EP3046777B1 - Method for producing a security feature of a value or security product - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a security feature of a value or security product.

Value or security products, such as security documents and security elements, are used in a variety of ways to verify the identity of individuals and property or to secure a financial transfer. For this purpose, these products have security features that guarantee their authenticity and / or the identity of the person or thing. Value products, such as banknotes, stocks and the like, also have security features in order to verify their authenticity. In order to verify the identity of a person or thing associated with the product, the security features must individualize the product, e.g., personalize it, e.g. the security feature has individualizing features that indicate the particular person or thing and thus the affiliation of the product to the person or thing.

Personal documents (ID documents), i. Documents associated with a person generally have a face image of the person as well as personal data in plain text or in coded form. In order to make identification of the person as safe as possible, it is advantageous, for example, to color-reproduce the facial image in the form of a photographic replica on the document. Important for the authenticity of this personalization information is that it can not be falsified or falsified. It is therefore advantageous for the production of an ID document if the personal data, including the facial image, are formed not on the surface of the document but in its interior, since it would be necessary for the counterfeiting or falsification in this case to expose the personal data.

For example, it is off DE 29 07 004 C2 a pass card is known, which consists of two cover sheets, at least one of which is transparent, and a Karteninlett made of an opaque material, in particular paper. The card is provided with information that are visually recognizable through the transparent cover sheet. This information is applied to the tick by means of a laser beam. The information is personalization data in the form of alphanumeric data and / or a photograph reproduced in grid technique. The laser radiation generates local burns on the card inlay that are visible.

However, this method can not produce color reproductions. To solve this problem is in DE 10 2010 062 046 A1 a value and / or security document is provided that comprises a first pattern arranged in one or more first planes and formed from first pattern elements, and a second pattern formed in one or more planes and from second pattern elements and accurately aligned with the first pattern elements of the first pattern , The second pattern elements are located in front of the first pattern elements, as seen from one of the outer sides. The first pattern elements are transparent and / or translucent and can be colored. The first pattern may be in the form of a regular grid of pattern elements in primary colors. The second pattern elements are formed by means of laser action. For this purpose, the document layers in the desired areas may be blackened more or less, resulting in a gray or black tint of the material. Alternatively, starting materials may also be contained in the document body, which are caused to undergo a synthesis reaction under the action of suitable reaction conditions, so that colored patterns are produced.

Furthermore, in DE 10 2008 012 424 A1 a method for producing a polymer layer composite specified from a plurality of substrate layers, in which at least one first individualizing information is stored by printing technology. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of polymer layers as the substrate layers, printing the first individualizing information on at least one substrate layer, assembling the substrate layers into a substrate layer stack, and laminating the substrate layers to the polymer layer composite. The first individualizing information is decomposed into at least two print extracts, each of which includes partial information of this information. The at least two print separations are printed matched to at least two different substrate layer surfaces, so that the printed print separations in the polymer layer composite lie one above the other in registration and together reproduce the information. The surfaces printed with the indentations are inside. The Polymer layers may be at least partially made of polycarbonate. The printing extracts are produced, for example, by an ink-jet printing method, for example by means of a transfer printing method, with a customary ink containing as binder a polycarbonate derivative.

Furthermore, the use of optically variable pigments in thermal printing is out DE 602 01 439 T1 known to make valuable or important documents more difficult to copy or imitate, and to enable authentication of genuine documents. For this purpose, a heat transfer medium in the form of a substrate is provided which carries on at least part of a surface a coating of a thermally transferable ink comprising a binder and a plurality of discrete particles of the optically variable pigment dispersed in the binder. The ink can be printed using a conventional thermal transfer printing apparatus.

• Bereitstellen eines photoempfindlichen Materials, wobei das photoempfindliche Material Pigmente enthält, wobei das photoempfindliche Material auf das Sicherheitspapier gedruckt oder aufgebracht ist; und
• Einstrahlen von Laserstrahlung in das photoempfindliche Material, sodass nach dem Markieren eine Farbänderung beobachtet werden kann.

document EP 1 607 234 A1 discloses a method for making a mark on a security paper, wherein the mark is formed by an identification mark, and wherein the method comprises the following method steps:

• Providing a photosensitive material, the photosensitive material containing pigments, the photosensitive material being printed or applied to the security paper; and
• Irradiating laser radiation into the photosensitive material so that a color change can be observed after marking.

However, the known methods for producing a value or security document have the disadvantage that they are relatively complicated and expensive. Furthermore, some of the documents produced by the above methods do not provide the necessary security against counterfeiting and falsification.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method which is simple and inexpensive and which can be used to produce counterfeit and tamper-proof value or security documents. It is therefore required that the value or security document be very favorable in terms of its quality comparable to that produced by conventional methods and in terms of manufacturing cost.

The objects stated above are achieved with the methods for producing a security feature of a value or security product according to claim 1. The security feature may be a component of a valuable or security product, namely a value or security document or a security element, ie an element that is associated, for example, with an article to be protected against counterfeiting, counterfeiting or falsification, for example as part of a sticker, label or similar.

Insofar as the term "security or valuable product" is mentioned in the description and in the claims of the present application, this includes, for example, a passport, identity card, driver's license or another ID document (in particular ID card) or an access control card, a vehicle registration document, Vehicle registration document, visa, check, means of payment, in particular a banknote, a check, bank, credit or cash card, customer card, health card, chip card, company identity card, proof of eligibility, membership card, gift or purchase voucher, bill of lading or other proof of entitlement, tax stamp, Postage stamp, ticket, (game) token, adhesive label (for example, for product security) to understand. The document may be, for example, a smart card. It may be in ID 1, ID 2, ID 3 format according to ISO 7810 or in any other format, for example in booklet form, such as a passport-like article. A security or value product is generally a laminate of several layers, which have been connected in register under the influence of heat and under increased pressure. The products should meet the standardized requirements, for example ISO 10373, ISO / IEC 7810, ISO 14443. The product layers consist, for example, of a carrier material which is suitable for lamination.

As far as the term 'polycarbonate' (PC) is used in this description and in the claims, it is to be understood as meaning a condensation product of phosgene or another carbonic acid derivative with a bifunctional reagent which contains at least two hydroxyl groups for the condensation reaction (diol) , Preferably, the diol is selected from a group comprising bis (hydroxyphenyl) methane derivatives, especially bisphenol A. Instead of bisphenol A, other bifunctional reagents having at least two hydroxyl groups may also be used, for example geminally disubstituted bis (hydroxyphenyl) cyclo alkanes. These substances are for example in DE 10 2007 059 747 A1 described as a binder for inkjet inks. This document is therefore incorporated in full in the disclosure of the present application.

Insofar as the term 'polyethylene terephthalate' is used in this description and in the claims, it is to be understood as meaning a condensation product of terephthalic acid or its derivatives with a bifunctional reagent containing at least two hydroxyl groups for the condensation reaction (diol), for example with ethylene glycol.

As used in the specification and claims of the present application, the term "security feature" is to be understood according to the present invention, the acting on a viewer visual impression, which is generated by a pattern. The security feature can be manufactured as part of a value or security document or a separate product (security element). The latter can be glued to the document, for example. The security feature will generally only occupy part of the surface of the document. A security feature according to the present invention preferably also includes the facial image of the owner of the document and other individualizing, in particular personalizing, markings.

As far as in the description and in the claims of the present application, the term, pattern 'is called, this is a somehow designed distribution of at least one optical impression for the human eye mediating element, preferably in a two-dimensional arrangement on one or more surfaces to understand which produces a self-contained representation, such as an image, picture element, character, in particular an alphanumeric character, a symbol, a crest, a line, formula or the like. For the purposes of the present invention is to be understood as a pattern in one color, including black, white and / or gray, appearing non-structured area or a multi-color surface having, for example, by their color information and therefore an identification can form. The visual impression mediating elements are perceptible by contrasting surface areas, the contrast by different hues, brightness or different surface textures (gloss, roughness or the like) is generated.

As far as in the description and in the claims of the present application, the term 'pattern element' is called, it is to be understood as a constituent part of a pattern (pixels), wherein the pattern elements can be separated from each other or transition into each other seamlessly. A pattern element serves as the smallest structural element for forming the pattern, with all pattern elements forming the pattern. The patterning material may be either transparent, translucent or opaque. Furthermore, it may have a certain brightness (absorption, remission), ie it may, for example, have blackening, gray tinting or whitening, and / or it may have a (spectral) coloring and, in turn, a certain brightness. The pattern elements may have a circular (punctiform), have rectangular, square, hexagonal or other shape and a size / diameter of, for example, 1 to 150 microns. Pattern elements can be the smallest elements of a perceptible representation to which one of the color values or color tones can be assigned in a multicolor color space (for example in the subtractive CMYK color space, additive RGB color space).

As far as used in this description and in the claims, the terms 'raster' and 'rasterized', it is to be understood as a decomposition of an image into individual pattern elements, typically regularly, for example in lines or in another regular arrangement, or irregular are arranged. The pattern elements may be arranged, for example, in a honeycomb arrangement or in a row arrangement with pattern elements offset from one another or not offset from one another.

1. (a) Zunächst wird ein mit einem Farbmittel versehener Zwischenträger bereitgestellt. Der mit dem Farbmittel versehene Zwischenträger kann hergestellt werden, indem das Farbmittel mindestens einmalig gegebenenfalls gerastert auf den Zwischenträger aufgebracht wird. Das Farbmittel enthält mindestens einen Farbstoff und/oder mindestens ein Pigment sowie ein Bindemittel aus einem Polymer.
2. (b) Dann wird jeweils zumindest ein Teil des gegebenenfalls gerasterten Farbmittels von dem Zwischenträger auf die Oberfläche der Polymerlage übertragen, wobei auf der Oberfläche der jeweiligen Polymerlage die Farbmittelschicht gebildet wird. Dabei können beispielsweise in einem Raster angeordnete Musterelemente auf der jeweiligen Polymerlage gebildet werden. Sofern nur ein Teil des Farbmittels auf die Oberfläche der Polymerlage übertragen wird, geschieht dies vorzugsweise durch Farbspaltung. Beispielsweise können alle oder auch nur ein Teil der auf dem Zwischenträger gebildeten Strukturen auf die Polymerlage übertragen werden. Die Polymerlage ist aus jeweils mindestens einem Material hergestellt, das ausgewählt ist aus einer Gruppe, umfassend PC und PET. Dies schließt nicht aus, dass die Polymerlage zusätzlich weitere Stoffe, wie Füllstoffe, beispielsweise Pigemente und Farbstoffe, und/oder andere Additive, Verstärkungsmaterialien, wie Glasfasermatten, und dergleichen enthält.
3. (c) Anschließend werden mindestens eine jeweils mit der Farbmittelschicht versehene Polymerlage sowie mindestens eine Abdecklage zu einem Stapel zusammengetragen, sodass die Abdecklage die Farbmittelschicht gegenüber einem Betrachter verbirgt.
4. (d) Danach werden die mindestens eine Polymerlage und die mindestens eine Abdecklage zu einem Laminat verbunden.
5. (e) Anschließend wird lokal Energie in das Laminat eingebracht, sodass zumindest ein Teil der Farbmittelschicht von dem Betrachter wahrnehmbar wird. Hierzu wird die Energie auf die Orte im Laminat gelenkt, an denen sich die zu aktivierende Farbmittelschicht befindet. Dadurch wird die Farbmittelschicht unter der Abdecklage teilweise sichtbar.

