Intermediate transfer medium, set, printed matter, and method for manufacturing printed matter

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an intermediate transfer medium or the like that is excellent in transferability at low temperatures, blocking resistance, and peel resistance. [Solution] An intermediate transfer medium comprising a substrate and a transfer layer having a receiving layer, wherein the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 at 105°C is 0.40 or more and 0.68 or less, and the logarithmic decrement ΔE2 at 60°C is 0.08 or more and 0.20 or less, as determined by rigid pendulum measurement of the receiving layer surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intermediate transfer medium, a set, a print, and a method for manufacturing the print. [Background technology]

[0002] Various thermal transfer recording methods have been known in the past, including a method in which a thermal transfer sheet containing a colorant is superimposed on an intermediate transfer medium, the thermal transfer sheet is heated to form an image on a receptor layer in a transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium, and the transfer layer is then transferred to a transfer recipient to form a print.

[0003] In such thermal transfer recording methods, the transfer of the transfer layer to the transfer receiving material is typically performed at a high temperature of around 170°C. However, depending on the type of transfer receiving material, this high temperature can cause warping in the resulting print. Therefore, efforts have been made to transfer the transfer layer to the transfer receiving material by heating at a lower temperature. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that transfer at a lower temperature is possible by specifying the logarithmic decay rate of the receptor layer of the intermediate transfer medium, which is determined by rigid pendulum measurement at 70°C. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 117905 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, a transfer layer transferred at low temperatures tends to cause blocking when multiple prints are stacked on top of each other. On the other hand, if the adhesion between the transfer layer transferred at low temperatures and the transfer target is insufficient, the transfer layer tends to peel off from the print. Therefore, an intermediate transfer medium is desired to have high resistance to blocking and peeling in addition to low-temperature transferability.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an intermediate transfer medium that has excellent transferability, blocking resistance, and peel resistance at low temperatures, a set of the intermediate transfer medium and a thermal transfer sheet, and a printed matter using the intermediate transfer medium and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems, and as a result, have found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by adjusting the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 at 105°C and the logarithmic decrement ΔE2 at 60°C, which are determined by rigid pendulum measurement of the receiving layer surface.

[0008] That is, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. [1] a substrate and a transfer layer having a receiving layer; the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 at 105°C is 0.40 or more and 0.68 or less, and the logarithmic decrement ΔE2 at 60°C is 0.08 or more and 0.20 or less, as determined by rigid pendulum measurement of the receiving layer surface; Intermediate transfer medium. [2] a ratio ΔE1 / ΔE2 of the logarithmic attenuation rate ΔE1 to the logarithmic attenuation rate ΔE2 is 2.0 or more and 10 or less; [1] The intermediate transfer medium. [3] the receiving layer comprises a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer and a polyester; [1] or [2]. The intermediate transfer medium. [4] The polyester includes an amorphous polyester. [3] The intermediate transfer medium according to [3]. [5] The receiving layer comprises an organic filler. The intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to [4]. [6] The organic filler comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. [5] The intermediate transfer medium according to [5]. [7] The median diameter of the organic filler is 1.0 μm or more and 15 μm or less. [5] or [6]. The intermediate transfer medium. [8] The content of the organic filler in the receiving layer is 1 part by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of resin in the receiving layer. The intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [5] to [7]. [9] The minimum transferable temperature of the transfer layer is 110°C or less. The intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to [8].

[10] a thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer; [1] to [9], and the intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to [9]. set.

[11] A transfer object; a transfer layer transferred from the intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to [9] and disposed on the transferee; the transfer layer has an image-formed receptor layer; Prints.

[12] an image forming step of forming an image on the receptor layer of the intermediate transfer medium according to any one of [1] to [9]; a transfer step of transferring the transfer layer having the receiving layer on which the image has been formed from the intermediate transfer medium onto a transfer-receiving body using a heat roller; Method for producing printed matter.

[13] The set temperature of the heat roller in the transfer step is 80°C or higher and 160°C or lower.

[12] A method for producing a printed matter according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an intermediate transfer medium having excellent transferability, blocking resistance, and peel resistance at low temperatures, a set of the intermediate transfer medium and a thermal transfer sheet, and a printed matter using the intermediate transfer medium and a method for manufacturing the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of an intermediate transfer medium according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of an intermediate transfer medium according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of an intermediate transfer medium according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of an intermediate transfer medium according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a thermal transfer recording method using an intermediate transfer medium of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a rigid pendulum physical property testing machine. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a thermal transfer sheet of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a print product according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining evaluation of examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as necessary, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit thereof. In the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right will be based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0012] 1. Intermediate transfer medium The intermediate transfer medium of this embodiment comprises a substrate and a transfer layer having a receiving layer, and the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 at 105°C determined by rigid pendulum measurement of the receiving layer surface is 0.40 or more and 0.68 or less, and the logarithmic decrement ΔE2 at 60°C is 0.08 or more and 0.20 or less.

[0013] 1 to 4 are schematic cross-sectional views showing one embodiment of the intermediate transfer medium of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, intermediate transfer medium 10 includes substrate 11 and transfer layer 12 having receiving layer 13. Here, transfer layer 12 is a layer that is transferred from intermediate transfer medium 10 to a transfer recipient during the production of a printed matter, and substrate 11 is a support layer that remains without being transferred. Furthermore, receiving layer 13 is a layer provided on the outermost surface of transfer layer 12, and in addition to receiving the colorant from the thermal transfer sheet, it is also a layer that comes into direct contact with the surface of the transfer recipient during the production of a printed matter.

[0014] 1, the transfer layer 12 and the receiving layer 13 are shown as a single layer, but the transfer layer 12 may be multi-layered. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the transfer layer 12 may have a release layer 14 between the substrate 11 and the receiving layer 13. This makes it possible to adjust the ease of peeling at the interface between the release layer 14 and the substrate 11.

[0015] 3, the transfer layer 12 may have a protective layer 15 between the substrate 11 and the receiving layer 13. When the transfer layer 12 is transferred to the receiving material, the protective layer 15 side becomes the exposed surface of the print. Therefore, by having the intermediate transfer medium 10 have the protective layer 15, it is possible to improve the abrasion resistance of the receiving layer 13.

[0016] When the transfer layer 12 has both the release layer 14 and the protective layer 15, the transfer layer 12 may have the release layer 14, the protective layer 15, and the receiving layer 13 in this order from the substrate 11 side in the stacking direction, as shown in Fig. 4. The stacking direction means the direction in which each layer is stacked.

[0017] An example of a thermal transfer recording method will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In the thermal transfer recording method shown in FIG. 5, the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium 10 transported by transport roller P2 is brought into contact with a card M, which is an example of a transfer recipient, and is pressed against the card M from the substrate side using a heating and pressurizing means such as a heat roller H, thereby transferring the transfer layer to the card M. Thereafter, the intermediate transfer medium 10 is transported in the Y direction using a peeling roller P1, thereby separating the intermediate transfer medium 10 from the card M. The temperature of the transfer layer and the transfer recipient from heating to peeling changes as follows: the temperature is high immediately below the heat roller H, but as the intermediate transfer medium 10 and card M are transported, the temperature drops sharply when the intermediate transfer medium 10 moves out of the vicinity of the heat roller H. The temperature then drops further when peeling is performed by peeling rollers P1 and P2. As an example, when a heat roller H having a temperature of about 130 to 150°C is used, the temperature of the transfer layer and the transfer object directly below the heat roller H will be about 105°C, and when the intermediate transfer medium 10 is peeled off from the transfer object, the temperature of the transfer layer and the transfer object may drop to about 60°C.

[0018] Considering the temperature behavior during transfer and peeling due to the close contact between the transfer layer and the receiver, the intermediate transfer medium of this embodiment specifies the logarithmic decay rate ΔE1 at 105°C and the logarithmic decay rate ΔE2 at 60°C, determined by rigid pendulum measurement of the receiver layer surface. The logarithmic decay rates specified in this manner can reflect the properties of not only the receiver layer but also the laminated structure of the receiver layer and other layers, such as the transfer layer and substrate, located below the receiver layer. Specifying this logarithmic decay rate ΔE1 can indicate the properties of the receiver layer in the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium when it is heated while pressed against the receiver. Specifying the logarithmic decay rate ΔE2 can indicate the properties of the receiver layer when the print is cooled after the transfer layer has been transferred to the receiver.

[0019] Specifically, the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 at 105°C is 0.40 or more and 0.68 or less, and preferably 0.40 or more, 0.41 or more, 0.42 or more, 0.43 or more, 0.44 or more, 0.45 or more, 0.46 or more, 0.47 or more, 0.48 or more, 0.49 or more, 0.50 or more, 0.51 or more, or 0.52 or more. Furthermore, the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 at 105°C may be preferably 0.68 or less, 0.67 or less, 0.66 or less, 0.65 or less, 0.64 or less, 0.63 or less, 0.62 or less, 0.61 or less, or 0.60 or less. Furthermore, the logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE1 at 105° C. may be determined by combining any one of the plurality of lower limit candidate values ​​described above with any one of the plurality of upper limit candidate values ​​described above. Specifically, the logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE1 at 105° C. may be preferably 0.43 to 0.66, 0.46 to 0.64, 0.49 to 0.62, or 0.52 to 0.60.

[0020] A logarithmic decrement ΔE1 of 0.40 or more improves the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer. It is believed that one of the factors that improves the transferability of the transfer layer is that the receiving layer softens when heated, making it easier to peel off from the substrate of the intermediate transfer medium and adhere to the receiving object. It is also believed that a moderately soft receiving layer allows the receiving layer to conform to the shape of the fine irregularities on the surface of the receiving object, making it easier to adhere to the receiving object, which is one of the factors that improves the peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0021] Furthermore, the peel resistance of the transfer layer is improved by having a logarithmic decrement ΔE1 of 0.68 or less. One of the reasons for this is thought to be that the receiving layer becomes moderately hard when heated, making it easier to apply uniform pressure to the entire receiving layer when pressing it against the receiving body, allowing the entire receiving layer to adhere more uniformly to the receiving body.

