JP2009073192A - Thermal transfer image receiving sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal transfer image receiving sheet having high heat insulation, excellent image quality (particularly low consistency image quality), and high sensitivity, which is scarce in image defects such as printing irregularity, and capable of manufacturing at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: The thermal transfer image receiving sheet includes at least a heat insulation layer, and a receiving layer on a support wherein at least one hollow polymer and at least one of four compounds having specific structures are contained in the heat insulation layer, and the Vickers hardness of a single film of the insulation layer is 3-150. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet and a method for producing the same, and more particularly to a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet having high sensitivity and uniform image quality in a low-density portion and a method for producing the same.

  Conventionally, various thermal transfer recording methods are known. Among them, the dye diffusion transfer recording method is attracting attention as a process capable of producing a color hard copy closest to the image quality of a silver salt photograph. In addition, it has the advantages of being dry, being able to visualize directly from digital data, and being easy to duplicate, compared to silver salt photography.

  In this dye diffusion transfer recording system, a thermal transfer sheet (hereinafter also referred to as an ink sheet) containing a pigment and a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet (hereinafter also referred to as an image-receiving sheet) are superposed, and then heat is generated by an electrical signal. By heating the ink sheet with a controlled thermal head, the dye in the ink sheet is transferred to the image receiving sheet to record image information. By recording three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow in an overlapping manner, A color image having a continuous change in color shading can be transferred and recorded.

In such a dye diffusion transfer type recording system, it has long been known that it is important to give the image receiving sheet high heat insulation and cushioning properties in order to obtain a good image.
Therefore, in order to provide heat insulation and cushioning properties, a composite support using a biaxially stretched polyolefin film containing microvoids may be used as the base material of the image receiving sheet. However, in this method, the residual stress at the time of stretching is relaxed and contracted by heat at the time of printing and heat at the time of coating the image receiving layer, and wrinkles and curls are generated on the image receiving sheet.

  Other methods for imparting heat insulation and cushioning properties to the image receiving sheet have also been studied. For example, a method for forming a foamed layer (for example, Patent Document 1) composed of a resin and a foaming agent between a support and a receiving layer, and a microcapsule-shaped hollow polymer and an organic solvent-resistant polymer as main components (Patent Document 2). Since these methods can form a heat insulating layer on a support by a coating method, there is an advantage that wrinkles and curls of the image receiving sheet seen on the composite support can be suppressed. However, it is extremely difficult to obtain a uniform and smooth image-receiving sheet, and there is a disadvantage that defective transfer occurs. As a means for solving this problem, when forming an intermediate layer containing a resin containing hollow particles as a main component on a sheet-like support, after applying the intermediate layer-forming paint on the sheet-like support, the coated surface is used as a cast drum. A method for forming an image receiving sheet by pressure bonding (Patent Document 3) has also been proposed. However, although this method can obtain sufficient smoothness, the manufacturing process becomes complicated and disadvantageous in terms of productivity.

In Patent Document 4, a dial gauge is used in a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet in which an intermediate layer containing hollow particles is applied on a support and dried to form a receptor layer with an organic solvent-based resin coating solution. The cushion deformation rate used is disclosed. Moreover, in the case of the heat insulation layer using a hollow particle, compared with a biaxially stretched polyolefin film, there existed a subject that surface unevenness | corrugation was easy to generate | occur | produce and cushioning property was easy to be insufficient. For this reason, the occurrence rate of image quality defects (white spots, image defects, etc.) is high, and improvement has been desired in this respect as well.
On the other hand, Patent Document 5 discloses a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet produced by water-based simultaneous multilayer coating, but it is not always satisfactory and further improvement has been strongly demanded.

Japanese Patent No. 2554196 Japanese Patent No. 3226167 JP-A-5-8572 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200851 JP 2006-88691 A

  In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to have a high heat insulating property by maximizing the use of a heat insulating layer using a hollow polymer, to obtain an excellent image quality (particularly, a low density image quality), and with high sensitivity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet that has few image defects such as uneven printing and can be produced at low cost.

As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have found that the above problems can be achieved by the following means.
(1) A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet having at least a heat insulating layer and a receiving layer on a support, wherein the heat insulating layer is represented by any one of the following general formulas [I] to [IV]: A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet, wherein the heat-sensitive layer has a Vickers hardness of 3 to 150.

[In General Formula [I], R ¹ and R ² may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, or a lower alkyl group. X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group, an aryl group, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkenyl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, —COR ³ , —SO ₂ R ⁴ , or —N (R ⁵ ) R ^6. Represents. Here, R ³ and R ⁴ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, —OM, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, or —N (R ⁷ ) R ⁸ . R ⁵ and R ⁶ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, —COR ⁹ , or —SO ₂ R ¹⁰ . R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ may be the same or different and each represents a lower alkyl group or —N (R ¹¹ ) R ¹² , and R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ¹¹ and R ¹² are the same or different. It may represent a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group. M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, or an atomic group necessary to form a monovalent cation, l represents an integer of 2 to 6, m represents an integer of 1 to 4, and n represents 6- represents m. However, when there are a plurality of R ¹ , R ² and X, each may be different from each other. ]

[In general formula [II], R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group,

