| abstract |
This invention relates to imageable elements, and more particularly, imageable elements that require no post-exposure development step. n Printing plates are typically prepared by imagewise exposing a layer of photosensitive material that has been coated on a substrate, and then removing either the exposed or unexposed portion of the layer, i.e., wash-off development of the layer with an organic or aqueous solvent. Both organic solvents and aqueous solvents have certain shortcomings with respect to environmental pollution. n This invention provides an imageable element comprising a substrate having on at least one major surface thereof a layer of energy-sensitive material that is capable of being developed to form a relief image upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the ultraviolet-visible-infrared range (i.e., a wavelength ranging from 150 to 1500 nm). This invention also provides methods for imaging the imageable elements of this invention. The energy-sensitive materials suitable for this invention comprise polymers containing azido groups. |