[0022] The logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE2 at 60°C may be 0.08 or more and 0.20 or less, preferably 0.08 or more, 0.09 or more, 0.10 or more, 0.11 or more, 0.12 or more, 0.13 or more, or 0.14 or more. The logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE2 at 60°C may be 0.20 or less, 0.19 or less, 0.18 or less, or 0.17 or less. Furthermore, the logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE2 at 60°C may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE2 at 60°C may be 0.10 or more and 0.19 or less, 0.12 or more and 0.18 or less, or 0.14 or more and 0.17 or less.

[0023] A logarithmic decrement ΔE2 of 0.08 or greater improves the blocking resistance of printed matter. One of the reasons for this is thought to be that, because the receiving layer is moderately soft at low temperatures, when printed matter is placed on top of another, the contact area between the receiving layer of one printed matter and the object to which the other printed matter is transferred is reduced, preventing the printed matter from coming into excessive contact with each other.

[0024] Furthermore, a logarithmic decrement ΔE2 of 0.20 or less improves the blocking resistance of the printed matter and the peeling resistance of the transfer layer. In this case, the receiving layer is moderately hard at low temperatures, which prevents the receiving layer of one printed matter from excessively adhering to the transfer target of the other printed matter when the printed matters are superimposed on each other. This is presumably one of the factors that improves the blocking resistance of the printed matter. Furthermore, the receiving layer is moderately hard at low temperatures, which makes it less likely to deform under external forces such as tension or peeling, which is presumably one of the factors that improves the peeling resistance of the transfer layer.

[0025] A receiving layer that has an appropriate hardness at 60° C. also has an appropriate hardness in an environment at about room temperature. In other words, the intermediate transfer medium of this embodiment, which specifies the logarithmic decrement ΔE2, can be said to have excellent blocking resistance of the printed matter and excellent peel resistance of the transfer layer even in an environment at about room temperature.

[0026] Furthermore, when the logarithmic decay rate ΔE2 is within the above range, the transfer layer having a receiving layer tends to have excellent tear-off properties. By improving the tear-off properties of the transfer layer having a receiving layer, the transfer layer having a receiving layer can be accurately torn off at the edge of the transfer medium when peeling the intermediate transfer medium from the transfer medium. Specifically, when the logarithmic decay rate ΔE2 is 0.08 or more, the receiving layer becomes appropriately soft during peeling, making it easier for the transfer layer having a receiving layer to be torn off. Furthermore, when the logarithmic decay rate ΔE2 is 0.20 or less, the receiving layer becomes appropriately hard during peeling, making it less likely for the receiving layer to stretch and then tear when the transfer layer having a receiving layer is to be torn off, i.e., the occurrence of tailing is suppressed. In this disclosure, the tear-off properties of the transfer layer refer to the degree to which tailing is suppressed when the transfer layer is transferred to the transfer medium. Good tear-off properties mean that tailing can be suppressed. In addition, in this disclosure, tailing refers to a phenomenon in which, when a transfer layer is transferred to a transferee, the transfer layer is transferred so that it extends beyond the boundary between the transfer area and the transferee area of ​​the transfer layer and extends into the transferee area.

[0027] The ratio ΔE1 / ΔE2 of the logarithmic decay rate ΔE1 to the logarithmic decay rate ΔE2 is preferably 2.0 or more, 2.1 or more, 2.2 or more, 2.3 or more, 2.4 or more, 2.5 or more, 2.6 or more, 2.7 or more, 2.8 or more, 2.9 or more, or may be 3.0 or more. Also, ΔE1 / ΔE2 may be preferably 10.0 or less, 9.5 or less, 9.0 or less, 8.5 or less, 8.0 or less, 7.5 or less, 7.0 or less, 6.5 or less, or 6.0 or less. Furthermore, ΔE1 / ΔE2 may be determined by combining any one of the plurality of lower limit candidate values ​​described above with any one of the plurality of upper limit candidate values ​​described above. Specifically, ΔE1 / ΔE2 is preferably from 2.0 to 10.0, or from 2.5 to 8.0, or from 3.0 to 6.0. When the ratio ΔE1 / ΔE2 is within the above range, the blocking resistance of the printed matter tends to be further improved, and the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer tend to be further improved.

[0028] The logarithmic decrement ΔE1 can be adjusted by controlling the composition of the receiving layer. For example, the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 tends to be increased by lowering the glass transition temperature Tg of the resin contained in the receiving layer. Furthermore, the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 tends to be increased by using an organic filler with a low melting point that may be contained in the receiving layer. Furthermore, the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 tends to be increased by using polyester as the material for the receiving layer. Furthermore, the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 may be adjusted by controlling the composition of other layers in the transfer layer.

[0029] The logarithmic decrement ΔE2 can be adjusted by controlling the composition of the receiving layer. For example, increasing the content of an organic filler that may be contained in the receiving layer tends to increase the logarithmic decrement ΔE2. Lowering the glass transition temperature Tg of the resin contained in the receiving layer also tends to increase the logarithmic decrement ΔE2. Using polyester as the material for the receiving layer also tends to increase the logarithmic decrement ΔE2. The logarithmic decrement ΔE2 may also be adjusted by controlling the composition of other layers in the transfer layer.

[0030] The logarithmic decay rates ΔE1 and ΔE2 are measured by rigid pendulum measurement on the receiving layer surface. Specifically, they are measured as follows.

[0031] First, the intermediate transfer medium was cut into a size of 15 mm wide x 50 mm long to prepare the test sample 10. Next, as shown in FIG. 6, a rigid pendulum physical property tester A was prepared, which included a test sample temperature adjustment table B, a cylindrical cylinder C, a pendulum frame D equipped with a sensitivity adjustment weight F, and a vibration displacement detector E. The arrow in FIG. 6 indicates the swing direction of the pendulum frame D, which is parallel to the length of the fixed test sample 10. The test sample 10 was fixed on the test sample temperature adjustment table B with Kapton tape attached to a location that would not affect the measurement results, with the receptive layer facing upward, and a temperature sensor was placed on the test sample 10. Next, the test sample temperature adjustment table B was heated from 30°C to 150°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min, and the logarithmic decrement ΔE was measured.

[0032] Specifically, the logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE1 when the temperature of the receiving layer of test sample 10 reaches 60°C and the logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE2 when the temperature of the receiving layer reaches 105°C are used. The test sample measured once is not reused, but a different test sample is used to measure three times, and the average value is taken as the logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE (ΔE=[ln(A1 / A2)+ln(A2 / A3)+···ln(An / An+1)] / n, where A is amplitude, n is wavenumber, and initial amplitude A1 is approximately 0.3 degrees). Here, ln represents the natural logarithm.

[0033] An example of the rigid pendulum physical property tester A is RPT-3000W (trade name) manufactured by A&D Co., Ltd.

[0034] In this embodiment, 105°C is used as a reference value for the temperature of the receiving layer when transferring the transfer layer having an image-recorded receiving layer to a transferee. 105°C is an example of a temperature that can be achieved by heating at a lower temperature than conventionally, and does not mean that the use of the intermediate transfer medium is limited to recording methods in which heating is performed to bring the receiving layer to about 105°C.

[0035] In this embodiment, 60° C. is used as a reference value for the temperature when peeling the intermediate transfer medium from the transfer receiving body. 60° C. is an example of the temperature at the time of peeling when recording is performed by heating at a temperature lower than conventionally, and does not mean that the use of the intermediate transfer medium is limited to recording methods in which heating is performed to bring the receiving layer to about 60° C. at the time of peeling.

[0036] 1.1. Base material The substrate 11 may be a film containing a resin (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "resin film"). Examples of resins include, but are not limited to, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), 1,4-polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate, and terephthalic acid-cyclohexanedimethanol-ethylene glycol copolymer; polyamides such as nylon 6 and nylon 6,6; polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polymethylpentene; polyvinyls such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl butyral, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); poly(meth)acrylates such as poly(meth)acrylate and polymethyl methacrylate; polyimides such as polyimide and polyetherimide; celluloses such as cellophane, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB); polystyrene (PS); polycarbonate; and ionomers. The resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0037] Among the above resins, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate are preferred from the viewpoint of improving heat resistance and mechanical strength, with polyethylene terephthalate being particularly preferred.

[0038] In this embodiment, "(meth)acrylic" includes both "acrylic" and "methacrylic", and "(meth)acrylate" includes both "acrylate" and "methacrylate".

[0039] The resin content in the substrate 11 may be, relative to the total amount of the substrate 11, preferably 80% by mass or more, 82% by mass or more, 84% by mass or more, 86% by mass or more, 88% by mass or more, or 90% by mass or more. The resin content in the substrate 11 may be, relative to the total amount of the substrate 11, preferably 100% by mass or less, 99% by mass or less, 98% by mass or less, 97% by mass or less, 96% by mass or less, or 95% by mass or less. Furthermore, the resin content in the substrate 11 may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the resin content in the substrate 11 may be, relative to the total amount of the substrate 11, preferably 80% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, or 90% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less. This tends to improve the mechanical strength of the substrate 11.

[0040] The substrate 11 may be a laminate of a plurality of resin films. The laminate of resin films can be produced by using, for example, a dry lamination method, a wet lamination method, an extrusion method, or the like.

[0041] The resin film may be a stretched film or an unstretched film. From the viewpoint of improving mechanical strength, the resin film is preferably a stretched film that is uniaxially or biaxially stretched.

[0042] The thickness of the substrate 11 is preferably 1 μm or more, 2 μm or more, 3 μm or more, 4 μm or more, 5 μm or more, or may be 6 μm or more. The thickness of the substrate 11 is preferably 50 μm or less, 45 μm or less, 40 μm or less, 35 μm or less, 30 μm or less, or 25 μm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the substrate 11 may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the thickness of the substrate 11 is preferably 1 μm or more and 50 μm or less, or may be 6 μm or more and 25 μm or less. This improves the mechanical strength of the substrate 11 and the transfer of thermal energy during thermal transfer.

[0043] 1.2.Transfer layer The transfer layer 12 is a layer that is transferred from the intermediate transfer medium 10 to a transferee during the production of a print, which will be described later. The transfer layer 12 may have one or more receiving layers 13, or may have a release layer 14 and / or a protective layer 15 in addition to the receiving layer 13.