R ¹⁴ and R ¹⁵ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a cyano group, a heterocyclic group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkylsulfoxy group, or an alkylsulfonyl. Represents a group. Here, R ¹⁴ and R ¹⁵ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring.
R ¹⁶ and R ¹⁷ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group. ]

[In General Formula [III], R ¹⁸ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a hydroxymethyl group, and R ¹⁹ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ]

[In the general formula [IV], R ²⁰ represents a lower alkylene group, and X represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a cyano group, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, —COR ²¹ , —N (R ²² ) represents R ²³ or —SO ₃ M, and R ²¹ represents a hydrogen atom, —OM, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or —N (R ²⁴ ) representing the ^{R 25.}
Each R ²² and ^{R 23} is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an -COR ²⁶ or _-SO 2 ^{R 26,,} or different an each other the ^{same, R 24} and R ²⁵ may be the same or different from each other, and represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, R ²⁶ represents a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, and M represents It represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, or an atomic group necessary for forming a monovalent cation, p represents 0 or 1, and q represents an integer of 0 to 5. ]
(2) The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet as described in (1), wherein the heat insulating layer and the receiving layer are formed by simultaneous multilayer coating.
(3) The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet according to (1) or (2), wherein the surface of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet has a Vickers hardness of 3 to 50.
(4) The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet as described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the hollow polymer has a particle size of 0.3 to 7.0 μm.
(5) The thermal transfer image receptor according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the moisture content of the thermal transfer image receptor sheet measured according to JIS P 8127 is 2 to 8% by mass. Sheet.
(6) The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the receptor layer contains at least one polymer latex.
(7) The polymer latex is a polymer latex selected from vinyl chloride / acrylic compound copolymer latex, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer latex and vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / acrylic compound copolymer latex. The thermal transfer image receiving sheet according to claim 6, wherein the thermal transfer image receiving sheet is provided.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet that has high heat insulating properties, excellent image quality (particularly low density image quality), high sensitivity, few image defects such as uneven printing, and can be manufactured at low cost. .

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.
The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as the image-receiving sheet of the present invention) has at least one receiving layer (dye-receiving layer) on the support, and at least one layer between the support and the receiving layer. Heat insulation layer (porous layer). Further, an intermediate layer imparted with various performances such as white background adjustment, antistatic property, adhesiveness, and leveling property may be formed between the support and the heat insulating layer or between the heat insulating layer and the receiving layer. Good. In addition, a release layer may be formed on the outermost layer on the surface that is overlapped with the thermal transfer sheet.

<Insulation layer>
The heat-insulating layer coated on the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention may be one layer or two or more layers. The heat insulating layer is provided between the receiving layer and the support.

  In the present invention, it is essential that the heat insulating layer contains at least one compound represented by any one of the following general formulas [I] to [IV].

In the general formula [I], R ₁ and R ₂ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, or a lower alkyl group (an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, hereinafter the same). X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group, an aryl group, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkenyl group (an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, the same shall apply hereinafter), an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, —COR ₃ , —SO ₂ R ₄ or —N (R ₅ ) R ₆ is represented, and R ₃ and R ₄ represent a hydrogen atom, —OM, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, or —N (R ₇ ) R ₈ .
R ₅ and R ₆ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, —COR ₉ , or —SO ₂ R ₁₀ . R ₉ and R ₁₀ represent a lower alkyl group or —N (R ₁₁ ) R ₁₂ , and R ₇ , R ₈ , R ₁₁ , and R ₁₂ may be the same or different, and may be a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group. Represents.
M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, or an atomic group necessary to form a monovalent cation, l represents an integer of 2 to 6, m represents an integer of 1 to 4, and n represents 6- represents an integer of m. However, when there are a plurality of R ₁ , R ₂ and X, each may be different from each other.

In the general formula [II], R ₁₃ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group,

R ₁₄ and R ₁₅ each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a cyano group, a heterocyclic group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkylsulfoxy group, or an alkylsulfonyl group, and R ₁₄ and R ₁₅ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring.
R ₁₆ and R ₁₇ each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group.
Among these, those in which R ₁₄ and R ₁₅ are hydrogen atoms and R ₁₃ is a methyl group (hereinafter referred to as compound II-a) are preferable. In addition, R ₁₄ and R ₁₅ are bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring and R ₁₃ is a hydrogen atom in combination with Compound II-a, and R ₁₄ is a chlorine atom, R ₁₅ is a hydrogen atom, R ₁₃ The combination of the compound in which is a methyl group and compound II-a is further preferred.

一般式〔ＩＩＩ〕中、Ｒ_１８は水素原子、アルキル基、ヒドロキシメチル基を表わし、Ｒ_１９は水素原子、アルキル基を表す。

In the general formula [III], R ₁₈ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a hydroxymethyl group, and R ₁₉ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group.

[In the general formula [IV], R ²⁰ represents a lower alkylene group, and X represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a cyano group, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, —COR ²¹ , —N ( R ²² ) represents R ²³ or —SO ₃ M, and R ²¹ represents a hydrogen atom, —OM, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or —N (R ²⁴⁾ representing the ^{R 25.}
R ²² and R ²³ each represent a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, —COR ²⁶ , or —SO ₂ R ^{26, and} may be the same or different from each other, R ²⁴ , R ²⁵ each represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, and may be the same or different from each other; R ²⁶ represents a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group; M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, or an atomic group necessary for forming a monovalent cation, p represents 0 or 1, and q represents an integer of 0 to 5. ]

  One of these compounds may be used alone, or two or more arbitrary compounds may be selected and used in combination. These compounds may be added as they are, but they may be dissolved in water or an organic solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, ethylene, ethylene glycol, and added as a solution to the heat insulating layer coating solution. Or you may add in a hollow polymer dispersion. Alternatively, it may be dissolved in a high-boiling solvent, a low-boiling solvent, or a mixed solvent of both, and then emulsified and dispersed in the presence of a surfactant and added to the heat-insulating layer coating solution.

