1. Field of the invention.
[0001] The present invention relates to a dye-donor element for use according to thermal
dye sublimation transfer printing and more particularly to materials which can be
added to the dye-donor element in order to improve the dye transfer efficiency.
2. Background of the invention.
[0002] Thermal dye sublimation transfer also called thermal dye diffusion transfer is a
recording method in which a dye-donor element provided with a dye layer containing
sublimable dyes having heat transferability is brought into contact with a receiver
sheet and selectively, in accordance with a pattern information signal, heated with
a thermal printing head provided with a plurality of juxtaposed heat-generating resistors,
whereby dye from the selectively heated regions of the dye-donor element is transferred
to the receiver sheet and forms a pattern thereon, the shape and density of which
is in accordance with the pattern and intensity of heat applied to the dye-donor element.
[0003] A dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye sublimation transfer usually
comprises a very thin support e.g. a polyester support, one side of which is covered
with a dye layer, which contains the printing dyes. Usually an adhesive or subbing
layer is provided between the support and the dye layer. Normally the opposite side
is covered with a heat-resistant layer that provides a lubricated surface against
which the thermal printing head can pass without suffering abrasion. An adhesive layer
may be provided between the support and the heat-resistant layer.
[0004] The dye layer can be a monochrome dye layer or it may comprise sequential repeating
areas of different colored dyes like e.g. of cyan, magenta, yellow and optionally
black hue. When a dye-donor element containing three or more primary color dyes is
used, a multicolor image can be obtained by sequentially performing the dye transfer
process steps for each color.
[0005] It is always desirable to transfer as much dye as possible with the lowest thermal
energy in said thermal dye sublimation transfer systems. The amount of dye which can
be transferred from a dye-donor element to a receiving element by thermal dye transfer
depends upon the dye transfer efficiency. It is known to add so-called thermal solvents
to the dye-donor element in order to increase the dye transfer efficiency and thus
to obtain enhanced dye transfer densities. Thermal solvents are non-hydrolyzable organic
compounds that are solid at ambient temperature but molten at elevated temperatures.
They have a melting point between 40°C and 300°C, preferably between 40°C and 150°C.
In molten state they act as a solvent within the element in which they are contained.
These compounds are known under such different names like thermal solvents, melt-formers,
melt-modifiers, eutectic formers, plasticizers, softeners, and thermal development
and diffusion-promoting agents.
[0006] Various classes of thermal solvents have been described for use in thermal dye transfer
donor elements, for example, in EP 318944, EP 318945, EP 390044, JP 56/89985, JP 59/222391,
JP 60/44392, JP 60/56590, JP 61/286199, JP 62/108086, JP 62/283176, JP 02/3384, JP
02/25387, JP 02/151485 and JP 03/10891 and in European Patent Application No. 91202308.2.
[0007] However, the use of thermal solvents in the dye layer of the dye-donor element decreases
the stability of the dye-donor element stored in rolled form due to the transfer of
these compounds of the dye layer of one wrapping of the donor element to the heat-resistant
layer of an adjacent wrapping of the donor element or due to the softening of the
dye layer.
[0008] Further said thermal solvents cause crystallization of the dyes.
3. Summary of the invention.
[0009] Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide an additive for incorporation
in the dye-donor element not having the disadvantages mentioned above.
[0010] According to the present invention there is provided a dye-donor element for use
according to thermal dye sublimation transfer comprising a support having on one side
thereof a dye layer, characterized in that said dye layer or a layer adjacent to said
dye layer contains a toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde condensation product.
[0011] Dye-donor elements containing a toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde condensation product
according to the present invention provide an increase in dye transfer efficiency
without affecting the stability of the dye-donor element stored in rolled form and
without increasing the crystallization rate of the dye(s) in the dye layer.
4. Detailed description of the invention.
[0012] Commercially available toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde condensation products are
e.g. Ketjenflex MH and Ketjenflex MS-80 (Akzo, The Netherlands). The use of the solid
resin Ketjenflex MH is highly preferred. Products of this type are also described
in EP 457458.
[0013] Preferably the toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde condensation product is contained
in the dye layer itself.