[0044] The minimum transferable temperature of the transfer layer 12 is preferably 110°C or lower. The minimum transferable temperature means the minimum temperature at which the transfer ratio (area ratio) is 95% when the transfer layer is transferred to the entire surface of a polyvinyl chloride resin card (85mm x 54mm) as the transfer recipient. The transfer here is performed at a transfer speed of 1.1 inches / second.

[0045] The thickness of the transfer layer 12 is preferably 2.5 μm or more, 2.6 μm or more, 2.7 μm or more, 2.8 μm or more, 2.9 μm or more, or even 3.0 μm or more. The thickness of the transfer layer 12 is preferably 10.0 μm or less, 9.5 μm or less, 9.0 μm or less, 8.5 μm or less, 8.0 μm or less, or 7.5 μm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the transfer layer 12 may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the thickness of the transfer layer 12 is preferably 2.5 μm or more and 10.0 μm or less, or 3.0 μm or more and 7.5 μm or less. This tends to further improve the peel resistance of the transfer layer 12.

[0046] 1.2.1. Receptor layer The receiving layer 13 receives a coloring material from a thermal transfer sheet, which will be described later, thereby recording an image on the receiving layer 13. The receiving layer 13 is a layer provided on the outermost surface of the transfer layer 12.

[0047] The receiving layer 13 preferably contains a resin. Examples of resins include vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyester, polyolefin, polyvinyl, poly(meth)acrylate, polyimide, cellulose, polystyrene, and ionomer. Among these, from the viewpoint of improving the blocking resistance of the printed matter and improving the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer and polyester are preferred, and it is more preferred that the receiving layer 13 contains both vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer and polyester. Note that the resins that can be contained in the receiving layer 13 may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0048] The resin content in receiving layer 13 may be preferably 80.0 mass% or more, 81.0 mass% or more, 82.0 mass% or more, 83.0 mass% or more, 84.0 mass% or more, or 85.0 mass% or more, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13. The resin content in receiving layer 13 may be preferably 99.5 mass% or less, 99.4 mass% or less, 99.3 mass% or less, 99.2 mass% or less, 99.1 mass% or less, or 99.0 mass% or less, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13. Furthermore, the resin content in receiving layer 13 may be determined by a combination of any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​and any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the resin content in the receiving layer 13 is preferably 80.0% by mass or more and 99.5% by mass or less, and may be 85.0% by mass or more and 99.0% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the receiving layer 13. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0049] The thickness of the receiving layer 13 is preferably 0.5 μm or more, 0.6 μm or more, 0.7 μm or more, 0.8 μm or more, 0.9 μm or more, or 1.0 μm or more. The thickness of the receiving layer 13 is preferably 20.0 μm or less, 18.0 μm or less, 16.0 μm or less, 14.0 μm or less, 12.0 μm or less, or 10.0 μm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the receiving layer 13 may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the thickness of the receiving layer 13 is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 20.0 μm or less, or 1.0 μm or more and 10.0 μm or less. This can improve the density of the image formed on the receiving layer 13, and tends to further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer 12.

[0050] 1.2.1.1. Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer The vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer means a copolymer containing at least vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate as monomers, and may be a copolymer of vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, and a compound other than vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate.

[0051] The content of vinyl chloride-derived structural units in the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, relative to the total amount of the copolymer, is preferably 75% by mass or more, 76% by mass or more, 77% by mass or more, 78% by mass or more, 79% by mass or more, 80% by mass or more, 81% by mass or more, 82% by mass or more, 83% by mass or more, 84% by mass or more, or even 85% by mass or more. Furthermore, the content of vinyl chloride-derived structural units in the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, relative to the total amount of the copolymer, is preferably 98% by mass or less, 97% by mass or less, 96% by mass or less, 95% by mass or less, 94% by mass or less, or 93% by mass or less. Furthermore, the content of vinyl chloride-derived structural units in the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of vinyl chloride-derived structural units in the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 75% by mass or more and 98% by mass or less, 80% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, or may be 85% by mass or more and 93% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the copolymer.

[0052] The content of vinyl acetate-derived structural units in the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer may be, relative to the total amount of the copolymer, preferably 2% by mass or more, 3% by mass or more, 4% by mass or more, 5% by mass or more, 6% by mass or more, or 7% by mass or more. The content of vinyl acetate-derived structural units in the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer may be, relative to the total amount of the copolymer, preferably 25% by mass or less, 24% by mass or less, 23% by mass or less, 22% by mass or less, 21% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 19% by mass or less, 18% by mass or less, 17% by mass or less, 16% by mass or less, or 15% by mass or less. Furthermore, the content of vinyl acetate-derived structural units in the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of vinyl acetate-derived structural units in the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 2% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, 5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, or may be 7% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the copolymer.

[0053] Furthermore, the ratio (by mole) of the content of vinyl chloride-derived structural units to the content of vinyl acetate-derived structural units is preferably 5 or more, 6 or more, or even 7 or more. Furthermore, the ratio (by mole) of the content of vinyl chloride-derived structural units to the content of vinyl acetate-derived structural units is preferably 15 or less, 14 or less, or even 13 or less. Furthermore, the ratio (by mole) of the content of vinyl chloride-derived structural units to the content of vinyl acetate-derived structural units may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the ratio (by mole) of the content of vinyl chloride-derived structural units to the content of vinyl acetate-derived structural units is preferably 5 or more and 15 or less, or even 7 or more and 13 or less. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0054] The content of structural units derived from compounds other than vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate in a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 0.0% by mass or more, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.2% by mass or more, 0.3% by mass or more, 0.4% by mass or more, or even 0.5% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the copolymer. Furthermore, the content of structural units derived from compounds other than vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate in a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 10.0% by mass or less, 9.0% by mass or less, 8.0% by mass or less, 7.0% by mass or less, 6.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, 4.0% by mass or less, 3.0% by mass or less, 2.0% by mass or less, or even 1.0% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the copolymer. Furthermore, the content of structural units derived from compounds other than vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate in a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of structural units derived from compounds other than vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate in the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 0% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, or 0% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, or 0% by mass or more and 3% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the copolymer. Alternatively, the content of structural units derived from compounds other than vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate in the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer may be 0% by mass relative to the total amount of the copolymer.

[0055] The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 5,000 or more, 5,500 or more, 6,000 or more, 6,500 or more, 7,000 or more, 7,500 or more, 8,000 or more, 8,500 or more, 9,000 or more, 9,500 or more, or may be 10,000 or more. The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 50,000 or less, 45,000 or less, 40,000 or less, 35,000 or less, or 30,000 or less. Furthermore, the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably from 5,000 to 50,000, or from 7,500 to 40,000, or from 10,000 to 30,000. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the number average molecular weight refers to a value measured by gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene as a standard substance, and is measured by a method in accordance with JIS K 7252-3.

[0057] The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 50°C or higher, 55°C or higher, 60°C or higher, or 65°C or higher. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 90°C or lower, 85°C or lower, or may be 80°C or lower, or 75°C or lower. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 50°C or higher and 90°C or lower, 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower, or 65°C or higher and 75°C or lower. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0058] In this embodiment, the glass transition temperature is measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a temperature rise rate of 10°C / min in accordance with JIS K 7121:2012.

[0059] The degree of polymerization of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 100 or more, 110 or more, 120 or more, 130 or more, 140 or more, or may be 150 or more. The degree of polymerization of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 300 or less, 290 or less, 280 or less, 270 or less, 260 or less, or 250 or less. Furthermore, the degree of polymerization of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the degree of polymerization of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 100 or more and 300 or less, or 150 or more and 250 or less. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0060] In this embodiment, the degree of polymerization is determined by dividing the number average molecular weight by the average molecular weight of the monomers, which is determined by taking a weighted average of the mole fraction and molecular weight of each monomer.

[0061] The content of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13, is preferably 10% by mass or more, 15% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, 25% by mass or more, 30% by mass or more, 35% by mass or more, 40% by mass or more, 45% by mass or more, 50% by mass or more, 55% by mass or more, or may be 60% by mass or more. The content of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13, is preferably 90% by mass or less, 80% by mass or less, 70% by mass or less, 65% by mass or less, 60% by mass or less, 55% by mass or less, 50% by mass or less, 45% by mass or less, 40% by mass or less, or 35% by mass or less. Furthermore, the content of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferably 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, or 15% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, or may be 20% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13.

[0062] This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0063] Polyester The polyester is obtained by copolymerizing a dicarboxylic acid and a diol. The polyester has a structural unit derived from the dicarboxylic acid and a structural unit derived from the diol. The polyester may also have a structural unit derived from a compound other than the dicarboxylic acid and the diol.

[0064] The dicarboxylic acid is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, eicosanedioic acid, pimelic acid, azelaic acid, methylmalonic acid, ethylmalonic acid, adamantanedicarboxylic acid, norbornenedicarboxylic acid, cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, decalindicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, phthalic acid, 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1,5-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1,8-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-diphenyldicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-diphenyletherdicarboxylic acid, 5-sodiumsulfoisophthalic acid, phenylendanedicarboxylic acid, anthracenedicarboxylic acid, phenanthrenedicarboxylic acid, and 9,9'-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)fluorene acid, as well as ester derivatives thereof. The dicarboxylic acid may be used alone or in combination.

[0065] The diol is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, butanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, cyclohexanedimethanol, cyclohexanediethanol, decahydronaphthalenedimethanol, decahydronaphthalenediethanol, norbornanedimethanol, norbornanediethanol, tricyclodecanedimethanol, tricyclodecaneethanol, tetracyclododecanedimethanol, tetracyclododecanediethanol, decalindimethanol, and decalindiethanol. Examples of diols include ethanol, 5-methylol-5-ethyl-2-(1,1-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3-dioxane, cyclohexanediol, bicyclohexyl-4,4'-diol, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxycyclohexylpropane), 2,2-bis(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)cyclohexyl)propane, cyclopentanediol, 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentadiol, 4-cyclopentene-1,3-diol, adamantanediol, paraxylene glycol, bisphenol A, bisphenol S, styrene glycol, trimethylolpropane, and pentaerythritol. The diols may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0066] The polyester may be a crystalline polyester or an amorphous polyester. The crystalline polyester is a resin in which polymer chains are regularly aligned to form a crystalline structure. The amorphous polyester is a resin in which polymer chains are randomly aligned to form an amorphous structure.

