Imaging element and method for making lithographic printing plates according to the silver salt diffusion transfer process.

摘要

The present invention provides an imaging element comprising on a flexible hydrophobic support (i) a hardened hydrophilic layer, containing a hydrophilic synthetic homocopolymer or copolymer and being hardened with a hydrolyzed tetraalkyl orthosilicate crosslinking agent, (ii) a receiving layer containing physical development nuclei contiguous to said hydrophilic layer, (iii) an intermediate layer comprising a non-proteinic hydrophilic film-forming polymer or hydrophobic polymer beads having an average diameter not lower than 0.2 mu m and having been prepared by polymerization of a ethylenically unsaturated monomer and (iv) a photosensitive layer containing a silver halide emulsion being in water permeable relationship with said receiving layer. The invention also relates to a method for making lithographic plates with said imaging element.