THERMAL TRANSFER INK COMPOSITION, THERMAL TRANSFER INK RIBBON, THERMAL TRANSFER SHEET, AND THERMAL TRANSFER METHOD

摘要

PURPOSE:To form a superior image by a method wherein a thermal transfer ink composition is formed by incorporating a basic dye and an organic high-molecular-weight substance and dispersing or dissolving the basic dye in the organic high-molecular- weight substance using a solubilizer having a compatibility to both. CONSTITUTION:A thermal transfer ink composition is formed by incorporating a basic dye and an organic high-molecular-weight substance. The basic dye is dispersed or dissolved in the organic high-molecular-weight substance using a solubilizer having a compatibility to both the basic dye and the organic high-molecular-weight substance. An ink layer containing the thermal transfer ink composition is formed on a substrate, whereby a thermal transfer ink ribbon is produced. Furthermore, a thermal transfer sheet is formed by providing an accepting layer containing an intercalation compound having substituted ions exchangeable with the ions of the basic dye and a binder resin. On one surface of a substrate 6 made of, e.g. PET on the opposite side to a heat-resistant lubricating layer 5, the thermal transfer ink composition is provided, whereby a thermal transfer ink ribbon 8 with an ink layer 7 is formed.