The compounds [I] to [IV] contained in the heat insulating layer in the present invention will be described in detail.
In the present invention, the term “lower” used in the lower alkyl group or the like has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms.
In the general formula [I], R ¹ and R ² may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, or a lower alkyl group (for example, a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, or a tert-butyl group). X represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom (eg, chlorine atom, bromine atom, fluorine atom), nitro group, cyano group, aryl group (eg, phenyl group, naphthyl group), lower alkyl group (eg, methyl group, ethyl group, n -Butyl group, tert-octyl group), lower alkenyl group (for example, allyl group, propenyl group), aralkyl group (for example, benzyl group, phenethyl group), alkoxy group (for example, methoxy, n-butoxy group, 2-methoxy) Ethoxy group), —COR ³ , —SO ₂ R ⁴ , —N (R ⁵ ) R ⁶ , wherein R ³ and R ⁴ are a hydrogen atom, —OM, a lower alkyl group (for example, a methyl group, an n-butyl group). , Tert-octyl group), lower alkoxy group (for example, methoxy group, ethoxy group, n-butoxy group) -N (R ⁷ ) R ⁸ . R ⁵ and R ⁶ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group (for example, a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a 2-ethylhexyl group), —COR ⁹ , or —SO ₂ R ¹⁰ . R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ represent a lower alkyl group (for example, methyl group, ethyl group, 2-methoxyethyl group), —N (R ¹¹ ) R ¹² , and R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ¹¹ , and R ¹² are the same. It may be different and represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group (for example, a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a 2-ethylhexyl group). M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal (for example, sodium, potassium, etc.) and an atomic group necessary for forming a monovalent cation (for example, an ammonium cation, a phosphonium cation, etc.), and l represents an integer of 2-6. M represents an integer of 1 to 4, and n represents an integer of 6-m. However, when there are a plurality of R ¹ , R ² and X, each may be different from each other.
The preferable number of carbon atoms of the lower alkyl group and lower alkoxy group defined by l, R ¹ and R ^{2 represented} by the above general formula [I] is in the range of 2 to 8. More preferably, the lower alkyl group and lower alkoxy group defined by l, R ¹ and R ² have 2 to 4 carbon atoms, X is a hydrogen atom, lower alkyl group, and R ¹ and R ² are hydrogen atoms. , A lower alkyl group, m is an integer of 1 or 2, and n is a compound represented by an integer of 4 or 5.
Next, typical examples of the compound represented by the general formula [I] are shown, but the compound represented by the general formula [I] used in the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the following exemplary compounds are generally marketed as a reagent and can be obtained easily.

Next, the compound of general formula [II] will be described.
R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group (for example, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-octadecyl group, a 2-hydroxyethyl group, a 2-carboxyethyl group, 2-cyanoethyl group, sulfobutyl group, N, N-dimethylaminoethyl group), substituted or unsubstituted cyclic alkyl group (for example, cyclohexyl group, 3-methylcyclohexyl group, 2-oxocyclopentyl group), substituted or unsubstituted Alkenyl group (eg, allyl group, methylallyl group), substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group (eg, benzyl group, p-methoxybenzyl group, o-chlorobenzyl group, p-isopropylbenzyl group), substituted or unsubstituted aryl Group (for example, phenyl group, naphthyl group, o-methylphenyl group, m-nitrophenyl group) Nyl group, 3,4-dichlorophenyl group), heterocyclic group (2-imidazolyl group, 2-furyl group, 2-thiazolyl group, 2-pyridyl group),

R ¹⁴ and R ¹⁵ are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom (for example, fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom), a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group (for example, methyl group, ethyl group, chloromethyl group, 2- Hydroxyethyl group, tert-butyl group, n-octyl group), substituted or unsubstituted cyclic alkyl group (for example, cyclohexyl group, 2-oxocyclopentyl group), substituted or unsubstituted aryl group (for example, phenyl group, 2 -Methylphenyl group, 3,4-dichlorophenyl group, naphthyl group, 4-nitrophenyl group, 4-aminophenyl group, 3-acetamidophenyl group), cyano group, heterocyclic group (for example, 2-imidazolyl group, 2- Thiazolyl group, 2-pyridyl group), substituted or unsubstituted alkylthio group (for example, methylthio group, 2-cyanoethylthio) Group, 2-ethoxycarbonylthio group), substituted or unsubstituted arylthio group (for example, phenylthio group, 2-carboxyphenylthio group, p-methoxyphenylthio group), substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfoxy group (for example, Represents a methylsulfoxy group, 2-hydroxyethylsulfoxy group), a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonyl group (for example, methylsulfonyl group, 2-bromoethylsulfonyl group), and R ¹⁴ and R ¹⁵ are bonded to each other to form an aromatic A ring (for example, a benzene ring or a naphthalene ring) may be formed.
R ¹⁶ and R ¹⁷ are each a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group (eg, methyl group, ethyl group, isopropyl group, 2-cyanoethyl group, 2-n-butoxycarbonylethyl group, 2-cyanoethyl group), substituted Or an unsubstituted aryl group (for example, phenyl group, naphthyl group, 2-methoxyphenyl group, m-nitrophenyl group, 3,5-dichlorophenyl group, 3-acetamidophenyl group), substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group (for example, Benzyl group, phenethyl group, p-isopropylbenzyl group, o-chlorobenzyl group, m-methoxybenzyl group).
Further, in the general formula [II], R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and R ¹⁴ and R ¹⁵ are bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring.
Next, typical examples of the compound represented by the general formula [II] are shown below, but the compound represented by the general formula [II] that can be used in the present invention is not limited thereto. Some of the following compounds are commercially available and can be easily obtained, and can also be produced according to the synthesis method described in French Patent 1,555,416.

