JP2006256035A - Plate-making method for original plate for planographic printing plate, and planographic printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a plate-making method for an on-machine development type plate material, which reduces the amount of waste paper printed out and has high printing resistance and a small amount of dot gain, for use in an original plate for a planographic printing plate with an image recording layer having the force of close adhesion to a substrate decreased by dampening water, and a planographic printing method using the plate-making method. <P>SOLUTION: In the plate-making method for the planographic printing plate, the original plate for the planographic printing plate, where an image recording layer is provided on the substrate, is mounted on a printing machine and exposed to light in an image pattern, or exposed to light in the image pattern and mounted on the printing machine; after that, printing ink and/or the dampening water are/is supplied for development. The plate-making method for the planographic printing plate is characterized as follows: the force of the close adhesion of the image recording layer to the substrate is decreased by the dampening water; and an image for use in an exposure step is composed of an FM screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a plate making method of an on-press development type plate material and a lithographic printing method using the same, and in particular, a plate making method having high workability and high productivity due to fast on-press development and a small amount of printing waste paper. And lithographic printing methods.

  Conventionally, as a means of improving the productivity of lithographic printing, when a so-called on-press development type plate material that can be developed with dampening water and / or ink on a printing press is used, the developing step using a developer is omitted. Therefore, it is known that the plate-making time is shortened, and there are advantages such as cost reduction due to the fact that the development processing apparatus and the developer are unnecessary.

However, if a method of developing with a dampening water and / or ink using an on-press development type plate material (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the following adverse effects occur.
That is, in the on-press development type plate material that removes the image recording layer in the non-image area, after the image is recorded, the image recording layer in the non-image area is removed with dampening water and / or ink, and the hydrophilicity is obtained. Although the surface is exposed, the image recording layer may not be completely removed at this time, and the residue of the image recording layer may remain on the surface of the non-image area.
Since the portion where the image recording layer remains is oleophilic, ink adheres to it and stains the non-image portion. Such residue is removed by fountain solution as printing progresses, so the stain disappears, but the paper used until the stain disappears after the start of printing becomes so-called damaged paper. There is a problem that a printed matter without stains cannot be obtained.

  In particular, when using an image recording layer with reduced solubility in dampening water to improve the printing durability of the image area, the non-image area of the large area image recording layer may be removed relatively quickly. In a halftone dot portion having a high image area ratio, that is, a so-called shadow portion, it takes time until the non-image portion of the image recording layer existing as an independent dot is removed, and the shadow portion becomes clogged, resulting in loss of paper. There was a problem that would increase.

On the other hand, when an image recording layer that can be easily dissolved in dampening water using heat-fusible fine particles that can be dispersed in water is used to solve the problem of slow on-machine developability, Stain and clogging of the shadow part are resolved immediately after the on-machine development starts, but the printing durability is low, and when using fine dots such as high-definition printing and FM screen printing, Depending on printing conditions such as temperature, there is a problem in that the dot area ratio is affected by changing the dot area ratio.
JP 2000-52634 A

  In the present invention, when the on-press development type plate material is used, since the amount of lost printing paper is small and the time until a printed matter without clogging of the shadow portion is obtained, workability and productivity are extremely high. It is an object of the present invention to provide a plate making method capable of obtaining high and high printing durability and a stable dot area ratio, and a lithographic printing method using the plate making method.

The present invention, as a result of earnest research to achieve the above object, on an on-press development type plate making method and a lithographic printing method using the same, results in an image in which the adhesion to the support is reduced due to the presence of dampening water. The above problem could be achieved by exposing an image composed of an FM screen using the recording layer. The inventors have found that printing paper loss and time reduction can be achieved, printing durability is high, and change in image area ratio due to printing conditions is reduced, and the present invention has been completed.
That is, the present invention is as follows.

  (1) A lithographic printing plate precursor having an image recording layer on a support is mounted on a printing press and imagewise exposed, or after imagewise exposure and mounting on a printing press, printing ink and / or A plate making method of a lithographic printing plate developed by supplying dampening water, wherein the image recording layer is an image recording layer whose adhesion to the support is reduced by dampening water, and is used in the exposure step A method for making a lithographic printing plate, characterized in that an image to be formed is composed of an FM screen.

(2) The lithographic printing as described in (1) above, wherein at least part of the unexposed portion of the image recording layer is removed in a film-removing manner without dissolving in the printing ink and / or fountain solution. Plate making method.
(3) The image recording layer contains (A) an infrared absorber, (B) a polymerization initiator, and (C) a polymerizable compound, described in (1) or (2) above Plate making method of lithographic printing plate.
(4) The image recording layer according to (1) or (2), wherein the image recording layer contains (B) a polymerization initiator and (C) a polymerizable compound and is photosensitive in a range of 250 nm to 420 nm. The plate making method of the lithographic printing plate as described.

(5) The plate making method of a lithographic printing plate as described in any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the image recording layer contains a microcapsule or a microgel.
(6) The plate making method of a lithographic printing plate as described in any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the FM screen is composed of dots of 20 μm or less.
(7) A printing plate made by the plate making method of a lithographic printing plate as set forth in any one of (1) to (6) is supplied with printing ink and fountain solution for printing. Lithographic printing method.

According to the plate-making method of the lithographic printing plate of (1) above, clogging of the shadow part after the start of printing can be eliminated in a very short time, and printing quality is high and a high-quality printed matter can be obtained. it can. Further, according to the lithographic printing plate making method of (2), the printing durability can be further improved because the image recording layer does not substantially dissolve in dampening water while maintaining the effect of (1). It is.
According to the plate-making method of the lithographic printing plate of (3) to (5) above, since the plate material used is excellent in developability, workability and productivity are particularly excellent.
According to the lithographic printing plate making method of (6) above, the on-press developability improvement effect becomes more prominent, so that the workability and productivity are further improved.
According to the planographic printing method of (7) above, printing with particularly excellent workability and productivity becomes possible.

  The lithographic printing plate making method and lithographic printing method of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[Plate making method and planographic printing method]
In the lithographic printing plate making method of the present invention, it is essential to perform imagewise exposure using an FM screen as described later. The exposure light source is preferably a laser. Although the laser used for this invention is not specifically limited, The solid laser and semiconductor laser which irradiate infrared rays with a wavelength of 760-1200 nm, the semiconductor laser etc. which irradiate 250-420 nm light etc. are mentioned suitably.
Regarding the infrared laser, the output is preferably 100 mW or more, the exposure time per pixel is preferably within 20 microseconds, and the irradiation energy amount is preferably 10 to 300 mJ / cm ² . In a semiconductor laser that emits light of 250 to 420 nm, the output is preferably 0.1 mW or more. In any laser, it is preferable to use a multi-beam laser device in order to shorten the exposure time.

  The exposed lithographic printing plate precursor is mounted on a plate cylinder of a printing press. In the case of a printing press equipped with a laser exposure device, imagewise exposure is performed after a lithographic printing plate precursor is mounted on a printing drum.

For example, in an embodiment of a negative on-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor, after printing the lithographic printing plate precursor imagewise with a laser, printing with fountain solution without passing through a development processing step such as a wet development processing step When ink is supplied and printing is performed, in the exposed portion of the image recording layer, the image recording layer cured by exposure forms a printing ink receiving portion having an oleophilic surface. On the other hand, in the unexposed area, the uncured image recording layer is dissolved or dispersed and removed by the supplied fountain solution and / or printing ink, and a hydrophilic surface is exposed in that area. As a result, the fountain solution adheres to the exposed hydrophilic surface, the printing ink is deposited on the image recording layer in the exposed area, and printing is started.
In this way, the lithographic printing plate precursor is subjected to on-press development on an offset printing machine and used as it is for printing a large number of sheets.

[FM screen]
The FM (Frequency Modulation) screen used for the lithographic printing plate making method and the lithographic printing method of the present invention expresses gradation expression, whereas the conventional AM (Amplitude Modulation) screen expresses the halftone dot size. The dots of the same size of about 10 to 25 μm having no periodic structure are distributed and expressed by the number (number) of dots per fixed area. Since there is no regularity (screen pitch or screen angle) of the halftone dot arrangement like the AM screen, the problem of generating interference patterns and minute patterns such as moire and rosetta patterns when the four colors overlap is solved. Table 1 shows a conceptual diagram of examples of the FM screen and the AM screen. The FM screen is described in detail in a research report (1997) on FM screen printing in 1996 issued by the Japan Machinery Federation and the Japan Printing Industry Federation.

In the lithographic printing plate making method and lithographic printing method of the present invention, the lithographic printing plate precursor having an image recording layer whose adhesion to the support is reduced by the presence of fountain solution is subjected to on-press development by FM screen exposure. The reason for the improvement is not clearly clarified, but is considered as follows.
That is, if the solubility of the image recording layer in the fountain solution is reduced so as to be as advantageous as possible with respect to printing durability, the on-press developability naturally becomes slower. In such a plate material, the image recording layer in the non-image area is gradually dampened from the surface and is dissolved in the water, so that the dampening water penetrates into the interface between the image recording layer and the support to adhere to the support. It is advantageous for developability to reduce the force and peel off the non-image portion of the image recording layer by the peeling force due to the tack of the ink or the shear stress when contacting with each roller or blanket. In a region where the non-image portion of the image recording layer is continuous, such as a large non-image portion or a highlight portion, if a part is peeled off, the adjacent non-image portion is peeled off quickly, and this effect is particularly remarkable. is there. However, when the non-image part is independent like the shadow part, a trigger for the first separation of each non-image part is necessary, and in the case of the AM screen, clogging is not easily solved. However, if the FM screen is used, the clogging of the shadow part is quickly resolved. This is because, in the case of an FM screen, the peripheral length of the non-image part in the shadow part is longer than that of the AM screen non-image part of the same area. Many will penetrate into the non-image area, and the non-image area image recording layer in the shadow area will be more easily peeled off from the support or more easily dissolved, so clogging will occur quickly. I think it will be resolved.

  As the FM screen used in the plate making method of the present invention, FM screens of various companies providing workflows in the prepress field can be used. Among these, from the viewpoint of eliminating the clogging of the shadow part, the size of the dots constituting the FM screen is preferably 20 μm or less, and more preferably 15 μm or less.

[Lithographic printing plate precursor]
The lithographic printing plate precursor used in the present invention will be described below.
In the image recording layer used in the present invention, it is essential that the adhesion with the support is reduced due to the penetration of dampening water. Further, the exposed portion of the image recording layer is cured to be hydrophobic (lipophilic). An area is formed, and at the start of printing, the unexposed area is removed from the support without being dissolved in dampening water and / or ink or an emulsified product of dampening water and ink. Is preferred.

<Evaluation method of image recording layer / support adhesion>
The adhesion between the image recording layer and the support can be measured by the following method.
A plate precursor having a width of 50 mm and a length of 180 mm, which has been conditioned at 25 ° C. and 50 RH% for 1 hour or more, is fixed on a movable stage of HEIDON-17 manufactured by Shinto Kagaku Co., Ltd. “Polyester adhesive tape No. 31B” was affixed with a width of 10 mm, and the tip of the adhesive tape was, for example, a load with a maximum detection load of 1960 mN (200 gf) so that the adhesive tape was peeled 180 ° when the movable stage moved. Secure to the shaft connected to the sensor part of the transducer. Next, the movable stage is moved by a length of 150 mm at a speed of 100 mm / min, and the force when the adhesive tape is peeled off from the printing plate precursor at this time is read from a recorder connected to a load transducer. When the printing plate precursor after peeling is observed and the image recording layer is removed, this measured value is the image recording layer / support adhesion per 10 mm width. On the other hand, when the image recording layer is not removed, this measurement value represents the adhesive force per 10 mm width between the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and the outermost surface of the photosensitive material. The body adhesion force is greater than the measured value. This measurement is repeated three times, and the average value is defined as the image recording layer / support adhesion of the DRY condition.
Furthermore, in this measurement method, pure water is dripped so that the printing plate precursor surface of the part to which the adhesive tape is applied is completely covered, and after 30 seconds, the adhesive tape is attached to the printing plate precursor surface, A value measured in the same manner as the measurement of the image recording layer / support adhesion of the DRY condition is defined as the image recording layer / support adhesion of the WET condition.

<Definition of film removal>
The “removal removal” as used in the present invention means a phenomenon in which a part of the image recording layer is peeled off as it is, unlike the phenomenon in which development proceeds due to dissolution of the image recording layer. Therefore, the removal of the image recording layer component in the horizontal direction (direction perpendicular to the film thickness direction) is greater than or equal to the film thickness of the image recording layer is defined as film removal.

As long as the above conditions are satisfied, the horizontal size is not particularly limited. A smaller recording layer component is preferred. The thickness is preferably not less than 5 mm, more preferably not less than 1 mm, and still more preferably not less than 100 μm.
Further, it is preferable that the ratio of the development removal component of the image recording layer to be removed by film removal is large because the effect of the present invention is increased. Preferably it is 20% or more, More preferably, it is 50% or more, More preferably, it is 80% or more.

<Method for observing development behavior>
It is possible to observe and evaluate the behavior during on-press development, that is, whether film-removal removal occurs or is dissolved, by the following method.
That is, on the printing plate precursor after exposure, for example, “New Champion F-Gloss Medium” manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc. and dampening water are supplied as transparent ink and developed on the machine, and the ink kneading roller The developed removed material transferred above is sampled together with the ink, and an optical microscope or SEM is used to observe whether there is a solid removed material that is included in the definition of film removal described above. If there is a removed product, measure its size.

(Image forming element)
As an image recording layer used in the lithographic printing plate precursor according to the invention, a preferably usable element is an image forming element utilizing polymerization. As an image-forming element utilizing this polymerization, (A) an infrared absorber, (B) a polymerization initiator, and (C) a polymerizable compound, which can record an image with an infrared laser, or (B) It contains a polymerization initiator and (C) a polymerizable compound, and those having photosensitivity in the range of 250 nm to 420 nm are preferable.
Hereinafter, these components will be described.

<(A) Infrared absorber>
When an image of the lithographic printing plate precursor according to the present invention is formed with a light source using a laser emitting infrared rays of 760 nm to 1200 nm, it is usually essential to use an infrared absorber. The infrared absorber has a function of converting the absorbed infrared ray into heat and a function of being excited by the infrared ray and transferring electrons / energy to a polymerization initiator (radical generator) described later. The infrared absorber used in the present invention is a dye or pigment having an absorption maximum at a wavelength of 760 nm to 1200 nm.

  As the dye, commercially available dyes and known dyes described in documents such as “Dye Handbook” (edited by the Society for Synthetic Organic Chemistry, published in 1970) can be used. Specifically, dyes such as azo dyes, metal complex azo dyes, pyrazolone azo dyes, naphthoquinone dyes, anthraquinone dyes, phthalocyanine dyes, carbonium dyes, quinoneimine dyes, methine dyes, cyanine dyes, squarylium dyes, pyrylium salts, metal thiolate complexes, etc. Is mentioned.