[0067] Crystalline polyester refers to polyester that shows a clear melting peak in one of two temperature-raising processes using a differential scanning calorimeter: heating from -100°C to 300°C at 20°C / min, then cooling from 300°C to -100°C at 50°C / min, and then heating from -100°C to 300°C at 20°C / min. Non-crystalline polyester refers to polyester that does not show a clear melting peak in either of the two temperature-raising processes.

[0068] The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the crystalline polyester is preferably 7,500 or more, 8,000 or more, 8,500 or more, 9,000 or more, 9,500 or more, or may be 10,000 or more. The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the crystalline polyester is preferably 35,000 or less, 34,000 or less, 33,000 or less, 32,000 or less, 31,000 or less, 30,000 or less, 29,000 or less, 28,000 or less, 27,000 or less, 26,000 or less, or 25,000 or less. Furthermore, the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the crystalline polyester may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the crystalline polyester is preferably from 7,500 to 35,000, and may be from 10,000 to 25,000. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0069] The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the amorphous polyester is preferably 5,000 or more, 5,500 or more, 6,000 or more, 6,500 or more, 7,000 or more, or even 7,500 or more. The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the amorphous polyester may also be preferably 25,000 or less, 24,000 or less, 23,000 or less, 22,000 or less, 21,000 or less, or 20,000 or less. Furthermore, the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the amorphous polyester may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the amorphous polyester is preferably 5,000 or more and 25,000 or less, or 7,500 or more and 20,000 or less. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0070] The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the crystalline polyester is preferably -50°C or higher, -45°C or higher, -40°C or higher, -35°C or higher, -30°C or higher, -25°C or higher, -20°C or higher, or even -15°C or higher. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the crystalline polyester is preferably 50°C or lower, 45°C or lower, 40°C or lower, 35°C or lower, or 30°C or lower. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the crystalline polyester may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the crystalline polyester is preferably -50°C or higher to 50°C or lower, -40°C or higher to 40°C or lower, -30°C or higher to 30°C or lower, or -15°C or higher to 30°C. This tends to improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer, and also tends to make the image recorded on the transfer-receiving material smoother.

[0071] The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the amorphous polyester is preferably 40°C or higher, 45°C or higher, 50°C or higher, 55°C or higher, or even 60°C or higher. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the amorphous polyester is preferably 100°C or lower, 95°C or lower, 90°C or lower, or 85°C or lower. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the amorphous polyester may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the amorphous polyester is preferably 40°C or higher and 100°C or lower, 50°C or higher and 90°C or lower, or 60°C or higher and 85°C or lower. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer. Furthermore, the image recorded on the transfer-receiving material tends to be smoother.

[0072] The melting point of the crystalline polyester is preferably 80°C or higher, 85°C or higher, 90°C or higher, 95°C or higher, or even 100°C or higher. The melting point of the crystalline polyester is preferably 200°C or lower, 195°C or lower, or 190°C or lower. Furthermore, the melting point of the crystalline polyester may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the melting point of the crystalline polyester is preferably 80°C or higher and 200°C or lower, 90°C or higher and 190°C or lower, or 100°C or higher and 190°C or lower. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer. Furthermore, the image recorded on the transfer-receiving material tends to be smoother. The melting point is a value determined by DSC at a heating rate of 20°C / min in accordance with JIS K 7121:2012.

[0073] The hydroxyl value of the amorphous polyester is preferably 1.0 KOHmg / g or more, 1.5 KOHmg / g or more, or even 2.0 KOHmg / g or more. The hydroxyl value of the amorphous polyester is preferably 10.0 KOHmg / g or less, 9.5 KOHmg / g or less, 9.0 KOHmg / g or less, 8.5 KOHmg / g or less, or even 8.0 KOHmg / g or less. Furthermore, the hydroxyl value of the amorphous polyester may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the hydroxyl value of the amorphous polyester is preferably 1 KOHmg / g or more and 10 KOHmg / g or less, or 2 KOHmg / g or more and 8 KOHmg / g or less. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0074] The acid value of the amorphous polyester is preferably 1.0 KOHmg / g or more, 1.5 KOHmg / g or more, or even 2.0 KOHmg / g or more. The acid value of the amorphous polyester is preferably 10.0 KOHmg / g or less, 9.5 KOHmg / g or less, 9.0 KOHmg / g or less, 8.5 KOHmg / g or less, or even 8.0 KOHmg / g or less. Furthermore, the acid value of the amorphous polyester may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the acid value of the amorphous polyester is preferably 1 KOHmg / g or more and 10 KOHmg / g or less, or 2 KOHmg / g or more and 8 KOHmg / g or less. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0075] The acid value and hydroxyl value are determined in accordance with JIS K 0070-1992.

[0076] The content of the crystalline polyester, relative to the total amount of the receiving layer 13, is preferably 10% by mass or more, 15% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, or even 25% by mass or more. Furthermore, the content of the crystalline polyester, relative to the total amount of the receiving layer 13, is preferably 50% by mass or less, 45% by mass or less, 40% by mass or less, or 35% by mass or less. Furthermore, the content of the crystalline polyester may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of the crystalline polyester, relative to the total amount of the receiving layer 13, is preferably 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, 15% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, 20% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, or 25% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0077] The content of the amorphous polyester, relative to the total amount of the receiving layer 13, is preferably 30% by mass or more, 40% by mass or more, 50% by mass or more, 60% by mass or more, 70% by mass or more, or 80% by mass or more. The content of the amorphous polyester, relative to the total amount of the receiving layer 13, is preferably 100% or less, 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, or 60% or less. Furthermore, the content of the amorphous polyester may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of the amorphous polyester, relative to the total amount of the receiving layer 13, is preferably 30% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, 40% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, or 50% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0078] The total content of polyester, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13, is preferably 10% by mass or more, 15% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, or 25% by mass or more. Furthermore, the total content of polyester, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13, is preferably 95% by mass or less, 90% by mass or less, 85% by mass or less, 80% by mass or less, 75% by mass or less, 70% by mass or less, or 65% by mass or less. Furthermore, the total content of polyester may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the total content of polyester, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13, is preferably 10% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, 15% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less, 20% by mass or more and 75% by mass or less, or 25% by mass or more and 65% by mass or less. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0079] The mass ratio (Wv / Wp) of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer content Wv to the polyester content Wp in receiving layer 13 is preferably 0.10 or more, 0.15 or more, 0.20 or more, 0.25 or more, 0.30 or more, 0.35 or more, or even 0.40 or more. Furthermore, the mass ratio (Wv / Wp) may be preferably 3.00 or less, 2.50 or less, 2.00 or less, or 1.50 or less. Furthermore, the mass ratio (Wv / Wp) may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the mass ratio (Wv / Wp) of the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer content Wv to the polyester content Wp in the receiving layer 13 is preferably from 0.10 to 3.00, from 0.20 to 2.50, from 0.30 to 2.00, or from 0.40 to 1.50. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter, and further improve the transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0080] 1.2.1.3. Other resins Receptor layer 13 may contain a resin other than vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer and polyester. The other resin may be used, for example, to adjust the logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE1 and the logarithmic attenuation factor ΔE2. Resins used for such purposes include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, polyvinyls such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, poly(meth)acrylates, polyimides, cellulose, polystyrene, and ionomers.

[0081] When receiving layer 13 contains other resins, the content of the other resins may be, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13, preferably 1% by mass or more, 2% by mass or more, 3% by mass or more, 4% by mass or more, 5% by mass or more, 6% by mass or more, 7% by mass or more, 8% by mass or more, 9% by mass or more, or 10% by mass or more. When receiving layer 13 contains other resins, the content of the other resins may be, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13, preferably 25% by mass or less, or 24% by mass or less. When receiving layer 13 contains other resins, the content of the other resins may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, when receiving layer 13 contains other resins, the content of the other resins may be, relative to the total amount of receiving layer 13, preferably 1% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, or 10% by mass or more and 24% by mass or less. This tends to more easily achieve the effects of including the other resins.

[0082] Filler Receptor layer 13 may contain a filler. Examples of the filler include inorganic fillers and organic fillers. One type of filler may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0083] The inorganic filler is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include silica, calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, talc, and clay, and among these, silica filler is preferred. When the receiving layer contains an inorganic filler, the mechanical strength of the receiving layer tends to be improved.

[0084] The resin constituting the organic filler is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(meth)acrylate, and polyurethane, and among these, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is preferred. When the receiving layer contains an organic filler, the blocking resistance of the printed matter tends to be further improved, and the peel resistance of the transfer layer tends to be further improved.

[0085] The melting point of the organic filler is preferably 60°C or higher, 65°C or higher, 70°C or higher, 75°C or higher, 80°C or higher, 85°C or higher, or even 90°C or higher. The melting point of the organic filler may also be preferably 140°C or lower, 135°C or lower, 130°C or lower, 125°C or lower, 120°C or lower, 115°C or lower, or 110°C or lower. Furthermore, the melting point of the organic filler may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the melting point of the organic filler may preferably be 60°C or higher and 140°C or lower, 80°C or higher and 120°C or lower, or 90°C or higher and 110°C or lower. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter and further improve the peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0086] The median diameter of the organic filler is preferably 1.0 μm or more, 1.5 μm or more, 2.0 μm or more, 2.5 μm or more, or 3.0 μm or more. The median diameter of the organic filler is preferably 15.0 μm or less, 14.0 μm or less, 13.0 μm or less, 12.0 μm or less, 11.0 μm or less, 10.0 μm or less, or 9.0 μm or less. Furthermore, the median diameter of the organic filler may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the median diameter of the organic filler is preferably 1.0 μm or more and 15.0 μm or less, 2.0 μm or more and 11.0 μm or less, or 3.0 μm or more and 9.0 μm or less. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter and the peel resistance of the transfer layer. Note that the median diameter means the value measured on a volume basis by the laser diffraction / scattering method using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution measuring device.