Next, the compound of general formula [III] is described.
R ¹⁸ represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group (for example, methyl group, ethyl group, isopropyl group), or a hydroxymethyl group, and R ¹⁹ represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group (for example, methyl group, n-butyl group, isoamyl group). Represents. The lower alkyl group is preferably a group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, particularly 1 carbon atom.
Although the typical example of a compound represented by general formula [III] is shown below, the compound represented by general formula [III] which can be used for this invention is not limited to these.

Some of these compounds are commercially available from Sanai Oil Co., Ltd. Moreover, it can synthesize | combine with reference to the following literatures.
(1) Henry Recell des travaux chiniques des Rays-Bas, 16, 251.
(2) Mass. chemisches Zentralblatt. 1899 I 179.
(3) E.E. Schmidt. Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellshaft 397.
(4) E, Schmidt. ibid. 55 317.
(5) Henry Chemiches Zentrablatt. 1897 II 388.
In this case, the synthesis of III-1 is literature (1), (2) to (3), the synthesis of III-2 is literature (2), the synthesis of III-3 is literature (5), and the synthesis of III-4 is literature. It is recommended to follow (2).

Next, the compound of general formula [IV] is described.
In the general formula [IV], R ²⁰ represents a lower alkylene group (for example, ethylene group, propylene group, methylethylene group), and an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms is particularly preferable. X is a hydrogen element, a halogen atom (for example, chlorine atom, bromine atom, fluorine atom), nitro group, hydroxyl group, cyano group, lower alkyl group (for example, methyl group, ethyl group, isopropyl group, tert-butyl group), lower alkoxy (e.g., methoxy, n- butoxy, 2-methoxyethoxy ^{group), - COR 21, -N (} R 22) R 23, represents a -SO ₃ ^{M, R 21} is a hydrogen atom, -OM, Lower alkyl group (for example, methyl group, n-butyl group, tert-octyl group), aryl group (for example, phenyl group, 4-chlorophenyl group, 3-nitrophenyl group), aralkyl group (for example, benzyl group, p-isopropyl group) Benzyl group, o-methylbenzyl group), lower alkoxy group (for example, methoxy group, n-butoxy group, 2-methoxyethoxy group) An aryloxy group (e.g., phenoxy group, naphthoxy group, 4-nitrophenoxy group), aralkyloxy group (e.g., benzyloxy group, p- chlorobenzyl ^{group, -N (R 24) R 25} .
R ²² and R ²³ are each a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group (for example, methyl group, ethyl group, 2-ethylhexyl group), an aryl group (for example, phenyl group, naphthyl group, 2-methoxyphenyl group, 3-acetamidophenyl). Group), an aralkyl group (for example, benzyl group, o-chlorobenzyl group), —COR ²⁶ , —SO ₂ R ²⁶ , which may be the same or different from each other, and R ²⁴ and R ²⁵ each represent , Hydrogen atom, lower alkyl group (for example, methyl group, isopropyl group, 2-cyanoethyl group), aryl group (for example, phenyl group, 4-ethoxycarbonylphenyl group, 3-nitrophenyl group), aralkyl group (for example, benzyl group) group, p- chloro represents a benzyl group), or different an each other the same, R ²⁶ is a lower alkyl group (e.g. Ethyl group, 2-methoxyethyl group, 2-hydroxyethyl group), aryl group (for example, phenyl group, naphthyl group, 4-sulfophenyl group, 4-carboxyphenyl group), or aralkyl group (for example, benzyl group, p -Chlorobenzyl group), M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom (for example, sodium, potassium) and an atomic group necessary for forming a monovalent cation (for example, an ammonium cation, a phosphonium cation), and p is 0. Alternatively, 1 is represented, and q represents 0 or an integer from 1 to 5.
The carbon number of the lower alkyl group and lower alkoxy group described by the general formula [IV] is preferably 1-8. More preferably, R ²⁰ is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, X is a lower alkyl group, p is 1, and q is a compound represented by 0 or 1. Next, typical specific examples of the compound represented by the general formula [IV] are shown, but the compound represented by the general formula [IV] that can be used in the present invention is not limited thereto. Most of the following exemplified compounds are commercially available as reagents, can be easily obtained, and can be easily synthesized by existing synthesis methods. For example, J. et al. Am. Chem. Soc. 41, page 669 (1919), a part of the compound with m = 1 can be easily synthesized.