  Examples of preferable dyes include cyanine dyes described in JP-A-58-125246, JP-A-59-84356, JP-A-60-78787, JP-A-58-173696, Methine dyes described in JP-A Nos. 58-181690 and 58-194595, JP-A-58-112793, JP-A-58-224793, JP-A-59-48187, JP-A Naphthoquinone dyes described in JP-A-59-73996, JP-A-60-52940, JP-A-60-63744, etc., squarylium dyes described in JP-A-58-112792, etc., British Patent No. And cyanine dyes described in the specification of 434,875.

In addition, a near infrared absorption sensitizer described in US Pat. No. 5,156,938 is also preferably used, and a substituted arylbenzo (thio) described in US Pat. No. 3,881,924 is also suitable. ) Pyrylium salt, trimethine thiapyrylium salt described in JP-A-57-142645 (US Pat. No. 4,327,169), JP-A-58-181051, 58-220143, 59- No. 41363, 59-84248, 59-84249, 59-146063, 59-146061, pyranyl compounds described in JP-A-59-216146, cyanine dyes described in US It is disclosed in the pentamethine thiopyrylium salt described in Japanese Patent No. 4,283,475, and Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 5-13514 and 5-19702. Pyrylium compounds are also preferably used. Another example of a preferable dye is a near-infrared absorbing dye described in US Pat. No. 4,756,993 as formulas (I) and (II).
Other preferable examples of the infrared absorbing dye of the present invention include specific indolenine cyanine dyes described in JP-A-2002-278057 as exemplified below.

  Particularly preferred among these dyes are cyanine dyes, squarylium dyes, pyrylium salts, nickel thiolate complexes, and indolenine cyanine dyes. Further, cyanine dyes and indolenine cyanine dyes are preferred, and one particularly preferred example is a cyanine dye represented by the following general formula (I).

In the general formula (I), X ¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, —NPh ₂ , X ² -L ¹ or a group shown below.

Here, Ph is a phenyl group, X ² represents an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, or a sulfur atom, L ¹ represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aromatic ring having a hetero atom, a hetero atom And a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. In addition, a hetero atom here shows N, S, O, a halogen atom, and Se. Xa ^- the Za described later ^- is defined as for, R ^a represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, substituted or unsubstituted amino group and a halogen atom.

R ¹ and R ² each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. From the storage stability of the recording layer coating solution, R ¹ and R ² are preferably hydrocarbon groups having 2 or more carbon atoms, and R ¹ and R ² are bonded to each other to form a 5-membered ring or It is particularly preferable that a 6-membered ring is formed.
Ar ¹ and Ar ² may be the same or different and each represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. Preferred aromatic hydrocarbon groups include a benzene ring and a naphthalene ring. Moreover, as a preferable substituent, a C12 or less hydrocarbon group, a halogen atom, and a C12 or less alkoxy group are mentioned. Y ¹ and Y ² may be the same or different and each represents a sulfur atom or a dialkylmethylene group having 12 or less carbon atoms. R ³ and R ⁴ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrocarbon group having 20 or less carbon atoms which may have a substituent. Preferred substituents include alkoxy groups having 12 or less carbon atoms, carboxyl groups, and sulfo groups. R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ and R ⁸ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 12 or less carbon atoms. From the availability of raw materials, a hydrogen atom is preferred. Za ⁻ represents a counter anion. However, Za ⁻ is not necessary when the cyanine dye represented by formula (I) has an anionic substituent in its structure and neutralization of charge is not necessary. Preferred Za ⁻ is a halogen ion, a perchlorate ion, a tetrafluoroborate ion, a hexafluorophosphate ion, and a sulfonate ion, particularly preferably a perchlorate ion, a hexagonal salt, in view of the storage stability of the recording layer coating solution. Fluorophosphate ions and aryl sulfonate ions.

Specific examples of the cyanine dye represented by formula (I) that can be suitably used in the present invention include those described in paragraph numbers [0017] to [0019] of JP-A No. 2001-133969. be able to.
Further, other particularly preferable examples include specific indolenine cyanine dyes described in JP-A-2002-278057 described above.

  Examples of the pigment used in the present invention include commercially available pigments and color index (CI) manual, “Latest Pigment Handbook” (edited by Japan Pigment Technology Association, published in 1977), “Latest Pigment Application Technology” (CMC Publishing, 1986), “Printing Ink Technology”, CMC Publishing, 1984) can be used.

  Examples of the pigment include black pigments, yellow pigments, orange pigments, brown pigments, red pigments, purple pigments, blue pigments, green pigments, fluorescent pigments, metal powder pigments, and other polymer-bonded dyes. Specifically, insoluble azo pigments, azo lake pigments, condensed azo pigments, chelate azo pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, anthraquinone pigments, perylene and perinone pigments, thioindigo pigments, quinacridone pigments, dioxazine pigments, isoindolinone pigments In addition, quinophthalone pigments, dyed lake pigments, azine pigments, nitroso pigments, nitro pigments, natural pigments, fluorescent pigments, inorganic pigments, carbon black, and the like can be used. Among these pigments, carbon black is preferable.

  These pigments may be used without surface treatment, or may be used after surface treatment. The surface treatment method includes a method of surface coating with a resin or wax, a method of attaching a surfactant, a method of bonding a reactive substance (eg, silane coupling agent, epoxy compound, polyisocyanate, etc.) to the pigment surface, etc. Can be considered. The above-mentioned surface treatment methods are described in “Characteristics and Application of Metal Soap” (Shobobo), “Printing Ink Technology” (CMC Publishing, 1984) and “Latest Pigment Application Technology” (CMC Publishing, 1986). Yes.

  The particle size of the pigment is preferably in the range of 0.01 μm to 10 μm, more preferably in the range of 0.05 μm to 1 μm, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.1 μm to 1 μm. Within this range, good stability of the pigment dispersion in the image recording layer coating solution and good uniformity of the image recording layer can be obtained.

  As a method for dispersing the pigment, a known dispersion technique used for ink production, toner production or the like can be used. Examples of the disperser include an ultrasonic disperser, a sand mill, an attritor, a pearl mill, a super mill, a ball mill, an impeller, a disperser, a KD mill, a colloid mill, a dynatron, a three-roll mill, and a pressure kneader. Details are described in "Latest Pigment Applied Technology" (CMC Publishing, 1986).

These infrared absorbers may be added to the same layer as other components, may be added to the discoloration layer, or may be added to another layer. Moreover, it can also be included in a microcapsule and added.
As the addition amount, when a negative lithographic printing plate precursor is prepared, the absorbance at the maximum absorption wavelength in the wavelength range of 760 nm to 1200 nm of the image recording layer is in the range of 0.3 to 1.2 by the reflection measurement method. It is preferable to add such that it is in a range of 0.4 to 1.1. Within this range, a uniform polymerization reaction proceeds in the depth direction of the image recording layer, and good film strength of the image area and adhesion to the support can be obtained.
The absorbance of the image recording layer can be adjusted by the amount of infrared absorber added to the image recording layer and the thickness of the image recording layer. Absorbance can be measured by a conventional method. As a measuring method, for example, on a reflective support such as aluminum, an image recording layer having a thickness appropriately determined in a range in which the coating amount after drying is necessary as a lithographic printing plate is formed, and the reflection density is set to the optical density. And a method of measuring with a spectrophotometer by a reflection method using an integrating sphere.

<(B) Polymerization initiator>
The polymerization initiator used in the present invention is a compound that generates radicals by energy of light, heat, or both, and initiates and accelerates polymerization of a compound having a polymerizable unsaturated group. As the polymerization generator that can be used in the present invention, a known thermal polymerization initiator, a compound having a bond with a small bond dissociation energy, a photopolymerization initiator, or the like can be used, and a radical that is suitably used in the present invention is generated. The compound to be used refers to a compound that initiates and accelerates the polymerization of a compound having a polymerizable unsaturated group by generating a radical by thermal energy. As the thermal radical generator according to the present invention, a known polymerization initiator, a compound having a bond with a small bond dissociation energy, or the like can be appropriately selected and used. Moreover, the compound which generate | occur | produces a radical can be used individually or in combination of 2 or more types.
Examples of the compound that generates radicals include organic halogenated compounds, carbonyl compounds, organic peroxide compounds, azo polymerization initiators, azide compounds, metallocene compounds, hexaarylbiimidazole compounds, organic boric acid compounds, disulfonic acid compounds, Examples include oxime ester compounds and onium salt compounds.

  Specific examples of the organic halogen compound include Wakabayashi et al., “Bull Chem. Soc Japan” 42, 2924 (1969), US Pat. No. 3,905,815, Japanese Patent Publication No. 46-4605, JP 48-36281, JP 53-133428, JP 55-3070, JP 60-239736, JP 61-169835, JP 61-169837, JP 62- 58241, JP-A 62-212401, JP-A 63-70243, JP-A 63-298339, P. The compound as described in Hutt, "Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry" 1 (No. 3) (1970) is mentioned. Among these, an oxazole compound S-triazine compound substituted with a trihalomethyl group is preferable.

  More preferably, an oxadiazole derivative in which at least one mono-, di-, or trihalogen-substituted methyl group is bonded to the s-triazine derivative oxadiazole ring bonded to the s-triazine ring. Specifically, for example, 2,4,6-tris (monochloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2,4,6-tris (dichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2,4,6-tris (trichloromethyl) -S-triazine, 2-methyl-4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2-n-propyl-4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2- (α, α, β-trichloroethyl) -4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2- (3,4-epoxyphenyl) -4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2- [1- (P-methoxyphenyl) -2,4-butadienyl] -4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2-styryl-4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2- ( -Methoxystyryl) -4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2- (pi-propyloxystyryl) -4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2- (p- Tolyl) -4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2- (4-methoxynaphthyl) -4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2-phenylthio-4,6-bis ( Trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2-benzylthio-4,6-bis (trichloromethyl) -s-triazine, 2,4,6-tris (dibromomethyl) -s-triazine, 2,4,6-tris ( Tribromomethyl) -s-triazine, 2-methyl-4,6-bis (tribromomethyl) -s-triazine, 2-methoxy-4,6-bis (tribromomethyl) Etc. -s- triazine and the following compounds.

  Examples of the carbonyl compound include benzophenone, Michler ketone, 2-methylbenzophenone, 3-methylbenzophenone, 4-methylbenzophenone, 2-chlorobenzophenone, 4-bromobenzophenone, 2-carboxybenzophenone and other benzophenone derivatives, 2,2-dimethoxy- 2-phenylacetophenone, 2,2-diethoxyacetophenone, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, α-hydroxy-2-methylphenylpropanone, 1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl- (p-isopropylphenyl) ketone, 1- Hydroxy-1- (p-dodecylphenyl) ketone, 2-methyl- (4 ′-(methylthio) phenyl) -2-morpholino-1-propanone, 1,1,1-trichloromethyl- (p-butylphenyl) Acetophenone derivatives such as ketones, thioxanthone derivatives such as thioxanthone, 2-ethylthioxanthone, 2-isopropylthioxanthone, 2-chlorothioxanthone, 2,4-dimethylthioxanthone, 2,4-diethylthioxanthone, 2,4-diisopropylthioxanthone, p- Examples thereof include benzoic acid ester derivatives such as ethyl dimethylaminobenzoate and ethyl p-diethylaminobenzoate.

  As the azo compound, for example, an azo compound described in JP-A-8-108621 can be used.

  Examples of the organic peroxide include trimethylcyclohexanone peroxide, acetylacetone peroxide, 1,1-bis (tert-butylperoxy) -3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 1,1-bis (tert-butyl). Peroxy) cyclohexane, 2,2-bis (tert-butylperoxy) butane, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, diisopropylbenzene hydroperoxide, 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-dihydro Peroxide, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl hydroperoxide, tert-butylcumyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di (tert-butylperoxy) hexane, 2, -Oxanoyl peroxide, succinic peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate, di-2-ethylhexyl peroxydicarbonate, di-2-ethoxyethyl peroxydicarbonate , Dimethoxyisopropyl peroxycarbonate, di (3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl) peroxydicarbonate, tert-butyl peroxyacetate, tert-butyl peroxypivalate, tert-butyl peroxyneodecanoate, tert- Butyl peroxyoctanoate, tert-butyl peroxylaurate, tersyl carbonate, 3,3 ′, 4,4′-tetra- (t-butylperoxycarbonyl) benzophenone, 3,3 ′, 4,4 ′ − Tra- (t-hexylperoxycarbonyl) benzophenone, 3,3 ′, 4,4′-tetra- (p-isopropylcumylperoxycarbonyl) benzophenone, carbonyldi (t-butylperoxydihydrogen diphthalate), carbonyl And di (t-hexylperoxydihydrogen diphthalate).

  Examples of the metallocene compound include JP-A-59-152396, JP-A-61-151197, JP-A-63-41484, JP-A-2-249, JP-A-2-4705, Various titanocene compounds described in JP-A-5-83588, such as di-cyclopentadienyl-Ti-bis-phenyl, di-cyclopentadienyl-Ti-bis-2,6-difluorophen-1-yl, Di-cyclopentadienyl-Ti-bis-2,4-di-fluorophen-1-yl, di-cyclopentadienyl-Ti-bis-2,4,6-trifluorophen-1-yl, di- -Cyclopentadienyl-Ti-bis-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophen-1-yl, di-cyclopentadienyl-Ti-bis-2,3,4,5,6-penta Fluorophen-1-yl, di-methylcyclopentadienyl-Ti-bis-2,6-difluorophen-1-yl, di-methylcyclopentadienyl-Ti-bis-2,4,6-trifluoropheny -1-yl, di-methylcyclopentadienyl-Ti-bis-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophen-1-yl, di-methylcyclopentadienyl-Ti-bis-2,3,4 , 5,6-pentafluorophen-1-yl, iron-arene complexes described in JP-A-1-304453 and JP-A-1-152109, and the like.

  Examples of the hexaarylbiimidazole compound include the specifications of JP-B-6-29285, US Pat. Nos. 3,479,185, 4,311,783, and 4,622,286. And, specifically, 2,2′-bis (o-chlorophenyl) -4,4 ′, 5,5′-tetraphenylbiimidazole, 2,2′-bis (o-bromophenyl) )) 4,4 ′, 5,5′-tetraphenylbiimidazole, 2,2′-bis (o, p-dichlorophenyl) -4,4 ′, 5,5′-tetraphenylbiimidazole, 2,2 ′ -Bis (o-chlorophenyl) -4,4 ', 5,5'-tetra (m-methoxyphenyl) biidazole, 2,2'-bis (o, o'-dichlorophenyl) -4,4', 5,5 '-Tetraphenylbiimidazole, 2, 2' Bis (o-nitrophenyl) -4,4 ′, 5,5′-tetraphenylbiimidazole, 2,2′-bis (o-methylphenyl) -4,4 ′, 5,5′-tetraphenylbiimidazole 2,2′-bis (o-trifluorophenyl) -4,4 ′, 5,5′-tetraphenylbiimidazole and the like.

