymer, the structural units derived from unsaturated carboxylic acids and their acid anhydrides may be contained in the polymer main chain in the form of copolymerization, or may be contained in the polymer side chain in the form of graft modification.

[0045] The modified ethylene polymer can be produced by any known method, including, for example, a method of copolymerizing ethylene with a polar monomer; and a method of grafting a polar monomer onto the main chain of a polymer to be modified in the presence of a radical initiator such as an organic peroxide or an azo compound.

[0046] The acid value of the acid-modified ethylene polymer is preferably 1 mgKOH / g or more and 200 mgKOH / g or less, more preferably 5 mgKOH / g or more and 100 mgKOH / g or less, and even more preferably 10 mgKOH / g or more and 50 mgKOH / g or less. In the present disclosure, the acid value is a value obtained in accordance with JIS K0070.

[0047] The ethylene polymer preferably has crystallinity. The melting point (Tm) of the ethylene polymer is preferably 60°C or higher and 140°C or lower, more preferably 70°C or higher and 120°C or lower, and even more preferably 80°C or higher and 110°C or lower. For example, when Tm is equal to or lower than the upper limit, the releasability can be further improved, and when Tm is equal to or higher than the lower limit, the adhesion can be further improved. In the present disclosure, Tm is a value obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in accordance with JIS K7121.

[0048] The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the ethylene polymer is preferably 0°C or lower, more preferably -60°C or higher and 0°C or lower, even more preferably -50°C or higher and -10°C or lower, and particularly preferably -45°C or higher and -20°C or lower. This can improve, for example, the adhesion. In the present disclosure, Tg is a value determined by DSC in accordance with JIS K7121 (2012).

[0049] The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the ethylene polymer is preferably 5,000 or more and 100,000 or less, more preferably 10,000 or more and 80,000 or less, even more preferably 15,000 or more and 70,000 or less, and particularly preferably 20,000 or more and 60,000 or less. When Mn is equal to or less than the upper limit, for example, the transferability of the first transfer layer can be further improved. When Mn is equal to or more than the lower limit, for example, the durability of the adhesive layer can be further improved. In the present disclosure, Mn is the number average molecular weight in terms of polystyrene determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) in accordance with JIS K7252-1 (2008). The adhesive layer may contain one or more ethylene polymers.

[0050] The content of the ethylene polymer in the adhesive layer is preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 90% by mass or more, which can, for example, further improve the adhesion of the adhesive layer to the adherend.

[0051] The adhesive layer may contain a resin material other than an ethylene-based polymer. Examples of the other resin material include an olefin-based polymer other than an ethylene-based polymer (e.g., polypropylene), vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, (meth)acrylic resin, vinyl acetal resin, polycarbonate, polyamide, and polyimide. The adhesive layer may contain one or more of the other resin materials.

[0052] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer contains a colorant. For example, when the first transfer layer has a single-layer structure consisting of an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer can contain a colorant to impart design properties to the first transfer layer.

[0053] Examples of colorants include inorganic and organic pigments, as well as dyes. Specific examples include carbon black, calcium carbonate, silica, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, yellow iron, ultramarine, hologram powder, aluminum powder, fluorescent pigments, metallic pigments, and pearl pigments. The adhesive layer can contain one or more colorants.

[0054] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer contains an additive. Examples of the additive include a tackifier, a silane coupling agent, a plasticizer, an ultraviolet absorber, inorganic particles, organic particles, and a dispersant. The adhesive layer can contain one or more additives.

[0055] The adhesive layer can be formed, for example, by applying an adhesive layer coating liquid containing the above-mentioned components onto the release layer and drying it. Each layer described below other than the adhesive layer can also be formed, for example, by applying a coating liquid containing the components contained in each layer to a desired surface, drying it, and crosslinking or curing it as necessary. Examples of coating methods include roll coating, reverse roll coating, gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, bar coating, and rod coating.

[0056] The adhesive layer coating fluid is preferably an aqueous dispersion in which particles of an ethylene polymer are dispersed in an aqueous medium (dispersion medium), from the viewpoint of stabilizing the coating fluid and further improving coating suitability. Examples of the aqueous medium include water and water-soluble alcohols, and may be a mixed medium of two or more of these. Examples of the water-soluble alcohol include alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. From this viewpoint, the modified ethylene polymer is preferably a modified ethylene polymer having water dispersibility.

[0057] The number average particle size of the ethylene polymer particles is preferably 1 μm or less, and more preferably 10 nm or more and 500 nm or less. The number average particle size is a value measured by a laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer.

[0058] The content of the ethylene polymer in the aqueous dispersion as the coating liquid for the adhesive layer is preferably 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, more preferably 3% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less.

[0059] The thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.2 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.5 μm or more and 2.5 μm or less, which can improve the stability of film formation when forming the adhesive layer, for example.

[0060] ≪Blocking Prevention Layer≫ The first transfer layer may further include an anti-blocking layer. In one embodiment, the anti-blocking layer is provided on the adhesive layer and constitutes the surface of the first transfer layer opposite the first substrate layer. By providing the anti-blocking layer, for example, blocking can be suppressed during storage of the thermal transfer sheet.

[0061] As described above, the adhesive layer contains an ethylene-based polymer, and therefore, by providing an anti-blocking layer as a surface layer on the side of the first transfer layer opposite the first base layer, blocking by the adhesive layer can be effectively suppressed.

[0062] In one embodiment, the anti-blocking layer contains a resin material. Examples of resin materials include vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, (meth)acrylic resins, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides, and polyimides. Among these, (meth)acrylic resins, vinyl resins, and polyesters are preferred, and a combination of (meth)acrylic resins and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, and polyesters are more preferred.

[0063] The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin material is preferably 55° C. or higher, more preferably 60° C. or higher and 120° C. or lower, and even more preferably 70° C. or higher and 110° C. or lower. This makes it possible to effectively suppress, for example, the above-mentioned blocking.

[0064] The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the resin material is preferably 30,000 or less, more preferably 8,000 or more and 28,000 or less, and even more preferably 10,000 or more and 26,000 or less, which can improve the foil-cutting properties of the transfer layer during transfer, for example.

[0065] The anti-blocking layer can contain one or more resin materials. The content of the resin material in the anti-blocking layer is preferably 25% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more, and even more preferably 75% by mass or more, which can effectively suppress, for example, the above-mentioned blocking.