The heat insulating layer of the present invention contains at least one hollow polymer.
The hollow polymer in the present invention is a polymer particle having voids inside the particle, preferably an aqueous dispersion. For example, 1) water or the like inside a partition formed by polystyrene, acrylic resin, styrene-acrylic resin, or the like. Contains dispersion medium. After coating and drying, non-foamed hollow polymer particles in which water inside the particles evaporates outside the particles and the inside of the particles becomes hollow. 2) Low boiling liquids such as butane and pentane are polychlorinated. It is covered with a resin made of vinylidene, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylic acid ester, or a mixture or polymer thereof. After coating, the inside of the particles expands due to expansion of the low-boiling liquid by heating. A foamed microballoon that becomes hollow, and 3) a microballoon made by heating and foaming the above 2) in advance to form a hollow polymer. And the like.
Specific examples of 1) include Ropeke HP1055 manufactured by Rohm and Haas, Boncote PP-1000 manufactured by Dainippon Ink, SX866 (B) manufactured by JSR, and Nippon MH5055 manufactured by Zeon (all trade names). . Specific examples of 2) include F-30 and F-50 (both trade names) manufactured by Matsumoto Yushi Seiyaku Co., Ltd. Specific examples of 3) include F-30E manufactured by Matsumoto Yushi Seiyaku Co., Ltd., EXPANSEL 461DE, 551DE, and 551DE20 (all trade names) manufactured by Nippon Ferrite Co., Ltd.
Among these, the non-foamed hollow polymer particles of 1) are preferable, and two or more kinds can be mixed and used as necessary.
The method for producing the non-foaming type hollow polymer is not particularly limited, and for example, JP-A-56-32513, JP-A-63-213509, JP-A-64-1704, JP-A-3-26724. Examples thereof include the methods described in JP-A-5-279409, JP-A-6-248012, JP-A-10-182761, and the like.

  The average particle size of these hollow polymers is preferably 0.3 to 7.0 μm, more preferably 0.4 to 5.0 μm, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 3.0 μm. This is because if the average particle size of the hollow polymer is too small, the desired heat insulating property cannot be obtained, while if the average particle size of the hollow polymer is too large, the particle size of the hollow polymer is smaller than the film thickness of the heat insulating layer. It is because it becomes difficult to obtain a smooth surface because it is too large and a coating failure due to coarse particles is likely to occur.

  In the present invention, the size of the hollow polymer particles is calculated by measuring the equivalent-circle diameter of the outer diameter using a transmission electron microscope. The average particle diameter is obtained by observing at least 300 hollow polymer particles using a transmission electron microscope, calculating the circle equivalent diameter of the outer shape, and averaging.

  The hollow polymer preferably has a porosity of 10 to 70%, more preferably 20 to 70%. If the porosity is too small, the desired heat insulation cannot be obtained, and if it is too large, the brittleness of the desired hollow polymer cannot be obtained, and as a result, sufficient film strength cannot be obtained. The porosity of the hollow polymer particles is also calculated by measuring the outer diameter and inner diameter of the particles using a transmission electron microscope. Similarly to the size measurement, at least 300 hollow polymer particles are observed using a transmission electron microscope, and the porosity is calculated and averaged. The porosity in the present invention is the ratio of the void portion to the volume of the hollow polymer particles having voids.

  The hollow polymer particles used in the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention preferably have a glass transition temperature of 70 ° C. or higher and 200 ° C. or lower, more preferably 90 ° C. or higher and 180 ° C. or lower.

The heat insulating layer containing the hollow polymer preferably contains a water-soluble polymer as a binder in addition to the hollow polymer.
Here, the water-soluble polymer may be dissolved in an amount of 0.05 g or more with respect to 100 g of water at 20 ° C., more preferably 0.1 g or more, still more preferably 0.5 g or more, and particularly preferably 1 g or more. As the water-soluble polymer, any of natural polymer, semi-synthetic polymer and synthetic polymer is preferably used.

Of the water-soluble polymers that can be used in the heat-insulating layer of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention, natural polymers and semi-synthetic polymers will be described in detail. Examples of plant polysaccharides include κ-carrageenan, ι-carrageenan, λ-carrageenan, and pectin. Examples of microbial polysaccharides include xanthan gum and dextrin. Examples of animal-based natural polymers include gelatin and casein. Examples of the cellulose type include carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and the like.
Of the natural polymers and semisynthetic polymers that can be used in the present invention, gelatin is preferred. The gelatin used in the present invention may have a molecular weight of 10,000 to 1,000,000. The gelatin used in the present invention may contain anions such as Cl ⁻ and SO ₄ ²⁻ , and may contain cations such as Fe ²⁺ , Ca ²⁺ , Mg ²⁺ , Sn ²⁺ and Zn ^2+. . When gelatin is contained in the coating solution, an aqueous gelatin solution is preferred.

Among the water-soluble polymers that can be used in the heat-insulating layer of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention, synthetic polymers include polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl pyrrolidone copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and water-soluble polyester. is there.
Of the synthetic polymers that can be used in the present invention, polyvinyl alcohols are preferred.

  About polyvinyl alcohol, various polyvinyl alcohols, such as a completely saponified product, a partially saponified product, and a modified polyvinyl alcohol, can be used. As for these polyvinyl alcohols, those described in Koichi Nagano et al., “Poval” (published by Kobunshi Shuppankai) are used.