  Examples of the organoboron compound include JP-A-62-143044, JP-A-62-1050242, JP-A-9-188585, JP-A-9-188686, JP-A-9-188710, JP-A 2000-. 131837, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-107916, Japanese Patent No. 2764769, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-116539, Kunz, Martin “Rad Tech '98. Proceeding April 19-22, 1998, Chicago”. Organoboron salts, organoboron sulfonium complexes or organoboron oxosulfonium complexes described in JP-A-6-157623, JP-A-6-175564, JP-A-6-175561, JP-A-6-175554 JP-A-6-175553 Organoboron iodonium complexes described in JP-A-9-188710, organoboron phosphonium complexes described in JP-A-9-348710, JP-A-7-128785, JP-A-7-140589, JP-A-7- Examples thereof include organoboron transition metal coordination complexes such as 306527 and JP-A-7-292014.

  Examples of the disulfone compound include compounds described in JP-A Nos. 61-166544 and 2003-328465.

  Examples of the oxime ester compound include J.M. C. S. Perkin II (1979) 1653-1660), J. et al. C. S. Perkin II (1979) 156-162, Journal of Photopolymer Science and Technology (1995) 202-232, compounds described in JP-A No. 2000-66385, compounds described in JP-A No. 2000-80068, specifically, And a compound represented by the structural formula:

  Examples of the onium salt compound include S.I. I. Schlesinger, Photogr. Sci. Eng. , 18, 387 (1974), T.A. S. Diazonium salts described in Bal et al, Polymer, 21, 423 (1980), ammonium salts described in US Pat. No. 4,069,055, JP-A-4-365049, etc., US Pat. No. 4,069 , 055, 4,069,056, phosphonium salts described in European Patent Nos. 104,143, US Pat. Nos. 339,049, 410,201, JP -150848, JP-A-2-296514, iodonium salts, European Patent Nos. 370,693, 390,214, 233,567, 297,443, and 297 442, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,933,377, 161,811, 410,201, 339,049, 4,760,013 No. 4,734,444, No. 2,833,827, German Patent No. 2,904,626, No. 3,604,580, No. 3,604,581 Or a sulfonium salt described in J. V. Crivello et al, Macromolecules, 10 (6), 1307 (1977), J. MoI. V. Crivello et al, J.A. Polymer Sci. , Polymer Chem. Ed. , 17, 1047 (1979), a selenonium salt described in C.I. S. Wen et al, Teh, Proc. Conf. Rad. Curing ASIA, p478 Tokyo, Oct (1988), and onium salts such as arsonium salts.

In particular, from the viewpoint of reactivity and stability, the above oxime ester compounds, diazonium salts, iodonium salts, and sulfonium salts are exemplified. In the present invention, these onium salts function not as acid generators but as ionic radical polymerization initiators.
The onium salt suitably used in the present invention is an onium salt represented by the following general formulas (RI-I) to (RI-III).

In the formula (RI-I), Ar ₁₁ represents an aryl group having 20 or less carbon atoms which may have 1 to 6 substituents, and preferred substituents include an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and a carbon number. 1-12 alkenyl group, C1-C12 alkynyl group, C1-C12 aryl group, C1-C12 alkoxy group, C1-C12 aryloxy group, halogen atom, C1-C1 12 alkylamino groups, C1-C12 dialkylamino groups, C1-C12 alkylamide groups or arylamide groups, carbonyl groups, carboxyl groups, cyano groups, sulfonyl groups, C1-C12 thioalkyl groups And a thioaryl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Z ₁₁ ^- represents a monovalent anion, specifically a halogen ion, perchlorate ion, hexafluorophosphate ion, tetrafluoroborate ion, sulfonate ion, sulfinate ion, thiosulfonate ion, a sulfate ion Can be mentioned. Among these, from the viewpoint of stability, perchlorate ion, hexafluorophosphate ion, tetrafluoroborate ion, and sulfonate ion sulfinate ion are preferable.

In the formula (RI-II), Ar ₂₁ Ar ₂₂ each independently represents an aryl group having 20 or less carbon atoms which may have 1 to 6 substituents, and preferred substituents are 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Alkyl group, alkenyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, alkynyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, aryl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, aryloxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, halogen Atom, C1-C12 alkylamino group, C1-C12 dialkylamino group, C1-C12 alkylamide group or arylamide group, carbonyl group, carboxyl group, cyano group, sulfonyl group, carbon number A 1-12 thioalkyl group and a C1-C12 thioaryl group are mentioned. Z ₂₁ ^- represents a monovalent anion. Specific examples include halogen ions, perchlorate ions, hexafluorophosphate ions, tetrafluoroborate ions, sulfonate ions, sulfinate ions, thiosulfonate ions, and sulfate ions. Among these, perchlorate ion, hexafluorophosphate ion, tetrafluoroborate ion, sulfonate ion, sulfinate ion, and carboxylate ion are preferable from the viewpoint of stability and reactivity.

In the formula (RI-III), R ₃₁ and R ₃₂ R ₃₃ are each independently an aryl group, alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 20 or less carbon atoms, which may have 1 to 6 substituents. Represents. Among them, an aryl group is preferable from the viewpoint of reactivity and stability. Examples of the substituent include an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkynyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, C1-C12 aryloxy group, halogen atom, C1-C12 alkylamino group, C1-C12
A dialkylamino group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an amide group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an arylamide group, a carbonyl group, a carboxyl group, a cyano group, a sulfonyl group, a thioalkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and a thioaryl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. It is done. Z ₃₁ ^- represents a monovalent anion. Specific examples include halogen ions, perchlorate ions, hexafluorophosphate ions, tetrafluoroborate ions, sulfonate ions, sulfinate ions, thiosulfonate ions, and sulfate ions. Among these, perchlorate ion, hexafluorophosphate ion, tetrafluoroborate ion, sulfonate ion, sulfinate ion, and carboxylate ion are preferable from the viewpoints of stability and reactivity. More preferred are the carboxylate ions described in JP-A No. 2001-343742, and particularly preferred are the carboxylate ions described in JP-A No. 2002-148790.

  Specific examples of the polymerization initiator that can be applied to the present invention are listed below, but are not limited thereto.

  The polymerization initiator is not limited to the above, but a triazine-based initiator, an organic halogen compound, an oxime ester compound, a diazonium salt, an iodonium salt, and a sulfonium salt are more preferable from the viewpoints of reactivity and stability.

  Radical generation by using a sensitizer in combination with a polymerization initiator selected from the above in the image recording layer of a lithographic printing plate precursor that performs imagewise exposure using a light source that emits light of 250 nm to 420 nm Efficiency can also be increased.

  Specific examples of the sensitizer include benzoin, benzoin methyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, 9-fluorenone, 2-chloro-9-fluorenone, 2-methyl-9-fluorenone, 9-anthrone, and 2-bromo-9-anthrone. 2-ethyl-9-anthrone, 9,10-anthraquinone, 2-ethyl-9,10-anthraquinone, 2-t-butyl-9,10-anthraquinone, 2,6-dichloro-9,10-anthraquinone, xanthone 2-methylxanthone, 2-methoxyxanthone, thioxanthone, benzyl, dibenzalacetone, p- (dimethylamino) phenyl styryl ketone, p- (dimethylamino) phenyl p-methylstyryl ketone, benzophenone, p- (dimethylamino) ) Benzophenone (or Michlerketo) ), P- (diethylamino) benzophenone, and the like benzanthrone.

  Furthermore, preferred sensitizers in the present invention include compounds represented by the general formula (II) described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 51-48516.

In the formula, R ¹⁴ is an alkyl group (for example, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, etc.) or a substituted alkyl group (for example, 2-hydroxyethyl group, 2-methoxyethyl group, carboxymethyl group, 2-carboxyethyl group) Etc.). R ¹⁵ represents an alkyl group (eg, methyl group, ethyl group, etc.) or an aryl group (eg, phenyl group, p-hydroxyphenyl group, naphthyl group, thienyl group, etc.).

Z ² is a group of nonmetallic atoms necessary for forming a heterocyclic nucleus containing nitrogen, which is usually used in cyanine dyes, such as benzothiazoles (benzothiazole, 5-chlorobenzothiazole, 6-chlorobenzothiazole, etc.), naphtho Thiazoles (α-naphthothiazole, β-naphthothiazole, etc.), benzoselenazoles (benzoselenazole, 5-chlorobenzoselenazole, 6-methoxybenzoselenazole, etc.), naphthoselenazoles (α-naphthoselenazole) , Β-naphthselenazole, etc.), benzoxazoles (benzoxazole, 5-methylbenzoxazole, 5-phenylbenzoxazole, etc.) and naphthoxazoles (α-naphthoxazole, β-naphthoxazole, etc.).

Specific examples of the compound represented by the general formula (II) are those having a chemical structure combining these Z ² and R ¹⁴ R ¹⁵ , and many exist as known substances. Therefore, it can be used by appropriately selecting from these known ones. Furthermore, preferable sensitizers in the present invention include merocyanine dyes described in JP-B-5-47095 and ketocoumarin compounds represented by the following general formula (III).

Here, R ¹⁶ represents an alkyl group such as a methyl group or an ethyl group.

  Moreover, as the sensitizer used in the present invention, compounds described as sensitizing dyes in JP-A Nos. 2001-100412 and 2003-221517 are also suitable.

  These polymerization initiators and sensitizers are each preferably from 0.1% by mass to 50% by mass, more preferably from 0.5% by mass to 30% by mass, particularly preferably 0%, based on the total solid content constituting the image recording layer. It can be added at a ratio of 0.8 mass% to 20 mass%. Within this range, good sensitivity and good stain resistance of the non-image area during printing can be obtained. These polymerization initiators may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Moreover, these polymerization initiators may be added to the same layer as other components, or another layer may be provided and added thereto.

<(C) Polymerizable compound>
The polymerizable compound that can be used in the present invention is an addition polymerizable compound having at least one ethylenically unsaturated double bond, and is selected from compounds having at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond, preferably two or more. It is. Such a compound group is widely known in the industrial field, and can be used without any particular limitation in the present invention.
These have chemical forms such as monomers, prepolymers, that is, dimers, trimer oligomers, or mixtures thereof, and copolymers thereof. Examples of such monomers and copolymers thereof include unsaturated carboxylic acids (for example, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, isocrotonic acid, maleic acid, etc.), esters and amides thereof. Preferably, an ester of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol compound, or an amide of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and an aliphatic polyvalent amine compound is used. Also, addition reaction product, monofunctional or polyfunctional of unsaturated carboxylic acid ester or amide having a nucleophilic substituent such as hydroxyl group, amino group, mercapto group and monofunctional or polyfunctional isocyanates or epoxy A dehydration condensation reaction product with carboxylic acid is also preferably used. Further, an addition reaction product of an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester or amide having an electrophilic substituent such as an epoxy group or an epoxy group with a monofunctional or polyfunctional alcohol, amine or thiol, a halogen group or In addition, a substitution reaction product of an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester or amide having a leaving substituent such as a tosyloxy group and a monofunctional or polyfunctional alcohol, amine or thiol is also suitable. As another example, it is also possible to use a group of compounds substituted with unsaturated phosphonic acid, styrene, vinyl ether or the like instead of the unsaturated carboxylic acid.

  Specific examples of the monomer of an ester of an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol compound and an unsaturated carboxylic acid include acrylic acid esters such as ethylene glycol diacrylate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, 1,3-butanediol diacrylate, and tetramethylene glycol. Diacrylate, propylene glycol diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane tri (acryloyloxypropyl) ether, trimethylolethane triacrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, 1,4-cyclohexanediol diacrylate , Tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, pentaerythritol diacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate , Pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, dipentaerythritol diacrylate, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, sorbitol triacrylate, sorbitol tetraacrylate, sorbitol pentaacrylate, sorbitol hexaacrylate, tri (acryloyloxyethyl) isocyanurate, polyester acrylate oligomer, isocyanuric acid There are EO-modified triacrylate and the like.

  Methacrylic acid esters include tetramethylene glycol dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, neopentyl glycol dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, trimethylolethane trimethacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,3-butanediol dimethacrylate, Hexanediol dimethacrylate, pentaerythritol dimethacrylate, pentaerythritol trimethacrylate, pentaerythritol tetramethacrylate, dipentaerythritol dimethacrylate, dipentaerythritol hexamethacrylate, sorbitol trimethacrylate, sorbitol tetramethacrylate, bis [p- (3-methacryloxy- 2-hydroxypro ) Phenyl] dimethyl methane, bis -, and the like [p- (methacryloxyethoxy) phenyl] dimethyl methane.

  Itaconic acid esters include ethylene glycol diitaconate, propylene glycol diitaconate, 1,3-butanediol diitaconate, 1,4-butanediol diitaconate, tetramethylene glycol diitaconate, pentaerythritol diitaconate And sorbitol tetritaconate. Examples of crotonic acid esters include ethylene glycol dicrotonate, tetramethylene glycol dicrotonate, pentaerythritol dicrotonate, and sorbitol tetradicrotonate. Examples of isocrotonic acid esters include ethylene glycol diisocrotonate, pentaerythritol diisocrotonate, and sorbitol tetraisocrotonate. Examples of maleic acid esters include ethylene glycol dimaleate, triethylene glycol dimaleate, pentaerythritol dimaleate, and sorbitol tetramaleate.

  Examples of other esters include, for example, aliphatic alcohol esters described in JP-B-51-47334 and JP-A-57-196231, JP-A-59-5240, and JP-A-59-5241. And those having an aromatic skeleton described in JP-A-2-226149 and those containing an amino group described in JP-A-1-165613. Furthermore, the ester monomers described above can also be used as a mixture.

  Specific examples of amide monomers of aliphatic polyvalent amine compounds and unsaturated carboxylic acids include methylene bis-acrylamide, methylene bis-methacrylamide, 1,6-hexamethylene bis-acrylamide, 1,6-hexamethylene bis. -Methacrylamide, diethylenetriamine trisacrylamide, xylylene bisacrylamide, xylylene bismethacrylamide and the like. Examples of other preferable amide monomers include those having a cyclohexylene structure described in JP-B-54-21726.

  In addition, urethane-based addition polymerizable compounds produced by using an addition reaction of isocyanate and hydroxyl group are also suitable, and specific examples thereof include, for example, one molecule described in JP-B-48-41708. A vinyl urethane containing two or more polymerizable vinyl groups in one molecule obtained by adding a vinyl monomer containing a hydroxyl group represented by the following general formula (A) to a polyisocyanate compound having two or more isocyanate groups. Compound etc. are mentioned.

_{CH 2 = C (R 4)} COOCH 2 CH (R 5) OH (A)
(However, R ₄ and R ₅ represent H or CH _3. )

  Further, urethane acrylates such as those described in JP-A-51-37193, JP-B-2-32293, JP-B-2-16765, JP-B-58-49860, JP-B-56-17654 Urethane compounds having an ethylene oxide skeleton described in JP-B-62-39417 and JP-B-62-39418 are also suitable. Furthermore, by using addition polymerizable compounds having an amino structure or a sulfide structure in the molecule described in JP-A-63-277653, JP-A-63-260909, JP-A-1-105238, It is possible to obtain a photopolymerizable composition excellent in the photosensitive speed.