[0066] In one embodiment, the anti-blocking layer contains a colorant. By using a thermal transfer sheet having a first transfer layer including an anti-blocking layer containing a colorant, decorated products with various designs can be produced. Alternatively, the first transfer layer may further include a colorant layer containing a colorant.

[0067] Examples of colorants include pigments such as inorganic pigments and organic pigments, and dyes. Specific examples include carbon black, calcium carbonate, silica, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, yellow iron, ultramarine, hologram powder, aluminum powder, fluorescent pigments, metallic pigments, and pearl pigments.

[0068] For example, metallic pigments or pearlescent pigments can impart a glossy effect to the anti-blocking layer, thereby imparting a glossy appearance to the thermally transferred image of the resulting decorated article. For example, titanium oxide or carbon black can provide the anti-blocking layer with the functions of a base layer and a concealing layer. An anti-blocking layer that functions as a base layer can improve the visibility of the thermally transferred image when the resulting decorated article is viewed from the thermally transferred image side. An anti-blocking layer that functions as a concealing layer can conceal the texture of the transfer recipient and is suitable for decorated articles manufactured using a transparent transfer recipient such as a glass plate when it is not desired that the thermally transferred image be visible from the transfer recipient side. The anti-blocking layer may contain one or more colorants.

[0069] In one embodiment, the anti-blocking layer contains additives, such as plasticizers, ultraviolet absorbers, inorganic particles, organic particles, and dispersants. The adhesive layer may contain one or more additives.

[0070] The thickness of the anti-blocking layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, more preferably 0.3 μm or more and 1.5 μm or less, which can, for example, more effectively suppress blocking in the thermal transfer sheet.

[0071] <Colorant Layer> In one embodiment, the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure further includes a colorant layer on one side of the first substrate layer, in frame sequence with the first transfer layer. In this embodiment, the colorant layer and the first transfer layer are provided in frame sequence on one side of the first substrate layer. By using the thermal transfer sheet of this embodiment, a thermal transfer image can be formed on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium. Therefore, using the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure, it is possible to simultaneously form a thermal transfer image on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium and transfer the first transfer layer onto the second transfer layer, without using a separate thermal transfer sheet including a colorant layer.

[0072] For example, when a thermal transfer image is formed by a sublimation thermal transfer method, the colorant layer is a sublimation transfer type colorant layer containing a sublimation dye and a binder resin.

[0073] The sublimation dye preferably has sufficient color density and does not discolor or fade due to light, heat, etc. Examples of such sublimation dyes include red dyes, yellow dyes, and blue dyes. The sublimation transfer colorant layer can contain one or more sublimation dyes. The content of the sublimation dye in the sublimation transfer colorant layer is preferably 5% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less.

[0074] Examples of binder resins in the sublimation transfer colorant layer include cellulose resins, vinyl resins, vinyl acetal resins, (meth)acrylic resins, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyimides, and polyesters. The sublimation transfer colorant layer can contain one or more binder resins. The content of the binder resin in the sublimation transfer colorant layer is preferably 20% by mass or more and 75% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less.

[0075] The sublimation transfer colorant layer may be cured with a curing agent. Examples of the curing agent include epoxy resin, isocyanate, and carbodiimide. One or more types of curing agents may be used.

[0076] The sublimation transfer colorant layer may contain one or more types of inorganic particles and organic particles. Examples of inorganic particles include carbon black, silica, alumina, titanium dioxide, and molybdenum disulfide. Examples of organic particles include polyethylene particles.

[0077] The sublimation transfer colorant layer may contain one or more release agents. Examples of release agents include fluorine compounds, phosphate ester compounds, higher fatty acid amide compounds, metal soaps, silicone oils, and waxes such as polyethylene wax and paraffin wax. The content of the release agent in the sublimation transfer colorant layer is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 3% by mass or less, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less.

[0078] For example, when a thermal transfer image is formed by a melting type thermal transfer method, the color material layer is a melting type color material layer containing a colorant and a binder resin.

[0079] The colorant preferably has sufficient color density and does not discolor or fade due to light, heat, or the like. Examples include organic pigments, inorganic pigments, and dyes. The colorant color is not limited to cyan, magenta, yellow, or black, but may be any of a variety of colors. The melt-transfer colorant layer may contain one or more colorants. The content of the colorant in the melt-transfer colorant layer is preferably 10% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

[0080] Examples of binder resins in the melt-transfer colorant layer include polyolefins, vinyl resins, vinyl acetal resins, (meth)acrylic resins, polystyrene, polycarbonate, cellulose resins, and petroleum resins. The melt-transfer colorant layer can contain one or more binder resins. The content of the binder resin in the melt-transfer colorant layer is preferably 20% by mass or more and 75% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less.

[0081] The melt transfer colorant layer may further contain a conventionally known wax. The colorant layer may contain one or more of the above additives.

[0082] The thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure may have one colorant layer on one side of the first substrate layer, or may have multiple colorant layers of different hues, for example, a yellow colorant layer, a magenta colorant layer, a cyan colorant layer, and a black colorant layer, arranged in face order. The thickness of the colorant layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

[0083] <Release Layer> The thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure includes a release layer containing a styrene-based polymer between the first substrate layer and the first transfer layer. This improves the transferability of the first transfer layer, which includes an adhesive layer containing an ethylene-based polymer, by, for example, reducing the peeling noise during transfer. This reduces the surface roughness of the primary transfer product, i.e., the adhesive layer, and therefore improves the adhesion between the adhesive layer and the adherend in the secondary transfer product.

[0084] The release layer is a layer that does not constitute the first transfer layer and remains on the first base layer side when the first transfer layer is transferred. Therefore, in the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure, the adhesive layer and the release layer are in contact with each other.

[0085] The release layer contains a styrene-based polymer. A styrene polymer is a resin containing 50% by mass or more, preferably 60% by mass or more, and more preferably 70% by mass or more of structural units derived from a styrene monomer. In the present disclosure, a styrene monomer refers to a monomer having a styrene skeleton in its structure. Examples of the styrene monomer include styrene and substituted styrene, with styrene being preferred.

[0086] Substituted styrenes are monomers in which a substituent is bonded to styrene. Examples of substituted styrenes include α-methylstyrene, alkylstyrenes such as o-methylstyrene, m-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, o-ethylstyrene, and p-ethylstyrene, halogenated styrenes such as o-chlorostyrene and p-chlorostyrene, and compounds in which a polar group such as a hydroxy group, an alkoxy group, or a carboxy group is introduced into the benzene nucleus of styrene, such as hydroxystyrene, tert-butoxystyrene, and vinylbenzoic acid.