  Polyvinyl alcohol can be adjusted in viscosity or stabilized by a small amount of solvent or inorganic salt added to the aqueous solution. For details, refer to the above document, Koichi Nagano et al., “Poval”, Polymer Publications published by the publisher, pages 144 to 154 can be used. As a typical example, it is possible to improve the coating surface quality by containing boric acid, which is preferable. The addition amount of boric acid is preferably 0.01 to 40% by mass with respect to polyvinyl alcohol.

Specific examples of polyvinyl alcohol include PVA-105, PVA-110, PVA-117, and PVA-117H as fully saponified products, and PVA-203, PVA-205, PVA-210, and PVA-220 as partially saponified products. Examples of the modified polyvinyl alcohol include C-118, HL-12E, KL-118, and MP-203.
The thickness of the heat insulating layer containing the hollow polymer is preferably 2 to 50 μm, and more preferably 3 to 40 μm.

<Vickers hardness>
In the present invention, the Vickers hardness is a value measured using, for example, a fully automatic micro Vickers hardness tester system (trade name: HMV-FA, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). By applying a load to the Vickers indenter, the Vickers hardness can be obtained from the load and the indentation depth of the indenter according to the following universal hardness calculation formula.

  Vickers hardness UHV = 37.8.8 × P / (D × D)

  Here, P represents the test load (mN), and D represents the indentation depth (μm).

The measurement conditions will be described in more detail.
As an experimental condition, a fully automatic micro Vickers hardness tester system (trade name: HMV-FA, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) is used, and a test load of 100 mN is applied by a Vickers indenter at a speed of 10 mN / sec. Then, it calculates | requires by the above-mentioned formula.
In the present invention, the speed at which the test load is applied is preferably high when the suitability for a high-speed printing printer is taken into consideration. Specifically, 0.01 to 100 mN / sec is preferable, 0.05 to 100 mN / sec is more preferable, and 0.1 to 100 mN / sec is most preferable.

  In the present invention, a single film sample of the heat-insulating layer of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet used for the measurement of Vickers hardness is prepared by applying the heat-insulating layer single film to a glass dry plate and drying the heat insulating layer formed on the glass dry plate. This is possible by carefully peeling off the layer monolayer.

  In this invention, although the Vickers hardness of this heat insulation layer single film | membrane is 3-150, More preferably, it is 3-100, More preferably, it is 3-50. When the Vickers hardness is 150 or more, the adhesion between the thermal head and the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet is insufficient during printing, and image quality defects (white spots, image defects) may occur after processing. On the other hand, if the Vickers hardness is less than 3, damage may occur due to friction or scratches on the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet before printing.

  In the present invention, in order to make the Vickers hardness of the heat insulating layer single film 3 to 150, the physical properties of the hollow polymer (the particle size of the hollow polymer, the porosity, the material of the hollow polymer wall material, etc.) may be changed. And the hollow polymer content in the heat insulation layer may be changed, and the kind of the binder in the heat insulation layer may be changed. Further, a material for softening the binder may be added, or a plasticizer for a hollow polymer may be added.

<Receptive layer>
The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention has at least one receiving layer having at least one thermoplastic receiving polymer capable of receiving a dye.
Examples of preferred receiving polymers include polyvinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl chloride acrylate copolymer, vinyl chloride methacrylate copolymer, polyacryl ester, polystyrene. , Vinyl resins such as polystyrene acrylic, acetal resins such as polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetal, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyolefin resins such as polycarbonate resins, cellulose resins, and polypropylene, Examples thereof include polyamide resins such as urea resin, melamine resin, and benzoguanamine resin. These resins can be arbitrarily blended and used within a compatible range.
Among the above-mentioned polymers, it is preferable to contain polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, polycaprolactone or a mixture thereof, and polyester, polyvinyl chloride copolymer or a mixture thereof is further included. preferable.
The polymers listed above can be coated on a support by dissolving them appropriately using an organic solvent (methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, toluene, xylene, etc.), and added to an aqueous coating solution as a polymer latex. It can also be applied on a support.

When the above polymer is dissolved using an organic solvent (such as methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, toluene, xylene) as appropriate, the polyester resins include Byron 200, Byron 220, Byron 226, Byron 245, Byron 280, Byron 600, Byron 660. Byron 885 (all of which are manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.).
Examples of the vinyl chloride resin include sorbine C, sorbine CL, sorbine CH, sorbine CN, solvine A, sorbine AL, sorbine M, sorbine ME (all trade names, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and the like.

The receptor layer coated on the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention preferably contains a polymer latex.
The polymer latex used in the receptor layer is a dispersion of water-insoluble hydrophobic polymer as fine particles in a water-soluble dispersion medium. As the dispersion state, the polymer is emulsified in a dispersion medium, the emulsion is polymerized, the micelle is dispersed, or the polymer molecule has a partially hydrophilic structure and the molecular chain itself is molecularly dispersed. The average particle diameter of the dispersed particles is preferably 1 to 50000 nm, more preferably 5 to 1000 nm.
The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer latex used in the present invention is preferably −30 ° C. to 100 ° C., more preferably 0 ° C. to 80 ° C., further preferably 10 ° C. to 70 ° C., and particularly preferably 15 ° C. to 60 ° C. .