According to the present invention, the stated object is achieved by the method according to the invention for producing a security feature of a value or security product. The security feature is formed by at least one pattern. For the production of the security feature, the method comprises the following method steps, preferably in the order given, it being possible for further method steps to be carried out between individual ones of the following method steps:

1. (a) First, a colorant-provided subcarrier is provided. The intermediary carrier provided with the colorant can be prepared by applying the colorant to the intermediate carrier at least once, optionally screened. The colorant contains at least one dye and / or at least one pigment and a binder of a polymer.
2. (B) Then at least a portion of the optionally screened colorant is transferred from the intermediate carrier to the surface of the polymer layer, wherein on the surface of the respective polymer layer, the colorant layer is formed. In this case, for example, arranged in a grid pattern elements can be formed on the respective polymer layer. If only a part of the colorant is transferred to the surface of the polymer layer, this is preferably done by color splitting. For example, all or even part of the on the subcarrier formed structures are transferred to the polymer layer. The polymer layer is made of at least one material selected from a group comprising PC and PET. This does not exclude that the polymer layer additionally contains other substances, such as fillers, for example Pigemente and dyes, and / or other additives, reinforcing materials, such as glass fiber mats, and the like.
3. (C) Subsequently, at least one respectively provided with the colorant layer polymer layer and at least one cover layer are collected into a stack, so that the cover layer conceals the colorant layer to a viewer.
4. (D) Thereafter, the at least one polymer layer and the at least one cover layer are joined to form a laminate.
5. (e) Subsequently, local energy is introduced into the laminate so that at least part of the colorant layer becomes perceptible to the viewer. For this purpose, the energy is directed to the locations in the laminate where the colorant layer to be activated is located. As a result, the colorant layer under the cover layer is partially visible.

By introducing energy into at least part of the colorant layer, a visually perceptible contrast arises between first places of the value or security product into which energy is introduced and second places into which no energy is introduced. For this purpose, the non-energized points of the value or security product show no visually perceptible feature. Alternatively, the security feature before the energy input also have a uniform, surface optically recognizable coloration, which can be achieved by uniform surface loading of at least one material layer, for example with particles containing dye, ink or pigment. By a local energy input then the visual impression changes locally, so that the pattern is perceived according to the invention. As a result, any pattern, including characters, images, logos, codes and other markings, may be generated due to the contrast. This contrast may consist in the fact that initially there is no color impression and is exposed locally by the energy input color or that a contrast arises between a first color at untreated areas and a second color at treated areas.

For example, inks or pigments contained in particles are initially not or only slightly perceptible. By the energy input, for example, contained in the particles dyes and / or pigments are released, for example by melting. This release can be perceived by the human eye. Alternatively, the introduction of energy into the particles can otherwise lead to an optically perceptible contrast, for example by disturbing existing interference-generating mirror planes in the particles.

On the one hand, a very high safety standard is created, as materials are used that are chemically / materially compatible with each other (colorant and polymer layer), thus making forgery or falsification more difficult. Because of this, the cohesion of adjoining polymer layers also remain in the area in which the colorant is used to form the pattern, since the compatibility guarantees a very high adhesive strength of adjacent surfaces. This compatibility is achieved in that both the binder of the colorant used to form the pattern elements and the polymer layers to which the pattern elements are applied are made of compatible materials so that they form a strong interaction with each other. For this purpose, these materials have the same or similar chemical nature. According to the present invention, the binder is preferably made of or contains a polymer, and the polymer layers are or include PC and / or PET. In the case of each used for the binder and the polymer layers PC compatibility results from the large chemical similarity of the materials used. For PET, material pairing with a colorant with, for example, a PET-containing binder is preferred. Advantageously, PC is used which is formed with aromatic diols, more preferably diols from a group comprising bis (hydroxyphenyl) methane derivatives and geminally disubstituted bis (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkanes, this preferred choice being for both the material the polymer layers as well as the binder for the preparation of the colorant layers applies.

Another advantage of the manufacturing method according to the present invention is its high cost efficiency, since the colorant layer is first provided on an intermediate carrier and then transferred from this to the polymer layer. Such methods are typically known as (direct) transfer printing, sublimation printing, diffusion transfer, re-transfer. Therefore, the inventive method is also suitable for the production of a large number of security features (mass suitability).

Furthermore, since at least one cover layer covering the inner colorant layer is used so that the pattern formed by the colorant layer is not (or at least barely) perceived by a viewer without further treatment, the pattern may also be subsequently created inside the document by:
Energy is introduced locally at least in part of the colorant layer. The energy feed serves to locally destroy the cover layer above the colorant layer, so that an area of the colorant layer underneath is recognizable from the outside. For example, the cover layer can fuse with this area of the colorant layer, so that the color penetrates to the outside and thus causes a local color according to the location and the color of the relevant area of the colorant layer. Because the colorant layer is arranged on the inside of the document, the security feature thus formed is particularly secure against counterfeiting or falsification. The dye or the pigment of the colorant penetrates into the material of the adjacent polymer layers and thereby unfolds an intense color impression.

To form the colorant layer, colorant particles containing dyes, inks or pigments may be used. For example, the color particles may be formed in the form of core / shell color particles. To release the dyes, inks or pigments, the paint particles can be damaged or destroyed in any way. For example, the color particles can be subjected to thermal energy, so that the color particles melt or at least melt their shell. Alternatively or additionally, the color particles can also burst. Furthermore, the shell of the color particles can also be selectively removed (deburring, uncovering), for example by thermal removal of the shell or by chemical dissolution or dissolution of the shell. In a first exemplary embodiment, bursting color particles contain, for example, a liquid dye or a (liquid) ink in its interior (core). In a second embodiment, the core may be formed by a (solid) pigment or a solid dye. In this case, color particles including the pigment or dye of the core may be melted by the action of the energy. In addition, together with the core, the shell can be melted, or only the core melts. In a third embodiment, only the
Shell damaged by core / shell color particles or destroyed without disturbing the core. The shell can be damaged or destroyed by thermal or chemical means. A thermal action on the color particles preferably takes place directly by the direct action of energy on the color particles. A chemical action on the color particles can be triggered by release of a chemical substance, preferably a chemical solvent. This chemical can then damage or destroy the shell. The chemical may be contained in other (adjacent) particles, for example capsules, which contain a solvent for the shell of the color particles and which absorb the incident energy. Accordingly, the color particles may be formed by a core and a shell surrounding the core. Furthermore, it is also possible that the color particles are formed by porous particles, for example zeolite particles, which are either surrounded by a shell or which are not surrounded by a shell. The colorant in this case may be contained in the pores of the porous paint particles in a solid state, and liquefied for its release. If the porous paint particles are surrounded by a shell, this is removed for release.

For the production of core / shell particles, the dye or ink to be encapsulated is dispersed in droplets, for example, in a liquid in which it is insoluble, so that minute droplets are formed, or solid particles are dispersed in a liquid, so that forms a suspension. For example, pigment is presented as granules and coated with a shell material, for example with TiO ₂ or with metal, for example Al, or with a polymer. For example, to prepare the colored particles, liquid dye or an ink may be suspended in a liquid in which it is insoluble, so that minute droplets are formed. These droplets or solid particles can be stabilized, for example, by means of suitable wetting agents or emulsifiers. A process for producing coated particles for encapsulating, for example, paints is known in U.S. Pat EP 0 505 648 A1 specified. Thereafter, a hydrophobic material is coated with a resin by first providing an organic phase formed by a mixture of one or more hydrophobic liquids and / or hydrophobic solids with a self-dispersing resin, and then adding an aqueous phase to this mixture is added so that the resin forms therein a dispersion with particle sizes of up to 0.1 microns and the hydrophobic liquid and / or the hydrophobic solid encased. If a solid is to be coated, this is first in the desired particle size transferred, for example by grinding. In one example, a solid dye (cyanine blue) is dispersed with a resin (polyurethane resin having terminal isocyanate groups) in a hydrophobic liquid (methyl ethyl ketone). An aqueous solution of an amine is then mixed with this dispersion and heated. Removal of the hydrophobic liquid produces an aqueous dispersion of coated color particles. A method for encapsulation with TiO ₂ is described in the dissertation by Holger Strohm from Würzburg, "Liquid phase deposition of titanium dioxide onto polymer latex templates", Bayerische Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 2005. The disclosure of this document is hereby incorporated in full in the present application. According to this publication, latex particles are first functionalized with polyelectrolytes. Subsequently, TiO ₂ particles are deposited thereon by bringing the latex particles into contact with a solution of (NH ₄ ) ₂ [TiF ₆ ] and H ₃ BO ₃ / HCl. To produce purely inorganic hollow spheres, the latex particles are then removed, either by calcination of the TiO ₂ layers in an air atmosphere or chemically by dissolving the template core with toluene. In this way, so-called nano-containers are generated, which have already been described for a number of applications, for example for transporters of medical active substances, for self-healing processes of materials and the like. Furthermore, manufacturing methods are also of Skirtach et al., "Laser-Induced Release of Encapsulated Materials Inside Living Cells", Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2006, 45, 4612-4617 and Angelatos et al., "Light Responsive Polyelectrolyte / Gold Nanoparticle Microcapsules", J. Phys. Chem. B, 2005, 109, 3071-3076 specified. Therefore, these documents are also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the present application.

Alternatively, porous particles may also be loaded (soaked) with a liquid dye or with an ink by incorporating the liquid dye or ink or a molten colorant into the pores of these particles. Or porous or non-porous particles may be coated with the liquid dye or the ink or molten colorant. The particles are then sheathed.

Suitable porous particles are inorganic materials such as, for example, zeolites or organic materials, such as polyurethane-based microfoams, or porous nanoparticles or inorganic micro-containers. Furthermore, porous materials can be produced by spray pyrolysis. This is on M. Hampden-Smith, T. Kodas, S. Haubrich, M. Oljaca, R. Einhorn, D. Williams, "Novel Particulate Production Processes to Create Unique Security Materials ", in: Proc. SPIE 6075, Optical Security and Counterfeit Deterrence Techniques VI, 60750K (February 09, 2006); doi: 10.1117 / 12.641883 directed. Therefore, the disclosure of this publication in its entirety, at least with respect to the production method described therein, is included in the present application.

Further production methods for core / shell particles (including hollow glass particles) are in DG Shchukin, H. Möhwald, "Self-Repairing Coatings Containing Active Nanoreservoirs", in: www.small-journal.com (small), 2007, 3, No. 6, 926-943, Wiley-VCH Verlag , Weinheim stated. Therefore, the disclosure of this publication in its entirety, at least with regard to the production methods described therein, is included in the present application.