[0087] Examples of styrene-based polymers include homopolymers or copolymers of styrene-based monomers and copolymers of styrene-based monomers and comonomers. Among these, homopolymers or copolymers of styrene-based monomers are preferred, and homopolymers of styrene are more preferred. In one embodiment, the styrene-based polymer is preferably a grade of polystyrene generally called general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS).

[0088] Examples of the comonomer include unsaturated carboxylic acid esters such as alkyl (meth)acrylates such as methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, and cycloalkyl (meth)acrylates such as cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate; unsaturated carboxylic acids such as (meth)acrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and cinnamic acid; unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydrides such as maleic anhydride and itaconic anhydride; unsaturated nitrile monomers such as (meth)acrylonitrile; and conjugated dienes such as 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoprene), 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, and 1,3-hexadiene. Among these, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, methyl methacrylate, and 1,3-butadiene are preferred.

[0089] The melt mass flow rate (MFR) of the styrene polymer is preferably 0.5 g / 10 min or more and 50 g / 10 min or less, more preferably 1.0 g / 10 min or more and 30 g / 10 min or less, even more preferably 2.0 g / 10 min or more and 20 g / 10 min or less, and still more preferably 3.0 g / 10 min or more and 10 g / 10 min or less. The MFR is a value measured in accordance with JIS K7210-1:14 at a temperature of 200°C and a load of 5 kgf. The release layer may contain one or more styrene polymers.

[0090] The content of the styrene polymer in the release layer is preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 90% by mass or more, which can, for example, further improve the peelability of the adhesive layer from the release layer.

[0091] The release layer may contain a resin material other than a styrene-based polymer. Examples of the resin material include vinyl resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, vinyl acetal resins such as polyvinyl acetal, (meth)acrylic resins, polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, polyurethanes, cellulose resins, silicone resins, and fluororesins. The release layer may contain one or more resin materials.

[0092] The release layer may contain a release agent. Examples of the release agent include fluorine compounds, phosphate ester compounds, higher fatty acid amide compounds, metal soaps, silicone oils, and waxes such as polyethylene wax and paraffin wax. The release layer may contain one or more types of release agents. The content of the release agent in the release layer is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less. The release layer may contain one or more of the above additives.

[0093] The thickness of the release layer is preferably 0.2 μm to 3.5 μm, more preferably 0.3 μm to 3.0 μm, even more preferably 0.4 μm to 2.5 μm, and particularly preferably 0.5 μm to 2.0 μm, which can, for example, further improve the transferability of the first transfer layer from the release layer.

[0094] When the colorant layer provided face-sequentially to the first transfer layer is a melt-transfer colorant layer, the thermal transfer sheet may further include a release layer between the first substrate layer and the melt-transfer colorant layer. This can, for example, further improve the peelability of the melt-transfer colorant layer from the first substrate layer. The release layer is a layer that does not constitute the melt-transfer colorant layer and remains on the first substrate layer side when the melt-transfer colorant layer is transferred.

[0095] The release layer between the first substrate layer and the melt-transfer colorant layer is similar to the release layer between the first substrate layer and the first transfer layer, except that it does not need to contain a styrene-based polymer as an essential component, so detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0096] <Back Layer> The thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure may have a backing layer on the surface of the first base layer opposite the first transfer layer, which can, for example, prevent sticking and wrinkles caused by heating during thermal transfer.

[0097] In one embodiment, the back layer contains one or more resin materials. Examples of the resin materials include polyolefins, polystyrenes, vinyl resins, (meth)acrylic resins, vinyl acetal resins such as polyvinyl butyral and polyvinyl acetoacetal, silicone resins, polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, polyurethanes, and cellulose resins. The content of the resin material in the back layer is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more.

[0098] The back layer may be a layer formed by crosslinking a resin material having reactive groups such as hydroxyl groups using a crosslinking agent such as polyisocyanate. Examples of polyisocyanates include xylene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, and hexamethylene diisocyanate. One or more crosslinking agents may be used.

[0099] The back layer may contain one or more types of release agents. Examples of release agents include fluorine compounds, phosphate ester compounds, higher fatty acid amide compounds, metal soaps, silicone oils, and waxes such as polyethylene wax and paraffin wax. This can improve slip properties, for example. The content of the release agent in the back layer is preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 12% by mass or less.

[0100] The back layer may contain one or more additives. Examples of additives include plasticizers, UV absorbers, inorganic particles, organic particles, and dispersants. The content of the additives relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin material contained in the back layer is preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more and 25 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less.

[0101] The thickness of the back layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, more preferably 0.3 μm or more and 3 μm or less, which can improve the heat resistance of the thermal transfer sheet, for example.

[0102] [Usage Mode of Thermal Transfer Sheet] Hereinafter, several examples of usage of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure will be described. The thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure can be used, for example, to improve adhesion between an object and a medium (part or all) when integrating part or all of a desired medium, such as a decorative body, onto the object.

[0103] In the present disclosure, examples of the material of the target object include glass; metals such as aluminum, copper, and SUS; polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, (meth)acrylic resins, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resins (ABS resins), and resins such as polycarbonate.

[0104] Examples of the object to be adhered or transferred include molded articles such as glass members, metal members, and resin members. The shape of the molded article is not particularly limited, and examples include plates, films, and sheets. Other examples of the object include ceramic plates such as pottery; wood; and paper substrates such as plain paper, fine paper, and tracing paper.

[0105] In the present disclosure, a decorative body is a component used to impart a desired design or decorativeness to an object. The decorative body may be one in which a portion thereof is separable or one in which a portion thereof is not separable.

[0106] The decorative body may be, for example, an intermediate transfer medium comprising a second substrate layer and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer. A thermal transfer image may be formed on the receiving layer. The thermal transfer image may be composed of, for example, letters, line drawings, patterns, symbols, or combinations thereof. In this case, the second transfer layer including the receiving layer corresponds to part of the decorative body. Specifically, the first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure is transferred onto the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium to obtain a primary transfer product. Next, the second transfer layer and the first transfer layer provided on the primary transfer product are transferred onto an object to obtain a secondary transfer product as a decorated item. The second transfer layer is provided on the object via the first transfer layer.

[0107] An example of the decorative body is a protective layer transfer sheet having a protective layer as a transfer layer. In this case, the protective layer corresponds to part of the decorative body. Specifically, a first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure is transferred onto the protective layer of the protective layer transfer sheet to obtain a primary transfer object. Next, the protective layer and the first transfer layer of the primary transfer object are transferred onto the printed object to obtain a secondary transfer object as a decorated product. The protective layer is provided on the printed object via the first transfer layer.