[0014] Although dye layers comprising only these toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde condensation
resins as polymeric binder can be used in thermal dye sublimation transfer, it is
preferred to use another polymeric binder or binder mixture in addition to the toluene
sulfonamide formaldehyde condensation product.
[0015] As polymeric binder the following can be used: cellulose derivatives, such as ethyl
cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, ethylhydroxy cellulose, ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate formate,
cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalate, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate propionate,
cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate pentanoate, cellulose acetate benzoate,
cellulose triacetate; vinyl-type resins and derivatives, such as polyvinyl alcohol,
polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, copolyvinyl butyral-vinyl acetal-vinyl alcohol,
polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetoacetal, polyacrylamide; polymers and copolymers
derived from acrylates and acrylate derivatives, such as polyacrylic acid, polymethyl
methacrylate and styrene-acrylate copolymers; polyester resins; polycarbonates; poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile);
polysulfones; polyphenylene oxide; organosilicones, such as polysiloxanes; epoxy resins
and natural resins, such as gum arabic. Preferably cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose
acetate propionate, polyvinylbutyral, polyvinylacetal, cellulose acetate and poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)
are used as binder for the dye layer of the present invention. Poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)
is highly preferred for use as a polymeric binder in combination with a toluene sulfonamide
formaldehyde condensation product.
[0016] The ratio of polymeric binder to the toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde condensation
product can be 0.1 to 100, preferably 0.5 to 20, most preferably 1 to 10.
[0017] The dye layer of the thermal dye sublimation transfer donor element according to
the present invention is formed preferably by adding the dyes, the toluene sulfonamide
formaldehyde condensation product, the polymeric binder and other optional components
to a suitable solvent or solvent mixture, dissolving or dispersing the ingredients
to form a coating composition that is applied to a support, which may have been provided
first with an adhesive or subbing layer, and dried. Usually the layer is dried in
air having a temperature of about 90°C to about 130°C, preferably 100°C to 120°C depending
upon the solvent used.
[0018] The dye layer thus formed has a thickness of about 0.2 to 5.0 µm, preferably 0.4
to 2.0 µm, and the amount ratio of dye or dye mixture to binder is between 9:1 and
1:3 by weight, preferably between 3:1 and 1:2 by weight.
[0019] The dye layer may further comprise thermal solvents.
[0020] Examples of such thermal solvents are the thermal solvents described in US 3438776,
DE 3339810, EP 119615, EP 327318 and further carboxylic acids and esters thereof such
as glutaric acid, sebacic acid, citric acid or citric acid anhydride, ascorbic acid,
benzoic acid, toluic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid; fatty acids e.g.
stearic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, methylstearate, biphenylsuberate; sulfonic acids
such as benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid; alcohols such as 1-octadecanol,
1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,10-decanediol; sugars such as fructose, sorbitol;
phenols and their derivatives such as resorcinol, α-naphthol, 2,3-dimethylphenol,
p-decylphenol, p-methoxyphenol, p-(2-phenylethoxy)phenol; sulfonamides such as sulfamide,
methylsulfonamide, N,N'-dicyclohexylsulfonamide; amides such as acetamide, N-methylacetamide,
stearamide; imides such as succinimide, N-hydroxysuccinimide; amines such as α-napthylamine,
triphenylamine; ureas such as urea, methylurea, N,N'-dimethylurea, N,N' -dicyclohexylurea,
1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-propylene urea, thiourea, hydantoine;
naphthalene derivatives such as 2-methoxynaphthalene; hydroquinone derivatives such
as hydroquinone dichloromethylester, and diphenylcarbonate derivatives such as those
mentioned in European Patent application no. 91202308.2.
[0021] Any dye can be used in the dye layer of the dye-donor element of the present invention
provided it is transferable to the dye-receiving layer by the action of heat. Especially
good results have been obtained with sublimable dyes such as described in EP 432829,
EP 432313, EP 432314, EP 400706, EP 485665, EP 453020 and European patent application
No. 91200218.5. In order to minimize catalytic fading of these dyes they can be used
in combination with indoaniline dyes as described in e.g. US 5024990 and US 5026679.