Instead of core / shell particles, the color particles can also be formed by OVI pigments (OVI: optically variable ink), in which the optically perceptible feature is caused by the interference layers contained therein. These particles are usually formed by mica platelets that are thinly coated with metal oxide.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the colorant layer is formed in the form of pattern elements. The pattern elements can advantageously be arranged in a grid, so that the pattern elements can be addressed specifically, for example, with a laser beam.

The color particles are preferably in the micrometer or sub-micron range, i. in the case of a substantially spherical or cubic or cuboidal particle whose diameter or main diagonal is in the nanometer or micrometer range, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 500 microns, more preferably from 0.1 to 100 microns, and most preferably from 0.5 to 50 μm. However, the color particles may also have platelet or needle shape. Also in this case, its thickness or needle diameter is in the micrometer range, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 500 microns, more preferably from 0.1 to 100 microns and most preferably from 0.5 to 50 microns. The size dimension in longitudinal extension, i. parallel to the platelet plane or needle length, is preferably 0.5 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m, preferably 1 to 100 .mu.m and most preferably 5 to 50 .mu.m.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, the particles which may contain colorants are contained in one color or one ink, ie the color or ink is suitable to be printed in a printing process or transferred in another method on the intermediate carrier and from there to the polymer layer. For the printing on the PC and / or PET layers, in principle all customary colors or inks can be used, as long as they are chemically compatible with PC or PET and have an affinity or adhesion to these polymers. This is achieved, for example, with a PC-based binder for PC polymer layers. These include, for example, solvent-based inks or inks that both dry by evaporation of the solvent and those systems in which the solvent chemically reacts, such as by crosslinking, crosslinking, polymerization, etc.

worin R¹ und R² unabhängig voneinander Wasserstoff, Halogen, bevorzugt Chlor oder Brom, C₁-C₈-Alkyl, C₅-C₆-Cycloalkyl, C₆-C₁₀-Aryl, bevorzugt Phenyl, und C₇-C₁₂-Aralkyl, bevorzugt Phenyl-C₁-C₄-Alkyl, insbesondere Benzyl, sind; m eine ganze Zahl von 4 bis 7, bevorzugt 4 oder 5 ist; R³ und R⁴ für jedes X individuell wählbar, unabhängig voneinander Wasserstoff oder C₁-C₆-Alkyl ist; X Kohlenstoff und n eine ganze Zahl größer 20 bedeuten, mit der Maßgabe, dass an mindestens einem Atom X, R³ und R⁴ gleichzeitig Alkyl bedeuten. Bevorzugt ist es, wenn an 1 bis 2 Atomen X, insbesondere nur an einem Atom X, R³ und R⁴ gleichzeitig Alkyl sind. R³ und R⁴ können insbesondere Methyl sein. Die X-Atome in α-Stellung zu dem Diphenyl-substituierten C-Atom (C1) können nicht dialkylsubstituiert sein. Die X-Atome in β-Stellung zu C1 können mit Alkyl disubstituiert sein. Bevorzugt ist m = 4 oder 5. Das PC-Derivat kann beispielsweise auf Basis von Monomeren, wie 4,4'-(3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexan-1,1-diyl)diphenol, 4,4'-(3,3-Dimethylcyclohexan-1,1-diyl)diphenol, oder 4,4'-(2,4,4-Trimethylcyclopentan-1,1-diyl)diphenol, gebildet sein. Ein solches PC-Derivat kann beispielsweise gemäß DE-A 38 32 396 aus Diphenolen der Formel (Ia) hergestellt werden, deren Offenbarungsgehalt hiermit vollumfänglich in den Offenbarungsgehalt dieser Anmeldung aufgenommen wird. Es können sowohl ein Diphenol der Formel (Ia) unter Bildung von Homopolycarbonat als auch mehrere Diphenole der Formel (Ia) unter Bildung von Copolycarbonat verwendet werden (Bedeutung von Resten, Gruppen und Parametern, wie in Formel I).

Preference is given to a preparation containing: A) 0.1 to 30% by weight of a binder with a PC derivative, B) 30 to 99.9% by weight of a preferably organic solvent or solvent mixture, C) 0 to 10% by weight D) 0 to 10 wt .-% of a functional material or a mixture of functional materials, E) 0 to 30 wt .-% additives and / or auxiliaries. D) 0 to 10 wt .-% of a functional material or a mixture of functional materials , or a mixture of such substances, wherein the sum of the components A) to E) always yields 100 wt .-%, and their use as a printing ink or printing ink. The PC derivatives are highly compatible with PC materials, in particular with PC based on bisphenol A. In addition, the PC derivative used is resistant to high temperatures and shows no discoloration at lamination typical temperatures up to 200 ° C and more. More specifically, the PC derivative may contain functional carbonate structural units represented by the following formula (I):

wherein R ¹ and R ² independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, preferably chlorine or bromine, C ₁ -C ₈ -alkyl, C ₅ -C ₆ -cycloalkyl, C ₆ -C ₁₀ -aryl, preferably phenyl, and C ₇ -C ₁₂ -Aralkyl, preferably phenyl-C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, in particular benzyl, are; m is an integer from 4 to 7, preferably 4 or 5; R ³ and R ^{4 are} individually selectable for each X, independently of one another is hydrogen or C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl; X is carbon and n is an integer greater than 20, with the proviso that on at least one atom X, R ³ and R ^{4 are} simultaneously alkyl. It is preferred for X, R ³ and R ^{4 to be} simultaneously alkyl at 1 to 2 atoms, in particular only at one atom. R ³ and R ⁴ may be in particular methyl. The X atoms in the α-position to the diphenyl-substituted C atom (C1) may not be dialkyl-substituted. The X atoms in β-position to C1 can be disubstituted with alkyl. Preferably m = 4 or 5. The PC derivative can be prepared, for example, on the basis of monomers, such as 4,4 '- (3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane-1,1-diyl) diphenol, 4,4' - (3, 3-dimethylcyclohexane-1,1-diyl) diphenol, or 4,4 '- (2,4,4-trimethylcyclopentane-1,1-diyl) diphenol. Such a PC derivative can, for example, according to DE-A 38 32 396 from diphenols of the formula (Ia) are prepared, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated in full in the disclosure of this application. It is possible to use both a diphenol of the formula (Ia) to form homopolycarbonate and also a number of diphenols of the formula (Ia) to give copolycarbonate (meaning of radicals, groups and parameters, as in formula I).

In addition, the diphenols of the formula (Ia) can also be used in admixture with other diphenols, for example those of the formula (Ib): HO - Z - OH (Ib), for the preparation of high molecular weight, thermoplastic, aromatic PC derivatives.