[0108] The decorative body may be, for example, a sheet bearing an image used to decorate a desired object, and may be a thermal transfer image receiving sheet having a thermal transfer image formed on a receiving layer. The image may be composed of, for example, letters, line drawings, patterns, symbols, or combinations thereof. Specifically, the first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure is transferred onto a sheet bearing the image (e.g., a thermal transfer image receiving sheet) to obtain a transfer. Next, the object and the transfer are integrated to obtain a decorated product. The sheet bearing the image is placed on the object via the first transfer layer.

[0109] Even if the decorative body has poor adhesion to the molded body, by transferring the first transfer layer onto the decorative body, an adhesive layer with excellent adhesion is interposed between the decorative body and the molded body, thereby obtaining a decorated product in which part or all of the decorative body is well adhered to the molded body.

[0110] [Combination of Thermal Transfer Sheet and Intermediate Transfer Medium] The combination of the present disclosure is a combination of the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure and an intermediate transfer medium. Since the thermal transfer sheet has been described above, a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0111] The intermediate transfer medium includes a second substrate layer and a second transfer layer. More specifically, the intermediate transfer medium includes a second substrate layer and a second transfer layer provided on at least a portion of one surface of the second substrate layer.

[0112] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of an intermediate transfer medium. In Fig. 3, the intermediate transfer medium 100 includes a second substrate layer 110 and a second transfer layer 120 provided on the second substrate layer 110. The second transfer layer 120 includes a release layer 124 and a receiving layer 122, in this order from the second substrate layer 110 side in the thickness direction of the intermediate transfer medium 100.

[0113] <Second Base Material Layer> The second base layer may be made of the same resin film as the first base layer.

[0114] <Second Transfer Layer> The second transfer layer includes a receiving layer. The second transfer layer may have a single-layer structure consisting of a receiving layer, or may have a multilayer structure including a receiving layer and other layers. When the second transfer layer has a multilayer structure, the receiving layer constitutes the surface layer on the side opposite the second substrate layer side of the second transfer layer.

[0115] In one embodiment, the second transfer layer includes a release layer and a receiving layer in this order in the thickness direction from the second base layer side. In one embodiment, the second transfer layer includes a release layer, a protective layer, and a receiving layer in this order in the thickness direction from the second base layer side.

[0116] ≪Receiving Layer≫ The receptor layer is a layer that constitutes the surface layer on one side of the intermediate transfer medium. In one embodiment, the receiving layer contains a resin material, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, (meth)acrylic resins, polyamides, polyimides, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, cellulose resins, and ionomer resins. The receiving layer can contain one or more types of resin materials.

[0117] The content of the resin material in the receiving layer is preferably 80% by mass to 99% by mass, more preferably 85% by mass to 98% by mass, which can further improve the receptivity of, for example, sublimation dyes.

[0118] In one embodiment, the receptor layer contains a release agent, which can improve the releasability between the receptor layer and the thermal transfer sheet including the sublimation transfer colorant layer, for example.

[0119] Examples of the release agent include fluorine compounds, phosphate ester compounds, higher fatty acid amide compounds, metal soaps, silicone oils, and waxes such as polyethylene wax and paraffin wax. Among these, silicone oils are preferred from the viewpoint of the above-mentioned release properties.

[0120] Examples of silicone oils include straight silicone oils such as dimethyl silicone oil and methylphenyl silicone oil, as well as modified silicone oils such as amino-modified silicone oil, epoxy-modified silicone oil, carboxy-modified silicone oil, (meth)acrylic-modified silicone oil, mercapto-modified silicone oil, carbinol-modified silicone oil, fluorine-modified silicone oil, methylstyryl-modified silicone oil, and polyether-modified silicone oil. Modified silicone oils include single-end type, double-end type, and side-chain single-end type. The receiving layer may contain one or more types of release agents.

[0121] The content of the release agent in the receiving layer is preferably 0.5% by mass to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.5% by mass to 10% by mass, which can improve the releasability, for example.

[0122] The receiving layer may contain an additive. Examples of additives include plasticizers, UV absorbers, inorganic particles, organic particles, and dispersants. The receiving layer may contain one or more additives. The content of the additive per 100 parts by mass of the resin material contained in the receiving layer is preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less.

[0123] In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing a decorated article according to the present disclosure, the second transfer layer is not in direct contact with the object to be transferred, but is transferred onto the object to be transferred via the first transfer layer including the adhesive layer described above. Therefore, it is not necessarily necessary to impart a function to the receiving layer to enhance adhesion to the object to be transferred, and the degree of freedom in designing the receiving layer is increased.

[0124] The thickness of the receiving layer is preferably 0.5 μm to 20 μm, more preferably 1 μm to 10 μm, which can improve the density of the image formed on the receiving layer and the transferability of the second transfer layer.

[0125] ≪Peeling Layer≫ In one embodiment, the second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium has a release layer as a surface layer on the second substrate layer side. This, for example, can improve the releasability of the second transfer layer from the second substrate layer when transferring the second transfer layer from the intermediate transfer medium. The release layer is the layer that is transferred from the intermediate transfer medium to the transfer recipient and is the layer that will be located on the outermost surface of the decorated product.

[0126] In one embodiment, the release layer contains one or more resin materials, such as polyolefin, vinyl resin, polystyrene, (meth)acrylic resin, polyester, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose resin, and ionomer resin.

[0127] The release layer may contain one or more of the above-mentioned release agents. The release layer may contain one or more of the above additives. The thickness of the release layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 8 μm or less, and more preferably 0.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less, which can, for example, further improve the durability of the release layer.

[0128] ≪Protection Layer≫ In one embodiment, the second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium comprises a protective layer on the surface of the receiving layer facing the second substrate layer, or between the release layer and the receiving layer.

[0129] In one embodiment, the protective layer contains one or more resin materials, such as polyester, polyurethane, polystyrene, (meth)acrylic resin, and (meth)acrylic polyol resin. The protective layer may contain one or more of the above additives.

[0130] The thickness of the protective layer is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 7 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, which can, for example, further improve the durability of the protective layer.

[0131] [Decoration Sheet] The decorative sheet of the present disclosure comprises a decorative body and a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer transferred onto the decorative body from the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure. The adhesive layer constitutes a surface layer on one side of the decorative sheet. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the decorative sheet of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, the decorative sheet 200 comprises a decorative body 150 and a first transfer layer 20 consisting of an adhesive layer 22.