[0087] The filler content may be, per 100 parts by weight of the resin in receiving layer 13, preferably 0.1 parts by weight or more, 0.2 parts by weight or more, 0.3 parts by weight or more, 0.4 parts by weight or more, 0.5 parts by weight or more, 0.6 parts by weight or more, 0.7 parts by weight or more, 0.8 parts by weight or more, 0.9 parts by weight or more, or 1.0 parts by weight or more. The filler content may be, per 100 parts by weight of the resin in receiving layer 13, preferably 10.0 parts by weight or less, 9.5 parts by weight or less, 9.0 parts by weight or less, 8.5 parts by weight or less, or 8.0 parts by weight or less. Furthermore, the filler content may be determined by combining any one of the plurality of lower limit candidate values ​​described above with any one of the plurality of upper limit candidate values ​​described above. Specifically, the content of the filler is preferably from 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, or from 0.5 to 9 parts by mass, or from 1 to 8 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin in the receiving layer 13. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter and further improve the peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0088] The content of the inorganic filler may be preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more, 0.2 parts by mass or more, 0.3 parts by mass or more, 0.4 parts by mass or more, or 0.5 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the resin of the receiving layer 13. The content of the inorganic filler may be preferably 2.0 parts by mass or less, 1.9 parts by mass or less, 1.8 parts by mass or less, 1.7 parts by mass or less, 1.6 parts by mass or less, or 1.5 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the resin of the receiving layer 13. Furthermore, the content of the inorganic filler may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of the inorganic filler may be preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more and 2.0 parts by mass or less, or 0.5 parts by mass or more and 1.5 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the resin of the receiving layer 13. This tends to improve the mechanical strength of the receiving layer.

[0089] The content of the organic filler is preferably 1 part by mass or more, 2 parts by mass or more, or even 3 parts by mass or more, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin of the receiving layer 13. Furthermore, the content of the organic filler is preferably 10 parts by mass or less, 9 parts by mass or less, or even 8 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin of the receiving layer 13. Furthermore, the content of the organic filler may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of the organic filler is preferably 1 part by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less, 2 parts by mass or more and 9 parts by mass or less, or even 3 parts by mass or more and 8 parts by mass or less, relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin of the receiving layer 13. This tends to further improve the blocking resistance of the printed matter and further improve the peel resistance of the transfer layer.

[0090] 1.2.1.5. Release agents The receiving layer 13 may contain a release agent. When the receiving layer 13 contains a release agent, the releasability of the thermal transfer sheet tends to be improved.

[0091] The release agent is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include fluorine compounds, phosphate ester compounds, silicone oils, higher fatty acid amide compounds, metal soaps, and waxes such as polyethylene wax and paraffin wax. Among these, silicone oils are preferred from the viewpoint of improving the release properties. As the release agent, one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0092] The silicone oil is not particularly limited, but examples thereof 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. Among these, modified silicone oils are preferred from the viewpoint of improving releasability.

[0093] The content of the release agent is preferably 1 part by mass or more, 2 parts by mass or more, or even 3 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the resin of the receiving layer 13. The content of the release agent is preferably 10 parts by mass or less, 9 parts by mass or less, or even 8 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the resin of the receiving layer 13. Furthermore, the content of the release agent may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of the release agent is preferably 1 part by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less, or even 3 parts by mass or more and 8 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the resin of the receiving layer 13. This tends to improve the releasability of the thermal transfer sheet.

[0094] 1.2.1.6. Other additives Receiving layer 13 may contain other additives such as an ultraviolet absorber, a dispersant, etc. The content of the other additives relative to 100 parts by mass of the resin of receiving layer 13 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.1 parts by mass or more and 5.0 parts by mass or less.

[0095] 1.2.2.Release layer As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer medium 10 may include a release layer 14 between the substrate 11 and the receiving layer 13 as part of the transfer layer 12. The release layer 14 has appropriate release properties between the substrate 11. This allows the transfer layer 12, which includes the release layer 14 and the receiving layer 13, to be transferred more uniformly to the receiving material during the transfer process. By using such a release layer 14, it is no longer necessary to provide the receiving layer 13 with release properties, and the design freedom of the receiving layer 13 is improved.

[0096] The release layer is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits releasability under the temperature conditions of the transfer step, and may contain a resin or wax.

[0097] The resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, polyvinyl such as vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, poly(meth)acrylate, polyimide, cellulose, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and ionomer. The resin contained in the release layer may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0098] The resin content, relative to the total amount of the release layer, is preferably 60% by mass or more, 65% by mass or more, or may be 70% by mass or more. Furthermore, the resin content, relative to the total amount of the release layer, may be preferably 99% by mass or less, 98% by mass or less, 97% by mass or less, 96% by mass or less, or 95% by mass or less. Furthermore, the resin content may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the resin content, relative to the total amount of the release layer, may be preferably 60% by mass or more and 99% by mass or less, or may be 70% by mass or more and 99% by mass or less.

[0099] The wax is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, paraffin wax, fluorine-based wax, and ester-based wax.

[0100] The wax content, relative to the total amount of the release layer, is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, 0.2% by mass or more, 0.3% by mass or more, 0.4% by mass or more, or 0.5% by mass or more. The wax content, relative to the total amount of the release layer, is preferably 3.0% by mass or less, 2.9% by mass or less, 2.8% by mass or less, 2.7% by mass or less, 2.6% by mass or less, 2.5% by mass or less, 2.4% by mass or less, 2.3% by mass or less, 2.2% by mass or less, 2.1% by mass or less, or 2.0% by mass or less. Furthermore, the wax content may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the wax content, relative to the total amount of the release layer, is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 3.0% by mass or less, or 0.5% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less.

[0101] The release layer may contain other additives in addition to the resin and wax. Examples of the other additives include those exemplified for the receiving layer. The content of the other additives relative to the total amount of the release layer is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less.

[0102] The thickness of the release layer 14 is preferably 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, or may be 0.3 μm or more. The thickness of the release layer 14 is preferably 5.0 μm or less, 4.5 μm or less, or may be 4.0 μm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the release layer 14 may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the thickness of the release layer 14 is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, or may be 0.3 μm or more and 4.0 μm or less. This tends to improve the releasability of the release layer 14.

[0103] 1.2.3.Protective layer As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate transfer medium 10 may include a protective layer 15 between the substrate 11 and the receiving layer 13 as part of the transfer layer 12. Furthermore, when the intermediate transfer medium 10 further includes a release layer 14, the release layer 14 may be provided between the protective layer 15 and the substrate 11. This makes it possible to obtain a printed matter having the protective layer 15 on the outermost surface. The presence of such a protective layer tends to further improve the abrasion resistance and weather resistance of the printed matter. Furthermore, the protective layer may impart antifouling properties and glossiness.

[0104] The protective layer 15 may contain a resin. The resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyester, poly(meth)acrylate, epoxy resin, polystyrene polyurethane, and radiation-curable resin. Here, radiation may include ultraviolet rays, electron beams, and other electromagnetic waves. Among these, the resin contained in the protective layer is preferably one with high transparency that does not impede the visibility of the image. The resin contained in the protective layer 15 may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0105] The resin content is preferably 60% by mass or more, 65% by mass or more, or may be 70% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of protective layer 15. The resin content is preferably 100% by mass or less, or may be 99% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of protective layer 15. Furthermore, the resin content may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the resin content is preferably 60% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, or may be 70% by mass or more and 99% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of protective layer 15. This tends to improve the durability of protective layer 15.

[0106] In addition to the resin, protective layer 15 may contain one or more selected from the group consisting of fillers, release agents, and other additives that may be contained in receiving layer 13. The content of the other additives relative to the total amount of protective layer 15 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less.

[0107] The thickness of the protective layer 15 is preferably 0.5 μm or more, 0.6 μm or more, 0.7 μm or more, 0.8 μm or more, 0.9 μm or more, or 1.0 μm or more. The thickness of the protective layer 15 is preferably 7.0 μm or less, 6.5 μm or less, 6.0 μm or less, 5.5 μm or less, or 5.0 μm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the protective layer 15 may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the thickness of the protective layer 15 is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 7.0 μm or less, or 1.0 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less. This tends to improve the durability of the protective layer 15.

[0108] 1.3. Method for manufacturing intermediate transfer medium The manufacturing method of the intermediate transfer medium 10 may include a coating liquid preparation process in which each of the materials for the receiving layer 13 described above is dispersed or dissolved in an organic solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone or toluene to prepare a coating liquid, and a receiving layer formation process in which the coating liquid is applied to a substrate and dried to form a receiving layer.

[0109] Furthermore, when the transfer layer 12 has a multilayer structure, the manufacturing method of the intermediate transfer medium may include, depending on the order of lamination, a release layer forming step of forming the release layer 14 and a protective layer forming step of forming the protective layer 15. In this case, in the receiving layer forming step, the coating liquid is applied onto the previously formed layer.

[0110] In the release layer formation process, each of the materials for the release layer 14 described above may be dispersed or dissolved in an organic solvent to obtain a coating liquid for the release layer, and the coating liquid may be applied to the substrate 11 and dried to form the release layer 14.

[0111] In the protective layer forming process, each of the materials for the protective layer 15 described above may be dispersed or dissolved in an organic solvent to obtain a coating liquid for the protective layer, and the coating liquid may be applied to the substrate 11 or the release layer 14 and dried to form the protective layer 15.

[0112] In the step of forming each layer, the coating method is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include roll coating, reverse roll coating, gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, bar coating, and rod coating.

[0113] 2. Thermal transfer sheet The set of this embodiment includes a thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer and the intermediate transfer medium described above. Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet of this embodiment.

[0114] 7, the thermal transfer sheet 20 may include a back layer 23, a sheet substrate layer 21, and a color material layer 22 in this order in the stacking direction Z. Alternatively, a plurality of color material layers 22 may be formed in plane sequence along the in-plane direction X of the thermal transfer sheet 20. In this case, the colors of the color material layers 22 may be different from each other.

[0115] For example, magenta, cyan, yellow, and other colorant layers 22 may be arranged in a repeated order in the longitudinal direction of the thermal transfer sheet 20. This allows the magenta, cyan, yellow, and other colorant layers arranged in order in the in-plane direction to reach the thermal head unit in sequence. This allows each colorant layer to be selectively heated and sublimated, allowing for efficient transfer to the receiving layer. Furthermore, the use of a plane-sequential arrangement makes it possible to perform multiple transfer operations on a single sheet.

