Zirconia ceramic imaging member with hydrophilic surface layer and methods of use

摘要

Long wearing lithographic imaging members are prepared from a zirconia ceramic layer having thereon a hydrophilic, non-crosslinked water-insoluble surface layer. This surface layer is ablatable using imaging apparatus such as a laser, and the surface energy differential between the non-removed hydrophilic layer and the exposed underlying zirconia ceramic is desirable to provide lithographic printing with improved image sharpness.