[0132] In one embodiment, the decorative body is an intermediate transfer medium including a second substrate layer and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer on which a thermal transfer image is formed. In this embodiment, a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer derived from the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure is transferred onto the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium.

[0133] The decorative body may be, for example, a protective layer transfer sheet having a protective layer as a transfer layer. In this embodiment, a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer derived from the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure is transferred onto the protective layer of the protective layer transfer sheet.

[0134] The decorative body may be, for example, a sheet having an image used to decorate a desired object, and may be a thermal transfer image receiving sheet having a thermal transfer image formed on a receiving layer. In this embodiment, a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer derived from the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure is transferred onto the sheet having the image (for example, the receiving layer of the thermal transfer image receiving sheet). The details of each component of the decorative sheet are as described above.

[0135] [Manufacturing Method of Decorative Article and Decorative Article] The method for manufacturing a decorative article according to the present disclosure includes: A preparation step of preparing the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure, a decorative body, and an adherend; a transfer step of transferring a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer provided in the thermal transfer sheet onto a decorated body to obtain a transferred product including the decorated body and the first transfer layer including an adhesive layer; an integration step of integrating a part or all of the decorative body with the adherend via the first transfer layer so that the adhesive layer of the transfer object contacts the adherend; Includes: In one embodiment, the decorative body is the intermediate transfer medium described above. In this embodiment, the method for manufacturing a decorative article of the present disclosure includes: A preparation step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium including a thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure, a second substrate layer, and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer on which a thermal transfer image is formed, and a transfer-receiving body; a primary transfer step in which a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer provided on the thermal transfer sheet is transferred onto a second transfer layer provided on the intermediate transfer medium to obtain a primary transfer product including the intermediate transfer medium and the first transfer layer; A secondary transfer process in which the second transfer layer of the primary transfer product is transferred onto a transferee together with the first transfer layer to obtain a decorated product, which is a secondary transfer product. Includes: 5 and 6 show an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a decorative product.

[0136] <Preparation Process> The details of the thermal transfer sheet, decorative body, and adherend of the present disclosure are as described above.

[0137] In the preparation process, an intermediate transfer medium may be used in which a thermal transfer image has already been formed on the receiving layer, or a thermal transfer image may be formed on the receiving layer of an intermediate transfer medium that has a second substrate layer and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer (hereinafter also referred to as the "image forming process").

[0138] Specifically, in the image forming process, an intermediate transfer medium having a receiving layer and a thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer are superimposed so that the receiving layer and the colorant layer face each other, and a heating means such as a thermal head is used to transfer the sublimation dye contained in the sublimation transfer colorant layer to the receiving layer, or to transfer the melt transfer colorant layer onto the receiving layer, thereby forming a thermal transfer image.

[0139] In the image forming process, a thermal transfer image may be formed on the receiving layer using a thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure in which a colorant layer and a first transfer layer are arranged in face-sequential order on one side of a first substrate layer, or a thermal transfer image may be formed on the receiving layer using a conventionally known thermal transfer sheet that has a colorant layer.

[0140] <Transfer Process (Primary Transfer Process)> The transfer step is a step of transferring the first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet onto a decorative body, or in one embodiment, onto a second transfer layer of an intermediate transfer medium, including a receiving layer on which a thermal transfer image is formed. This step results in a transfer product comprising the decorative body and the first transfer layer, and in one embodiment, a primary transfer product comprising an intermediate transfer medium including a second transfer layer and the first transfer layer transferred onto the second transfer layer. These transfer products have the adhesive layer as the surface layer on one side.

[0141] Figure 5 shows an outline of the primary transfer step according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 5(A), the thermal transfer sheet 1 and the intermediate transfer medium 100 are attached together so that the anti-blocking layer 24 and the receiving layer 122 are in contact with each other. Next, heat is applied to a desired area of the thermal transfer sheet 1, and the first transfer layer 20 in that area is transferred onto the receiving layer 122, as shown in Figure 5(B). In this way, a primary transfer product 200 is obtained.

[0142] Examples of thermal transfer methods for the first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet include a method using a heating device such as a thermal head, a method using a hot stamp, and a method using a heat roll. The same applies to the transfer of the second transfer layer in the secondary transfer step described below. For example, a thermal transfer printer may be used in this step, and a laminator may be used in the integration step (secondary transfer step).

[0143] <Integration Process (Secondary Transfer Process)> The integration step is a step of integrating a part or all of the decorative body with the adherend via the first transfer layer so that the adhesive layer of the transfer material contacts the adherend. This step results in a decorated article having the adherend, the first transfer layer, and a part or all of the decorative body in this order in the thickness direction. The integration of the decorative body with the adherend can be achieved by using a partially separable decorative body, such as an intermediate transfer medium, and separating that part to integrate it with the adherend, or by integrating the entire decorative body with the adherend.

[0144] The secondary transfer step is a step in which the second transfer layer, which includes a receiving layer on which a thermal transfer image is formed, of the primary transfer product obtained in the primary transfer step is transferred together with the first transfer layer onto a transfer recipient. In this step, a decorated product is obtained which includes, in the thickness direction, the transfer recipient, the first transfer layer, and the second transfer layer including a receiving layer on which a thermal transfer image is formed, in this order.

[0145] Here, the decorative body (part or all) or the second transfer layer is provided on the adherend or the transferee via the adhesive layer, which effectively prevents the decorative body or the second transfer layer from peeling off.

[0146] Fig. 6 shows an outline of the secondary transfer step according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6(A), the primary transfer object 200 and the adherend 300 are bonded together so that the adhesive layer 22 contacts the adherend 300. Next, heat is applied to a desired region of the primary transfer object 200, and the first transfer layer 20 and the second transfer layer 120 in that region are transferred onto the adherend 300, as shown in Fig. 6(B). In this manner, the secondary transfer object 400 is obtained.

[0147] In one embodiment, the decorated product of the present disclosure comprises a molded body and a decorated body. The decorated product comprises a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer transferred from the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure between the molded body and the decorated body, with the adhesive layer being in contact with the molded body. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the decorated product of the present disclosure. In FIG. 7, the decorated product 400 comprises a molded body 300, a first transfer layer 20 consisting of an adhesive layer 22, and a decorated body 150.