[0022] The dye layer may also contain other additives, such as stabilizers, curing agents,
preservatives, organic or inorganic fine particles, dispersing agents, antistatic
agents, defoaming agents, viscosity controlling agents, etc., these and other ingredients
being described more fully in EP 133011, EP 133012, EP 111004 and EP 279467.
[0023] Especially preferred organic fine particles for use in the dye layer are polyethylene,
polypropylene and amide wax particles.
[0024] Any material can be used as the support for the dye-donor element provided it is
dimensionally stable and capable of withstanding the temperatures involved, up to
400°C over a period of up to 20 msec, and is yet thin enough to transmit heat applied
on one side through to the dye on the other side to effect transfer to the receiver
sheet within such short periods, typically from 1 to 10 msec. Such materials include
polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyamides, polyacrylates, polycarbonates,
cellulose esters, fluorinated polymers, polyethers, polyacetals, polyolefins, polyimides,
glassine paper and condenser paper. Preference is given to a support comprising polyethylene
terephthalate. In general, the support has a thickness of 2 to 30 um.
[0025] Preferably, a subbing layer is provided between the dye layer and the support. Examples
of suitable subbing layers are described, for example, in EP 433496, EP 311843, EP
268179, US 4717057, US 4695288 and in European Patent Application no. 92200907.1.
[0026] The other side of the dye-donor element is usually coated with a heat-resistant layer
such as disclosed in e.g. EP 153880, EP 194106, EP 314348, EP 329117, JP 60/151096,
JP 60/229787, JP 60/229792, JP 60/229795, JP 62/48589, JP 62/212192, JP 62/259889,
JP 01/5884, JP 01/56587, JP 02/128899, JP 58/187396, JP 63/191678, JP 63/191679, JP
01/234292, JP 02/70485, and European patent application no. 91202071.6.
[0027] The use in the heat-resistant layer of at least one polycarbonate derived from a
bis-(hydroxyphenyl)-cycloalkane as disclosed in the latter European patent application
no. 91202071.6 is especially preferred for its high thermostability and ease of application.
[0028] Preferably, said bis-(hydroxyphenyl)-cycloalkane is 1,1-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane.
[0029] The heat-resistant layer of a dye-donor element may advantageously comprise a lubricant
such as a surface-active agent, a liquid lubricant, a solid lubricant or mixtures
thereof. Surface-active agents may be any agents known in the art such as carboxylates,
sulfonates, phosphates, aliphatic amine salts, aliphatic quaternary ammonium salts,
polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, fluoroalkyl C₂-C₂₀
aliphatic acids. Examples of liquid lubricants include silicone oils, synthetic oils,
saturated hydrocarbons and glycols. Examples of solid lubricants include various higher
alcohols such as stearyl alcohol, fatty acids and fatty acid esters, talc, teflon
beads, and silica particles.
[0030] Preferred lubricants are polysiloxane-polyether copolymers and glycerol monostearate
used alone or in combination with each other. Other lubricants have been described
in e.g. US 4753921, US 4916112, US 4717711, US 4717712, US 4866026 and US 4829050.
The amount of lubricant used in the heat-resistant layer depends largely on the type
of lubricant, but is generally in the range of from about 0.1 to 50 wt %, preferably
0.5 to 40 wt % of the binder or binder mixture employed.
[0031] As mentioned above the lubricants can be incorporated into the heat-resistant layer.
Advantageously, however, a separate top layer comprising at least one lubricant is
coated on top of the heat-resistant layer. Preferably, a top layer of a polyether-polysiloxane
copolymer, optionally in combination with glycerol monostearate, is coated from a
non-solvent for the heat-resistant layer on the latter layer. Another preferred separate
top layer comprising lubricants has been described in European Patent Application
no. 92200229.0.
[0032] The heat-resistant layer of the dye-donor element of the present invention may contain
other additives provided such materials do not impair the anti-stick properties of
the heat-resistant layer and provided that such materials do not scratch, erode, contaminate,
or otherwise damage the thermal printing head or harm the image quality. Examples
of suitable additives have been described in EP 389153.