[0116] The lamination direction Z here means the direction in which the layers are laminated, and the in-plane direction X means the in-plane direction of the surface of the thermal transfer sheet 20 that is perpendicular to the lamination direction Z.

[0117] Each component of the thermal transfer sheet will be described in detail below.

[0118] 2.1. Sheet substrate layer The sheet substrate layer 21 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a film containing a resin. Examples of resins constituting the sheet substrate layer 21 include the same materials as those exemplified as the substrate of the intermediate transfer medium. The preferred content of resin in the sheet substrate layer 21 is the same as the preferred content of resin in the substrate 11.

[0119] The thickness of the sheet substrate layer 21 is preferably 2 μm or more, and may be 3 μm or more. The thickness of the sheet substrate layer 21 is preferably 25 μm or less, 20 μm or less, 15 μm or less, or 10 μm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the sheet substrate layer 21 may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the thickness of the sheet substrate layer 21 is preferably 2 μm or more and 25 μm or less, and may be 3 μm or more and 10 μm or less. This tends to improve the mechanical strength of the sheet substrate layer 21 and the transfer of thermal energy during thermal transfer.

[0120] 2.2.Color layer Examples of the color material layer 22 include a sublimation transfer color material layer 22a and a melt transfer color material layer 22b. The color material layer may have only the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a, or may have both the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a and the melt transfer color material layer 22b. When the color material layer 22 has both the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a and the melt transfer color material layer 22b, the thermal transfer sheet 20 may have the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a and the melt transfer color material layer 22b in surface order on the sheet base layer 21 along the in-plane direction of the thermal transfer sheet 20.

[0121] The thickness of the colorant layer 22 is preferably 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, or 0.3 μm or more. The thickness of the colorant layer 22 is preferably 5.0 μm or less, 4.5 μm or less, 4.0 μm or less, 3.5 μm or less, 3.0 μm or less, 2.5 μm or less, or 2.0 μm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the colorant layer 22 may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the thickness of the colorant layer 22 is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, or 0.3 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less. This tends to make it easier to form an image on the receiving layer.

[0122] 2.2.1. Sublimation transfer colorant layer The sublimation transfer colorant layer 22a contains a sublimation dye. The sublimation dye is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include diarylmethane dyes, triarylmethane dyes, thiazole dyes, merocyanine dyes, pyrazolone dyes, methine dyes, indoaniline dyes, acetophenoneazomethine dyes, pyrazoloazomethine dyes, xanthene dyes, oxazine dyes, thiazine dyes, azine dyes, acridine dyes, azo dyes, spiropyran dyes, indolinospiropyran dyes, fluoran dyes, naphthoquinone dyes, anthraquinone dyes, and quinophthalone dyes. The sublimation dyes may be used singly or in combination.

[0123] The content of the sublimation dye is preferably 5% by mass or more, and may be 10% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a. The content of the sublimation dye is preferably 80% by mass or less, 75% by mass or less, or may be 70% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a. Furthermore, the content of the sublimation dye may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of the sublimation dye is preferably 5% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, and may be 10% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a. This tends to improve the density of the image formed on the receiving layer.

[0124] The sublimation transfer color material layer 22a may contain a resin and a release agent in addition to the sublimation dye.

[0125] The resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include poly(meth)acrylate, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetal, polyamide, polyester, melamine resin, polyol, cellulose, and silicone resin. One type of resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0126] The resin content, relative to the total amount of the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a, is preferably 15% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, 25% by mass or more, or 30% by mass or more. The resin content, relative to the total amount of the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a, is preferably 75% by mass or less, 70% by mass or less, 65% by mass or less, or 60% by mass or less. The resin content may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the resin content, relative to the total amount of the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a, is preferably 15% by mass or more and 75% by mass or less, or 30% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less. This tends to make it easier to form an image on the receiving layer.

[0127] The release agent is not particularly limited, but for example, the same materials as those detailed in the section on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium may be used.

[0128] The content of the release agent, relative to the total amount of the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a, is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, 0.02% by mass or more, 0.03% by mass or more, 0.04% by mass or more, or 0.05% by mass or more. The content of the release agent, relative to the total amount of the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a, is preferably 3.00% by mass or less, 2.50% by mass or less, or 2.00% by mass or less. Furthermore, the content of the release agent may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of the release agent, relative to the total amount of the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a, is preferably 0.01% by mass or more to 3.00% by mass or less, 0.01% by mass or more to 2.50% by mass or less, or 0.05% by mass or more to 2.00% by mass or less. This tends to improve releasability.

[0129] 2.2.2. Melt transfer colorant layer The melt-transfer colorant layer 22b contains a colorant. The colorant is not particularly limited, but examples include dyes and pigments, such as carbon black, acetylene black, lamp black, black smoke, iron black, aniline black, silica, calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, cadmium red, cadmium phosphate red, chrome red, vermilion, red iron oxide, azo pigments, alizarin lake, quinacridone, cochineal lake perylene, yellow ochre, aureolin, cadmium yellow, cadmium orange, chrome yellow, zinc yellow, Naples yellow, nickel yellow, azo pigments, greenish yellow, ultramarine, rock ultramarine, cobalt, phthalocyanine, anthraquinone, indicoid, cinnabar green, cadmium green, chrome green, phthalocyanine, azomethine, perylene, and aluminum pigments. The colorant may be used alone or in combination.

[0130] The colorant content, relative to the total amount of the melt-transfer colorant layer 22b, is preferably 10% by mass or more, 15% by mass or more, or may be 20% by mass or more. The colorant content, relative to the total amount of the melt-transfer colorant layer 22b, is preferably 60% by mass or less, 55% by mass or less, or may be 50% by mass or less. Furthermore, the colorant content may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the colorant content, relative to the total amount of the melt-transfer colorant layer 22b, is preferably 10% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, or may be 20% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. This tends to improve the density of the image formed on the receiving layer and to prevent unintended peeling of the melt-transfer colorant layer 22b from the sheet substrate layer 21.

[0131] The melt transfer color material layer 22b may contain a resin. The resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, polyvinyl, polyvinyl acetal, poly(meth)acrylate, cellulose, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polybutyral, phenoxy resin, and ionomer. One type of resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0132] The resin content, relative to the total amount of the melt transfer color material layer 22b, is preferably 20% by mass or more, 25% by mass or more, or may be 30% by mass or more. The resin content, relative to the total amount of the melt transfer color material layer 22b, is preferably 75% by mass or less, 70% by mass or less, 65% by mass or less, or may be 60% by mass or less. Furthermore, the resin content may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the resin content, relative to the total amount of the melt transfer color material layer 22b, is preferably 20% by mass or more and 75% by mass or less, or may be 30% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less. This tends to make it easier to form an image on the receiving layer.

[0133] 2.3. Peeling layer When the thermal transfer sheet 20 includes the melt transfer color material layer 22b, the thermal transfer sheet 20 may include a peeling layer between the sheet substrate layer 21 and the melt transfer color material layer 22b. The peeling layer may be formed on one surface of the sheet substrate layer 21 in an area where the sublimation transfer color material layer 22a is not formed. The peeling layer is transferred together with the melt transfer color material layer 22b when the sheet is transferred onto a receiving layer included in the intermediate transfer medium.

[0134] The release layer may contain a resin. The resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, polyvinyl, poly(meth)acrylate, polyimide, cellulose, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and ionomer. One type of resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0135] The resin content is preferably 50% by mass or more, and may be 55% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the peeling layer. The resin content is preferably 99% by mass or less, and may be 95% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the peeling layer. Furthermore, the resin content may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the resin content is preferably 50% by mass or more and 99% by mass or less, and may be 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the peeling layer. This tends to improve the transferability of the melt-transfer colorant layer 22b.

[0136] The thickness of the peeling layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more, 0.2 μm or more, or may be 0.3 μm or more. The thickness of the peeling layer is preferably 3.0 μm or less, 2.5 μm or less, 2.0 μm or less, or 1.5 μm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the peeling layer may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the thickness of the peeling layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 3.0 μm or less, or may be 0.3 μm or more and 1.5 μm or less. This tends to improve the transferability of the melt-transfer colorant layer 22b.

[0137] 2.4.Release layer When the thermal transfer sheet 20 includes the melt transfer color material layer 22b, the thermal transfer sheet 20 may include a release layer between the sheet substrate layer 21 and the melt transfer color material layer 22b. The release layer remains on the sheet substrate layer 21 during transfer onto the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium. When the thermal transfer sheet 20 includes both a release layer and a peel layer, the release layer is provided between the sheet substrate layer 21 and the peel layer.

[0138] The release layer may contain a resin. The resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include poly(meth)acrylate, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetal, polyamide, polyester, melamine resin, polyol, cellulose, and silicone resin. One type of resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0139] The resin content is preferably 50% by mass or more, and may be 55% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the release layer 25. The resin content is preferably 99% by mass or less, and may be 95% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the release layer 25. The resin content may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the resin content is preferably 50% by mass or more and 99% by mass or less, and may be 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the release layer 25. This tends to improve the transferability of the melt transfer colorant layer 22b.

[0140] The release layer may contain a release agent. The release agent may be the same as the material described in detail in the section on the receiving layer. The content of the release agent may be preferably 0.1% by mass or more, 0.2% by mass or more, 0.3% by mass or more, 0.4% by mass or more, or 0.5% by mass or more, based on the total amount of the release layer. The content of the release agent may be preferably 10.0% by mass or less, 9.0% by mass or less, 8.0% by mass or less, 7.0% by mass or less, 6.0% by mass or less, or 5.0% by mass or less, based on the total amount of the release layer. Furthermore, the content of the release agent may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of the release agent may be preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 10.0% by mass or less, or 0.5% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less, based on the total amount of the release layer. This tends to improve the transferability of the melt transfer color material layer 22b.

[0141] The thickness of the release layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more, and may be 0.2 μm or more. The thickness of the release layer is preferably 2.0 μm or less, and may be 1.5 μm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the release layer may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the thickness of the release layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less, and may be 0.2 μm or more and 1.5 μm or less. This tends to improve the transferability of the melt-transfer colorant layer 22b.