[0148] In one embodiment, the decorated article of the present disclosure comprises a molded body and a receiving layer on which a thermal transfer image is formed. The decorated article comprises a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer transferred from the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure between the molded body and the receiving layer, with the adhesive layer being in contact with the molded body. The decorated article preferably comprises a molded body, a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer derived from the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure, and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer derived from the intermediate transfer medium described above, in this order in the thickness direction (see FIG. 6(B)). The details of each component of the decorative product are as described above.

[0149] The present disclosure relates to, for example, the following [1] to

[14] . [1] A thermal transfer sheet comprising a first base layer, a release layer, and a first transfer layer in this order in the thickness direction, wherein the first transfer layer comprises an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer contains an ethylene-based polymer, the adhesive layer forms the surface of the first transfer layer facing the first base layer, and the release layer contains a styrene-based polymer. [2] The thermal transfer sheet according to the above [1], wherein the ethylene polymer is an acid-modified ethylene polymer. [3] The thermal transfer sheet according to the above [1] or [2], wherein the melting point (Tm) of the ethylene polymer is 60°C or higher and 140°C or lower. [4] The thermal transfer sheet according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the thickness of the release layer is 0.2 μm or more and 3.5 μm or less. [5] A thermal transfer sheet according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the first transfer layer further comprises an anti-blocking layer, and the anti-blocking layer constitutes the surface of the first transfer layer opposite to the first substrate layer. [6] The thermal transfer sheet according to any one of the above [1] to [5], wherein the anti-blocking layer contains a resin material having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 55° C. or higher. [7] A combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium, wherein the thermal transfer sheet is a thermal transfer sheet according to any one of [1] to [6] above, and the intermediate transfer medium comprises a second substrate layer and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer. [8] A decorative sheet comprising a decorative body and a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer, which is transferred onto the decorative body from the thermal transfer sheet according to any one of [1] to [6] above. [9] The decorative sheet according to [8] above, wherein the decorative body is an intermediate transfer medium comprising a second substrate layer and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer on which a thermal transfer image is formed.

[10] A method for manufacturing a decorated product, comprising: a preparation step of preparing the thermal transfer sheet according to any one of [1] to [6] above, a decorated body, and an adherend; a transfer step of transferring a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer provided on the thermal transfer sheet onto the decorated body to obtain a transferred object including the decorated body and the first transfer layer including the adhesive layer; and an integration step of integrating a part or all of the decorated body with the adherend via the first transfer layer so that the adhesive layer of the transferred object contacts the adherend.

[11] A method for manufacturing a decorated product according to the above item

[10] , wherein in the preparation step, the decorated body is an intermediate transfer medium comprising a second base layer and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer on which a thermal transfer image is formed, the transfer step is a primary transfer step in which a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer provided on a thermal transfer sheet is transferred onto the second transfer layer provided on the intermediate transfer medium to obtain a primary transfer product comprising the intermediate transfer medium and the first transfer layer, and the integration step is a secondary transfer step in which the second transfer layer of the primary transfer product is transferred onto an adherend together with the first transfer layer to obtain a decorated product which is a secondary transfer product.

[12] A method for manufacturing a decorated product according to the above

[11] , wherein in the preparation step, an intermediate transfer medium having a second substrate layer and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer is prepared, and a thermal transfer image is formed on the receiving layer.

[13] A decorated product comprising a molded body and a decorative body, wherein the decorated product comprises a first transfer layer between the molded body and the decorative body, the first transfer layer including an adhesive layer transferred from the thermal transfer sheet described in any one of [1] to [6] above, and the adhesive layer is in contact with the molded body.

[14] A decorated product comprising a molded body and a receiving layer on which a thermal transfer image is formed, wherein the decorated product comprises a first transfer layer between the molded body and the receiving layer, the first transfer layer including an adhesive layer transferred from the thermal transfer sheet described in any one of [1] to [6] above, and the adhesive layer is in contact with the molded body. [Example]

[0150] The thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below based on examples, but the thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. Unless otherwise specified, "parts" below mean "parts by mass." The blending amounts of each component described below are values converted into solids, excluding solid content percentages and water and organic solvents.

[0151] [Example 1] A 5.0 μm-thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film with an easy-adhesion layer was used as the first base layer. A back layer coating liquid having the following composition was applied to the non-adhesion layer side of the PET film and dried to form a 1.0 μm-thick back layer. A release layer coating liquid having the following composition was applied to the adhesion layer side of the PET film and dried to form a 1.0 μm-thick release layer. An adhesive layer coating liquid having the following composition was applied to the release layer and dried to form a 1.0 μm-thick adhesive layer. An anti-blocking layer coating liquid (1) having the following composition was applied to the adhesive layer and dried to form a 0.4 μm-thick anti-blocking layer. In this way, a thermal transfer sheet was obtained comprising a back layer, a first base layer, a release layer, an adhesive layer, and an anti-blocking layer in this order in the thickness direction. The first transfer layer in this thermal transfer sheet consisted of an adhesive layer and an anti-blocking layer.

[0152] <Coating Liquid for Back Layer> Polyvinyl butyral 2 parts (S-LEC (registered trademark) BX-1, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) Polyisocyanate 9.2 parts (Burnoc® D750, DIC Corporation) Phosphate ester surfactant 1.3 parts (Plysurf (registered trademark) A208N, Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.) Talc 0.3 parts (MicroAce (registered trademark) P-3, Nippon Talc Kogyo Co., Ltd.) Toluene 43.6 parts Methyl ethyl ketone 43.6 parts

[0153] <Coating Liquid for Release Layer> Styrene polymer 10 parts (DicStyrene (registered trademark) CR-3500, DIC Corporation) 45 parts methyl ethyl ketone 45 parts toluene

[0154] <Coating Liquid for Adhesive Layer> Acid-modified ethylene polymer 40 parts (Arrowbase (registered trademark) SA-1200, Tm: 100°C, Unitika Ltd., Solid content rate: 25% by mass) ·30 parts of water 30 parts isopropyl alcohol

[0155] <Coating Liquid for Blocking Prevention Layer (1)> (Meth)acrylic resin 10 parts (Dianal (registered trademark) BR-87, Tg: 105°C, Mn: 25,000, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer 10 parts (Solvine (registered trademark) CNL, Tg: 76°C, Mn: 12,000, Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. 80 parts methyl ethyl ketone

[0156] [Examples 2 to 8, Comparative Examples 1 to 6] In Examples 2 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6, thermal transfer sheets were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that one or more of the type of resin material of the adhesive layer, the type of resin material of the release layer, and the thickness of the release layer were changed as described in Tables 1 and 2. In Example 7, the coating liquid for the anti-blocking layer (2) having the following composition was used as the coating liquid for the anti-blocking layer, and in Example 8, a thermal transfer sheet was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no anti-blocking layer was formed.