This glass transition temperature (Tg) can be calculated and estimated by the following equation.
1 / Tg = Σ (Xi / Tgi)
Here, it is assumed that n monomer components from i = 1 to n are copolymerized in the polymer. Xi is the mass fraction of the i-th monomer (ΣXi = 1), and Tgi is the glass transition temperature (absolute temperature) of the homopolymer of the i-th monomer. However, Σ is the sum from i = 1 to n. The homopolymer glass transition temperature value (Tgi) of each monomer may be the value of “Polymer Handbook (3rd Edition)” (by J. Brandrup, EH Immergut (Wiley-Interscience, 1989)).

Preferred embodiments of the polymer latex used in the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention include acrylic polymers, polyesters, rubbers (for example, SBR resin), polyurethanes, vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride acrylate copolymers. Polymers such as polymers, polyvinyl chloride copolymers including copolymers such as copolymers, copolymers such as vinyl chloride methacrylic acid copolymers, copolymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers Latex can be preferably used. The polymer latex may be a linear polymer, a branched polymer, a crosslinked polymer, a so-called homopolymer obtained by polymerizing a single monomer, or a copolymer obtained by polymerizing two or more types of monomers. In the case of a copolymer, it may be a random copolymer or a block copolymer. The molecular weight of these polymers is preferably 5,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably 10,000 to 500,000 in terms of number average molecular weight.
The polymer latex of the present invention is any one of polyester latex, polyester latex, vinyl chloride / acrylic compound copolymer latex, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer latex, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / acrylic compound copolymer latex. One or any combination is preferred.

  As the polyester latex, Vylonal MD1200, Vylonal MD1220, Vylonal MD1245, Vylonal MD1250, Vylonal MD1500, Vylonal MD1930, Vylonal MD1985 (all of which are manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.) are preferable.

As vinyl chloride copolymers, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymers include Viniblanc 240, Viniblanc 601, Vinibrand 602, Vinibrand 380, Vinibrand 386, Vinibrand 410, and Vinibrand 550 (all trade names, Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) )) And the like.
Examples of the vinyl chloride / acrylic acid ester copolymer include VINYBRAN 270, VINYBRAN 276, VINYBRAN 277, VINYBRAN 609, VINYBRAN 680, VINYBRAN 690, VINYBRAN 900 (all are trade names, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) and the like. It is done.
Among these polymer latexes, vinyl chloride / acrylate copolymer latex is most preferable.

The receiving layer of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention preferably contains a water-soluble polymer in addition to the polymer latex.
Preferable examples include those similar to the water-soluble polymer described in the section of the heat insulating layer. Of these water-soluble polymers, gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol are preferred. These resins can be used alone or in combination.

  The amount of the polymer latex added is preferably 50 to 98% by mass, more preferably 70 to 95% by mass, based on the total polymer content in the receptor layer.

  The receptor layer can contain an ultraviolet absorber, a release agent, a lubricant, an antioxidant, and a surfactant.

The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention may contain a UV absorber in the receiving layer or other layers as described above. As the ultraviolet absorber, conventionally known inorganic ultraviolet absorbers and organic ultraviolet absorbers can be used. Examples of organic UV absorbers include salicylate-based, benzophenone-based, benzotriazole-based, triazine-based, substituted acrylonitrile-based, hindered amine-based non-reactive UV absorbers, and non-reactive UV absorbers such as, for example, Introducing an addition polymerizable double bond such as vinyl group, acryloyl group or methacryloyl group, or alcoholic hydroxyl group, amino group, carboxyl group, epoxy group, isocyanate group, etc. A polymerized or grafted product can be used. In addition, a method is disclosed in which a UV absorber is dissolved in a resin monomer or oligomer and then the monomer or oligomer is polymerized (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-21333), and thus obtained UV blocking resin is used. You can also In this case, the ultraviolet absorber may be non-reactive.
Among these ultraviolet absorbers, benzophenone, benzotriazole, and triazine are particularly preferable. These UV absorbers are preferably used in combination so as to cover the effective UV absorption wavelength range according to the characteristics of the dye used for image formation. In the case of non-reactive UV absorbers, UV absorbers are used. It is preferable to use a mixture of a plurality of different structures so that the agent does not precipitate.
Commercially available UV absorbers include Tinuvin-P (manufactured by Ciba Geigy), JF-77 (manufactured by Johoku Chemical), Sea Soap 701 (manufactured by Shiroishi Calcium), Sumisop 200 (manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical), Biosoap 520 (manufactured by Kyodo Yakuhin) , ADK STAB LA-32 (manufactured by Asahi Denka) and the like.

A release agent may be added to the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention in order to ensure releasability between the heat-sensitive transfer sheet and the image-receiving sheet during image printing.
Examples of mold release agents include solid waxes such as polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, fatty acid ester wax, amide wax, silicone oil, phosphate ester compounds, fluorine surfactants, silicone surfactants, and other related technologies. Any release agent known in the art can be used. Among these, silicone compounds such as fatty acid ester waxes, fluorine surfactants, silicone surfactants, silicone oils and / or cured products thereof are preferably used.