[0142] 2.5.Back layer The thermal transfer sheet 20 may have a back layer 23 on the surface of the sheet substrate layer 21 opposite to the surface on which the colorant layer is formed. This tends to prevent the sheet substrate layer 21 from fusing to the thermal head and wrinkling when the thermal transfer sheet 20 is heated to adhere the colorant to the receiving layer. The back layer is also called a heat-resistant slip layer.

[0143] The back layer 23 may contain a resin. The resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyvinyls such as polyvinyl butyral, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, poly(meth)acrylates, polyolefins, polyurethanes, cellulose, and polyphenols. One type of resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0144] The resin content is preferably 15% by mass or more, and may be 20% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. The resin content is preferably 70% by mass or less, and may be 65% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. The resin content may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the resin content is preferably 15% by mass or more, and 70% by mass or less, and may be 20% by mass or more, and 65% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. This tends to suppress adhesion to the thermal head and the occurrence of wrinkles.

[0145] The back layer 23 may contain an isocyanate compound as a cross-linking agent. This tends to improve the releasability of the thermal transfer sheet 20. The isocyanate compound is not particularly limited, but examples include polyisocyanate, xylene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, and hexamethylene diisocyanate. One type of isocyanate compound may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0146] The content of the isocyanate compound is preferably 25% by mass or more, and may be 30% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. The content of the isocyanate compound is preferably 75% by mass or less, and may be 70% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. The content of the isocyanate compound may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of the isocyanate compound is preferably 25% by mass or more and 75% by mass or less, and may be 30% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. This tends to suppress adhesion to the thermal head and the occurrence of wrinkles.

[0147] The back layer 23 may contain a release agent. The release agent may be the same as the material described in detail in the section on the receiving layer. The content of the release agent is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and may be 0.5% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. The content of the release agent is preferably 20.0% by mass or less, and may be 15.0% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. Furthermore, the content of the release agent may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the content of the release agent is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less, and may be 0.5% by mass or more and 15.0% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. This tends to suppress adhesion to the thermal head and the occurrence of wrinkles.

[0148] The back layer 23 may contain a filler. Examples of the filler include, but are not limited to, talc, calcium carbonate, clay, aluminum oxide, and magnesium oxide. One type of filler may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0149] The filler content is preferably 1% by mass or more and may be 2% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. The filler content is preferably 5% by mass or less and may be 4% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. Furthermore, the filler content may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the filler content is preferably 1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, and may be 2% by mass or more and 4% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the back layer 23. This tends to suppress adhesion to the thermal head and the occurrence of wrinkles.

[0150] The thickness of the back layer 23 is preferably 0.1 μm or more, and may be 0.2 μm or more and 0.3 μm or more. The thickness of the back layer 23 is preferably 5.0 μm or less, 4.0 μm or less, 3.0 μm or less, or 2.0 μm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the back layer 23 may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the thickness of the back layer 23 is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, and may be 0.3 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less. This tends to suppress adhesion to the thermal head and the occurrence of wrinkles.

[0151] 2.6. Manufacturing method of thermal transfer sheet The method for producing the thermal transfer sheet 20 may include a sheet substrate layer preparation step of preparing the sheet substrate layer 21, and a sublimation transfer colorant layer formation step of forming the sublimation transfer colorant layer 22a on one surface of the sheet substrate layer 21. In addition to these steps, the method for producing the thermal transfer sheet 20 may also include, as necessary, one or more steps selected from the group consisting of a back layer formation step of forming the back layer 23 on the other surface of the sheet substrate layer 21, a release layer formation step of forming a release layer, a release layer formation step of forming a release layer, and a melt transfer colorant layer formation step of forming the melt transfer colorant layer 22b.

[0152] In the process of forming each layer, the materials for each layer described above may be dispersed or dissolved in water or an organic solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone or toluene to obtain a coating liquid, which may then be applied to the layer located below the corresponding layer and dried to form each layer. Alternatively, the coating liquid may be applied to another substrate and dried to form each layer, which may then be laminated on the layer located below the corresponding layer. Examples of coating methods include the methods described in the manufacturing method of the intermediate transfer medium.

[0153] 3. Prints 8, the print object 30 comprises a transfer receiving body 31 and a transfer layer 12 transferred from an intermediate transfer medium 10 onto the transfer receiving body 31, and the transfer layer 12 comprises a receiving layer 13 on which an image is formed. In addition to the receiving layer 13, the transfer layer 12 may comprise at least one of a release layer 14 and a protective layer 15. The image formed on the receiving layer 13 may be formed by a sublimation dye transferred from a sublimation transfer colorant layer of a thermal transfer sheet, or may be formed by a melt transfer colorant layer transferred from the thermal transfer sheet.

[0154] 3.1. Transferee The transfer object is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include papers such as fine paper, art paper, coated paper, natural fiber paper, tracing paper, resin-coated paper, cast-coated paper, paperboard, synthetic paper, and impregnated paper; cards used in the fields of ID cards and IC cards; glass; ceramics; wood; and fabrics.

[0155] Examples of cards include, but are not limited to, resin cards containing resins such as polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polycarbonate, and polyester; and metal cards containing metals such as iron, aluminum, gold, and stainless steel.

[0156] In the resin card, the resin content is not particularly limited, but for example, 50% by mass or more and 75% by mass or more of the total weight of the resin card. In the metal card, the metal content is not particularly limited, but for example, 50% by mass or more and 75% by mass or more of the total weight of the metal card.

[0157] According to the thermal transfer recording method using the intermediate transfer medium of this embodiment, it is possible to perform recording suitably even on transfer receiving materials such as cards, which are generally difficult to print on.

[0158] The thickness of the transfer object is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 30 μm or more and 1000 μm or less.

[0159] 3.2. Manufacturing method of printed matter The method for producing a printed matter of this embodiment includes an image forming step of forming an image on the receptor layer of the intermediate transfer medium, and a transfer step of transferring the transfer layer having the receptor layer on which the image has been formed from the intermediate transfer medium onto a transferee using a heat roller. The printed matter produced using the intermediate transfer medium of this embodiment tends to have excellent blocking resistance and excellent transferability and peel resistance of the transfer layer. Each step that can be included in the method for producing a printed matter of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0160] 3.2.1. Intermediate transfer medium preparation process The method for producing a print product according to this embodiment may include a step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium, as described above in detail in the method for producing an intermediate transfer medium.

[0161] 3.2.2. Image forming process The method for producing a print according to the present embodiment includes an image forming step of forming an image on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium. The method for forming an image on the receiving layer is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a method in which the colorant layer of the thermal transfer sheet and the receiving layer are brought into close contact with each other, and heated while applying pressure using a thermal head, thereby transferring the colorant in the colorant layer to the receiving layer.

[0162] 3.2.3. Transfer process The method for producing a print product of this embodiment includes a transfer step of transferring the transfer layer having the receptor layer on which the image is formed from the intermediate transfer medium onto a recipient using a heat roller. Examples of the method for transferring the transfer layer from the intermediate transfer medium onto the recipient using a heat roller include a method in which the receptor layer side of the transfer layer is brought into close contact with the recipient, and the transfer layer is heated while being pressed using a heat roller, thereby transferring the transfer layer onto the recipient.

[0163] The set temperature of the heat roller is preferably 80°C or higher, or may be 85°C or higher, or 90°C or higher. The set temperature of the heat roller is preferably 160°C or lower, or 155°C or lower, or may be 150°C or lower. Furthermore, the set temperature of the heat roller may be determined by combining any one of the above-mentioned multiple lower limit candidate values ​​with any one of the above-mentioned multiple upper limit candidate values. Specifically, the set temperature of the heat roller is preferably 80°C or higher and 160°C or lower, or may be 90°C or higher and 150°C or lower. This tends to enable image recording while suppressing warping of the transfer medium. [Example]

[0164] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below using examples and comparative examples. The present disclosure is not limited to the following examples. Unless otherwise specified, each operation in the examples was performed at room temperature (25°C) under 1 atmosphere.

[0165] 1. Preparation of Intermediate Transfer Medium [Example 1] A 16 μm thick PET substrate was prepared, and a release layer-forming coating liquid having the following composition was applied to one surface of the substrate and dried to form a 1.6 μm thick release layer.

[0166] <Coating liquid for forming release layer> Polyacrylate 24 parts by weight (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Dianall (registered trademark) BR-87) Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer 6 parts by mass (Solvine (registered trademark) CNL, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) UV absorber 1.5 parts by mass (BASF Japan, UVA-40KT) Polyester 0.3 parts by weight (Vylon (registered trademark) 200, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.) Polyethylene wax 1 part by mass Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) 50 parts by weight Toluene 50 parts by mass

[0167] On the release layer thus formed, a coating liquid for forming a receiving layer having the following composition was applied and dried to form a receiving layer having a thickness of 2.0 μm, thereby obtaining the intermediate transfer medium of Example 1.

[0168] <Coating liquid for forming the receiving layer> Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer 50 parts by mass Amorphous polyester A 50 parts by weight EVA filler 5 parts by weight Modified silicone oil A 2.5 parts by mass Modified silicone oil B 2.5 parts by mass ·MEK 200 parts by mass Toluene 200 parts by mass

[0169] The components in Tables 1 and 2 are as follows: Amorphous polyester A: Vylon (registered trademark) 822, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., molecular weight Mn 1.5 × 10 4 , Tg 68℃, hydroxyl value 3KOHmg / g, acid value 5KOHmg / g Amorphous polyester B: Vylon (registered trademark) GK880, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., molecular weight Mn 1.8 × 10 4 , Tg 84℃, hydroxyl value 5KOHmg / g, acid value less than 4KOHmg / g Crystalline polyester A: Vylon (registered trademark) GA-6400, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., molecular weight Mn 3.0 × 10 4 , Tg -20℃, melting point 96℃ Crystalline polyester B: Vylon (registered trademark) GA-1310, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., molecular weight Mn 2.0 × 10 4 , Tg 27℃, melting point 179℃ Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer: Solvine (registered trademark) CNL, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., number of structural units derived from vinyl chloride: number of structural units derived from vinyl acetate = 90:10, molecular weight Mn 1.6 × 10 4 , Tg 69℃ EVA resin: Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation, Suntech EF0510 EVA filler: ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, median diameter 5.9 μm, melting point 100°C Polyethylene filler A: Melting point 120°C, median diameter 4μm Polyethylene filler B: Melting point 80°C, median diameter 8μm Silica filler: Fuji Silysia Chemical Co., Ltd., Silica (registered trademark) 730, median diameter 4.0 μm Modified silicone oil A: Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd., KF-410 Modified silicone oil B: Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd., KF-352

[0170] [Examples 2 to 11] The intermediate transfer medium of each example was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the composition of the coating liquid for forming the receiving layer was changed as shown in Table 1.