[0157] <Coating Liquid for Blocking Prevention Layer (2)> 20 parts polyester (Vylon (registered trademark) 296, Tg: 71°C, Mn: 14,000, Toyobo Co., Ltd.) 40 parts methyl ethyl ketone 40 parts toluene

[0158] The products used in the examples and comparative examples are described below. Hereinafter, ethylene polymers will also be referred to as "PE," polypropylene as "PP," ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer as "EVA," styrene polymers as "PS," and polyvinyl alcohol as "PVA." <Ethylene Polymer> SA-1200 (acid-modified PE, Arrowbase (registered trademark) SA-1200, Tm: 100℃, Unitika Ltd. SB-1200 (acid-modified PE, Arrowbase (registered trademark) SB-1200, Tm: 80℃, Unitika Ltd. SD-1200 (acid-modified PE, Arrowbase (registered trademark) SD-1200, Tm: 105℃, Unitika Ltd. SE-1200 (acid-modified PE, Arrowbase (registered trademark) SE-1200, Tm: 95℃, Unitika Ltd.

[0159] <Polyolefin Other than PE> F-6P (maleic acid modified chlorinated PP, HARDLEN (registered trademark) F-6P, Toyobo Co., Ltd.) DA-1010 (modified PP, Arrowbase (registered trademark) DA-1010, Tm: 75℃, Unitika Ltd. HP-400 (modified PP, Chemipearl (registered trademark) HP-400, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) 353S (modified PP, Auroren (registered trademark) 353S, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.) <Polyester> GK-250 (Vylon (registered trademark) GK-250, Tg: 60°C, Mn: 10,000, Toyobo Co., Ltd. An equal amount of a mixed solvent (by mass) of water and isopropyl alcohol was added to each of the above products so that the solid content of each polymer was 10% by mass to prepare a coating liquid for the adhesive layer.However, in the case of GK-250, F-6P, and 353S, an equal amount of a mixed solvent (by mass) of methyl ethyl ketone and toluene was added to each of the above products so that the solid content of each polymer was 10% by mass to prepare a coating liquid for the adhesive layer.

[0160] <Resin Material for Release Layer> Styrene polymer (DicStyrene (registered trademark) CR-3500, DIC Corporation) Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-110, Kuraray Co., Ltd.)

[0161] [Production of Intermediate Transfer Medium] A 16 μm thick PET film was used as the second substrate layer. A release layer coating liquid having the following composition was applied to the PET film and dried to form a 1.0 μm thick release layer. A protective layer coating liquid having the following composition was applied to the release layer and dried to form a 2.0 μm thick protective layer. A receiving layer coating liquid having the following composition was applied to the protective layer and dried to form a 1.5 μm thick receiving layer. In this way, an intermediate transfer medium was obtained that had a second substrate layer, a release layer, a protective layer, and a receiving layer in this order in the thickness direction. The second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium consisted of a release layer, a protective layer, and a receiving layer.

[0162] <Coating Liquid for Peeling Layer> (Meth)acrylic resin 29 parts (Dianal (registered trademark) BR-87, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) 1 part polyester (Vylon (registered trademark) 200, Toyobo Co., Ltd.) 35 parts methyl ethyl ketone Toluene 35 parts

[0163] <Coating Liquid for Protection Layer> 30 parts polyester (Vylon (registered trademark) 200, Toyobo Co., Ltd.) 35 parts methyl ethyl ketone Toluene 35 parts

[0164] <Coating Liquid for Receiving Layer> Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer 20 parts (Solvine (registered trademark) CNL, Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 1 part silicone oil (X-22-3000T, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) 79 parts methyl ethyl ketone

[0165] [Production of Thermal Transfer Sheet with Colorant Layer] A 5.0 μm thick PET film was used as the substrate layer. A back layer coating liquid having the above composition was applied to one side of the PET film and dried to form a 1.0 μm thick back layer. A dye primer layer coating liquid having the following composition was applied to the other side of the PET film and dried to form a 0.15 μm thick dye primer layer. A yellow colorant layer coating liquid, a magenta colorant layer coating liquid, and a cyan colorant layer coating liquid having the following compositions were coated on the dye primer layer in face-sequential order, respectively, to form a yellow colorant layer, a magenta colorant layer, and a cyan colorant layer, each 0.7 μm thick. In this way, a thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer was obtained.

[0166] <Coating Liquid for Dye Primer Layer> Colloidal alumina (solid content 10.5% by mass) 3.5 parts (Alumina Sol 200, Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.) Vinyl acetate-vinylpyrrolidone copolymer 1.5 parts (PVP / VA E-335, ISP Japan Co., Ltd.) ·Wednesday 47.5 parts 47.5 parts isopropyl alcohol

[0167] <Coating Liquid for Yellow Colorant Layer> Solvent Yellow 93 2.5 parts Disperse Yellow 201 2.5 parts Polyvinyl acetal 4 parts (S-LEC (registered trademark) KS-5, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) Polyethylene wax 0.1 parts 50 parts toluene 50 parts methyl ethyl ketone

[0168] <Coating Liquid for Magenta Colorant Layer> 3 parts Disperse Red 60 3 parts Disperse Violet 26 Polyvinyl acetal 5 parts (S-LEC (registered trademark) KS-5, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) Polyethylene wax 0.1 parts 50 parts toluene 50 parts methyl ethyl ketone

[0169] <Coating Liquid for Cyan Colorant Layer> 3 parts Solvent Blue 63 Disperse Blue 354 4 parts Polyvinyl acetal 5 parts (S-LEC (registered trademark) KS-5, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) Polyethylene wax 0.1 parts 50 parts toluene 50 parts methyl ethyl ketone

[0170] [Formation of Thermal Transfer Image] The thermal transfer sheet having the colorant layer prepared above was combined with the intermediate transfer medium prepared above, and a gray image (image gradation: 128 / 256) was formed on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium using the printer described below.