  Other examples include reacting polyester acrylates, epoxy resins and (meth) acrylic acid as described in JP-A-48-64183, JP-B-49-43191 and JP-B-52-30490. And polyfunctional acrylates and methacrylates such as epoxy acrylates. In addition, specific unsaturated compounds described in JP-B-46-43946, JP-B-1-40337, JP-B-1-40336, and vinylphosphonic acid-based compounds described in JP-A-2-25493 are also included. Can be mentioned. In some cases, a structure containing a perfluoroalkyl group described in JP-A-61-22048 is preferably used. Furthermore, Journal of Japan Adhesion Association vol. 20, no. 7, pages 300 to 308 (1984), which are introduced as photocurable monomer oligomers, can also be used.

About these addition polymerizable compounds, the details of the method of use such as the structure, single use or combination, addition amount, etc. can be arbitrarily set according to the performance design of the final lithographic printing plate precursor. For example, it is selected from the following viewpoints.
From the viewpoint of sensitivity, a structure having a large unsaturated group content per molecule is preferable, and in many cases, a bifunctional or higher functionality is preferable. Further, in order to increase the strength of the image area, that is, the cured film, those having three or more functionalities are preferable, and furthermore, different functional numbers and different polymerizable groups (for example, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic acid ester, styrenic compound, vinyl ether type). A method of adjusting both sensitivity and strength by using a compound) is also effective.
Further, the selection and use method of the addition polymerization compound is also an important factor for the compatibility and dispersibility with other components (for example, binder polymer, initiator, colorant, etc.) in the image recording layer. In some cases, the compatibility can be improved by using a low-purity compound or by using two or more kinds in combination. In addition, a specific structure may be selected for the purpose of improving the adhesion of the substrate and the protective layer described later.

The polymerizable compound is preferably used in the range of 5% by mass to 80% by mass, and more preferably 25% by mass to 75% by mass with respect to the total solid content constituting the image recording layer. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
In addition, the use method of the above-mentioned polymerizable compound can be arbitrarily selected from the viewpoint of polymerization inhibition with respect to oxygen, resolution, fogging, refractive index change, surface adhesiveness, etc. Depending on the case, a layer configuration and coating method such as undercoating and overcoating can be performed.

In the present invention, several modes can be used as a method for incorporating the above-mentioned image recording layer constituent components (A) to (C) and other constituent components described later into the image recording layer. One is a molecular dispersion type image recording layer in which the constituent components are dissolved and applied in an appropriate solvent as described in, for example, JP-A-2002-287334. In another embodiment, for example, as described in JP-A Nos. 2001-277740 and 2001-277742, all or a part of the constituent components are encapsulated in microcapsules and contained in the image recording layer. It is a microcapsule type image recording layer. Further, in the microcapsule type image recording layer, the constituent component can be contained outside the microcapsule. Here, it is preferable that the microcapsule-type image recording layer includes a hydrophobic constituent component in the microcapsule and a hydrophilic constituent component outside the microcapsule. As another embodiment, an embodiment in which the image recording layer contains crosslinked resin particles, that is, microgel, can be mentioned. The microgel can contain a part of the constituent components (A) to (C) in and / or on the surface thereof. In particular, an embodiment in which (C) a reactive microgel is formed by having a polymerizable compound on the surface thereof is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of image forming sensitivity and printing durability.
In order to obtain better on-press developability, the image recording layer is preferably a microcapsule type or microgel type image recording layer.

  As a method for microencapsulating or microgelling the components of the image recording layer, known methods can be applied.

  For example, as a method for producing microcapsules, a method using coacervation found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,800,547 and 2,800,498, U.S. Pat. No. 3,287,154, JP-B-38-19574, 42-446 by the interfacial polymerization method, US Pat. No. 3,418,250, US Pat. No. 3,660,304 by polymer precipitation method, US Pat. No. 3,796,669, isocyanate polyol A method using a wall material, a method using an isocyanate wall material found in US Pat. No. 3,914,511, and a urea-formaldehyde system found in US Pat. Nos. 4,001,140, 4,087,376 and 4,089,802. Or urea formaldehyde-resorcino A method using a wall forming material, a method using a wall material such as melamine-formaldehyde resin and hydroxycellulose, as shown in US Pat. No. 4,025,445, and Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 36-9163 and 51-9079. In situ method using monomer polymerization, spray drying method found in British Patent No. 930422, US Pat. No. 3,111,407, electrolytic dispersion cooling method seen in British Patent Nos. 952807 and 967074, etc. However, it is not limited to these.

  A preferable microcapsule wall used in the present invention has a three-dimensional cross-linking and has a property of swelling with a solvent. From such a viewpoint, the wall material of the microcapsule is preferably polyurea, polyurethane, polyester, polycarbonate, polyamide, and a mixture thereof, and particularly preferably polyurea and polyurethane. Moreover, you may introduce | transduce into the microcapsule wall the compound which has crosslinkable functional groups, such as an ethylenically unsaturated bond which can be introduce | transduced into the below-mentioned binder polymer.

On the other hand, as a method for preparing a microgel, Japanese Patent Publication No. 38-19574, 42-44.
Granulation by interfacial polymerization described in the specification of No. 6 and granulation by non-aqueous dispersion polymerization as described in the specification of JP-A-5-61214 can be used. However, it is not limited to these methods.
As the method using the interfacial polymerization, the known microcapsule production method described above can be applied.

  Preferred microgels used in the present invention are those granulated by interfacial polymerization and having three-dimensional crosslinking. From such a viewpoint, the material to be used is preferably polyurea, polyurethane, polyester, polycarbonate, polyamide, and a mixture thereof, and polyurea and polyurethane are particularly preferable.

  The average particle diameter of the microcapsules or microgel is preferably 0.01 μm to 3.0 μm. 0.05 μm to 2.0 μm is more preferable, and 0.10 μm to 1.0 μm is particularly preferable. Within this range, good resolution and stability over time can be obtained.

<Other image recording layer components>
The image recording layer of the present invention can further contain various additives as required. These will be described below.

<Binder polymer>
In the image recording layer of the present invention, a binder polymer can be used in order to improve the film strength of the image recording layer. As the binder polymer, any conventionally known polymer can be used without limitation, and a polymer having a film property is preferable. Examples of such binder polymers include acrylic resins, polyvinyl acetal resins, polyurethane resins, polyurea resins, polyimide resins, polyamide resins, epoxy resins, methacrylic resins, polystyrene resins, novolac phenolic resins, polyester resins, and synthetic rubbers. And natural rubber.
The binder polymer may have crosslinkability in order to improve the film strength of the image area. In order to give the binder polymer crosslinkability, a crosslinkable functional group such as an ethylenically unsaturated bond may be introduced into the main chain or side chain of the polymer. The crosslinkable functional group may be introduced by copolymerization.
Examples of the polymer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond in the main chain of the molecule include poly-1,4-butadiene and poly-1,4-isoprene.
Examples of polymers having an ethylenically unsaturated bond in the side chain of the molecule are polymers of esters or amides of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid where the ester or amide residue (R of -COOR or -CONHR) is Mention may be made of polymers having an ethylenically unsaturated bond.

Examples of the residue (the R) having an ethylenically unsaturated _{bond, - (CH 2) n CR} 1 = CR 2 R 3, - (CH 2 O) n CH 2 CR 1 = CR 2 R 3, - _{(CH 2 CH 2 O) n} CH 2 CR 1 = CR 2 R 3, - (CH 2) n NH-CO-O-CH 2 CR 1 = CR 2 R 3, - (CH 2) n -O-CO —CR ¹ ═CR ² R ³ (CH ₂ CH ₂ O) ₂ —X (wherein R ^{1 to} R ³ are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or an alkoxy group) Alternatively, it represents an aryloxy group, and R ¹ and R ² or R ³ may combine with each other to form a ring, n represents an integer of 1 to 10. X represents a dicyclopentadienyl residue. Can be included).
Specific examples of the ester _{residue, -CH 2 CH = CH 2,} ( described in JP Kokoku _{7-21633.) - CH 2 CH 2} O-CH 2 CH = CH 2, -CH 2 C _{(CH 3) = CH 2,} -CH 2 CH = CH-C 6 H 5, -CH 2 CH 2 OCOCH = CH-C 6 H 5, -CH 2 CH 2 -NHCOO-CH 2 CH = CH 2 CH 2 CH ₂ O—X (wherein X represents a dicyclopentadienyl residue).
Specific examples of the amide residue include —CH ₂ CH═CH ₂ , —CH ₂ CH ₂ —Y (wherein Y represents a cyclohexene residue), —CH ₂ CH ₂ —OCO—CH═CH _2. Is mentioned.

  In the case of a binder polymer having crosslinkability, for example, free radicals (polymerization initiation radicals or growth radicals in the polymerization process of a polymerizable compound) are added to the crosslinkable functional group, and a polymerization chain of a polymerizable compound is formed directly between polymers. Through addition polymerization, a cross-link is formed between the polymer molecules and cured. Alternatively, atoms in the polymer (eg, hydrogen atoms on carbon atoms adjacent to the functional bridging group) are abstracted by free radicals to form polymer radicals that are bonded to each other so that crosslinking between the polymer molecules occurs. Forms and cures.

  The content of the crosslinkable group in the binder polymer (content of the unsaturated double bond capable of radical polymerization by iodine titration) is preferably 0.1 mmol to 10.0 mmol, more preferably 1.0 mmol, per 1 g of the binder polymer. ˜7.0 mmol, most preferably 2.0 mmol to 5.5 mmol. Within this range, good sensitivity and good storage stability can be obtained.

  In the present invention, in addition to the above binder polymer, the following hydrophilic binder polymers can also be used. The hydrophilic binder polymer is effective for improving the on-press developability by increasing the permeability of the fountain solution into the image recording layer and for stabilizing the dispersion of the microcapsules and microgels.

  Examples of hydrophilic binder polymers include hydroxy groups, carboxyl groups, carboxylate groups, hydroxyethyl groups, polyoxyethyl groups, hydroxypropyl groups, polyoxypropyl groups, amino groups, aminoethyl groups, aminopropyl groups, ammonium groups. And those having a hydrophilic group such as an amide group, a carboxymethyl group, a sulfonic acid group, and a phosphoric acid group.

  Specific examples include gum arabic, casein, gelatin, starch derivatives, sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, sodium alginate, vinyl acetate-maleic acid copolymers, styrene-maleic acid copolymers, polyacrylic acid salts thereof, polymethacrylic acid Acids salts thereof, homopolymer copolymer of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, homopolymer copolymer of hydroxyethyl acrylate, homopolymer copolymer of hydroxypropyl methacrylate, homopolymer copolymer of hydroxypropyl acrylate, homopolymer copolymer of hydroxybutyl methacrylate, hydroxybutyl acrylate Homopolymer copolymers, polyethylene glycols, hydroxypropylene polymers Polyvinyl alcohols, hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate having a hydrolysis degree of 60 mol% or more, preferably 80 mol% or more, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinylpyrrolidone, acrylamide homopolymer copolymer, methacrylamide homopolymer polymer, N-methylolacrylamide homopolymer copolymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone, alcohol-soluble nylon, polyether of 2,2-bis- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane and epichlorohydrin, and the like.

The binder polymer preferably has a mass average molecular weight of 5,000 or more, more preferably 10,000 to 300,000, and a number average molecular weight of 1,000 or more, preferably 20 million to 250,000. Is more preferable. The polydispersity (mass average molecular weight / number average molecular weight) is preferably 1.1 to 10.
The binder polymer may be a random polymer, a block polymer, a graft polymer, or the like, but is preferably a random polymer or a graft polymer.

The binder polymer can be synthesized by a conventionally known method. Solvents used in the synthesis include, for example, tetrahydrofuran, ethylene dichloride, cyclohexanone, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, 1-methoxy. Examples include 2-propanol, 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate, N, N-dimethylformamide, N, N-dimethylacetamide, toluene, ethyl acetate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, dimethyl sulfoxide, and water. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
As the radical polymerization initiator used for synthesizing the binder polymer, known compounds such as an azo initiator and a peroxide initiator can be used.

A binder polymer may be used independently or may be used in mixture of 2 or more types.
The content of the binder polymer is preferably 5% by mass to 90% by mass, more preferably 5% by mass to 80% by mass, and more preferably 10% by mass to 70% by mass with respect to the total solid content of the image recording layer. More preferably. Within this range, good image area strength and image formability can be obtained.
Moreover, it is preferable to use a polymeric compound and a binder polymer in the quantity used as 1 / 9-7 / 3 by mass ratio.

<Surfactant>
In the present invention, it is preferable to use a surfactant in the image recording layer in order to improve the on-surface development property in order to promote on-press developability at the start of printing. Examples of the surfactant include nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and fluorosurfactants. Surfactant may be used independently and may be used in combination of 2 or more type.

  The nonionic surfactant used for this invention is not specifically limited, A conventionally well-known thing can be used. For example, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene polystyryl phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers, glycerin fatty acid partial esters, sorbitan fatty acid partial esters, pentaerythritol Fatty acid partial esters, propylene glycol mono fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid partial esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid partial esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid partial esters, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid partial esters, Polyoxyethylenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid partial esters, fatty acid diethanolamides, N N- bis-2-hydroxyalkylamines, polyoxyethylene alkylamines, triethanolamine fatty acid ester, trialkylamine oxide, polyethylene glycol, copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.

The anionic surfactant used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and conventionally known anionic surfactants can be used. For example, fatty acid salts, abietic acid salts, hydroxyalkane sulfonates, alkane sulfonates, dialkyl sulfosuccinate esters, linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, branched alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl phenoxy poly Oxyethylene propyl sulfonates, polyoxyethylene alkyl sulfophenyl ether salts, N-methyl-N-oleyl taurine sodium salt, N-alkyl sulfosuccinic acid monoamide disodium salt, petroleum sulfonates, sulfated beef oil, fatty acid alkyl esters Sulfates, alkyl sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, fatty acid monoglyceride sulfates, polyoxyethylene alcohol Ruphenyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene styryl phenyl ether sulfates, alkyl phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether phosphates, styrene / maleic anhydride Examples thereof include partial saponification products of polymers, partial saponification products of olefin / maleic anhydride copolymers, and naphthalene sulfonate formalin condensates.

The cationic surfactant used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and conventionally known cationic surfactants can be used. Examples thereof include alkylamine salts, quaternary ammonium salts, polyoxyethylene alkylamine salts, and polyethylene polyamine derivatives.
The amphoteric surfactant used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and conventionally known amphoteric surfactants can be used. Examples thereof include carboxybetaines, aminocarboxylic acids, sulfobetaines, aminosulfuric esters, and imidazolines.

  Of the above surfactants, the term “polyoxyethylene” can be read as “polyoxyalkylene” such as polyoxymethylene, polyoxypropylene, polyoxybutylene, etc. These surfactants can also be used.