[0033] The heat-resistant layer of the dye-donor element of the present invention is formed
preferably by adding the polymeric thermoplastic binder or binder mixture, the lubricant(s),
and other optional components to a suitable solvent or solvent mixture, dissolving
or dispersing the ingredients to form a coating composition, applying the coating
composition to a support, which may first have been provided with a layer, and dried.
[0034] The heat-resistant layer of the dye-donor element may be coated on the support or
printed thereon by a printing technique such as a gravure process.
[0035] The heat-resistant layer thus formed has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 µm, preferably
0.3 to 1.5 µm.
[0036] In order to enhance the adhesion between the support and the heat-resistant layer,
a subbing layer is advantageously used, applied between the support and the heat-resistant
layer.
[0037] As subbing layer any of the subbing layers known in the art for dye-donor elements
can be used. Suitable binders that can be used for the layer can be choosen from the
classes of polyester resins, polyurethane resins, polyester urethane resins, modified
dextrans, modified cellulose, and copolymers comprising recurring units such as i.a.
vinylchloride, vinylidenechloride, vinylacetate, acrylonitrile, methacrylate, acrylate,
butadiene, and styrene (e.g. poly(vinylidenechloride-co-acrylonitrile)). Suitable
layers are described in e.g. EP 138483, EP 227090, US 4567113, US 4572860, US 4717711,
US 4559273, US 4695288, US 4727057, US 4737486, US 4965239, US 4753921, US 4895830,
US 4929592, US 4748150, US 4965238 and US 4965241. Preferably the subbing layer further
comprises an aromatic polyol such as 1,2-dihydroxybenzene as described in EP 433496.
Especially preferred are subbing layers such as those described in European Patent
Application no 92200907.1.
[0038] The support for the receiver sheet used in combination with the present dye-donor
element may be a transparant film of e.g. polyethylene terephthalate, a polyether
sulfone, a polyimide, a cellulose ester, or a polyvinyl alcohol-co-acetal. The support
may also be a reflective one such as baryta-coated paper, polyethylene-coated paper,
or white polyester i.e. white-pigmented polyester. Blue-colored polyethylene terephthalate
film can also be used as a support.
[0039] To avoid poor adsorption of the transferred dye to the support of the receiver sheet
this support should be coated with a special coating, called dye-receiving layer.
This layer may comprise e.g. a polycarbonate, a polyurethan, a polyester, a polyamide,
polyvinyl chloride, poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile), and polycaprolacton or mixtures
thereof. Suitable dye-receiving layers have been described in e.g. EP 133011, EP 133012,
EP 144247, EP 227094, EP 228066. The dye-receiving layer may also comprise a cured
binder such as the heat-cured product of poly(vinylchloride-co-vinyl acetate-co-vinyl
alcohol) and polyisocyanate.
[0040] In order to improve the light resistance and other stabilities of recorded images,
UV absorbers, singlet oxygen quenchers such as HALS-compounds (Hindered Amine Light
Stabilizers) and/or antioxidants can be incorporated into the dye-receiving layer.
[0041] The dye layer of the dye-donor element and/or the dye-receiving layer of the receiver
sheet may also contain a releasing agent that aids in separating the dye-donor element
from the receiver sheet after transfer. The releasing agents can also be provided
in a separate layer on at least part of the dye layer or of the dye-receiving layer.
Solid waxes, fluorine- or phosphate-containing surfactants and silicone oils can be
used as releasing agent. Suitable releasing agents have been described in e.g. EP
133012, JP 85/19138, and EP 227092.
[0042] The thermal dye sublimation transfer printing process comprises placing the dye layer
of the donor element in face-to-face relation with the dye-receiving layer of the
receiver sheet and image-wise heating from the back of the dye-donor element. The
transfer of the dye is accomplished by heating for several milliseconds at about 400°C.
[0043] When the process is performed for but one single colour, a monochrome dye transfer
image is obtained. A multicolour image can be obtained by using a dye-donor element
containing three or more primary colour dyes and sequentially performing the process
steps described above for each colour. The above sandwich of dye-donor element and
receiver sheet is formed on three occasions during the time when heat is applied by
the thermal printing head. After the first dye has been transferred, the elements
are peeled apart. A second dye-donor element (or another area of the dye-donor element
with a different dye area) is then brought in register with the receiving sheet and
the process is repeated. The third colour and optionally further colours are obtained
in the same manner.