[0171] (Printer) Thermal head: KEE-57-12GAN2-STA (Kyocera Corporation) Heating element average resistance: 3303 (Ω) Print density in the main scanning direction: 300 (dpi) Sub-scanning direction print density: 300 (dpi) Line period: 3.0 (msec. / line) Printing start temperature: 35(℃) Pulse duty ratio: 85(%) Printing voltage: 18.0 (V)

[0172] [Transfer of First Transfer Layer of Thermal Transfer Sheet to Intermediate Transfer Medium: Primary Transfer] Using the printer, energy of 100 / 255 gradation (energy gradation) was applied to the thermal transfer sheets of the Examples and Comparative Examples, and the first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheets of the Examples and Comparative Examples was transferred onto the second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the gray image was formed, thereby obtaining a primary transfer product. The primary transferability at this time was evaluated based on the following criteria.

[0173] A: Transfer is possible without any transfer chipping or peeling noise. B: There is slight transfer defect at the dot level or there is a peeling sound. NG: Missing transfer occurs.

[0174] [Manufacture of Decorative Article: Secondary Transfer] Using a laminator (THS330, Meiko Shokai Co., Ltd.), the second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium in the primary transfer product and the first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet transferred onto the second transfer layer were transferred onto the following transfer recipient under transfer conditions of a transfer temperature of 140°C and a transfer speed of 60 mm / sec. That is, the second transfer layer on which an image of the intermediate transfer medium was formed was transferred onto the transfer recipient via the first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the Examples and Comparative Examples, to obtain a decorated product as a secondary transfer product. The secondary transferability at this time was evaluated based on the following criteria.

[0175] A: The image can be transferred without any missing parts. NG: Missing transfer occurs.

[0176] The following recipients were used: Glass plate: Large slide glass S9224, Matsunami Glass Industry Co., Ltd. Aluminum plate: Aluminum plate, Hikari Co., Ltd. ·Copper plate: Copper plate, Hikari Co., Ltd. SUS plate: Stainless steel plate, Hikari Co., Ltd. PE resin board: Polyethylene board, AS ONE Corporation PP resin board: PP craft sheet, Acri Sunday Co., Ltd. EVA resin sheet: Light Eva Sheet, Light Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Meth)acrylic resin sheet: Acrysunde EX Transparent, Acrysunde Co., Ltd. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin sheet: Sunday Sheet White, Acri Sunday Co., Ltd. Polycarbonate (PC) resin plate: Carboglass, Acrysunde Co., Ltd. PET resin plate: Sunday PET transparent, Acrysunde Co., Ltd. ABS resin board: ABS resin board, AS ONE Corporation

[0177] [Adhesion Test] A tape (Scotch (registered trademark) Tape BK-24, 3M) was applied to the surface of the decorated article obtained above (the surface of the second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium), and a 90° peel test was performed. Specifically, the tape was abruptly peeled off from the decorated article at a 90° angle, and the state of the first transfer layer and the second transfer layer was confirmed, and the adhesion was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria.

[0178] A: The transfer layer does not peel off. NG: The transfer layer peels off.

[0179] [Storage Property Evaluation] The thermal transfer sheets of the Examples and Comparative Examples were cut into 10 cm x 10 cm pieces to obtain test pieces. The test pieces and a 5.0 μm thick PET film were superimposed so that the first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet and the PET film were in contact with each other. Next, a constant load compression tester (Toyo Seiki Seisakusho, Ltd.) was used to apply a pressure of 1.96 MPa (20 kg / cm) to the test pieces superimposed on the PET film. 2 ) and stored in a dry environment at 50°C for 100 hours. After storage, the occurrence of blocking was visually confirmed, and the storage stability was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria.

[0180] A: No blocking has occurred. B: There is a little sticking, but it is within the range that does not cause any problems in use. NG: There is a lot of sticking, which causes problems in use.

[0181] In the evaluation columns of Tables 1 and 2, the diagonal lines indicate that the evaluation of the primary transfer or secondary transfer was NG and therefore the evaluation was not carried out.

[0182] [Table 1]

[0183] [Table 2] [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 1. Thermal transfer sheet 10... First substrate layer 20 First transfer layer 22...Adhesive layer 24. Anti-blocking layer 30...Release layer 40...Back layer 100···Intermediate transfer medium 110... Second substrate layer 120...Second transfer layer 122...Receptor layer 124....Peeling layer 150 Decorative body 200 Primary transfer or decorative sheet 300...Adherent (transferred object, molded object) 400 Secondary transfer or decorative item

Claims

1. A thermal transfer sheet including a first substrate layer, a release layer, and a first transfer layer in this order in a thickness direction, the first transfer layer comprises an adhesive layer; the adhesive layer contains an ethylene polymer having a melting point (Tm) of 60°C or more and 140°C or less, and the adhesive layer constitutes a surface of the first transfer layer facing the first base material layer, the release layer contains a styrene-based polymer; Thermal transfer sheet.

2. The thermal transfer sheet according to claim 1 , wherein the ethylene polymer is an acid-modified ethylene polymer.

3. 3. The thermal transfer sheet according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the release layer is 0.2 [mu]m or more and 3.5 [mu]m or less.

4. the first transfer layer further comprises an anti-blocking layer; the anti-blocking layer constitutes a surface of the first transfer layer opposite to the first substrate layer; The thermal transfer sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The thermal transfer sheet according to claim 4 , wherein the anti-blocking layer contains a resin material having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 55° C. or higher.

6. A combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium, The thermal transfer sheet is the thermal transfer sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the intermediate transfer medium comprises a second substrate layer and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer; A combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium.

7. A method for manufacturing a decorative product, A preparation step of preparing the thermal transfer sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a decorative body, and an adherend; a transfer step of transferring a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer provided on the thermal transfer sheet onto the decorated body to obtain a transferred object including the decorated body and the first transfer layer including the adhesive layer; an integration step of integrating a part or all of the decorative body with the adherend via the first transfer layer so that the adhesive layer of the transfer object contacts the adherend; A method for manufacturing a decorated product, comprising:

8. In the preparation step, the decorative body is an intermediate transfer medium including a second base material layer and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer on which a thermal transfer image is formed, the transfer step is a primary transfer step in which a first transfer layer including an adhesive layer provided on the thermal transfer sheet is transferred onto a second transfer layer provided on the intermediate transfer medium to obtain a primary transfer product including the intermediate transfer medium and the first transfer layer; the integrating step is a secondary transfer step in which the second transfer layer of the primary transfer product is transferred onto the adherend together with the first transfer layer to obtain a decorated product that is a secondary transfer product; A method for manufacturing the decorative product according to claim 7.

9. The method for manufacturing a decorated product according to claim 8 , wherein the preparation step includes preparing an intermediate transfer medium including a second substrate layer and a second transfer layer including a receiving layer, and forming a thermal transfer image on the receiving layer.

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