Infrared imageable material and offset printing plate made therefrom

摘要

A recording material for the production of offset printing plates, comprising (A) a base with a hydrophilic surface and (B) a layer on which an image is formed by irradiation with IR, consisting of a mixture of (a) a component which absorbs IR and converts it into heat, (b) a compound which releases acid under the action of the heat produced by (a), and (c) a polymeric binder containing groups which are split by the acid from (b) and also hydrophilic groups, so that the parts of layer (B) which were exposed to IR radiation become soluble in an aqueous alkaline developer. Also claimed is (i) a process for the production of offset printing plates by exposing this material to IR (preferably an infrared laser) to form an image and then developing with aqueous alkaline developer so that the irradiated parts of layer (B) are removed and the hydrophilic base is exposed; (ii) offset printing plates made by this process.