worin R einen verzweigten C₈- und/oder C₉-Alkylrest darstellt. Bevorzugt ist im Alkylrest R der Anteil an CH₃-Protonen zwischen 47 und 89 % und der Anteil der CH- und CH₂-Protonen zwischen 53 und 11 %; ebenfalls bevorzugt ist R in o- und/oder p-Stellung zur OH-Gruppe, und besonders bevorzugt die obere Grenze des ortho-Anteils 20 %. Die Kettenabbrecher werden im allgemeinen in Mengen von 0,5 bis 10, bevorzugt 1,5 bis 8 Mol-%, bezogen auf eingesetzte Diphenole, eingesetzt. Die PC-Derivate können vorzugsweise nach dem Phasengrenzflächenverhalten (vgl. H.Schnell in: Chemistry and Physics of Polycarbonates, Polymer Reviews, Vol. IX, Seite 33ff., Interscience Publ. 1964 ) in an sich bekannter Weise hergestellt werden. Hierbei werden die Diphenole der Formel (Ia) in wässrig alkalischer Phase gelöst. Zur Herstellung von Copolycarbonaten mit anderen Diphenolen werden Gemische von Diphenolen der Formel (Ia) und den anderen Diphenolen, beispielsweise denen der Formel (Ib), eingesetzt. Zur Regulierung des Molekulargewichts können Kettenabbrecher z.B. der Formel (Ic) zugegeben werden. Dann wird in Gegenwart einer inerten, vorzugsweise PC lösenden, organischen Phase mit Phosgen nach der Methode der Phasengrenzflächenkondensation umgesetzt. Die Reaktionstemperatur liegt im Bereich von 0°C bis 40°C. Die gegebenenfalls mit verwendeten Verzweiger (bevorzugt 0,05 bis 2,0 Mol-%) können entweder mit den Diphenolen in der wässrig alkalischen Phase vorgelegt werden oder in dem organischen Lösungsmittel gelöst vor Phosgenierung zugegeben werden. Neben den Diphenolen der Formel (Ia) und gegebenenfalls anderen Diphenolen (Ib) können auch deren Mono- und/oder Bis-chlorkohlensäureester mit verwendet werden, wobei diese in organischen Lösungsmitteln gelöst zugegeben werden. Die Menge an Kettenabbrechern sowie an Verzweigern richtet sich dann nach der molaren Menge von Diphenolat-Resten entsprechend Formel (Ia) und gegebenenfalls Formel (Ib); bei Mitverwendung von Chlorkohlensäureestern kann die Phosgenmenge in bekannter Weise entsprechend reduziert werden. Geeignete organische Lösungsmittel für die Kettenabbrecher sowie gegebenenfalls für die Verzweiger und die Chlorkohlensäureester sind beispielsweise Methylenchlorid, Chlorbenzol sowie insbesondere Mischungen aus Methylenchlorid und Chlorbenzol. Gegebenenfalls können die verwendeten Kettenabbrecher und Verzweiger im gleichen Solvens gelöst werden. Als organische Phase für die Phasengrenzflächenpolykondensation dienen beispielsweise Methylenchlorid, Chlorbenzol sowie Mischungen aus Methylenchlorid und Chlorbenzol. Als wässrige alkalische Phase dient beispielsweise NaOH-Lösung. Die Herstellung der PC-Derivate nach dem Phasengrenzflächenverfahren kann in üblicher Weise durch Katalysatoren, wie tertiäre Amine, insbesondere tertiäre aliphatische Amine, wie Tributylamin oder Triethylamin, katalysiert werden; die Katalysatoren können in Mengen von 0,05 bis 10 Mol-%, bezogen auf Mole an eingesetzten Diphenolen, eingesetzt werden. Die Katalysatoren können vor Beginn der Phosgenierung oder während oder auch nach der Phosgenierung zugesetzt werden. Die PC-Derivate können nach dem bekannten Verfahren in homogener Phase, dem sogenannten "Pyridinverfahren" sowie nach dem bekannten Schmelz-Umesterungsverfahren unter Verwendung von beispielsweise Diphenylcarbonat anstelle von Phosgen hergestellt werden. Die PC-Derivate können linear oder verzweigt sein, sie sind Homopolycarbonate oder Copolycarbonate auf Basis der Diphenole der Formel (Ia). Durch die beliebige Komposition mit anderen Diphenolen, insbesondere mit denen der Formel (Ib) lassen sich die PC-Eigenschaften in günstiger Weise variieren. In solchen Copolycarbonaten sind die Diphenole der Formel (Ia) in Mengen von 100 Mol-% bis 2 Mol-%, vorzugsweise in Mengen von 100 Mol-% bis 10 Mol-% und insbesondere in Mengen von 100 Mol-% bis 30 Mol-%, bezogen auf die Gesamtmenge von 100 Mol-% an Diphenoleinheiten, in PC-Derivaten enthalten. Das PC-Derivat kann ein Copolymer sein, enthaltend, insbesondere hieraus bestehend, Monomereinheiten M1 auf Basis der Formel (Ib),vorzugsweise Bisphenol A, sowie Monomereinheiten M2 auf Basis des geminal disubstituierten Dihydroxydiphenylcycloalkans, vorzugsweise des 4,4'-(3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexan-1,1-diyl)diphenols, wobei das Molverhältnis M2/M1 vorzugsweise größer als 0,3, insbesondere größer als 0,4, beispielsweise größer als 0,5 ist. Bevorzugt ist es, wenn das PC-Derivat ein mittleres Molekulargewicht (Gewichtsmittel) von mindestens 10.000, vorzugsweise von 20.000 bis 300.000, aufweist.Suitable other diphenols of the formula (Ib) are those in which Z is an aromatic radical having 6 to 30 C atoms, which may contain one or more aromatic nuclei, may be substituted, and aliphatic radicals or cycloaliphatic radicals other than those of the formula (II) Ia) or heteroatoms may contain as bridge members. Examples of the diphenols of the formula (Ib) are hydroquinone, resorcinol, dihydroxydiphenyls, bi- (hydroxyphenyl) alkanes, bis (hydroxyphenyl) -cycloalkanes, bis (hydroxyphenyl) sulfides, bis (hydroxyphenyl) ether, bis ( hydroxyphenyl) ketones, bis (hydroxyphenyl) sulfones, bis (hydroxyphenyl) sulfoxides, α, α'-bis (hydroxyphenyl) diisopropylbenzenes, and their nuclear alkylated and nuclear halogenated compounds. These and Other suitable diphenols are, for example, in US-A 3,028,365 . US-A 2,999,835 . US-A 3,148,172 . US-A 3,275,601 . US-A 2,991,273 . US-A 3,271,367 . US-A 3,062,781 . US-A 2,970,131 . US-A 2,999,846 . DE-A 1 570 703 . DE-A 2 063 050 . DE-A 2 063 052 . DE-A 2 211 956 . FR-A 1 561 518 and in H. Schnell in: Chemistry and Physics of Polycarbonates, Interscience Publishers, New York 1964 , the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in full in the disclosure of this application. Preferred other diphenols are, for example: 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, 2,4-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) -2-methylbutane, 1,1-bis ( 4-hydroxyphenyl) cyclohexane, α, α-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) -p-diisopropylbenzene, 2,2-bis (3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane, 2,2-bis (3-methyl) chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane, bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -methane, 2,2-bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane, bis (3, 5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) sulfone, 2,4-bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -2-methylbutane, 1,1-bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) cyclohexane, α, α-bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -p-diisopropylbenzene, 2,2-bis (3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane and 2,2-bis - (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl) propane. Particularly preferred diphenols of the formula (Ib) are, for example, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, 2,2-bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane, 2,2-bis- (3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane, 2,2-bis (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane and 1,1-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) -cyclohexane. In particular, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane is preferred. The other diphenols can be used both individually and in a mixture. The molar ratio of diphenols of the formula (Ia) to the other diphenols of the formula (Ib) which may optionally be used should be between 100 mol% (Ia) to 0 mol% (Ib) and 2 mol% (Ia) 98 mol% (Ib), preferably between 100 mol% (Ia) to 0 mol% (Ib) and 10 mol% (Ia) to 90 mol% (Ib) and in particular between 100 mol% (Ia ) to 0 mol% (Ib) and 30 mol% (Ia) to 70 mol% (Ib). The high molecular weight PC derivatives of the diphenols of the formula (Ia), optionally in combination with other diphenols, can be prepared by the known PC production methods. The various diphenols can be linked together both statistically and in blocks. The PC derivatives used can be branched in a manner known per se. If the branching is desired, this can in known manner by condensing small amounts, preferably amounts of 0.05 to 2.0 mol% (based on diphenols), of trifunctional or more than trifunctional compounds, especially those with three or more than three phenolic hydroxyl groups. Some branching agents having three or more than three phenolic hydroxyl groups are phloroglucinol, 4,6-dimethyl-2,4,6-tri- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -heptene-2, 4,6-dimethyl-2,4,6-tri - (4-hydroxyphenyl) heptane, 1,3,5-tri (4-hydroxyphenyl) benzene, 1,1,1-tri- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -ethane, tri- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -phenylmethane . 2,2-bis [4,4-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) cyclohexyl] propane, 2,4-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl-isopropyl) -phenol, 2,6-bis (2-hydroxy 5-methyl-benzyl) -4-methylphenol, 2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -2- (2,4-dihydroxyphenyl) -propane, hexa- [4- (4-hydroxyphenyl-isopropyl) -phenyl] -orthoterephthalate, Tetra- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -methane, tetra- [4- (4-hydroxyphenyl-isopropyl) -phenoxy] -methane and 1,4-bis- [4 ', 4 "-dihydroxytriphenyl) -methyl] -benzene Other trifunctional compounds are 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, trimesic acid, cyanuric chloride and 3,3-bis (3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -2-oxo-2,3-dihydroindole PC derivatives are monofunctional compounds in conventional concentrations Suitable compounds are, for example, phenol, tert-butylphenols or other alkyl-substituted phenols In particular, small amounts of phenols of the formula (Ic) are suitable for controlling the molecular weight:

wherein R represents a branched C ₈ and / or C ₉ alkyl radical. Preferably, in the alkyl radical R, the proportion of CH ₃ protons between 47 and 89% and the proportion of CH and CH ₂ protons between 53 and 11%; also preferably R is in the o- and / or p-position to the OH group, and more preferably the upper limit of the ortho-portion is 20%. The chain terminators are generally used in amounts of 0.5 to 10, preferably 1.5 to 8 mol%, based on diphenols used. The PC derivatives may preferably be prepared according to the interfacial behavior (cf. H. Schnell, Chemistry and Physics of Polycarbonates, Polymer Reviews, Vol. IX, p. 33ff., Interscience Publ. 1964 ) are prepared in a conventional manner. In this case, the diphenols of the formula (Ia) are dissolved in an aqueous alkaline phase. For the preparation of copolycarbonates with other diphenols, mixtures of diphenols of the formula (Ia) and the other diphenols, for example those of the formula (Ib), are used. To regulate the molecular weight, chain terminators of, for example, the formula (Ic) can be added. Then, in the presence of an inert, preferably PC-dissolving, organic phase is reacted with phosgene by the method of interfacial condensation. The reaction temperature is in the range of 0 ° C to 40 ° C. The optionally used with branching agents (preferably 0.05 to 2.0 mol%) can be presented either with the diphenols in the aqueous alkaline phase or dissolved in the organic solvent added before phosgenation. In addition to the diphenols of the formula (Ia) and, if appropriate, other diphenols (Ib), their mono- and / or bis-chloroformates may also be used are added, which are added dissolved in organic solvents. The amount of chain terminators and of branching agents then depends on the molar amount of diphenolate radicals corresponding to formula (Ia) and optionally formula (Ib); When using chloroformates the amount of phosgene can be reduced accordingly in a known manner. Suitable organic solvents for the chain terminators and optionally for the branching agents and the chloroformates are, for example, methylene chloride, chlorobenzene and in particular mixtures of methylene chloride and chlorobenzene. Optionally, the chain terminators and branching agents used can be dissolved in the same solvent. For example, methylene chloride, chlorobenzene and mixtures of methylene chloride and chlorobenzene serve as the organic phase for the interfacial polycondensation. The aqueous alkaline phase used is, for example, NaOH solution. The preparation of the PC derivatives by the phase interface method can be catalyzed in a conventional manner by catalysts such as tertiary amines, especially tertiary aliphatic amines such as tributylamine or triethylamine; the catalysts can be used in amounts of 0.05 to 10 mol%, based on moles of diphenols used. The catalysts can be added before the beginning of the phosgenation or during or after the phosgenation. The PC derivatives can be prepared by the known method in a homogeneous phase, the so-called "pyridine method" as well as by the known melt transesterification method using, for example, diphenyl carbonate instead of phosgene. The PC derivatives may be linear or branched, they are homopolycarbonates or copolycarbonates based on the diphenols of the formula (Ia). By arbitrary composition with other diphenols, especially those of the formula (Ib), the PC properties can be varied in a favorable manner. In such copolycarbonates, the diphenols of the formula (Ia) are present in amounts of from 100 mol% to 2 mol%, preferably in amounts of from 100 mol% to 10 mol% and in particular in amounts of from 100 mol% to 30 mol% %, based on the total amount of 100 mol% of diphenol units, contained in PC derivatives. The PC derivative may be a copolymer comprising, in particular consisting thereof, monomer units M1 based on the formula (Ib), preferably bisphenol A, and monomer units M2 based on the geminally disubstituted dihydroxydiphenylcycloalkane, preferably the 4,4 '- (3,3 , 5-trimethylcyclohexane-1,1-diyl) diphenol, wherein the molar ratio M2 / M1 is preferably greater than 0.3, in particular greater than 0.4, for example greater than 0.5. It is preferred if the PC derivative has a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000, preferably from 20,000 to 300,000.

In principle, component B may be substantially organic or aqueous. Substantially aqueous means that up to 20% by weight of component B) can be organic solvents. Substantially organic means that up to 5% by weight of water may be present in component B). Component B preferably contains one or consists of a liquid aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and / or aromatic hydrocarbon, a liquid organic ester and / or a mixture of such substances. The organic solvents used are preferably halogen-free organic solvents. Particularly suitable are aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic hydrocarbons, such as mesitylene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, cumene and solvent naphtha, toluene, xylene; (organic) esters such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methoxypropyl acetate, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate. Preference is given to mesitylene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, cumene and solvent naphtha, toluene, xylene, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methoxypropyl acetate. Ethyl 3-ethoxy-propionate. Very particular preference is given to mesitylene (1,3,5-trimethylbenzene), 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, cumene (2-phenylpropane), solvent naphtha and ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate. A suitable solvent mixture comprises, for example, L1) 0 to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 5% by weight, in particular 2 to 3% by weight, mesitylene, L2) 10 to 50% by weight, preferably 25 to 50% by weight %, in particular 30 to 40% by weight, 1-methoxy-2-propanol acetate, L3) 0 to 20% by weight, preferably 1 to 20% by weight, in particular 7 to 15% by weight, 1 , 2,4-trimethylbenzene, L4) 10 to 50 wt.%, Preferably 25 to 50 wt.%, In particular 30 to 40 wt.%, Ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate, L5) 0 to 10 wt. , preferably 0.01 to 2 wt .-%, in particular 0.05 to 0.5 wt .-%, cumene, and L6) 0 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 1 to 40 wt .-%, in particular 15 to 25 wt .-%, solvent naphtha, wherein the sum of components L1 to L6 always gives 100 wt .-%.