  More preferable surfactants include fluorine-based surfactants containing a perfluoroalkyl group in the molecule. Examples of such fluorosurfactants include anionic types such as perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, and perfluoroalkyl phosphates; amphoteric types such as perfluoroalkyl betaines; Cationic type such as trimethylammonium salt; perfluoroalkylamine oxide, perfluoroalkylethylene oxide adduct, oligomer containing perfluoroalkyl group hydrophilic group, oligomer containing perfluoroalkyl group lipophilic group, perfluoroalkyl group, Nonionic types such as an oligomer containing a hydrophilic group / lipophilic group and a urethane containing a perfluoroalkyl group / lipophilic group can be mentioned. Moreover, the fluorine-type surfactant described in Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 62-170950, 62-226143, 60-168144 is also mentioned suitably.

Surfactant can be used individually or in combination of 2 or more types.
The content of the surfactant is preferably 0.001% by mass to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.01% by mass to 7% by mass with respect to the total solid content of the image recording layer.

<Colorant>
In the present invention, various compounds other than these may be added as necessary. For example, a dye having a large absorption in the visible light region can be used as an image colorant. Specifically, Oil Yellow # 101, Oil Yellow # 103, Oil Pink # 312, Oil Green BG, Oil Blue BOS, Oil Blue # 603, Oil Black BY, Oil Black BS, Oil Black T-505 (orientated chemistry) Kogyo Co., Ltd.), Victoria Pure Blue, Crystal Violet (CI42555), Methyl Violet (CI42535), Ethyl Violet, Rhodamine B (CI145170B), Malachite Green (CI42000), Methylene Blue (CI522015), etc. And dyes described in No. 293247. Also, pigments such as phthalocyanine pigments, azo pigments, carbon black, titanium oxide, etc. can be suitably used.
These colorants are preferably added since it is easy to distinguish an image area from a non-image area after image formation. The amount added is preferably 0.01% by mass to 10% by mass with respect to the total solid content of the image recording material.

<Bakeout agent>
In the image recording layer of the present invention, a compound that changes color by an acid or a radical can be added to produce a printout image. As such a compound, for example, various dyes such as diphenylmethane, triphenylmethane, thiazine, oxazine, xanthene, anthraquinone, iminoquinone, azo, and azomethine are effectively used.

  Specific examples include brilliant green, ethyl violet, methyl green, crystal violet, basic fuchsin, methyl violet 2B, quinaldine red, rose bengal, methanyl yellow, thymol sulfophthalein, xylenol blue, methyl orange, paramethyl red, Congo Fred, Benzopurpurin 4B, α-Naphthyl Red, Nile Blue 2B, Nile Blue A, Methyl Violet, Malachide Green, Parafuchsin, Victoria Pure Blue BOH [manufactured by Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.], Oil Blue # 603 [Orient Chemical Kogyo Co., Ltd.], Oil Pink # 312 [Orient Chemical Co., Ltd.], Oil Red 5B [Orient Chemical Co., Ltd.], Oil Scarlet # 308 [Orient Gaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.], Oil Red OG [Orient Chemical Co., Ltd.], Oil Red RR [Orient Chemical Co., Ltd.], Oil Green # 502 [Orient Chemical Co., Ltd.], Spiron Red BEH Special [made by Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.], m-cresol purple, cresol red, rhodamine B, rhodamine 6G, sulforhodamine B, auramine, 4-p-diethylaminophenyliminonaphthoquinone, 2-carboxyanilino-4-p- Diethylaminophenyliminonaphthoquinone, 2-carboxystearylamino-4-pN, N-bis (hydroxyethyl) amino-phenyliminonaphthoquinone, 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-p-diethylaminophenylimino-5-pyrazolone, 1-β-naphthyl-4- - dyes and p of diethylamino phenyl imino-5-pyrazolone, p ', p "- hexamethyl triamnotriphenylmethane (leuco crystal violet), and a leuco dye such as Pergascript Blue SRB (manufactured by Ciba-Geigy).

  In addition to the above, a leuco dye known as a material for thermal paper or pressure-sensitive paper is also suitable. Specific examples include crystal violet lactone, malachite green lactone, benzoylleucomethylene blue, 2- (N-phenyl-N-methylamino) -6- (Np-tolyl-N-ethyl) amino-fluorane, 2-anilino. -3-methyl-6- (N-ethyl-p-toluidino) fluorane, 3,6-dimethoxyfluorane, 3- (N, N-diethylamino) -5-methyl-7- (N, N-dibenzylamino) ) -Fluorane, 3- (N-cyclohexyl-N-methylamino) -6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane, 3- (N, N-diethylamino) -6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane, 3 -(N, N-diethylamino) -6-methyl-7-xylidinofluorane, 3- (N, N-diethylamino) -6-methyl-7-chloro Fluorane, 3- (N, N-diethylamino) -6-methoxy-7-aminofluorane, 3- (N, N-diethylamino) -7- (4-chloroanilino) fluorane, 3- (N, N-diethylamino) -7-chlorofluorane, 3- (N, N-diethylamino) -7-benzylaminofluorane, 3- (N, N-diethylamino) -7,8-benzofluorane, 3- (N, N-dibutyl) Amino) -6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane, 3- (N, N-dibutylamino) -6-methyl-7-xylidinofluorane, 3-piperidino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane 3-pyrrolidino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane, 3,3-bis (1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl) phthalide, 3,3-bis (1-n-butyl- -Methylindol-3-yl) phthalide, 3,3-bis (p-dimethylaminophenyl) -6-dimethylaminophthalide, 3- (4-diethylamino-2-ethoxyphenyl) -3- (1-ethyl- 2-methylindol-3-yl) -4-zaphthalide, 3- (4-diethylaminophenyl) -3- (1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl) phthalide, and the like.

The preferred amount of the dye that changes color by acid or radical is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass relative to the solid content of the image recording layer.

<Polymerization inhibitor>
In order to prevent unnecessary thermal polymerization of the polymerizable compound (C) during the production or storage of the image recording layer, a small amount of a thermal polymerization inhibitor is preferably added to the image recording layer of the present invention.
Examples of the thermal polymerization inhibitor include hydroquinone, p-methoxyphenol, di-t-butyl-p-cresol, pyrogallol, t-butylcatechol, benzoquinone, 4,4'-thiobis (3-methyl-6-t- (Butylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis (4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), N-nitroso-N-phenylhydroxylamine aluminum salt are preferred.
The addition amount of the thermal polymerization inhibitor is preferably about 0.01% by mass to about 5% by mass with respect to the total solid content of the image recording layer.

<Higher fatty acid derivatives, etc.>
In order to prevent polymerization inhibition by oxygen, a higher fatty acid derivative such as behenic acid or behenic acid amide is added to the image recording layer of the present invention, and the surface of the image recording layer is dried during the coating process. It may be unevenly distributed. The addition amount of the higher fatty acid derivative is preferably about 0.1% by mass to about 10% by mass with respect to the total solid content of the image recording layer.

<Plasticizer>
The image recording layer of the present invention may contain a plasticizer in order to improve the on-press developability.
Examples of the plasticizer include phthalates such as dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, octyl capryl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, ditridecyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, diallyl phthalate; Glycol esters such as glycol phthalate, ethyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, methyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, butyl phthalyl butyl glycolate, triethylene glycol dicaprylate; Phosphate esters such as tricresyl phosphate and triphenyl phosphate Diisobutyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, dimethyl sebacate, dibutyl sebacate, dioct Ruazereto, aliphatic dibasic acid esters such as dibutyl maleate; polyglycidyl methacrylate, triethyl citrate, glycerin triacetyl ester, butyl laurate in.
The plasticizer content is preferably about 30% by mass or less based on the total solid content of the image recording layer.

<Inorganic fine particles>
The image recording layer of the present invention may contain inorganic fine particles for the purpose of improving the strength of the cured film in the image area and improving the on-press developability of the non-image area.
As the inorganic fine particles, for example, silica, alumina, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium carbonate, calcium alginate or a mixture thereof can be preferably mentioned. Even if they are not photothermally convertible, they can be used for strengthening the film, enhancing interfacial adhesion by surface roughening, and the like.
The inorganic fine particles preferably have an average particle size of 5 nm to 10 μm, and more preferably 0.5 nm to 3 μm. Within the above range, it is possible to form a non-image portion excellent in hydrophilicity that is stably dispersed in the image recording layer, sufficiently retains the film strength of the image recording layer, and hardly causes stains during printing. .
The inorganic fine particles as described above can be easily obtained as a commercial product such as a colloidal silica dispersion.
The content of the inorganic fine particles is preferably 20% by mass or less, and more preferably 10% by mass or less, based on the total solid content of the image recording layer.

<Hydrophilic low molecular weight compound>
The image recording layer of the present invention may contain a hydrophilic low molecular weight compound for improving on-press developability. Examples of the hydrophilic low-molecular compound include water-soluble organic compounds such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and the like, ethers or ester derivatives thereof, glycerin, penta Polyhydroxys such as erythritol, organic amines such as triethanolamine and diethanolamine monoethanolamine, amino acid derivatives such as N-phenylglycine derivatives, organic sulfonic acids such as toluenesulfonic acid and benzenesulfonic acid, phenylphosphones Examples thereof include organic phosphonic acids such as acids, salts thereof, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, gluconic acid, salts of organic carboxylic acids such as amino acids, and the like.

<Formation of image recording layer>
The image recording layer of the present invention is applied by preparing a coating solution by dispersing or dissolving the necessary components described above in a solvent. Solvents used here include ethylene dichloride, cyclohexanone, methyl ethyl ketone, methanol, ethanol, propanol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate, dimethoxy Examples include ethane, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, N, N-dimethylacetamide, N, N-dimethylformamide, tetramethylurea, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, sulfolane, γ-butyllactone, toluene, water, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. These solvents are used alone or in combination. The solid content concentration of the coating solution is preferably 1% by mass to 50% by mass.
The image recording layer of the present invention can also be formed by preparing a plurality of coating solutions in which the same or different components are dispersed or dissolved in the same or different solvents, and repeatedly applying and drying a plurality of times.

The coating amount of the image-recording layer on the support after drying (solid content) may be varied according to the intended purpose, generally 0.3g / m ² ~3.0g / m ² is preferred. Within this range, good sensitivity and good film properties of the image recording layer can be obtained.
Various methods can be used as a coating method. Examples thereof include bar coater coating, spin coating, spray coating, curtain coating, dip coating, air knife coating, blade coating, and roll coating.

(Support)
The support used for the lithographic printing plate precursor according to the invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a dimensionally stable plate-like material. For example, paper, paper laminated with plastic (eg, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.), metal plate (eg, aluminum, zinc, copper, etc.), plastic film (eg, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose propionate) Cellulose butyrate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose nitrate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl acetal, etc.), and paper or plastic films on which the above-mentioned metals are laminated or deposited. Preferable supports include a polyester film and an aluminum plate. Among these, an aluminum plate that has good dimensional stability and is relatively inexpensive is preferable.

The aluminum plate is a pure aluminum plate, an alloy plate containing aluminum as a main component and containing a trace amount of different elements, or a plastic laminated on a thin film of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Examples of foreign elements contained in the aluminum alloy include silicon, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, chromium, zinc, bismuth, nickel, and titanium. The content of foreign elements in the alloy is preferably 10% by mass or less. In the present invention, a pure aluminum plate is preferable, but completely pure aluminum is difficult to manufacture in terms of refining technology, and therefore may contain a slightly different element. The composition of the aluminum plate is not specified, and a publicly known material can be used as appropriate.

  The thickness of the support is preferably from 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, more preferably from 0.15 mm to 0.4 mm, and even more preferably from 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

  Prior to using the aluminum plate, it is preferable to perform a surface treatment such as roughening treatment or anodizing treatment. By the surface treatment, it is easy to improve hydrophilicity and secure adhesion between the image recording layer and the support. Prior to roughening the aluminum plate, a degreasing treatment with a surfactant, an organic solvent, an alkaline aqueous solution or the like for removing rolling oil on the surface is performed as desired.

The surface roughening treatment of the aluminum plate is performed by various methods. For example, mechanical surface roughening treatment, electrochemical surface roughening treatment (surface roughening treatment for dissolving the surface electrochemically), chemical treatment, etc. Surface roughening treatment (roughening treatment that chemically selectively dissolves the surface).
As a method for the mechanical surface roughening treatment, a known method such as a ball polishing method, a brush polishing method, a blast polishing method, or a buff polishing method can be used.
Examples of the electrochemical surface roughening treatment include a method in which an alternating current or a direct current is used in an electrolytic solution containing an acid such as hydrochloric acid or nitric acid. Another example is a method using a mixed acid as described in JP-A-54-63902.

  The surface-roughened aluminum plate is subjected to an alkali etching treatment using an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or the like, if necessary, further neutralized, and if desired, wear resistant. In order to increase the anodic oxidation treatment.

As an electrolyte used for anodizing treatment of an aluminum plate, various electrolytes that form a porous oxide film can be used. In general, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, oxalic acid, chromic acid or a mixed acid thereof is used. The concentration of these electrolytes is appropriately determined depending on the type of electrolyte.
The conditions for anodizing treatment vary depending on the electrolyte used and cannot be specified in general. In general, however, the electrolyte concentration is 1% by mass to 80% by mass, the liquid temperature is 5 ° C. to 70 ° C., and the current density is 5A. / D m ^{2 to} 60 A / dm ² , a voltage of 1 V to 100 V, and an electrolysis time of 10 seconds to 5 minutes are preferable. The amount of the anodized film formed is preferably from ^{1.0g / m 2 ~5.0g / m 2} , more preferably from ^{1.5g / m 2 ~4.0g / m 2} . Within this range, good printing durability and good scratch resistance of the non-image area of the lithographic printing plate can be obtained.

As the support used in the present invention, the substrate having the above-mentioned surface treatment and having an anodized film may be used as it is, but for further improvement in adhesion to the upper layer, hydrophilicity, resistance to contamination, heat insulation, and the like. If necessary, it contains micropore enlargement treatment, micropore sealing treatment, and hydrophilic compound described in JP-A Nos. 2001-253181 and 2001-322365. A surface hydrophilization treatment immersed in an aqueous solution can be selected as appropriate. Of course, the enlargement process and the sealing process are not limited to those described above, and any conventionally known methods can be performed.
For example, as the sealing treatment, in addition to the vapor sealing, single treatment with fluorinated zirconate, treatment with sodium fluoride, and vapor sealing with addition of lithium chloride are possible.

The sealing treatment used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and a conventionally known method can be used. Among them, sealing treatment with an aqueous solution containing an inorganic fluorine compound, sealing treatment with water vapor, and sealing with hot water are particularly preferable. Hole treatment is preferred. Each will be described below.

As the inorganic fluorine compound used for the sealing treatment with an aqueous solution containing an inorganic fluorine compound, a metal fluoride is preferably exemplified.
Specifically, for example, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, calcium fluoride, magnesium fluoride, sodium fluoride zirconate, potassium fluoride zirconate, sodium fluoride titanate, potassium fluoride titanate, zircon fluoride Ammonium acid, ammonium fluoride titanate, potassium fluoride titanate, fluorinated zirconate, fluorinated titanate, hexafluorosilicic acid, nickel fluoride, iron fluoride, phosphor fluoride, ammonium fluoride phosphate It is done. Among these, sodium fluorinated zirconate, sodium fluorinated titanate, fluorinated zirconic acid, and fluorinated titanic acid are preferable.

