Novel thermo-sensitive polymer matrixes and their imaging properties

Three novel terpolymers, i.e. P-1, P-2 and P-3, were prepared from the terpolymerization of butyl p-styrenesulfonate (BSS), methyl methacrylate (MMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA). Thin films composed of the prepared terpolymers, 2,2-bis(4-(2-(vinyloxy)ethoxy)phenyl)propane (BVPP) and an IR dye (in case of laser scanning) were made onto an aluminum substrate. Crosslinking and de-crosslinking reactions would readily take place when the films were treated at 80 °C and 220 °C for a short period of time, respectively. Along with the chemical structural changes during thermal treatment, great solubility changes could be achieved. It was found that the crosslinked polymer matrix was more resistant to aqueous solution and insoluble in neutral water, whereas the de-crosslinked one such as P-1 matrix could become soluble in neutral water. Based on these properties, a positive-working and neutral water-developable imaging material was proposed and preliminary studies on the imaging property were conducted.