[0171] [Comparative Examples 1 to 8] The intermediate transfer medium of each example was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the composition of the coating liquid for forming the receiving layer was changed as shown in Table 2.

[0172] 2.Measurement of logarithmic decay rate The intermediate transfer medium of each example was cut into a size of 15 mm wide x 50 mm long to prepare a test sample.

[0173] As shown in Figure 6, a rigid pendulum physical property tester (A&D, RPT-3000W) was prepared, equipped with a test sample temperature control table (A&D, CHB-100), a cylindrical cylinder (A&D, RBP-060), a pendulum frame (A&D, FRB-100) equipped with a sensitivity adjustment weight (Hirosugi Keiki, BSE-315N), and a vibration displacement detector. The arrow in Figure 6 indicates the swing direction of the pendulum frame, which is parallel to the length of the fixed test sample. The test sample was fixed on the test sample temperature control table with Kapton tape attached to a location that would not affect the measurement results, with the receptive layer facing upward. A temperature sensor was also placed on the test sample.

[0174] The test sample was fixed so that its length was perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical cylinder, and the cylindrical cylinder was placed in contact with the surface of the receiving layer.

[0175] Next, the test sample temperature control table was heated from 30°C to 150°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min, and the logarithmic decrement ΔE was measured every 1°C with a pendulum adsorption time of 2 seconds and a measurement cycle of 6 seconds. The measurement results of the logarithmic decrements ΔE1 and ΔE2 are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0176] Note that the test sample that had already been measured was not reused, but a different test sample was used and measurements were taken three times, and the average value was used as the logarithmic decay rate ΔE (ΔE=[ln(A1 / A2)+ln(A2 / A3)+···ln(An / An+1)] / n, where A is amplitude, n is wave number, and initial amplitude A1 is approximately 0.3 degrees).

[0177] 3. Preparation of thermal transfer sheet A 6 μm thick PET film was prepared as a sheet substrate layer. Coating solutions A, B, and C for forming sublimation transfer colorant layers, each having the following composition, were applied to one side of the sheet substrate layer in surface order and dried to form sublimation transfer colorant layers A to C, each with a thickness of 0.7 μm.

[0178] <Coating Solution A for forming sublimation transfer colorant layer> Yellow sublimation dye 6 parts by weight Polyvinyl acetal A 4 parts by mass (S-LEC (registered trademark) KS-6, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) Modified silicone oil C 0.2 parts by mass (Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd., KP-1800U) ·MEK 45 parts by mass Toluene 45 parts by mass

[0179] <Coating solution B for forming sublimation transfer colorant layer> Magenta sublimation dye 6 parts by weight Polyvinyl acetal A 4 parts by mass Modified silicone oil C 0.2 parts by mass ·MEK 45 parts by mass Toluene 45 parts by mass

[0180] <Coating Solution C for forming sublimation transfer colorant layer> Cyan sublimation dye 6 parts by weight Polyvinyl acetal A 4 parts by mass Modified silicone oil C 0.2 parts by mass ·MEK 45 parts by mass Toluene 45 parts by mass

[0181] A coating liquid for forming a back layer having the following composition was applied to the other side of the sheet substrate layer on which the sublimation transfer colorant layers A to C were provided, and dried to form a back layer with a thickness of 1 μm, thereby obtaining a thermal transfer sheet.

[0182] <Coating liquid for forming back layer> Polyvinyl butyral 20 parts by mass (S-LEC (registered trademark) BX-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) Polyisocyanate 44 parts by mass (DIC Corporation, Burnock (registered trademark) D750) Phosphate ester compound 13 parts by mass (Plysurf (registered trademark) A208N, manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.) Talc 3 parts by weight (Micro Ace (registered trademark) P-3, manufactured by Nippon Talc Industries Co., Ltd.) ·MEK 460 parts by mass Toluene 460 parts by mass

[0183] 4. Creation of prints A thermal transfer recording method was carried out using the intermediate transfer medium of each example, the above-mentioned thermal transfer sheet, a polyvinyl chloride resin card (manufactured by Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., 85 mm x 54 mm) as the transfer recipient, and a thermal transfer printer (manufactured by HID Corporation, HDP6600) equipped with a thermal head and platen roller. The printing conditions were default, and the recorded image was a half-gray image with gradation values ​​of 128 / 255 for R, G, and B.

[0184] First, in a thermal transfer printer, a sublimation dye contained in a sublimation transfer colorant layer was transferred from a thermal transfer sheet onto a receiving layer of an intermediate transfer medium to form an image. After the image was formed, the transfer layer having the receiving layer on which the image was formed was transferred from the intermediate transfer medium onto a resin card, thereby producing a printed product of each example.

[0185] When transferring the transfer layer having the receiving layer on which an image was formed from the intermediate transfer medium onto the resin card, the set temperature of the heat roller was 135°C. The transfer speed was 1.1 inches / second. The heat roller applied pressure and heat, and the surface temperatures of the resin card and the transfer layer immediately after the transfer layer was transferred were approximately 105°C. The surface temperatures of the resin card and the transfer layer when the intermediate transfer medium was peeled off from the resin card were approximately 60°C.

[0186] 5. Evaluation Results 5.1. Transferability The prints of each example were visually observed, and the area of ​​the white, untransferred portion was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. [Evaluation criteria] A: No untransferred areas are observed. B: There is an untransferred area, which occupies less than 5% of the printed area. C: There is an untransferred area, which occupies 5% or more of the printed area.

[0187] 5.2. Blocking resistance The intermediate transfer medium of each example was cut into pieces measuring 5 cm x 5 cm to prepare two test pieces for each example. The two test pieces were stacked so that the surface of the receiving layer of one test piece was in contact with the surface of the opposite side of the receiving layer of the other test piece, and then stored in an oven at 50°C for 24 hours while applying a load of 1.57 MPa. After storage, the test pieces were peeled apart by hand and evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. [Evaluation criteria] A: No blocking occurred at all. B: Slight blocking has occurred. C: Blocking occurs partially or entirely.

[0188] 5.3. Peeling resistance An adhesive tape (Scotch (registered trademark) Tape BK-24, manufactured by 3M) was applied to the surface of the printed matter on which the image was formed. The adhesive tape was then pulled at an angle of 90° to the surface of the printed matter and peeled off, and the state of the image after peeling was observed. Evaluation was then performed based on the following evaluation criteria. [Evaluation criteria] A: No peeling is observed. B: Peeling is observed when observed with a 10x magnifying glass, but not visually. C: Peeling is visually observed.

[0189] 5.4.Tailoring evaluation The prints of each example were observed using a 10x magnifying glass from the side on which the image was formed, and the presence and size of tailing was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. Note that tailing refers to fragments of the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium that stretch and then break when cut, leaving unintentional fragments of the transfer layer at the edge of the print. The size of the tailing refers to the distance D from the point on the tail that is farthest from the edge of the print to the edge of the print, as shown in Figure 9. The absence or smallness of tailing means that the transfer layer with the receptor layer was precisely cut at the edge of the transferee. [Evaluation criteria] A: There is no trailing or there is a trailing of 0.5 mm or less. B: There is a trailing lesion measuring more than 0.5 mm and less than 2.0 mm. C: There is a trailing lesion of more than 2.0 mm.

[0190] [Table 1]

[0191] [Table 2] [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 10...intermediate transfer medium, 11...substrate, 12...transfer layer, 13...receiving layer, 14...peel layer, 15...protective layer, 20...thermal transfer sheet, 21...sheet substrate layer, 22...colorant layer, 22a...sublimation transfer type colorant layer, 22b...fusion transfer type colorant layer, 23...back layer, 30...printed object, 31...transfer recipient, A...rigid pendulum physical property tester, B...test sample temperature adjustment table, C...cylindrical cylinder, D...pendulum frame, E...vibration displacement detector, F...sensitivity adjustment weight, H...heat roller, M...card, P1...peel roller, P2...conveying roller, Y...conveying direction.

Claims

1. a substrate and a transfer layer having a receiving layer; the logarithmic decrement ΔE1 at 105°C is 0.40 or more and 0.68 or less, and the logarithmic decrement ΔE2 at 60°C is 0.08 or more and 0.20 or less, as determined by rigid pendulum measurement of the receiving layer surface; Intermediate transfer medium.

2. a ratio ΔE1 / ΔE2 of the logarithmic decrement rate ΔE1 to the logarithmic decrement rate ΔE2 is 2.0 or more and 10 or less; The intermediate transfer medium of claim 1 .

3. the receiving layer comprises a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer and a polyester; The intermediate transfer medium of claim 1 .

4. The polyester includes an amorphous polyester. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 3 .

5. The receiving layer comprises an organic filler. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 1 .

6. The organic filler comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 5 .

7. The median diameter of the organic filler is 1.0 μm or more and 15 μm or less. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 5 .

8. the content of the organic filler in the receiving layer is 1 part by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of resin in the receiving layer; The intermediate transfer medium of claim 5 .

9. The minimum transferable temperature of the transfer layer is 110°C or less. The intermediate transfer medium of claim 1 .

10. a thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer; and the intermediate transfer medium according to any one of claims 1 to 9. set.

11. A transfer object; a transfer layer transferred from the intermediate transfer medium according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and provided on the transfer-receiving body; the transfer layer has an image-formed receptor layer; Prints.

12. an image forming step of forming an image on the receptor layer of the intermediate transfer medium according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a transfer step of transferring the transfer layer having the receiving layer on which the image has been formed from the intermediate transfer medium onto a transfer-receiving body using a heat roller; Method for producing printed matter.

13. The set temperature of the heat roller in the transfer step is 80° C. or higher and 160° C. or lower. The method for producing the print according to claim 12.

Images