[0044] In addition to thermal printing heads, laser light, infrared flash, or heated pens
can be used as the heat source for supplying heat energy. Thermal printing heads that
can be used to transfer dye from the dye-donor elements of the present invention to
a receiver sheet are commercially available. In case laser light is used, the dye
layer or another layer of the dye donor-element should contain a compound e.g. carbon
black that absorbs the light emitted by the laser and converts it into heat.
[0045] Alternatively, the support of the dye-donor element may be an electrically resistive
ribbon consisting of e.g. a multilayer structure of a carbon-loaded polycarbonate
coated with a thin aluminium film. Current is injected into the resistive ribbon by
electrically addressing a print head electrode resulting in highly localized heating
of the ribbon beneath the relevant electrode. The fact that in this case the heat
is generated directly in the resistive ribbon and that it is thus the ribbon that
gets hot leads to an inherent advantage in printing speed using the resistive ribbon/electrode
head technology as compared to the thermal head technology, in which latter case the
various elements of the thermal printing head get hot and must cool down before the
head can move to the next printing position.
[0046] The following examples illustrate the invention in more detail without, however,
limiting the scope thereof.
EXAMPLE 1 : Monochrome dye (mixtures)
[0047] A dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye sublimation transfer was prepared
as follows :
A solution comprising the dye or dye mixture, Ketjenflex MH and the polymeric binder
in methylethylketone as solvent was prepared. The amount of dyes, Ketjenflex MH and
binder is indicated in Table 1. The percentages are weight percentages in the coating
solution. From this solution a layer having a wet thickness of 10 µm was coated on
6 µm thick polyethylene terephthalate film, provided with a conventional subbing layer.
The resulting layer was dried by evaporation of the solvent.
[0048] The opposite side of the film support was coated with a subbing layer of a copolyester
comprising ethylene glycol, adipic acid, neopentyl glycol, terephthalic acid, isophthalic
acid and glycerol. On top of this subbing layer, a heat-resistant layer was casted
from methylethylketone, containing 0.5 g/m² of a polycarbonate having the following
structure :

wherein x = 55 mol % and y = 45 mol %.
[0049] On top of said polycarbonate layer, a topcoat layer of polyether modified polydimethylsiloxane
(Tegoglide 410, Goldschmidt) was applied from isopropanol.
[0050] A receiving sheet was prepared by coating a dye-receiving layer containing 3.6 g/m²
of poly(vinyl chloride-co-vinyl acetate-co-vinyl alcohol) (VINYLITE VAGD sold by UNION
CARBIDE), 0.336 g/m² of diisocyanate (DESMODUR VL sold by BAYER AG), and 0.2 g/m²
of hydroxy-modified polymethyl siloxane (TEGOMER H SI 2111 sold by TH. GOLDSCHMIDT
AG) on a 175 µm thick polyethylene terephthalate film support.
[0051] The dye-donor element was printed in combination with the receiving sheet in a Mitsubishi
colour video printer CP100E.
[0052] The density of the printed image was measured in transmission in a Macbeth TR924
densitometer (status A).
[0053] The experiment was repeated for all dyes, dye mixtures and binder mixtures indicated
in Table 1.
[0054] The resulting donor ribbons were submitted to a stability test (45°C, 7 days).
