This patent describes an ink jet printable
heat transfer material with cold release properties. The invention consists of multiple
layers of coatings applied to a suitable substrate, typically paper. The first optional layer
coating consists typically of a pigmented
coating bound together with a synthetic or natural binder and is applied in sufficient quantity to level and densify the surface of a given substrate. The second
coating is applied over the first and consists of a
silicone coating with a controlled
surface energy. The
surface energy must be such that the subsequent aqueous coatings can be applied over top with good
wetting and adhesion, but low enough for an easy removal from the
heat transfer after cooling. A third or wash layer is applied over the
silicone release layer. This layer must easily wet and adhere to the
silicone release layer so the coating does not come off during subsequent coating passes and during handling by the user. The wash layer consists of one or more
thermoplastic polymers including
ethylene acrylic acid, waxes, and other polymers along with dispersions of non-
water soluble plasticizers and antioxidants. An ink receptive layer consists of a low binder
thermoplastic organic pigmented coating containing non-
water soluble plasticizers and antioxidants along with
water soluble and insoluble cationic polymers and / or cationic
inorganic pigments. The non-water soluble cationic materials, either organic or inorganic, aid in the retention of the dyes and reduce the wet bleed and wash out of the dyes when the transfers get wet.