  The concentration of the inorganic fluorine compound in the aqueous solution is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of sufficiently sealing the micropores of the anodized film. Further, in terms of stain resistance, it is preferably 1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.5% by mass or less.

  It is preferable that the aqueous solution containing an inorganic fluorine compound further contains a phosphate compound. When the phosphate compound is contained, the hydrophilicity of the surface of the anodized film is improved, so that on-machine developability and stain resistance can be improved.

Suitable examples of the phosphate compound include phosphates of metals such as alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.
Specifically, for example, zinc phosphate, aluminum phosphate, ammonium phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, monosodium phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate Potassium, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, calcium phosphate, sodium ammonium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium phosphate, ferrous phosphate, ferric phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium phosphate, hydrogen phosphate Disodium, lead phosphate, diammonium phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, lithium phosphate, phosphotungstic acid, ammonium phosphotungstate, sodium phosphotungstate, ammonium phosphomolybdate, sodium phosphomolybdate, sodium phosphite , Tripolyphosphate Potassium, and sodium pyrophosphate. Among these, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate are preferable.
The combination of the inorganic fluorine compound and the phosphate compound is not particularly limited, but the aqueous solution contains at least sodium zirconate fluoride as the inorganic fluorine compound and contains at least sodium dihydrogen phosphate as the phosphate compound. Is preferred.

  The concentration of the phosphate compound in the aqueous solution is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of improving on-press developability and stain resistance. Further, in terms of solubility, it is preferably 20% by mass or less, and more preferably 5% by mass or less.

The ratio of each compound in the aqueous solution is not particularly limited, but the mass ratio of the inorganic fluorine compound and the phosphate compound is preferably 1/200 to 10/1, and preferably 1/30 to 2/1. Is more preferable.
The temperature of the aqueous solution is preferably 20 ° C. or higher, more preferably 40 ° C. or higher, preferably 100 ° C. or lower, more preferably 80 ° C. or lower.
The aqueous solution preferably has a pH of 1 or more, more preferably has a pH of 2 or more, preferably has a pH of 11 or less, and more preferably has a pH of 5 or less.
The method for sealing with an aqueous solution containing an inorganic fluorine compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an immersion method and a spray method. These may be used alone or in combination, or may be used in combination of two or more.
Of these, the dipping method is preferred. When the treatment is performed using the dipping method, the treatment time is preferably 1 second or longer, more preferably 3 seconds or longer, and preferably 100 seconds or shorter, and 20 seconds or shorter. More preferred.

Examples of the sealing treatment with water vapor include a method in which pressurized or normal pressure water vapor is brought into contact with the anodized film continuously or discontinuously.
The temperature of the water vapor is preferably 80 ° C. or higher, more preferably 95 ° C. or higher, and preferably 105 ° C. or lower.
The pressure of the water vapor is preferably in the range (1.008 × 105 to 1.043 × 105 Pa) from (atmospheric pressure−50 mmAq) to (atmospheric pressure + 300 mmAq).
Further, the time for which the water vapor is contacted is preferably 1 second or longer, more preferably 3 seconds or longer, 100 seconds or shorter, more preferably 20 seconds or shorter.

Examples of the sealing treatment with hot water include a method in which an aluminum plate on which an anodized film is formed is immersed in hot water.
The hot water may contain an inorganic salt (for example, phosphate) or an organic salt.
The temperature of the hot water is preferably 80 ° C. or higher, more preferably 95 ° C. or higher, and preferably 100 ° C. or lower.
Further, the time of immersion in hot water is preferably 1 second or longer, more preferably 3 seconds or longer, more preferably 100 seconds or shorter, and even more preferably 20 seconds or shorter.

  The hydrophilization treatment is described in US Pat. Nos. 2,714,066, 3,181,461, 3,280,734, and 3,902,734. There are such alkali metal silicate methods. In this method, the support is immersed in an aqueous solution such as sodium silicate or electrolytically treated. In addition, the treatment with potassium zirconate fluoride described in JP-B 36-22063, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,276,868, 4,153,461 and 4,689, And a method of treating with polyvinylphosphonic acid as described in each specification of No.272.

  When using a support with insufficient surface hydrophilicity such as a polyester film as the support of the present invention, it is desirable to apply a hydrophilic layer to make the surface hydrophilic. As the hydrophilic layer, at least one element selected from beryllium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, titanium, boron, germanium, tin, zirconium, iron, vanadium, antimony, and a transition metal described in JP-A-2001-199175 A hydrophilic layer formed by coating a coating solution containing a colloid of oxide or hydroxide, or organic hydrophilicity obtained by crosslinking or pseudo-crosslinking an organic hydrophilic polymer described in JP-A-2002-79772 A hydrophilic layer having a hydrophilic matrix, a hydrophilic layer having an inorganic hydrophilic matrix obtained by sol-gel conversion comprising hydrolysis, condensation reaction of polyalkoxysilane, titanate, zirconate or aluminate, or a metal oxide A hydrophilic layer made of an inorganic thin film having a surface is preferred. Arbitrariness. Among these, a hydrophilic layer formed by applying a coating solution containing a silicon oxide or a hydroxide colloid is preferable.

Moreover, when using a polyester film etc. as a support body of this invention, it is preferable to provide an antistatic layer in the hydrophilic layer side of a support body, the opposite side, or both sides. In the case where the antistatic layer is provided between the support and the hydrophilic layer, it also contributes to improving the adhesion with the hydrophilic layer. As the antistatic layer, a polymer layer in which metal oxide fine particles or a matting agent are dispersed as described in JP-A-2002-79772 can be used.

The support preferably has a center line average roughness of 0.10 μm to 1.2 μm. Within this range, good adhesion to the image recording layer, good printing durability and good stain resistance can be obtained.
The color density of the support is preferably 0.15 to 0.65 as the reflection density value. Within this range, good image formability by preventing halation during image exposure and good plate inspection after development can be obtained.

(Back coat layer)
After the surface treatment is performed on the support or after the undercoat layer is formed, a back coat can be provided on the back surface of the support, if necessary.
Examples of the back coat include hydrolysis and polycondensation of organic polymer compounds described in JP-A-5-45885, organometallic compounds or inorganic metal compounds described in JP-A-6-35174. A coating layer made of a metal oxide obtained in this manner is preferred. Among them, it is inexpensive to use a silicon alkoxy compound such as Si (OCH ₃ ) ₄ , Si (OC ₂ H ₅ ) ₄ , Si (OC ₃ H ₇ ) ₄ , Si (OC ₄ H ₉ ) _4. It is preferable in terms of easy availability.

(Undercoat layer)
In the lithographic printing plate precursor according to the invention, an undercoat layer can be provided between the image recording layer and the support, if necessary. Since the undercoat layer tends to cause the image recording layer to peel off from the support in the unexposed area, the on-press developability is improved. In addition, in the case of infrared laser exposure, the undercoat layer functions as a heat insulating layer, so that heat generated by exposure does not diffuse to the support and can be used efficiently, so that high sensitivity can be achieved. There are advantages.
As the undercoat layer, specifically, a silane coupling agent having an addition-polymerizable ethylenic double bond reactive group described in JP-A-10-282679, JP-A-2-304441. Preferred examples include phosphorus compounds having an ethylenic double bond reactive group described in the publication.
The most preferable undercoat layer includes a polymer resin obtained by copolymerizing a monomer having an adsorbing group / a monomer having a hydrophilic group / a monomer having a crosslinkable group.

An essential component of the polymer undercoat is an adsorptive group on the surface of the hydrophilic support. The presence or absence of adsorptivity on the surface of the hydrophilic support can be determined by the following method, for example.
A coating night is prepared by dissolving the test compound in a readily soluble solvent, and the coating night is coated and dried on the support so that the coating amount after drying is 30 mg / m ² . Next, the support coated with the test compound is sufficiently washed with a readily soluble solvent, and then the residual amount of the test compound that has not been removed by washing is measured to calculate the adsorbed amount of the support. Here, the measurement of the remaining amount may be performed by directly quantifying the amount of the remaining compound or by quantifying the amount of the test compound dissolved in the cleaning liquid. The compound can be quantified by, for example, fluorescent X-ray measurement, reflection spectral absorbance measurement, liquid chromatography measurement and the like. A compound having a support adsorptivity is a compound that remains in an amount of 0.5 mg / m ² or more even after the washing treatment as described above.

The adsorptive group on the surface of the hydrophilic support is a substance (for example, metal, metal oxide) or a functional group (for example, hydroxyl group) existing on the surface of the hydrophilic support and a chemical bond (for example, ionic bond, hydrogen bond). , Coordination bond, bond by intermolecular force). The adsorptive group is preferably an acid group or a cationic group.
The acid group preferably has an acid dissociation constant (pKa) of 7 or less. Examples of acid groups include phenolic hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, —PO ₃ H ₂ , —OPO ₃ H ₂ , —CONHSO ₂ —, —SO ₂ NHSO ₂ —, and —COCH ₂ COCH ₃ . A phosphoric acid group (—OPO ₃ H ₂ , —PO ₃ H ₂ ) is particularly preferred. These acid groups may be metal salts.
The cationic group is preferably an onium group. Examples of the onium group include an ammonium group, a phosphonium group, an arsonium group, a stibonium group, an oxonium group, a sulfonium group, a selenonium group, a stannonium group, and an iodonium group. An ammonium group, a phosphonium group and a sulfonium group are preferred, an ammonium group and a phosphonium group are more preferred, and an ammonium group is most preferred.

  Particularly preferred examples of the monomer having an adsorptive group include compounds represented by the following formula (IV) or (V).

In the formula (IV), R ¹ , R ² and R ³ are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. R ¹ , R ² and R ³ are preferably each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. More preferred is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. R ² and R ³ are particularly preferably a hydrogen atom.
In the formula (IV), X is an oxygen atom (—O—) or imino (—NH—). X is more preferably an oxygen atom. In the formula (IV), L is a divalent linking group. L is a divalent aliphatic group (alkylene group, substituted alkylene group, alkenylene group, substituted alkenylene group, alkynylene group, substituted alkynylene group), divalent aromatic group (arylene group, substituted arylene group) or divalent A heterocyclic group, or an oxygen atom (—O—), a sulfur atom (—S—), an imino (—NH—), a substituted imino (—NR—, R is an aliphatic group, an aromatic group; Or a combination with a heterocyclic group) or carbonyl (—CO—).

  The aliphatic group may have a cyclic structure or a branched structure. The number of carbon atoms in the aliphatic group is preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 15, and most preferably 1 to 10. The aliphatic group is preferably a saturated aliphatic group rather than an unsaturated aliphatic group. The aliphatic group may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an aromatic group, and a heterocyclic group.

The number of carbon atoms in the aromatic group is preferably 6 to 20, more preferably 6 to 15, and most preferably 6 to 10. The aromatic group may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, and a heterocyclic group.
The heterocyclic group preferably has a 5-membered or 6-membered ring as the heterocycle. The heterocycle may be condensed with another heterocycle, aliphatic ring or aromatic ring. The heterocyclic group may have a substituent. Examples of substituents include halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, oxo groups (═O), thioxo groups (═S), imino groups (═NH), substituted imino groups (═N—R, R is an aliphatic group, aromatic Group or heterocyclic group), aliphatic group, aromatic group and heterocyclic group.
L is preferably a divalent linking group containing a plurality of polyoxyalkylene structures. The polyoxyalkylene structure is more preferably a polyoxyethylene structure. In other words, L preferably contains — (OCH ₂ CH ₂ ) _n — (n is an integer of 2 or more).

In the formula (IV), Z is a functional group adsorbed on the surface of the hydrophilic support. Y is a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom. When Y is a nitrogen atom and L is connected to Y to form a quaternary pyridinium group, Z is not essential because it exhibits adsorptivity itself.
In the formula (V), R ¹ , L and Z have the same meanings as in the formula (IV).
The adsorptive functional group is as described above.
Examples of typical compounds represented by formula (IV) or (V) are shown below.

  Examples of the hydrophilic group of the undercoat polymer resin that can be used in the present invention include a hydroxy group, a carboxyl group, a carboxylate group, a hydroxyethyl group, a polyoxyethyl group, a hydroxypropyl group, a polyoxypropyl group, and an amino group. Preferred examples include a group, an aminoethyl group, an aminopropyl group, an ammonium group, an amide group, a carboxymethyl group, a sulfonic acid group, and a phosphoric acid group. Among them, a monomer having a sulfonic acid group exhibiting high hydrophilicity is preferable. Specific examples of the monomer having a sulfonic acid group include methallyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, p-styrenesulfonic acid, methallylsulfonic acid, acrylamide- Examples thereof include t-butylsulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, (3-acryloyloxypropyl) butylsulfonic acid sodium salt and amine salt. Among them, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid sodium salt is preferable from the viewpoint of hydrophilic performance and synthetic handling.

  The water-soluble polymer resin for the undercoat layer of the present invention preferably has a crosslinkable group. The crosslinkable group can improve the adhesion with the image area. In order to impart crosslinkability to the polymer resin for the undercoat layer, a crosslinkable functional group such as an ethylenically unsaturated bond may be introduced into the side chain of the polymer, or paired with the polar substituent of the polymer resin. It can be introduced by forming a salt structure with a compound having a charged substituent and an ethylenically unsaturated bond.

  Examples of polymers having an ethylenically unsaturated bond in the side chain of the molecule are polymers of esters or amides of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid where the ester or amide residue (R of -COOR or -CONHR) is Mention may be made of polymers having an ethylenically unsaturated bond.

Examples of the residue (the R) having an ethylenically unsaturated _{bond, - (CH 2) n CR} 1 = CR 2 R 3, - (CH 2 O) n CH 2 CR 1 = CR 2 R 3, - _{(CH 2 CH 2 O) n} CH 2 CR 1 = CR 2 R 3, - (CH 2) n NH-CO-O-CH 2 CR 1 = CR 2 R 3, - (CH 2) n -O-CO —CR ₁ ═CR ₂ R ₃ and — (CH ₂ CH ₂ O) ₂ —X (wherein R _{1 to} R ₃ are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aryl group. Represents an alkoxy group or an aryloxy group, and R ₁ and R ₂ or R ₃ may combine with each other to form a ring, n represents an integer of 1 to 10. X represents dicyclopentadi An enyl residue).
Specific examples of the ester _{residue, -CH 2 CH = CH 2,} ( described in JP Kokoku _{7-21633.) - CH 2 CH 2} O-CH 2 CH = CH 2, -CH 2 C _{(CH 3) = CH 2,} -CH 2 CH = CH-C 6 H 5, -CH 2 CH 2 OCOCH = CH-C 6 H 5, -CH 2 CH 2 NHCOO-CH 2 CH = CH 2, and - CH ₂ CH ₂ O—X (wherein X represents a dicyclopentadienyl residue).
Specific examples of the amide residue include —CH ₂ CH═CH ₂ , —CH ₂ CH ₂ O—Y (wherein Y represents a cyclohexene residue), —CH ₂ CH ₂ OCO—CH═CH _2. Is mentioned.
As the monomer having a crosslinkable group of the polymer resin for undercoat layer, an ester or amide of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid having the crosslinkable group is suitable.