As component C, the free dyes and / or pigments (not contained in particles) are used. In principle, any dye or pigment is suitable. Dyes and pigments are all colorants (an overview of dyes there Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Electronic Release 2007, Wiley Publishing, Chapter "Dyes, General Survey "gives an overview of organic and inorganic pigments Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Electronic Release 2007, Wiley Verlag, chapter "Pigments, Organic" and "Pigments, Inorganic Dyes should be in the solvents of the component
B be soluble or (stable) dispersible or suspendable. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the colorant is stable at temperatures of 160 ° C. and more for a period of more than 5 minutes, in particular color-stable. It is also possible that the colorant is subjected to a predetermined and reproducible color change under the processing conditions and is selected accordingly. In addition to the temperature stability, light stability and climatic resistance, pigments must be present in particular in the finest particle size distribution. For inkjet printing, this means in practice that the particle size should not exceed 1.0 μm, since otherwise blockages in the print head are the result. As a rule, nanoscale solid-state pigments and dissolved dyes have proven their worth. The dyes and pigments may be cationic, anionic or even neutral. As examples of dyes and pigments which can be used in ink-jet printing are mentioned: Brilliant Black CI No. 28440, Chromogen Black CI No. 14645, Direct deep black E CI No. 30235, true black salt B CI No. 37245, true black salt K CI No. 37190, Sudan black HB CI 26150 , Naphtol black CI No. 20470, Bayscript® Black Liquid, CI Basic Black 11, CI Basic Blue 154, Cartasol® Turquoise K-ZL liquid, Cartasol® Turquoise K-RL liquid (CI Basic Blue 140), Cartasol Blue K5R liquid. Also suitable are, for example, the commercially available dyes Hostafine® Black TS liquid (sold by Clariant GmbH Germany), Bayscript® Black Liquid (CI mixture, marketed by Bayer AG Germany), Cartasol® Black MG liquid (CI Basic Black 11, Mark of Clariant GmbH Germany), Flexonylblack® PR 100 (E CI No. 30235, marketed by Hoechst AG), Rhodamine B, Cartasol® Orange K3 GL, Cartasol® Yellow K4 GL, Cartasol® K GL, or Cartasol® Red K 3B. Furthermore, as soluble dyes anthraquinone, azo, quinophthalone, coumarin, methine, perinone, and / or pyrazole, for example, under the name Macrolex® available, find use. Other suitable dyes and pigments include in the Reference Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Electronic Release 2007, Wiley Verlag, chapter "Colorants Used in Ink Jet Inks Highly soluble dyes result in optimum integration into the matrix or binder of the print layer The dyes and pigments can either be added directly or as a paste, a mixture of dye and pigment together with another binder If such a paste is used as component B, its quantity refers to the dye or pigment without the other components of the paste, these other components of the paste are then to be subsumed under component E. When using so-called Colored pigments in the scale colors cyan-magenta-yellow and preferably also (soot) black, solid color illustrations are possible.

For introducing the dyes and / or pigments into the particles for use in a first process variant, these are dispersed together with titanium dioxide, for example, together in a suitable agent, so that the dyes and / or pigments adhere to and store them with the titanium dioxide particles Form microparticles. Alternatively, the dyes and / or pigments may also be dispersed together with lipids in a suitable liquid medium such that the lipids form micelles in which the dyes and / or pigments are incorporated. Methods of making the color particles are given above.

Component D comprises substances that can be seen directly by the human eye or by the use of suitable detectors using technical aids. Here are the materials known to those skilled in the art (see also van Renesse in: Optical document security, 3rd ed., Artech House, 2005 ), which are used to secure value and security documents. These include luminescent substances (dyes or pigments, organic or inorganic) such as photoluminophores, electroluminophores, Antistokes luminophores, fluorophores but also magnetizable, photoacoustically addressable or piezoelectric materials and metal particles, magnetic particles, thermochromic particles, electrochromic particles and other substances. Furthermore, Raman-active or Raman-reinforcing materials can be used, as well as so-called barcode materials. Again, the preferred criteria are either the solubility in the component B or pigmented systems particle sizes <1 micron and a temperature stability for temperatures> 160 ° C and light resistance and climatic resistance in the sense of the comments on the component C. Functional materials can be added directly or via a paste, ie a mixture with a further binder, which then forms a constituent of component E, or the binder used in component A.

Component E of inks for ink-jet printing includes conventionally prepared materials such as anti-foaming agents, leveling agents, wetting agents, surfactants, flow agents, dryers, catalysts, (light) stabilizers, preservatives, biocides, surfactants, organic polymers for viscosity adjustment, buffer systems, etc. As setting agents customary setting salts come into question. An example of this is sodium lactate. Biocides are all commercially available preservatives, which are used for inks in question. Examples are Proxel®GXL and Parmetol® A26. Suitable surfactants are all commercially available surfactants which are used for inks. Preferred are amphoteric or nonionic surfactants. Of course, it is also possible to use special anionic or cationic surfactants which do not alter the properties of the dye or pigment. Examples of suitable surfactants are betaines, ethoxylated diols, etc. Examples are the product series Surfynol® and Tergitol®. The amount of surfactants is particularly selected when used for ink-jet printing, for example, provided that the surface tension of the ink is in the range of 10 to 60 mN / m, preferably 20 to 45 mN / m, measured at 25 ° C. A buffer system can be set up which stabilizes the pH in the range from 2.5 to 8.5, in particular in the range from 5 to 8. Suitable buffer systems are lithium acetate, borate buffer, triethanolamine or acetic acid / sodium acetate. A buffer system will be considered in particular in the case of a substantially aqueous component B. To adjust the viscosity of the ink (possibly water-soluble) polymers can be provided. Here all suitable for conventional ink formulations polymers come into question. Examples are water-soluble starch, in particular with an average molecular weight of 3,000 to 7,000, polyvinylpyrrolidone, in particular with an average molecular weight of 25,000 to 250,000, polyvinyl alcohol, in particular with an average molecular weight of 10,000 to 20,000, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide Block copolymer, especially having an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 8,000. An example of the latter block copolymer is the product series Pluronic®. The proportion of biocide, based on the total amount of ink, may be in the range of 0 to 0.5% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 0.3% by weight. The proportion of surfactant, based on the total amount of ink, can range from 0 to 0.2 wt .-%. The proportion of adjusting agents, based on the total amount of ink, 0 to 1 wt .-%, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 wt .-%, amount. The auxiliaries also include other components, such as, for example, acetic acid, formic acid or n-methylpyrrolidone or other polymers from the dye solution or paste used. With respect to substances which are suitable as component E, is supplemented, for example, on Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Chemical Industry, Electronic Release 2007, Wiley Publishing, Chapter "Paints and Coatings , Section "Paint Additives".

For applying the colorant, optionally screened onto the intermediate carrier, preferably a heat-resistant carrier material of the intermediate carrier is used in film form, for example of polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide or polyimide, preferably from Polyethylene terephthalate. The support may additionally comprise a release layer on the side of the support on which the colorant is temporarily applied, for example a layer of cross-linked acrylic polymer. Furthermore, the carrier may be formed on the opposite side with a protective layer, for example of silicone, to prevent adhesion of heating and pressure elements. The carrier material may be in the form of a band, in particular a circumferential band. In principle, a drum or a flat film or plate are also conceivable instead of a circulating belt, which are coated with a coating of the carrier and the release layer material. The band or the drum can advantageously be formed circumferentially in order to carry out the application of the colorant (process step (a)) and the subsequent transfer to the polymer film (process step (b)) continuously. The thus provided with the colorant intermediate carrier can be used in a conventional apparatus for transfer printing as a color carrier, in particular as a ribbon.

For application of the colorant optionally in screened form to the intermediate carrier, it is possible to use any coating method, in particular a printing method, with which screened patterns can also be produced. For example, the intermediate carrier can be coated by means of a doctor blade, roller coating, injection, casting, dispenser, transfer printing or other printing method, for example with an offset printing method. In principle, it is also possible to use a digital printing method, in particular a non-impact printing method, since digital printing methods have a very high flexibility with regard to the selected motif, the motif in this case preferably already being formed on the intermediate carrier. Therefore, the colorant can be applied in a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in particular by means of an inkjet printing process (inkjet process) or xerographic printing process on the intermediate carrier. The above-described ink composition is particularly suitable for ink-jet printing. If another method is used, the ratio of the individual components of the colorant is adapted to the coating technique. In the case of a xerographic printing process, the colorant is to be provided in the form of a toner.

The colorant is applied to the intermediate carrier in the two-dimensional arrangement (for the provision according to process step (a)), in which it is finally to be transferred to the polymer layer, although a mirror-inverted

Arrangement is selected on the intermediate carrier in order to form the right side pattern on the polymer layer can.

If a plurality of colorants are used to form multicolor colorant layers, for example of different pattern element types or different colorant layer areas, on one surface of the polymer layer, for example, to form a multicolor pattern, or if multiple patterns are to be formed on different surfaces thereof or of different polymer layers , Structures with optionally screened colorant can be formed several times successively on the intermediate carrier and then each transferred to a polymer layer. After transferring the colorant from the intermediate carrier to the polymer film, the intermediate carrier can be cleaned again before colorant is again applied to the intermediate carrier for a further polymer film. Alternatively, an unused area of a colorant-coated subcarrier is used.

The generation of a rastered image of the pattern to be generated on the intermediate carrier means that individual structural elements corresponding to the colorant layer areas to be formed are generated, which are separated from one another, preferably spaced from one another.

Alternatively, the colorant layer on the intermediate carrier can not be generated rastered.

Furthermore, the colorant layer may be formed on the intermediate carrier in a non-patterned areal uniform shape (screened or not screened). In this case, either the entire colorant layer or only a part thereof can be transferred to the polymer surface. A part is transferred, for example, by means of this suitable plunger under additional heat. Such a device corresponds to a conventional thermal printhead. If the entire colorant layer is transferred from the subcarrier to the polymer surface, patterning subsequently occurs upon activation.

Alternatively, a pattern representing information, for example, can already be formed on the intermediate carrier and then transferred to the surface of the polymer layer. However, according to the invention, this pattern can then only be subsequently made perceptible, since the respective colors do not yet emerge.

After the colorant has been applied in the optionally screened arrangement on the intermediate carrier, this is brought into contact with the polymer layer. Preferably, the intermediate carrier and the polymer layer are pressed together. For color transfer, either the entire surface of the polymer layer can be brought into simultaneous contact with the intermediate carrier, or individual parts of the intermediate carrier are brought into contact with corresponding portions of the polymer layer one after the other. In this method step, the pattern can already be generated, which is finally to be formed on the polymer layer. For the transfer of the colorant from the intermediate carrier to the polymer film pressure and heat can be applied to the temporary composite of the intermediate carrier and the polymer film, but the pressure and the temperature must not be so high that the core containing the dye and / or the pigment / Shell particles / particles are impaired according to the first method variant.

