Image transfer process for ink-jet generated images

Abstract

An image transfer process is provided for transferring an ink-jet image composite from an original receptor to a final receptor. The transfer process allows one to view an ink-jet image on a variety of substrates including mock-ups for packaging and other materials that would not be capable of receiving an image directly in an ink-jet printer.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An image transfer method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) forming an image composite by applying at least one ink-jet ink in an imagewise pattern(s) on a first receptor comprising a temporary support having deposited thereon an ink receptive layer;    (b) providing a second receptor comprising a final substrate having deposited thereon an adhesive layer;    (c) laminating the imaged side of said image composite with heat and pressure to said adhesive layer of said second receptor; and    (d) removing said temporary support.    
     
     
         2 . The image transfer method of    claim 1    wherein said first receptor comprises a releasable thermoplastic layer interposed between said temporary support and said ink receptive layer.  
     
     
         3 . The image transfer method of    claim 1    wherein said ink-jet ink is aqueous based.  
     
     
         4 . The image transfer method of    claim 1    wherein said ink-receptive layer comprises a polymeric blend of at least one water-absorbing, hydrophilic, polymeric material and at least one hydrophobic polymeric material having acid functional groups.  
     
     
         5 . The image transfer method of    claim 3    wherein said ink-receptive layer comprises a polymeric blend of at least one water-absorbing, hydrophilic, polymeric material and at least one hydrophobic polymeric material having acid functional groups.  
     
     
         6 . An image transfer method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) forming a first image composite by applying at least one ink-jet ink in an imagewise pattern(s) on a first receptor comprising a temporary support having deposited thereon a first ink-receptive layer;    (b) providing a second receptor comprising a final substrate having deposited thereon an adhesive layer;    (c) laminating the imaged side of said first image composite with heat and pressure to said adhesive layer of said second receptor;    (d) removing said temporary support;    (e) forming a second image composite by applying at least one ink-jet ink in an imagewise pattern(s) on a third receptor comprising a second temporary support having deposited thereon a second ink-receptive layer;    (f) laminating the imaged side of said second image composite with heat (end pressure to solid first ink-receptive layer; and    (g) removing said second temporary support.    
     
     
         7 . A multi-colored image composite comprising a final substrate, an adhesive layer, a multi-colored ink-jet image deposited on or absorbed in an ink-receptive layer, and an optional thermoplastic layer.  
     
     
         8 . The multi-colored image composite of    claim 7    wherein said ink-receptive layer comprises a polymeric blend of at least one water-absorbing, hydrophilic, polymeric material and at least one hydrophobic polymeric material having acid functional groups.  
     
     
         9 . A method for forming an image comprising the steps of: 
 (a) coating an ink-receptive layer onto a temporary support;    (b) providing a receptor comprising a final substrate having deposited thereon an adhesive layer;    (c) laminating said ink-receptive layer with heat and pressure to said adhesive layer of said second receptor;    (d) removing said temporary support; and    (d) forming an image by applying at least one ink-jet ink in an imagewise pattern(s) onto said ink-receptive layer.    
     
     
         10 . The method of    claim 9    further comprising the steps of 
 (e) providing a second receptor comprising a releasable support having deposited thereon a second adhesive layer;  
 (f) laminating said second adhesive layer of said second receptor to said ink-receptive layer with heat and pressure; and  
 (g) removing said releasable support.  
 
     
     
         11 . The method of    claim 9    wherein said ink-receptive layer comprises a polymeric blend of at least one water-absorbing, hydrophilic, polymeric material and at least one hydrophobic polymeric material having acid functional groups.  
     
     
         12 . The method of    claim 9    wherein said ink-jet ink is aqueous based.