Table 1
Example |
Dye |
Polymeric binder |
Ketjenflex MH Concentration |
Density |
|
Type |
Concentration |
Type |
Concentration |
|
|
1(COMP) |
D1 |
12 |
B1 |
10 |
0 |
1.56 |
2 |
D1 |
12 |
B1 |
9 |
1 |
1.68 |
3 |
D1 |
12 |
B1 |
8 |
2 |
1.93 |
4(COMP) |
D2 |
10 |
B1 |
10 |
0 |
1.50 |
5 |
D2 |
10 |
B1 |
9 |
1 |
1.70 |
6 |
D2 |
10 |
B1 |
8 |
2 |
1.79 |
7 |
D2 |
10 |
B1 |
7 |
3 |
1.73 |
8 |
D2 |
10 |
B1 |
6 |
4 |
1.96 |
9 |
D2 |
10 |
B1 |
5 |
5 |
2.08 |
10(COMP) |
D1 |
6 |
B1 |
10 |
0 |
1.96 |
|
D3 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
11 |
D1 |
6 |
B1 |
9 |
1 |
2.19 |
|
D3 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
12 |
D1 |
6 |
B1 |
8 |
2 |
2.32 |
|
D3 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
13(COMP) |
D1 |
10 |
B2 |
10 |
0 |
1.32 |
14 |
D1 |
10 |
B2 |
8 |
2 |
1.64 |
15 |
D1 |
10 |
B2 |
5 |
5 |
2.36 |
16(COMP) |
D1 |
10 |
B3 |
10 |
0 |
2.30 |
17 |
D1 |
10 |
B3 |
8 |
2 |
2.51 |
18 |
D1 |
10 |
B3 |
5 |
5 |
2.76 |
- B1
- Luran 388S (BASF, Germany)
- B2
- Cellulose acetate butyrate (29 wt. % acetyl, 17 wt % butyryl)
- B3
- Polyvinylbutyral (71 wt % vinylbutyral, 29 wt % vinylalcohol)
It can be seen from table 1 that the donor elements of the present invention exhibit
a higher dye transfer efficiency than conventional dye-donor elements known in the
art (comparative examples 1, 4, 10, 13 and 16). Moreover, when the dye-donor elements
of the present invention were stored in rolled form at 45°C, no crystallization of
the dye (mixture) was observed and no sticking occured between the dye-layer and the
heat-resistant layer.
[0055] Higher concentrations of Ketjenflex MH (above 50% of the total amount of binder)
result in donor elements with low stability in rolled form.
EXAMPLE 2 : Black dye mixtures
[0056] A dye-donor element was prepared as in example 1, except that the following dye mixture
was used : 2.4 % of dye D3, 8 % of dye D4 and 6.4 % of dye D5. The results are given
in table 2.
Table 2
Example Nr. |
Polymeric binder |
Ketjenflex MH Concentration |
Density |
|
Type |
Concentration |
|
Visual |
Red |
Green |
Blue |
19(COMP) |
B1 |
8 |
0 |
1.35 |
1.35 |
1.17 |
1.20 |
20 |
B1 |
7 |
1 |
1.44 |
1.45 |
1.25 |
1.30 |
21 |
B1 |
6 |
2 |
1.48 |
1.50 |
1.30 |
1.30 |
[0057] It can be concluded from table 2 that black dye-donor elements of the present invention
exhibit a higher dye transfer efficiency. The stability of the dye-donor elements
of the present invention in rolled form is not affected by the addition of Ketjenflex
MH.
1. Dye-donor element for use according to thermal dye sublimation transfer comprising
a support having on one side thereof a dye layer, characterized in that said dye layer
or a layer adjacent to said dye layer contains a toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde
condensation product.
2. Dye-donor element according to claim 1, wherein said toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde
condensation product is contained in the dye layer.
3. Dye-donor element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said layer further comprises
at least one other polymeric binder.
4. Dye-donor element according to claim 3, wherein said polymeric binder is selected
from the group of cellulose esters, poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile), polyvinylacetal
and polyvinylbutyral.
5. Dye-donor element according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the ratio of polymeric binder
to toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde condensation product is between 0.5 and 20.
6. Dye-donor element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said dye layer
further comprises polyethylene, polypropylene or amide wax particles.
7. Dye-donor element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a subbing
layer has been applied between said support and said dye layer.
8. Dye-donor element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said dye-donor
element further comprises a heat-resistant layer on the other side of the support.
9. Dye-donor element according to claim 8, wherein said heat-resistant layer comprises
at least one polycarbonate derived from 1,1-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane.
10. Dye-donor element according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a separate top layer comprising
at least one lubricant has been coated on top of said heat-resistant layer.
11. Thermal sublimation transfer process comprising the steps of:
- placing a dye layer comprised on the support of a dye donor element in face to face
contact with a dye receiving layer of a receiver sheet and
- image-wise heating said dye donor element from its back
characterized in that said dye layer or a layer of said dye donor element adjacent
thereto contains a toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde condensation product.