The colorant layer can either be applied on one side to a surface of a polymer layer, or one colorant layer can be applied to the two surfaces of a polymer layer or to a plurality of polymer layers intended for a value or security product, either on one side and / or on both sides. For this purpose, the intermediate carrier between two transfer processes of the colorant on the polymer layers in each case again loaded with the colorant by this optionally rastered is applied to the intermediate carrier, or it is a new range of loaded with colorant intermediate carrier available.

The colorant layer on the polymer layer can be formed by pattern element matrices, which are identical in each case. Or different types of matrices can be formed in each case, which differ, for example, in the arrangement and / or in the type of the pattern elements, for example of their color. For example, first pattern elements that are red upon introduction of energy on a first surface, second pattern elements that are green upon introduction of energy, on a second surface, and third pattern elements that appear blue upon introduction of energy may be formed on a third surface. At least two of these surfaces may in this case be opposed surfaces of the same polymer layer. The first pattern formed with the first pattern elements, the Second patterns formed with the second pattern elements and the third pattern formed with the third pattern elements can each be print separations of the same overall pattern, for example the face image of a person, and formed in register over one another, so that they give the overall pattern. Each of these print extracts includes partial information of the information stored throughout the print image. Thus, multiple patterns may be formed in different spaced-apart pattern planes in the value or security document, which are parallel to one another.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, at least two types of pattern elements differing by different dyes and / or pigments can be formed in a regular arrangement on a surface of the at least one polymer layer. The pattern elements can therefore be transferred in process step (b) in a grid arrangement on the polymer layer (s) are uniformly distributed in the pattern elements of different colors, for example in the colors of the CMYK color space. For this purpose, either a single transfer operation can be carried out from the intermediate carrier to the surface of the polymer layer, when all the pattern elements of the different types have first been applied together to the intermediate carrier. Or several transfer operations are made by successively each pattern elements of a type formed on the intermediate carrier and then these are each transmitted from the intermediate carrier to the surface of the polymer layer.

In a raster arrangement, the pattern elements of different types may alternate in a particular order. For example, a planar, in particular honeycomb-shaped, arrangement of pattern elements can be formed, in which alternate along rows of cyan, magenta, yellow and black pattern elements. The pattern elements formed with free dye or pigment (not incorporated into particles), when viewed with the naked eye, give a dark (black-brown) area without texture (pattern). The pattern elements which are formed with dye and / or pigment, which is / are integrated into particles, give the color impression predetermined by the structure of the particles. Only by activating individual pattern elements with their own colors does the desired pattern emerge. For this purpose, energy is introduced locally into certain pattern elements at the points of a given color predetermined by the pattern in order to produce the desired Color impression, optionally as a result of a color mixture of several pattern elements, each with a specific color to obtain.

The pattern formed with the colorant layer or the fully coated surface may cover the surface of the polymer layer completely or only partially in a field on the polymer layer or the entire polymer layer.

After the colorant layer has been applied to the polymer layer, it is further processed with further polymer layers to form the value or security product according to the invention. For this purpose, a conventional lamination method can be used. Alternatively, the value or security product can be prepared by extruding the corresponding polymer material together with color particles. In these methods, the color particles are preferably arranged on the inside in the value or security product and remain there completely or at least largely integrated invisibly until they are activated.

After the transfer of the colorant to the polymer layer (s) no pattern is recognizable to a viewer because the colorant layer is hidden within the value or security product by the cover layer.

In order to make the pattern recognizable (to be activated), local energy, for example heat energy, energy by means of electromagnetic radiation and / or mechanical energy is additionally applied to the colorant layer by means of a suitable energy source. In this case, the colorant layer is activated, and the dye and / or the pigment diffuses into the polymer material. For example, in order to be able to selectively apply energy to individual regions of the colorant layer, ie not to impinge on adjacent colorant layer regions, the energy source must be designed to be focusable. An advantage of electromagnetic radiation for energy input is that it can be applied in a spatially resolved manner. Another advantage is that it contains, via its energy (wavelength, frequency), further information that can be used to address particular colors of the desired pattern and to specifically control activation therefor. Thus, selective activation of different types of colorant layer areas For example, be achieved by adjusting the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation to the dyes and / or pigments of the respective colorant. In this way, the colorant layer areas of different types can be deliberately "opened" (activated). Further, the dyes and / or pigments containing these materials may additionally contain an electromagnetic radiation absorbing sensitizer. As a result, the absorption of the colorant layer areas can advantageously be tuned specifically to the radiated electromagnetic radiation, without having to make special demands on the materials of the dyes and / or pigments with regard to their spectral sensitivity. According to a further development of the present invention, it is very particularly preferred to use a laser which supplies local heat, for example by radiation absorption, which leads to a local temperature increase of all or only colorant layer regions of one type. Alternatively or additionally, a mechanical pressure can also be exerted locally on the colorant layer areas, for example with a thermal print head which additionally supplies local heat. As an alternative or in addition to these process options, it is also possible to introduce energy into the colorant layer areas by means of ultrasound, for example with an ultrasound generator (sonotrode). In this case, the cover of the cover layer is at least fused, destroyed and / or pierced, so that an existing thereunder area of the colorant layer is visible, such as by local fusing with the cover. For this purpose, the cover layer may be formed, for example, of TiO ₂ . The size of the TiO ₂ particles is preferably so small that just an opaque layer is present, ie the particle diameter of the TiO ₂ particles should be greater than half the wavelength of the visible light (in the maximum of sunlight about 500 nm, ie greater than 250 nm), better still greater than 500 nm, most preferably greater than 1 μm. Upon release, dye or pigment also gets into the polymer layer, since the introduced energy promotes this process. As a result of the release, the colorant layer is also melted so that the dye or the pigment not only diffuses from below in the z-direction to the cover layer and through it, so that it is dyed, but also diffuses into the polymer layer. These processes lead to color development and visualization (activation) of the affected colorant layer area. The energy can for example be introduced individually into pattern elements.

In order to initially hide the colorant layer, the overlying (for example, adjacent to the polymer layer) cover layer is opaque. It can be any color, including white, gray and black. Preferably, it is white, because this results in a very good contrast of the pattern formed before the remaining surface of the cover layer. The cover layer may be inherently opaque, i. the material, in particular polymer, of the cover layer may have been made opaque by suitable dyes and / or pigments. Or the cover layer has at least one opaque layer, which also has the required opacity by means of suitable dyes and / or pigments. This layer preferably lies in a stack together with the at least one polymer layer bearing the colorant layer on the colorant layer, since, when the energy is introduced into the cover, this leads to a connection of the colorant to the cover. The cover may cover the entire surface of the security or value product, or only a part thereof, namely in particular the part corresponding to the area occupied by the colorant layer.

With the introduction of energy the perceptible pattern is formed. If the colorant layer is located internally in the value or security product, the energy is most preferably introduced into the colorant layer by means of a method which does not require direct contact between the energy source and the colorant layer for this purpose (non-contact method). For example, the introduction of energy by means of electromagnetic radiation is particularly suitable. In order to enable a local introduction of energy into individual colorant layer areas, laser radiation can therefore advantageously be used. Any laser radiation that leads to absorption in the colorant layer or in adjacent material is suitable, for example, by an IR radiation emitting laser, such as Nd: YAG (fundamental wavelength or frequency multiplied: 1064 nm, 532 nm, 355 nm, 266 nm ) or a CO ₂ laser (10.6 μm). For radiation emission in the visible spectral range, gas lasers, for example argon and krypton ion lasers, or diode lasers can be used. Excimer lasers (for example F ₂ : 157 nm, ArF: 193 nm, KrF: 248 nm, XeCl: 308 nm, XeF 351 nm) can be used in the UV spectral range. The laser is focused on the targeted introduction of energy.

With the non-contact method, it is possible, in particular, to process document blanks which, apart from the security feature which can be produced by the method according to the invention essentially all other security features already included. Preferably, the pattern is located inside the document blank. On the one hand, this considerably simplifies the manufacturing process because, for example, a personalization of a document, for example an identity card blank, can be carried out at the issuing body without significant security measures to ensure that the documents which have not yet been personalized are transported to the issuer Do not get lost. In addition, it is ensured by an internal arrangement of the colorant layer that the pattern can not be falsified or falsified easily, because this would additionally be accessed on the inside pattern, which hardly succeed without exposing the pattern.

In order to achieve a targeted activation, for example of pattern elements (pixels) with the desired color, a very accurate positioning of the energy source is required. Since the individual pattern elements in the presence of a matrix of alternating pattern elements of different colors are not exactly recognizable in advance, for example, an adjustment can first be made to determine the position of the pattern elements relative to each other. For this, the position of at least two pattern elements in the pattern is to be determined. For the adjustment, for example energy is introduced into at least two pattern elements and the color and the position of the activated pattern elements are determined optically. By means of these color marks, the identity and the position of all other pattern elements of the pattern can then be derived. From this information, a pattern for the energy input can then be determined, according to which the pattern elements are converted into colored dots.

If the surface of the polymer layer on which the colorant layer is formed is exposed after activation, those colorant layer regions into which no energy has been introduced and which are therefore not fixed can be subsequently removed again from the at least one surface of the respective polymer layer. This achieves a better contrast of the pattern and thus an improved pattern quality.

If the surface of the polymer layer on which the colorant layer is formed is not exposed after activation, in a further process step carried out after the activation, unchanged color particles, ie color particles which are not involved in the pattern formation, can be fixed, if they are not stable over a long period of time should be. This will once formed Pattern stabilized against further change. The fixation can be effected for example by irradiation of the value or security product by means of electromagnetic radiation having a different photon energy (wavelength) than the electromagnetic radiation used for the activation, without the previously produced visually perceptible color impression is changed. For this purpose, for example, the matrix in which the color particles are located are chemically changed in such a way that colorant can no longer escape from the unaltered color particles. One possibility of chemical modification is to chemically crosslink the matrix. For this purpose, the matrix contains chemical compounds which can be crosslinked. Alternatively, the colorant that does not form the pattern can be bleached.

A pattern produced by the methods according to the invention on at least one polymer layer can also be formed in the form of a part of a motif whose other part is produced in a conventional manner. For example, it is possible for the motif part (for example a surface half of the motif) produced in a conventional manner to be produced even before the polymer layers are joined and bonded, whereas the motif part produced according to the invention can be activated only after joining and joining the polymer layers by subsequent activation is made visible. This makes it possible that a provided in the finished value or security document motif, such as a coat of arms, in a raw document initially only partially present and is provided only at the document issuing body with the other part of the subject.

