Photographic image forming process utilizing a barrier layer for diffusible dye containment

摘要

A process is disclosed for forming a color photographic image comprising the steps of: (a) providing an integral element comprising one and only one dimensionally stable layer comprising a reflection base or transparent base coating support, and coated thereon in reactive association an imaging layer comprising radiation sensitive silver halide, a diffusible dye forming layer comprising a diffusible dye forming compound, and a barrier layer overlaying said diffusible dye forming layer; (b) exposing this integral element to actinic radiation (c) processing this integral element by contacting this element to an external bath containing compounds selected from the group consisting of color developer compounds, compounds which activate the release of incorporated color developers, and compounds which activate development by incorporated dye developers; and (d) washing this integral element to remove compounds imbibed in step (c). The diffusible dye forming layer is the same or different than the imaging layer. The barrier layer comprises a polymer that allows the passage of solutions for processing this integral element when this element is contacted with an external processing bath. This barrier layer impedes the diffusion of the diffusible dye formed from the diffusible-dye forming compound out of this integral element.