Imaging element for making an improved printing plate according to the silver salt diffusion transfer process

摘要

The present invention provides an imaging element comprising in the order given on a hydrophilic surface of a support (i) an image receiving layer containing physical development nuclei, (ii) a photosensitive layer containing one or more silver halide emulsions being in water permeable relationship with said image receiving layer, characterized in that said one or more silver halide emulsions comprise substantially no silver bromide and that said imaging element comprises on top of said photosensitive layer an antistress layer, being in water permeable relationship with said photosensitive layer and comprising an unhardened gelatin in an amount ranging from 0.60 to 1.75 g/m<2>. According to the present invention there is also provided a method for making an offset printing plate according to the silver salt diffusion transfer process comprising the steps of: (a) image-wise exposing an imaging element according to the present invention, (b) applying an aqueous alkaline solution to the imaging element in the presence of (a) developing agent(s) and (a) silver halide solvent(s) , (c) treating the imaging element to remove the layer(s) on top of said image receiving layer, thereby uncovering said silver image formed in said image receiving layer.