  The content of the crosslinkable group in the polymer resin for the undercoat layer (content of unsaturated double bond capable of radical polymerization by iodine titration) is preferably 0.1 mmol to 10.0 mmol per 1 g of the polymer resin. More preferably, it is 1.0 mmol-7.0 mmol, Most preferably, it is 2.0 mmol-5.5 mmol. Within this range, both good sensitivity and dirtiness and good storage stability can be obtained.

The polymer resin for the undercoat layer preferably has a mass average molecular weight of 5,000 or more, more preferably 10,000 to 300,000, and a number average molecular weight of 1,000 or more, preferably 20 million. More preferably, it is ˜250,000. The polydispersity (mass average molecular weight / number average molecular weight) is preferably 1.1 to 10.
The polymer resin for the undercoat layer may be any of a random polymer, a block polymer, a graft polymer, etc., but is preferably a random polymer.

  As the undercoat polymer resin of the present invention, a known resin having a hydrophilic group can also be used. Specific examples of such resins include gum arabic, casein, gelatin, starch derivatives, carboxymethyl cellulose and its sodium salt, cellulose acetate, sodium alginate, vinyl maleic acid copolymers, styrene-maleic acid copolymers, polyacrylic acids and Salts thereof, polymethacrylic acids and their salts, homopolymers and copolymers of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, homopolymers and copolymers of hydroxyethyl acrylate, homopolymers and copolymers of hydroxypropyl methacrylate, homopolymers and copolymers of hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxybutyl Homopolymers and copolymers of methacrylates, homopolymers of hydroxybutyl acrylate Copolymers, polyethylene glycols, hydroxypropylene polymers, polyvinyl alcohols, hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, acrylamide homopolymers having a hydrolysis degree of 60 mol% or more, preferably 80 mol% or more. Polymers and copolymers, homopolymers and polymers of methacrylamide, homopolymers and copolymers of N-methylolacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, alcohol soluble nylon, 2,2-bis- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane and epichlorohydrin A polyether etc. are mentioned.

The undercoat polymer resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The coating amount (solid content) of the undercoat layer is preferably from ^{0.1mg / m 2 ~100mg / m 2} , and more preferably ^{1mg / m 2 ~30mg / m 2} .

(Protective layer)
The lithographic printing plate precursor of the present invention is protected on the image recording layer as necessary to impart oxygen barrier properties, prevent scratches in the image recording layer, and prevent ablation that occurs during high-illuminance laser exposure. A layer can be provided.
Usually, the exposure processing of a lithographic printing plate is carried out in the atmosphere. The image formation reaction in the image recording layer caused by the exposure process can be inhibited by low molecular compounds such as oxygen and basic substances present in the atmosphere. The protective layer prevents low molecular compounds such as oxygen and basic substances from entering the image recording layer, and as a result, suppresses image formation inhibition reaction in the air. Therefore, the properties desired for the protective layer are to reduce the permeability of low-molecular compounds such as oxygen, furthermore, the transparency of light used for exposure is good, and the adhesiveness with the image recording layer is excellent. And it can be easily removed in an on-press development process after exposure. The protective layer having such characteristics is described in, for example, US Pat. No. 3,458,311 and JP-B-55-49729.

As a material used for the protective layer, either a water-soluble polymer or a water-insoluble polymer can be appropriately selected and used. Specifically, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl imidazole, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, partially saponified product of polyvinyl acetate, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, water-soluble cellulose derivative, gelatin, starch Examples thereof include water-soluble polymers such as derivatives and gum arabic, and polymers such as polyvinylidene chloride, poly (meth) acrylonitrile, polysulfone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, and cellophane. These may be used in combination of two or more as required.

  A relatively useful material among the above materials includes water-soluble polymer compounds having excellent crystallinity. Specifically, water-soluble acrylic resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl imidazole, and polyacrylic acid, gelatin, gum arabic, and the like are suitable. Among these, water can be applied as a solvent, and at the time of printing Polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and polyvinyl imidazole are preferable from the viewpoint that they are easily removed by the fountain solution. Among them, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gives the best results for basic properties such as oxygen barrier properties and development removability. The polyvinyl alcohol that can be used in the protective layer may be partially substituted with esters, ethers, and acetals as long as they contain a substantial amount of unsubstituted vinyl alcohol units having the required water solubility. Similarly, a part may contain other copolymerization components. For example, various hydrophilic modification sites such as anion modification sites modified with anions such as carboxyl groups and sulfo groups, cation modification sites modified with cations such as amino groups and ammonium groups, silanol modification sites, and thiol modification sites are randomly selected. Polyvinyl alcohol having various degrees of polymerization, the anion-modified site, the cation-modified site, the silanol-modified site, the thiol-modified site, the alkoxyl-modified site, the sulfide-modified site, and the ester modification of vinyl alcohol and various organic acids. Polyvinyl alcohol having various degrees of polymerization having various modified sites such as a site, an ester-modified site of the anion-modified site and alcohols, an epoxy-modified site, etc. at the polymer chain end is also preferably used.

  Suitable examples of the modified polyvinyl alcohol include compounds having a hydrolysis degree of 71 to 100 mol% and a polymerization degree in the range of 300 to 2400. Specifically, PVA-105, PVA-110, PVA-117, PVA-117H, PVA-120, PVA-124, PVA-124H, PVA-CS, PVA-CST, PVA-HC made by Kuraray Co., Ltd. , PVA-203, PVA-204, PVA-205, PVA-210, PVA-217, PVA-220, PVA-224, PVA-217EE, PVA-217E, PVA-220E, PVA-224E, PVA-405, PVA -420, PVA-613, L-8 and the like. Examples of the modified polyvinyl alcohol include KL-318, KL-118, KM-618, KM-118, SK-5102 having an anion-modified site, C-318, C-118 and CM-318 having a cation-modified site. M-205 and M-115 having terminal thiol modification sites, MP-103, MP-203, MP-102, MP-202 having terminal sulfide modification sites, and ester modification sites with higher fatty acids HL-12E, HL-1203, and other reactive silane-modified R-1130, R-2105, R-2130, and the like.

The protective layer preferably contains a layered compound. The layered compound is a particle having a thin flat plate shape. For example, the following general formula A (B, C) _2-5 D ₄ O ₁₀ (OH, F, O) ₂
[However, A is any of Li, K, Na, Ca, Mg, organic cation, B and C are any of Fe (II), Fe (III), Mn, Al, Mg, V, and D is Si or Al. And mica groups such as natural mica and synthetic mica, talc, teniolite, montmorillonite, saponite, hectorite, zirconium phosphate and the like represented by the formula 3MgO.4SiO.H ₂ O.
Examples of the natural mica include muscovite, soda mica, phlogopite, biotite and sericite. Synthetic mica includes non-swellable mica such as fluor-phlogopite mica KMg ₃ (AlSi ₃ O ₁₀ ) F ₂ , potassium tetrasilicon mica KMg _2.5 Si ₄ O ₁₀ ) F ₂ , and Na tetrasilicic mica NaMg _2.5 (Si ₄ O ₁₀ ) F ₂ , Na or Li Teniolite (Na, Li) Mg ₂ Li (Si ₄ O ₁₀ ) F ₂ , Montmorillonite Na or Li Hectorite (Na, Li) _1/8 Mg Swelling mica such as _2/5 Li _1/8 (Si ₄ O ₁₀ ) F ₂ is included. Synthetic smectite is also useful.

Among the above layered compounds, fluorine-based swellable mica which is a synthetic layered compound is particularly useful. That is, swellable clay minerals such as mica, montmorillonite, saponite, hectorite, bentonite, etc. have a laminated structure composed of unit crystal lattice layers with a thickness of about 10 to 15 mm, and the substitution of metal atoms in the lattice is the other. Significantly greater than viscous minerals. As a result, the lattice layer is deficient in positive charge, and Li ⁺ , Na ⁺ , Ca ²⁺ , Mg ²⁺ , amine salts, quaternary ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, sulfonium salts, etc. Adsorbs organic cation cations. These layered compounds swell with water. If shear is applied in this state, it will easily cleave and form a stable sol in water. Bentonite and swelling synthetic mica have this tendency.

  As the shape of the layered compound, from the viewpoint of diffusion control, the thinner the better, the better the planar size as long as the smoothness of the coated surface and the transmittance of actinic rays are not impaired. Accordingly, the aspect ratio is 20 or more, preferably 100 or more, particularly preferably 200 or more. The aspect ratio is the ratio of the thickness to the major axis of the particle, and can be measured, for example, from a projected view of the particle by a micrograph. The larger the aspect ratio, the greater the effect that can be obtained.

The average particle diameter of the layered compound is 1 μm to 20 μm, preferably 1 μm to 10 μm, and particularly preferably 2 μm to 5 μm. When the particle diameter is smaller than 1 μm, the suppression of permeation of oxygen and moisture is insufficient and the effect cannot be exhibited sufficiently. On the other hand, if it is larger than 20 μm, the dispersion stability in the coating solution is insufficient, resulting in a problem that stable coating cannot be performed. The average thickness of the particles is 0.1 μm or less, preferably 0.05 μm or less, particularly preferably 0.01 μm or less. For example, among the inorganic layered compounds, the size of the swellable synthetic mica that is a representative compound is 1 nm to 50 nm in thickness and the surface size is about 1 μm to 20 μm.
When the inorganic layered compound particles having such a large aspect ratio are contained in the protective layer, the coating film strength is improved, and the permeation of oxygen and moisture can be effectively prevented. Deterioration is prevented, and even when stored for a long time under high-humidity conditions, the storage stability of the planographic printing plate precursor does not deteriorate due to changes in humidity, and the storage stability is excellent.

  It is preferable that content of the inorganic stratiform compound in a protective layer is 5/1-1/100 by mass ratio with respect to the quantity of the binder used for a protective layer. Even when a plurality of types of inorganic layered compounds are used in combination, the total amount of these inorganic layered compounds is preferably the above-described mass ratio.

  Next, an example of a general dispersion method of the layered compound used for the protective layer will be described. First, 5 to 10 parts by mass of the swellable laminar compound mentioned above as a preferred laminar compound is added to 100 parts by mass of water, and the mixture is thoroughly blended in water and swollen, and then dispersed by a disperser. Examples of the disperser used here include various mills that disperse mechanically by applying a direct force, a high-speed stirring disperser having a large shearing force, and a disperser that provides high-intensity ultrasonic energy. Specifically, ball mill, sand grinder mill, visco mill, colloid mill, homogenizer, tisol bar, polytron, homomixer, homo blender, ketdy mill, jet agitator, capillary emulsifier, liquid siren, electrostrictive ultrasonic generator, An emulsifying device having a Paulman whistle can be used. A dispersion of 5% by mass to 10% by mass of the inorganic stratiform compound dispersed by the above method is highly viscous or gelled, and the storage stability is very good. When preparing a protective layer coating solution using this dispersion, it is preferably prepared by diluting with water and stirring sufficiently, and then blending with a binder solution.

As another composition of the protective layer, glycerin, dipropylene glycol and the like can be added in an amount corresponding to several mass% with respect to the (co) polymer to provide flexibility. Anionic surfactants such as sodium acid salts; amphoteric surfactants such as alkylaminocarboxylates and alkylaminodicarboxylates; nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers can be added. The addition amount of these activators can be added from 0.1% by mass to 100% by mass with respect to the (co) polymer.
In order to improve the adhesion to the image area, for example, JP-A-49-70702 discloses an acrylic emulsion, water-insoluble vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate in a hydrophilic polymer mainly composed of polyvinyl alcohol. It is described that sufficient adhesiveness can be obtained by mixing 20% by mass to 60% by mass of a copolymer or the like and laminating the copolymer on an image recording layer. British Patent Application No. 1303578 describes that the dispersion of polyfluoroethylene resin particles in a protective layer can prevent adhesion between a film and a lithographic printing plate precursor during exposure using a vacuum baking frame. ing. Any of these known techniques can be used in the present invention.
Furthermore, other functions can be imparted to the protective layer. For example, by adding a colorant (for example, a water-soluble dye) that is excellent in the transparency of infrared rays used for exposure and that can efficiently absorb light of other wavelengths, safe light is not caused. Suitability can be improved.

  This protective layer coating solution includes known anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, fluorosurfactants and water-soluble plasticizers for improving the physical properties of the coating. Additives can be added. Examples of the water-soluble plasticizer include propionamide, cyclohexanediol, glycerin, sorbitol and the like. A water-soluble (meth) acrylic polymer can also be added. Furthermore, a known additive for improving the adhesion with the image recording layer and the temporal stability of the coating solution may be added to the coating solution.

  The protective layer coating solution thus prepared is applied onto the image recording layer provided on the support and dried to form the protective layer. The coating solvent can be appropriately selected in relation to the binder, but when a water-soluble polymer is used, it is preferable to use distilled water or purified water. The method for applying the protective layer is not particularly limited, and a known method such as the method described in US Pat. No. 3,458,311 or Japanese Patent Publication No. 55-49729 can be applied. . Specific examples of the protective layer include blade coating, air knife coating, gravure coating, roll coating coating, spray coating, dip coating, and bar coating.

The coating amount of the protective layer, the coating amount after drying is preferably in the range of ^{0.01g / m 2 ~10g / m 2} , more preferably in the range of 0.02g / m ² ~3g / m ² , and most preferably in the range of ^{0.02g / m 2 ~1g / m 2} .

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example and a comparative example demonstrate this invention in detail, this invention is not limited to these.

1. Production of lithographic printing plate precursors (1) to (4) and (13) (1) Production of support 10% by mass aluminate to remove rolling oil on the surface of a 0.3 mm thick aluminum plate (material 1050) After degreasing at 50 ° C. for 30 seconds using an aqueous soda solution, three bundle-planted nylon brushes with a bristle diameter of 0.3 mm and a pumice-water suspension with a median diameter of 25 μm (specific gravity 1.1 g / cm ³ ) The aluminum surface was grained using, and washed thoroughly with water. This plate was etched by being immersed in a 25 mass% sodium hydroxide aqueous solution at 45 ° C for 9 seconds, washed with water, further immersed in 20 mass% nitric acid at 60 ° C for 20 seconds, and washed with water. The etching amount of the grained surface at this time was about 3 g / m ² .

Next, an electrochemical roughening treatment was performed continuously using an alternating voltage of 60 Hz. The electrolytic solution at this time was a 1% by mass nitric acid aqueous solution (containing 0.5% by mass of aluminum ions) and a liquid temperature of 50 ° C. The AC power source waveform is electrochemical roughening treatment using a trapezoidal rectangular wave alternating current with a time ratio TP of 0.8 msec until the current value reaches a peak from zero, a duty ratio of 1: 1, and a trapezoidal rectangular wave alternating current. Went. Ferrite was used for the auxiliary anode. The current density was 30 A / dm ² at the peak current value, and 5% of the current flowing from the power source was shunted to the auxiliary anode.
The amount of electricity in the nitric acid electrolysis was 175 C / dm ² when the aluminum plate was the anode. Then, water washing by spraying was performed.