The value or security product is preferably produced from a polymer layer provided with a colorant layer, furthermore further polymer layers on which no colorant layers are present, moreover in the case of the second method variant of a cover layer and finally, if appropriate, outside protective coatings or protective films. The protective coatings or protective films are used for outside protection against damage (scratches) and for enclosing otherwise outside mounted security features in the interior of the product to protect against tampering. Furthermore, on the outside, a diffractive film can be attached. The value or security product can be produced from the document materials, in particular by lamination. In addition to the PC and / or PET layers, the product may also include layers of other materials, such as other polymers or paper or paperboard. The document is preferably produced from 3 to 12, preferably 4 to 10 films, it being possible for the individual films to consist of the same material or of different materials. typically, For example, lamination of PC in a hot / cold laminating press is made in a first step at 170 to 200 ° C and a pressure of 50 to 600 N / cm ² and in a second step in cooling at about room temperature and under the same pressure. The lamination of PET takes place at a higher temperature, for example at 220 ° C. The polymer films typically have a thickness of from 25 to 150 μm, preferably from 50 to 100 μm. Alternatively, the value or security product can also be produced in a different way than by lamination, for example by extrusion.

In addition to the security feature that can be produced using the method according to the invention, the value or security product may have at least one further security feature that is either individualizing or not individualizing. Other security features include mottled fibers, guilloches, watermarks, embossed prints, a security thread, microfilm, tilting images, holograms, optically variable pigments, luminescent colors, transmitted light register and the like. Furthermore, the document may also comprise electronic components, for example an RFID circuit with antenna and RFID microchip, electronic display elements, LEDs, touch-sensitive sensors and the like. For example, the electronic components may be hidden between two opaque layers of the document.

Fig. 1

zeigt ein Wert- oder Sicherheitsdokument mit einem erfindungsgemäß hergestellten Sicherheitsmerkmal in einer schematischen isometrischen Darstellung;

Fig. 2

zeigt eine Anordnung zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens in einer schematischen Darstellung;

Fig. 3

zeigt den erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrensablauf in schematischer Form; Fig. 3A: Aufbringen von Farbmittel auf einen Zwischenträger beispielsweise in gerasterter Form; Fig. 3B: Übertragen von auf dem Zwischenträger befindlichem Farbmittel von dem Zwischenträger auf eine Oberfläche einer Polymerfolie unter Bildung von beispielsweise in einem Raster angeordneten Musterelementen auf der Polymerfolie; Fig. 3C: Bilden von Musterelementen auf einer Polymerlage, schematischer Schnitt durch die Polymerlage mit den darauf aufgebrachten Musterelementen mit vier Typen von in Partikeln integrierten Farbmitteln; Fig. 3D: erste Alternative: Aktivieren der Musterelemente, schematischer Schnitt durch ein Laminat der Polymerfolie von Fig. 3C mit weiteren Polymerfolien, in dem die Musterelemente mittels Energiezufuhr aktiviert worden sind; Fig. 3D': zweite Alternative: Aktivieren einiger Musterelemente, schematischer Schnitt durch die Polymerfolie mit teilweise aktivierten Musterelementen; Fig. 3E': Entfernen nicht aktivierter Musterelemente;

Fig. 4

zeigt den erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrensablauf in schematischer Form; Fig. 4A: Bilden des Laminats mit Musterelementen auf der Polymerlage und der darüber angeordneten Abdecklage, schematischer Schnitt durch das Laminat; Fig. 4B: Aktivieren einiger Musterelemente, schematischer Schnitt durch das Laminat, in dem die Abdeckung mittels Energiezufuhr teilweise zerstört worden ist;

Fig. 5

zeigt das Autopositionieren für das Aktivieren der Musterelemente; Fig. 5A: Bilden eines Rasters von vier Typen von Musterelementen, Darstellung in einer schematischen Draufsicht; Fig. 5B: Aktivieren von zwei Marker-Musterelementen;

Fig. 6

zeigt ein Raster von vier Typen von Musterelementen in einer schematischen Draufsicht, in dem lediglich zwei Typen von Musterelementen aktiviert worden sind.

The present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the following figures, in which the illustrated examples are merely exemplary in nature and do not represent a limitation on the scope of the described invention:

Fig. 1

shows a value or security document with a security feature according to the invention in a schematic isometric view;

Fig. 2

shows an arrangement for carrying out the method according to the invention in a schematic representation;

Fig. 3

shows the process sequence according to the invention in a schematic form; Fig. 3A : Applying colorant to an intermediate carrier, for example in rastered form; Fig. 3B Transferring colorant on the intermediate carrier from the intermediate carrier to a surface of a polymer film to form, for example, pattern elements arranged in a grid on the polymer film; Fig. 3C Forming pattern elements on a polymer layer, schematic section through the polymer layer with the applied thereon Pattern elements having four types of particulate colorants; Fig. 3D : first alternative: activating the pattern elements, schematic section through a laminate of the polymer film of Fig. 3C with other polymer films in which the pattern elements have been activated by means of energy supply; Fig. 3D ' : second alternative: activating some pattern elements, schematic section through the polymer film with partially activated pattern elements; 3E ' : Removing non-activated pattern elements;

Fig. 4

shows the process sequence according to the invention in a schematic form; Fig. 4A Forming the laminate with pattern elements on the polymer layer and the cover layer arranged above, schematic section through the laminate; Fig. 4B : Activating some pattern elements, schematic section through the laminate, in which the cover has been partially destroyed by means of energy supply;

Fig. 5

shows the autopositioning for activating the pattern elements; Fig. 5A : Forming a grid of four types of pattern elements, shown in a schematic plan view; Fig. 5B : Activate two marker pattern elements;

Fig. 6

shows a grid of four types of pattern elements in a schematic plan view in which only two types of pattern elements have been activated.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate elements having the same function or elements.

In the Fig. 1 shown embodiment of an identity card 600 each has a common format for the card, for example, the format ID 1 according to ISO / IEC 7810. The card may be made as a laminate of several polymer films, which may consist of PC and / or PET and individual layers of the Make a map. Some of these layers may be colored opaque with pigments, for example, to hide the card from an internal electronic device. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the card is formed of a polymer film as a substrate. The card has a front side 601 and a back side (not shown). It may, for example, have a thickness of 800 μm. The card may include a plurality of security features, such as a face image 610 of the person to whom the card is associated, a data field 620 in which, for example, that person's data is shown in plain text, and other security features that are not shown.

Furthermore, the card 600 has a security feature 160, which has been activated in accordance with the invention. In the present case, a reproduction of the face image 150 of the holder of the card in the form of a pattern is reproduced as representative of any differently designed marking. Other representations may be formed by any other pattern. Alternatively, the facial image 610 may be formed by the security feature that has been activated in accordance with the invention. In this case, no further field 160 would be provided.

In the Fig. 2 A schematically illustrated laser activation device is suitable for producing in a document blank 600 a multicolored pattern 150, for example from pattern elements 110 (FIG. Fig. 3C ) to create. For this purpose, the device has three lasers 2 ', 2 ", 2"', three primary mirrors 3 ', 3 ", 3"', a secondary mirror 4, further imaging optics (not shown), a control unit 5 and a computer 6.

The computer 6 stores, for example, input data, for example an image file, from which a halftone image can be formed. The raw data for the programming of the control unit 5 are then generated from the halftone image. The control unit in turn controls the secondary mirror 4, so that the laser beam is guided over the surface of the document blank 600 to be activated. Furthermore, the control device also controls the lasers 2 ', 2 ", 2"' or respectively a modulator (not shown) associated with the lasers. With these modulators, the intensity of the laser beams L can be individually modulated. With the data provided by the controller, the device can be controlled to create pattern elements 110 of the pattern 150 in the document blank. To generate the colored pattern elements, the laser beams emanating from the lasers pass through the primary mirrors 3 ', 3 ", 3"', then strike the secondary mirror 4 and are deflected by the latter onto the document blank. For example, the laser beams may be passed line by line across the document surface, with the intensity of the beams being tuned by modulation to the desired beam intensity to be formed at a location on the document surface. The laser beams may, for example, be focused on the surface in order to obtain the smallest possible beam diameter.

The pattern 150 is generated by activating the document blank 600 by means of the laser, in which the laser beam L in the document blank strikes the colorant layer 100 ( FIG. 3D ). This is activated by the action of the laser beam, so that, for example, contained therein colorant is released and thus perceived by a viewer. Before activation, the colorant is hidden, for example, in color particles in that the shell largely shields the colorant.

• Mit diesem Verfahren soll eine Farbmittelschicht 100 in Form von regelmäßig angeordneten Musterelementen 110 verschiedener Typen A, B, C, D, d.h. mit verschiedenen Farben, in einem Druckfeld 120 auf eine Oberfläche 310 einer handelsüblichen PC-Folie 300 als Polymerlage, beispielsweise auf Bisphenol A-Basis, aufgebracht werden (Fig. 3C).

In Fig. 3 the process according to the invention in the first process variant is shown in schematic form:

• With this method, a colorant layer 100 in the form of regularly arranged pattern elements 110 of different types A, B, C, D, ie with different colors, in a printing field 120 on a surface 310 of a commercially available PC film 300 as a polymer layer, for example on bisphenol A -Base, be applied ( Fig. 3C ).

In a first step, colorant is screened onto an intermediate carrier 200 ( Fig. 3A ). The intermediate carrier is a film of PET with a release layer applied thereon. The colorants are printing inks, in which respective dyes are integrated into particles (first process variant). These are, for example, dyes included in titanium dioxide particles. In the present case, four dyes are selected, namely a yellow, a red, a green and a blue dye, with which respective colorants and with these the corresponding pattern element types A, B, C, D are formed. These particulate dyes are dispersed in a dye formulation containing as binder, for example, a PC derivative, preferably based on a geminally disubstituted bis (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane. In addition, a solvent for the binder and other additives usually added to printing inks are included.

These inks are printed on the subcarrier 200 by means of, for example, an ink jet printer 400 having four printheads 410 (ink A), 420 (ink B), 430 (ink C), 440 (ink D) for each one of the four printing inks Size and with the arrangement of the pattern 310 to be formed on the surface 310 of the PC film 300 to be formed. The size of the pattern elements is for example 30 microns. For this purpose, all the structures on the intermediate carrier which correspond to the pattern elements to be formed on the PC film, ie all four pattern element types A, B, C, D, are generated in a laterally reversed arrangement. For example, a grid is formed from which a pattern element arrangement, such as those in Fig. 6 shown, can be generated.

By pressing the surface 210 of the intermediate carrier 200 provided with the printing ink structures onto a surface 310 of the PC film 300, the structures produced on the surface of the intermediate carrier are transferred to this surface of the PC film, forming a colorant layer 100 in the form of the pattern element arrangement ( Fig. 3C ). For this purpose, the PC film is pressed by means of a pressure roller 220 against the intermediate carrier belt ( Fig. 3B ). This results in a raster arrangement of the pattern elements on the polymer film surface with the four different colorants A, B, C, D. The pattern elements 110 are white to gray due to the use of titanium dioxide and have no discernible coloration. An observer sees the print field 120, in which the pattern elements lie, because of their small size therefore pale gray.

The thus printed with the colorant layer 100 PC film 300 is then with other polymer films 320, 330, 340, for example, also PC films, collected into a stack 350. In this case, the printed surface 310 of the PC film 300 is arranged inside the stack ( Fig. 3D ). The stack is then further processed in a conventional hot / cold lamination process into a laminate which, when completed, constitutes a value or security document 600. The result is a monolithic composite of the individual layers, ie the original surfaces are no longer recognizable after lamination. The colorant layer 100 is retained during lamination, ie, the dye does not diffuse out. The now internal pressure field 120 also appears slightly gray or white.

