METHOD OF MAKING MICROPOROUS MEMBRANES AND IMAGE RECORDING MATERIALS COMPRISING THE SAME

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for making microporous membranes by curing compounds through radiation. The invention further relates to image recording materials, in which these microporous membranes are used. According to the present invention a microporous membrane is prepared by the steps of providing a curable compound solvent mixture, wherein the concentration of said curable compound is between 20 and 80 weight percent and wherein at least 30 weight percent of said solvent is water; applying said mixture to a support; curing said curable compound mixture by exposing to radiation, thereby causing phase separation between the crosslinked curable compound and the solvent; subjecting the resulting microporous membrane to a drying or washing step to remove said solvent; and optionally separating the support and the microporous membrane.