Next, a 0.5% by mass hydrochloric acid aqueous solution (containing 0.5% by mass of aluminum ions) and an electrolytic solution having a liquid temperature of 50 ° C. and nitric acid electrolysis under the condition of an electric quantity of 50 C / dm ² when the aluminum plate is an anode. In the same manner as above, an electrochemical surface roughening treatment was performed, followed by washing with water by spraying. The plate was provided with a DC anodized film of 2.5 g / m ² at a current density of 15 A / dm ² using 15% by mass sulfuric acid (containing 0.5% by mass of aluminum ions) as an electrolytic solution, then washed with water and dried.
The centerline average roughness (Ra) of this substrate was measured using a needle having a diameter of 2 μm and found to be 0.51 μm.

Furthermore, the following undercoat liquid (1) was applied so that the dry coating amount was 10 mg / m ² to prepare a support used in the following experiments.

Undercoat liquid (1)
・ Undercoat compound (1) below 0.017g
・ Methanol 9.00 g
・ Distilled water 1.00g

(2) Formation of image recording layer An image recording layer coating solution (1) having the following composition was bar-coated on the support and then oven-dried at 100 ° C for 60 seconds to obtain a dry coating amount of 1.0 g / m ² . An image recording layer was formed to obtain a lithographic printing plate precursor.
The image recording layer coating solution (1) was obtained by mixing and stirring the following photosensitive solution (1) and microgel solution (1) immediately before coating.

Image recording layer coating solution (1)
-0.162 g of binder polymer described in Table 2 below
・ The following polymerization initiator (1) 0.100 g
・ The following infrared absorber (1) 0.020 g
・ Polymerizable compound (Aronix M215, manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd.) 0.385 g
-The following hydrophilic low molecular compound (1) The amount described in Table 2 below-The following fluorosurfactant (1) 0.044 g
・ Methyl ethyl ketone 1.091g
・ 1-methoxy-2-propanol 8.609g

Microgel solution (1)
-Microgel (1) synthesized as follows: 2.640 g
・ Distilled water 2.425g

(Synthesis of microgel (1))
As oil phase components, trimethylolpropane and xylene diisocyanate adduct (Mitsui Takeda Chemical Co., Ltd., Takenate D-110N) 10 g, pentaerythritol triacrylate (Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd., SR444) 3.15 g, And 0.1 g of Pionein A-41C (manufactured by Takemoto Yushi) was dissolved in 17 g of ethyl acetate. As an aqueous phase component, 40 g of a 4% by mass aqueous solution of PVA-205 was prepared. The oil phase component and the aqueous phase component were mixed and emulsified for 10 minutes at 12,000 rpm using a homogenizer. The obtained emulsion was added to 25 g of distilled water, stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then stirred at 50 ° C. for 3 hours. The solid content concentration of the microgel solution thus obtained was diluted with distilled water so as to be 15% by mass. The average particle size was 0.2 μm.

(3) Formation of Protective Layer After the bar coating of the protective layer coating liquid (1) having the following composition was further applied on the image recording layer, it was oven-dried at 120 ° C. for 60 seconds, and the dry coating amount was 0.15 g / m ^2. The lithographic printing plate precursors (1) to (4) and (13) used in Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Examples 1 and 4 were obtained.

Protective layer coating solution (1)
-1.5 g of inorganic particle dispersion (1) prepared as follows
・ Polyvinyl alcohol (Poval PVA105) 0.06g
(Kuraray Co., Ltd., saponification degree 98-99 mol%, polymerization degree 500)
・ Polyvinylpyrrolidone (K30) 0.01g
(Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., mass average molecular weight 400,000)
-Copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate LUVITEC VA64W 0.01g
(ICP, copolymerization ratio = 6/4)
・ Nonionic surfactant 0.01g
(Product name: EMALEX 710, manufactured by Nippon Emulsion Co., Ltd.)
・ Ion-exchanged water 6.0g

(Preparation of inorganic particle dispersion (1))
6.4 g of synthetic mica Somasif ME-100 (manufactured by Co-op Chemical) was added to 193.6 g of ion-exchanged water, and dispersed using an homogenizer until the average particle size (laser scattering method) became 3 μm. The aspect ratio of the obtained dispersed inorganic particles was 100 or more.

2. Preparation of lithographic printing plate precursors (5) to (8) and (14) The image recording layer coating liquid (1) described in the preparation of the above lithographic printing plate precursor (1) is used as the image recording layer coating liquid (2). The lithographic printing plate precursors (5) to (8) and (14) used in Examples 11 to 14 and Comparative Examples 2 and 5 were obtained in the same manner as in the production of the lithographic printing plate precursor (1) except that .

Image recording layer coating solution (2)
・ The following infrared absorber (2) 0.05 g
・ 0.20g of the above polymerization initiator (1)
-0.50 g of binder polymer described in Table 2 below
Polymerizable compound, Aronix M-215 (manufactured by Toa Gosei Co., Ltd.) 1.00 g
・ Victoria Pure Blue Naphthalenesulfonate 0.02g
-Said hydrophilic low molecular weight compound (1) The quantity of following Table 2.-Said fluorosurfactant (1) 0.10g
・ Methyl ethyl ketone 18.0g

3. Preparation of lithographic printing plate precursors (9) to (12) and (15) The image recording layer coating liquid (1) described in the preparation of the lithographic printing plate precursor (1) is an image recording layer coating liquid (3) having the following composition: The lithographic printing plate precursors (9) to (12) and (15) used in Examples 15 to 18 and Comparative Examples 3 and 6 were obtained in the same manner as in the production of the lithographic printing plate precursor (1) except that .
The image recording layer coating solution (3) was obtained by mixing and stirring the following photosensitive solution (2) and microcapsule solution (1) immediately before coating.

Photosensitive solution (2)
・ The above polymerization initiator (1) 0.20 g
・ The following sensitizer (1) 1.00 g
-3.00 g of binder polymer described in Table 2 above
Polymerizable compound, Aronix M-315 (manufactured by Toa Gosei Co., Ltd.) 6.20 g
・ Leuco Crystal Violet 3.00g
・ Thermal polymerization inhibitor 0.10g
(N-nitrosophenylhydroxylamine aluminum salt)
-Said hydrophilic low molecular weight compound (1) The quantity of following Table 2.-Said fluorosurfactant (1) 0.10g
・ Methyl ethyl ketone 35.00g
・ 1-methoxy-2-propanol 35.00g

Microcapsule liquid (1)
・ Microcapsule synthesized as follows (1) 10.00 g
・ Ion exchange water 10.00g

(Synthesis of microcapsule (1))
As an oil phase component, trimethylolpropane and xylene diisocyanate adduct (manufactured by Mitsui Takeda Chemical Co., Ltd., Takenate D-110N) 10 g, pentaerythritol triacrylate (manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd., SR444) 3.15 g, 1 g of 3- (N, N-diethylamino) -6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane (ODB manufactured by Yamamoto Kasei) and 0.1 g of Pionein A-41C (manufactured by Takemoto Yushi Co., Ltd.) are dissolved in 17 g of ethyl acetate. did. As an aqueous phase component, 40 g of a 4% by mass aqueous solution of PVA-205 was prepared. The oil phase component and the aqueous phase component were mixed and emulsified for 10 minutes at 12000 rpm using a homogenizer. The obtained emulsion was added to 25 g of distilled water, stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then stirred at 40 ° C. for 3 hours. The microcapsule solution thus obtained was diluted with distilled water so that the solid content concentration became 20% by mass. The average particle size was 0.25 μm.

4). Preparation of lithographic printing plate precursor (16) The following image recording layer coating solution (4) was bar-coated on the above support having an undercoat layer, followed by oven drying at 70 ° C. for 60 seconds, and the dry coating amount. An image recording layer of 0.6 g / m ² was produced.

Image recording layer coating solution (4)
・ 33.0 g of polymer fine particle aqueous dispersion prepared as follows
・ The following infrared absorber (3) 1.0 g
・ Pentaerythritol tetraacrylate 0.5g
・ Methanol 16.0g

(Production of polymer fine particle aqueous dispersion)
A stirrer, thermometer, dropping funnel, nitrogen inlet tube, reflux condenser is applied to a 1000 ml four-necked flask, and 350 mL of distilled water is added while deoxygenating by introducing nitrogen gas, and the internal temperature becomes 80 ° C. Until heated. Add 1.5 g of sodium dodecyl sulfate as a dispersant, 0.45 g of ammonium persulfide as an initiator, and then add a mixture of 45.0 g of glycidyl methacrylate and 45.0 g of styrene from the dropping funnel to about 1 It was added dropwise over time. After the completion of the dropwise addition, the reaction was continued as it was for 5 hours, and then the unreacted monomer was removed by steam distillation. Thereafter, the mixture was cooled and adjusted to pH 6 with ammonia water, and finally pure water was added so that the non-volatile content was 15% by mass to obtain an aqueous polymer polymer fine particle dispersion. The particle size distribution of the polymer fine particles had a maximum value at a particle size of 60 nm.

  Here, the particle size distribution is obtained by taking an electron micrograph of polymer fine particles, measuring a total of 5000 fine particle sizes on the photograph, and a logarithmic scale between 0 and the maximum value of the obtained particle size measurement values. And the frequency of appearance of each particle size was plotted and obtained. For non-spherical particles, the particle size of spherical particles having the same particle area as that on the photograph was used as the particle size.

Further, the following protective layer coating solution (2) was bar coated thereon, followed by oven drying at 60 ° C. for 120 seconds to form a protective layer having a dry coating amount of 0.3 g / m ^2. Comparative Examples 7 to 9 A lithographic printing plate precursor (16) used for 1 was obtained.

Protective layer coating solution (2)
・ Carboxymethylcellulose (mass average molecular weight 20,000) 5.0 g
・ Water 50.0g

5. Image Recording Layer / Support Adhesive Strength Measurement The lithographic printing plate precursors (1) to (16) obtained as described above were subjected to the DRY conditions and WET using the above-described method. Measured under conditions. The results are shown in Table 2.

6). Observation of development behavior These lithographic printing plate precursors (1) to (16) are attached to a plate cylinder of a Speed Master 52, a Heidelberg printing machine without exposure or development, and on-press development is removed using the method described above. In the case of film removal, the horizontal size was also measured. As the dampening water, Ecology-2 (manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.) / Water = 2/98 (volume ratio) was used. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Examples 1 to 18 and Comparative Examples 1 to 9]
The obtained lithographic printing plate precursors (1) to (8), (13), (14) and (16) were converted into a water-cooled type 40
Using a Trendsetter 3244VX manufactured by Creo equipped with a W infrared semiconductor laser, exposure was performed under conditions of an output of 9 W, an outer drum rotation speed of 210 rpm, and a resolution of 2400 dpi. The exposure image includes a halftone dot chart of 1% to 99% produced by the screen described in Table 3. Further, the obtained lithographic printing plate precursors (9) to (12) and (15) were exposed with a 375 nm semiconductor laser under the conditions of an output of 2 mW, an outer drum with a circumference of 900 mm, a drum rotation speed of 800 rpm, and a resolution of 2400 dpi. The exposure image was also made to include a 1% to 99% halftone dot chart produced by the screen shown in Table 3 as described above.
The obtained exposed master is not subjected to a development process, and a printing machine Speed manufactured by Heidelberg
It was attached to the master cylinder of Master52. Using fountain solution listed in Table 3 below and Values-G (N) black ink (manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc.), supplying fountain solution and ink, then printing 10,000 sheets per hour 100 sheets were printed at a speed.

(1) Evaluation of on-press developability The number of sheets of printing paper required until the on-press development on the printing press of the unexposed portion of the image recording layer is completed and no ink is transferred to the printing paper is 5 cm. When measured as on-press developability of the non-image area of 5 cm and the non-image area in the halftone shadow area, the results shown in Table 3 below were obtained.

(2) Evaluation of Dot Gain Amount After the on-press developability was evaluated as described above, 1000 sheets were further printed. After confirming that the ink density (reflection density) of the solid portion is a standard density, the halftone dot area of the 50% halftone dot image in the evaluation chart is measured with a Gretag densitometer. = 50%), the dot gain amount of 50% halftone dots was obtained. The results are shown in Table 3. It is evaluated that a stable halftone dot area ratio can be obtained when the fountain solution shows the same value even when the fountain solution is changed.

(3) Evaluation of printing durability After performing the above dot gain evaluation, printing was further continued. As the number of printed sheets was increased, the image recording layer was gradually worn out and the ink acceptability was lowered, so that the ink density in the printing paper was lowered. Printing durability was evaluated by the number of printed sheets when the ink density (reflection density) was reduced by 0.1 from the start of printing. The results are shown in Table 3.

<Image screen>
A: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. “TAFFETA20” (FM screen, dot diameter 20 μm)
B: Creo “Staccato 25” (FM screen, dot diameter 25 μm)
C: 175 lpi (AM screen)
<Dampening water>
A: Ecology-2 (Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.) / Tap water = 2/98 (capacity ratio)
B: CDS803 (Tokyo Ink Co., Ltd.) / Tap water = 3/97 (volume ratio)
C: Astro Mark III (Nikken Chemical Laboratory) / Isopropyl alcohol / tap water = 3/10/87 (volume ratio)

As can be seen from Table 3, according to the lithographic printing method of the present invention, good on-press developability, in particular, quick elimination of shadow portion clogging can be achieved, the amount of lost printing paper is small, and good printing durability. It is possible to improve productivity. Furthermore, it is possible to stably reproduce minute dots such as an FM screen.

Claims (7)

  After a lithographic printing plate precursor having an image recording layer on a support is mounted on a printing press and imagewise exposed, or after imagewise exposure and mounting on a printing press, printing ink and / or fountain solution Is a plate-making method of a lithographic printing plate that is developed by supplying a lithographic printing plate, wherein the image recording layer is an image recording layer whose adhesion to the support is reduced by dampening water, and an image used in the exposure step is A plate-making method for a lithographic printing plate, comprising an FM screen.   2. The method for making a lithographic printing plate according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the unexposed portion of the image recording layer is removed by film removal without dissolving in the printing ink and / or fountain solution. .   The lithographic printing plate making process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image recording layer contains (A) an infrared absorber, (B) a polymerization initiator, and (C) a polymerizable compound. Method.   The lithographic printing plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image recording layer contains (B) a polymerization initiator and (C) a polymerizable compound, and is photosensitive in a range of 250 nm to 420 nm. Plate making method.   The lithographic printing plate making method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image recording layer contains a microcapsule or a microgel.   The plate making method of a lithographic printing plate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the FM screen is composed of dots of 20 µm or less.   A lithographic printing method comprising printing a plate made by the lithographic printing plate making method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 by supplying a printing ink and a fountain solution.