In a subsequent method step, the pattern elements 110 are treated with a focused laser beam L (method step (c)). For this purpose, the device is used, in which the laser beam is focused on the pattern plane in which the pattern elements are located and moved over the pressure field 120. For this purpose, the deflection unit 4 for the laser beam is present ( Fig. 2 ). The laser is, for example, a Nd: YAG laser. Targeted laser treatment activates individual pattern elements by releasing dye. This diffuses into adjacent polymer layers 300, 320 and locally develops an intensive coloring of the material. In the present case all pattern elements have been activated ( Fig. 3D ).

In an alternative to the example described above, the PC film 300 is not collated with other polymer layers and laminated but processed separately. As a result, the colorant layer 100 in the form of the pattern elements 110 remains on the surface 310 of the PC film (FIG. Fig. 3D ' ). In a subsequent method step, only a part of the pattern elements is activated, namely the pattern elements of the type B (red) and the type D (blue). The laser device in turn serves for this purpose. The yellow pattern elements (A) and the green pattern elements (C) remain inactive. In a subsequent step, the non-activated pattern elements are removed from the surface ( 3E ' ). For this purpose, an adhesive film is pressed onto the surface (not shown), so that the non-activated pattern elements adhere to it. The print field 120 appears as a mixed color of red and blue thus violet.

According to the second variant of the method, in another example, a colorant layer 100 in the form of pattern elements 110 is again formed on a PC film 300 ( Fig. 4A ). However, for example, printing inks containing the free dyes (not loaded in / on particles) are used for this purpose. Again, four inks are used with yellow, red, green, blue dyes. The pattern elements have a size and are formed in an arrangement on the surface 310 of the PC film, which correspond to those of the first example. The print field 120 formed with the pattern elements appears dark brown to an observer. Also in this case, the printing inks contain a PC derivative as a binder, for example, based on a geminally disubstituted bis (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane, and a solvent for the binder and other additives which are usually added to printing inks. In a first step, as in the first example, patterns corresponding to the pattern elements are first formed on an intermediate carrier 200, and the printing ink of these structures is then transferred from the intermediate carrier surface 210 to the surface 310 of the PC film 300 (corresponding to FIG Fig. 3A, 3B ). The structures may be formed by a pattern or by a full colorant layer.

Subsequently, this PC film 300 is combined with further polymer films 320, 330, 340, for example likewise PC films, to form a stack 350 ( Fig. 4A ). Above the colorant layer 100 having surface 310 of the PC film 300 is additionally a cover layer in the form of a cover film 360 having on a surface 361 a cover layer 362, which is opaque white, for example by titanium dioxide. This covering layer is formed by a white printing layer, for example by means of an offset printing process. The patterned surface 310 of the PC film 300 is therefore intermediate the PC film and the cover film 360 arranged inside. The stack is then further processed into a laminate in a conventional hot / cold lamination process. The result is a monolithic composite of the individual layers, ie the original surfaces are no longer recognizable after lamination. The pattern elements are preserved during lamination. The now inner pressure field 120 is not visible due to the cover. At this point, the document appears white.

In a subsequent method step, the covering layer 362 is treated with a focused laser beam L via individual pattern elements 110. For this purpose, the aforementioned laser treatment device is used. The targeted laser treatment causes the covering layer to be locally melted. As a result of the local temperature increase, the dye in the underlying pattern elements diffuses into the adjoining PC film 300 and into the cover film 360 in the z direction, where it locally develops an intensive coloration of the material. In the present case only pattern elements of colors A (yellow) and C (green) have been activated ( Fig. 4B ). This results in a changed color impression in the print field 120. The print field appears by the mixture of the yellow and green pattern elements in a light green color.

By activating the pattern elements 110 of types A and C, for example in strips, white and light green stripes can be formed. Similarly, other patterns can be created.

In tests according to all the above-mentioned examples of an attempted delamination of the laminate, it turns out that the pressure fields have the same high adhesive strength to the adjacent polymer material as the polymer layers with one another.

In further examples, the first and second examples are repeated using PET as the material for the polymer layers to be provided with the colorant layers 100. The same results, especially for the attempted delamination of the laminate.

• Fig. 5A zeigt die Farbmittelschicht 100 in Form von Musterelementen 110 auf der Oberfläche 310 einer PC-Folie 300 in der Kodierung ihrer jeweiligen Farben. In dem Druckfeld 120 befinden sich vier Musterelementtypen, nämlich gelbe (A), rote (B), grüne (C) und blaue (D) Musterelemente. Diese Musterelemente sind in einer quadratischen Anordnung in einem Druckfeld 120 systematisch angeordnet: Jeweils zwei Musterelementtypen A und B bzw. C und D sind in einer von zwei aufeinander folgenden Anordnungsarten der Musterelemente gebildet. In einer ersten Reihe sind gelbe Musterelemente A und rote Musterelemente B und in einer zweiten Reihe grüne Musterelemente C und blaue Musterelemente D jeweils abwechselnd zueinander angeordnet. Die ersten und zweiten Reihen wechseln ebenfalls miteinander ab.

In Fig. 5 a method for positioning the energy source for the targeted activation of the pattern elements 110 is shown schematically:

• Fig. 5A shows the colorant layer 100 in the form of pattern elements 110 on the surface 310 of a PC film 300 in the coding of their respective colors. In the print field 120 there are four pattern element types, namely yellow (A), red (B), green (C) and blue (D) pattern elements. These pattern elements are arranged systematically in a square array in a printing field 120: two pattern element types A and B, and C and D, respectively, are formed in one of two consecutive arrangement types of the pattern elements. In a first row yellow pattern elements A and red pattern elements B and in a second row green pattern elements C and blue pattern elements D are each arranged alternately to each other. The first and second rows also alternate with each other.

Of course, the pattern elements 110 do not yet show these colors before they are activated. For example, the colorant can be incorporated in titanium dioxide particles, so that the pattern elements appear white or gray. In order to achieve a specific activation of certain pattern elements or at least certain pattern element types, occasionally pattern elements are tentatively activated to determine their type. In the example of Fig. 5B The yellow pattern element (A) on the top left and the blue pattern element (D) on the bottom right are activated and made visible. From this determination, it is possible to infer the absolute position of all the pattern elements of a respective type from the knowledge of the arrangement of the pattern element types relative to one another, so that a targeted activation of certain pattern elements is possible after this calibration. For it is known that a red pattern element (B) is located to the left and right of a yellow pattern element (A) and a green pattern element (C) below and above a yellow pattern element and a blue pattern element (D) below and above a red pattern element ,

A selective regional activation of pattern elements 110 of a colorant layer 100, which are arranged in staggered rows on the surface 310 of a PC film 300, is shown in FIG Fig. 6 shown. In this case, yellow pattern elements (A) and red pattern elements (B) are located in a first row, and green pattern elements (C) and blue pattern elements (D) are located in an underlying second row offset from the first row. The further rows down represent repetitions of the first and the second row.

By selective activation in an upper printing area 130 of red pattern elements 110 (B) and in a lower printing area 140 of yellow pattern elements (A), the printing field 120 appears red in the upper area and yellow in the lower area. Put these two strips a pattern 150 that may represent information, such as the encoded value of a patterned document. In the same way, of course, other, in particular more complicated patterns, such as the facial image of a person, by areawise activation of corresponding pattern elements, can be developed. Accordingly, such a pattern can also be individualizing for a value or security document 600 and, for example, reproduce the facial image of a person.

The above description of the invention shows that the generation of a pattern can be achieved in a variety of ways: In a first alternative, the pattern is already generated during the transfer of the colorant to the intermediate carrier. In this case, preferably the entire colorant is transferred from the intermediate carrier to the polymer layer and then also preferably fully activated on the polymer layer. In a second alternative, the pattern is formed only by partial transfer of the colorant areas corresponding to the pattern on the intermediate carrier to the polymer layer. In this case, the intermediate carrier is preferably coated over its entire surface with the colorant. The colorant layer formed in the form of the pattern on the polymer layer is then preferably completely activated. In a third alternative, the pattern is first generated by selective activation on the polymer layer. For this purpose, the colorant is first preferably over the entire surface of the intermediate carrier and then also preferably over the entire surface of the intermediate carrier transferred to the polymer layer.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2 ', 2 ", 2"'

laser

3 ', 3 ", 3"'

primary mirror

4

Secondary mirror, deflection unit

5

control unit

6

computer

100

Colorant layer

110

pattern element

120

pressure field

130

upper pressure range

140

lower pressure range

150

Pattern, facial image

160

inventive security feature

200

subcarrier

210

Surface of the subcarrier

220

pressure roller

300

Polymer layer, PC film

310

Surface of the polymer layer / PC film

320

Polymer film / location

330

Polymer film / location

340

Polymer film / location

350

film stack

360

Cover foil / layer, polymer layer

361

Surface of the cover layer

362

covering

400

inkjet

410

printhead

420

printhead

430

printhead

440

printhead

600

Value or security document / product, document blank, identity card

601

front

610

facial image

620

data field

A, B, C, D

Pattern element types

L

laser beam

Claims (8)

1. Method for producing a security feature (160) of a value or security product (600), wherein the security feature (160) is formed by at least one pattern (150) and wherein the method comprises the following method steps:

   a) providing a subcarrier (200) having a colorant, wherein the colorant contains at least one dye and/or at least one pigment, as well as a binder made from a polymer;

   b) transferring at least one part of the colorant from the subcarrier (200) onto a surface (310) of a polymer layer (300), forming a colorant layer (100) on the respective polymer layer (300), wherein the polymer layer (300) is produced from at least one material which is selected from a group comprising polycarbonate and polyethylene-terephthalate;

   c) merging at least one polymer layer (300) provided in each case with the colorant layer (100) as well as at least one cover layer (360) to form a stack (350), such that the cover layer (360) conceals the colorant layer (100) from an observer;

   d) connecting the at least one polymer layer (300) and the at least one cover layer (360) to form a laminate; and

   e) locally introducing energy into the laminate, such that, with the formation of the pattern (150), at least a part of the colorant layer (100) can be perceived by the observer.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the colorant layer (100) is configured in the form of pattern elements (110) arranged in a grid.
3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the polycarbonate is formed with diols from a group comprising bis-(hydroxyphenyl)-methane derivatives.
4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least two types of colorants, distinguished by different dyes and/or pigments are transferred in a regular or irregular arrangement onto the at least one polymer layer (300).
5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the colorant is a printing dye or a printing ink.
6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the colorant is applied by means of an inkjet printing process onto the subcarrier (200).
7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the colorant layer (100) is located inside a polymer body, formed by the at least one polymer layer (300) provided with the colorant layer (100), as well as, if appropriate, further polymer layers (320, 330, 340, 360).
8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the energy is introduced locally by means of laser radiation (L).

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