Imperial Chemical Industries Limited

Kelvin P Adkins

Richard A Hann

Gary J Jenno

Duncan E Riddle

Secure cards consisting essentially of a card base having an overlying thermally transferred topcoat, with a thermal transfer image in a dye-receptive surface of the card base and the topcoat typically of a polymethyl methacrylate composition, frequently show severe image fading after relative short periods of time when kept and carried in normal PVC pouches. To improve protection against such fading, the present topcoat comprises at least one barrier layer which is formed of a polymer composition having a Tg>70&deg; C., and which is resistant to the formation of microscopic cracks in the topcoat under tensile bending that is insufficient to cause macroscopic permanent deformation.

Cards

Protective overlays for thermal dye transfer prints

Optical recording medium for use with a laser recording beam

Optical recording tape has a backcoat providing a surface texture designed to impart high static friction between the opposite faces of the tape to enable the tape to maintain pack integrity during storage and transport.

Data storage media

An electroconductive coating composition for a plastics substrate, such as a poly(ethylene terephthalate) film, comprises a polymeric electrolyte and a polyepoxy resin. Surface conductivity may be promoted by the inclusion of an enhancer or by treatment with an interactive solvent medium. Substrates coated with the composition exhibit substantially permanent antistatic characteristics when subjected to photographic processing techniques.

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Essex, United Kingdom

Kelvin P Adkins