In the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention, a surfactant can be contained in the above arbitrary layer. Among these, it is preferable to make it contain in a receiving layer and an intermediate | middle layer.
The addition amount of the surfactant is preferably 0.01 to 5% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 1% by mass, and 0.02 to 0.2% by mass with respect to the total solid content. It is particularly preferred that Various surfactants such as anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants are known. As the surfactant that can be used in the present invention, known ones can be used. For example, those introduced in “Supervision of Functional Surfactant / Mitsuo Tsunoda, Issued / August 2000, Chapter 6”. Among them, an anionic fluorine-containing surfactant is preferable.

  In the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention, a matting agent may be added for preventing blocking, imparting releasability, and imparting slipperiness. The matting agent can be added to the surface of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet to which the receiving layer is applied, the other surface to which the receiving layer is applied, or both.

  Examples of the matting agent generally include fine particles of an organic compound insoluble in water and fine particles of an inorganic compound. In the present invention, fine particles containing an organic compound are preferable from the viewpoint of dispersibility. As long as it contains an organic compound, it may be an organic compound fine particle composed of an organic compound alone, or an organic / inorganic composite fine particle containing not only an organic compound but also an inorganic compound. Examples of the matting agent include, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,939,213, 2,701,245, 2,322,037, 3,262,782, 3,539,344, The organic matting agent described in each specification such as 3,767,448 can be used.

The coating amount of the receiving layer is preferably 0.5 to 10 g / m ² (in terms of solid content, hereinafter the coating amount in the present invention is a numerical value in terms of solid content unless otherwise specified). The thickness of the receiving layer is preferably 1 to 20 μm.

In the present invention, the Vickers hardness of the surface of the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet is preferably 3 to 50, more preferably 5 to 40, and further preferably 7 to 30. When the Vickers hardness is 50 or more, the adhesion between the thermal head and the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet is insufficient during printing, and image quality defects (white spots, image defects) may occur after processing. On the other hand, if the Vickers hardness is less than 3, damage may occur due to friction or scratches on the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet before printing.
In the present invention, the Vickers hardness of the surface of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet can be changed not only by the uppermost layer of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet but also by the Vickers hardness of the heat insulating layer single film. In order to control the Vickers hardness of the single heat insulating layer, the physical properties of the hollow polymer (the particle size of the hollow polymer, the porosity, the material of the hollow polymer wall material, etc.) may be changed. The polymer content may be changed, the binder type in the heat insulating layer may be changed, a material for softening the binder may be added, or a plasticizer for a hollow polymer may be added. good. In addition, when the Vickers hardness of the surface of the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet is controlled by changing the uppermost layer (in many cases, the receiving layer) of the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet, the physical properties of the uppermost layer (elastic modulus, material type, etc.) May be changed, or a material (plasticizer or the like) for softening the uppermost layer may be added.

<Intermediate layer>
An intermediate layer may be formed between the support and the heat insulating layer or between the heat insulating layer and the receiving layer. The functions of the intermediate layer include white background adjustment, antistatic, adhesion, smoothness, etc. However, it is not limited to these, A conventionally well-known intermediate | middle layer can be provided.

<Support>
A conventionally well-known support body can be used for the support body used for the thermal transfer image receiving sheet of this invention. Among them, a water resistant support is preferably used. By using a water-resistant support, it is possible to prevent moisture from being absorbed into the support, and to prevent a change in performance of the receiving layer over time. As the water-resistant support, for example, coated paper, laminated paper, or synthetic paper can be used. Of these, laminated paper is preferable.

  It is preferable to form a curl adjusting layer on the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet used in the present invention, if necessary. For the curl adjusting layer, polyethylene laminate, polypropylene laminate, or the like is used. Specifically, it can be formed in the same manner as described in, for example, JP-A-61-110135 and JP-A-6-202295.

  The thermal transfer image-receiving sheet used in the present invention can be provided with a writing layer and a charge adjusting layer as required. An inorganic oxide colloid, an ionic polymer, or the like can be used for the writing layer and the charge adjusting layer. As the antistatic agent, for example, a cationic antistatic agent such as a quaternary ammonium salt or a polyamine derivative, an anionic antistatic agent such as an alkyl phosphate, or a nonionic antistatic agent such as a fatty acid ester can be used. . Specifically, for example, it can be formed in the same manner as described in Japanese Patent No. 3585585.

  In the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention, at least one of the heat insulating layer and the receiving layer is applied with an aqueous coating solution. “Aqueous” here means that 60% by mass or more of the solvent (dispersion medium) of the coating solution is water. Components other than water in the coating solution include methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate, diacetone alcohol, furfuryl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, oxyethyl phenyl ether A water miscible organic solvent such as can be used.

The method for producing the thermal transfer image receiving sheet of the present invention will be described below.
The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention can be produced by applying each layer by a general method such as roll coating, bar coating, gravure coating, and gravure reverse coating, and drying them.
The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet of the present invention can also be formed by simultaneously applying a receiving layer and a heat insulating layer on a support.
When producing a multi-layer image receiving sheet comprising a plurality of layers having different functions (such as a bubble layer, a heat insulating layer, an intermediate layer, and a receiving layer) on a support, JP-A Nos. 2004-106283 and 2004-181888 are disclosed. In addition, it is known that each layer is sequentially coated as disclosed in each publication such as JP-A 2004-345267, or the layers are previously applied on a support and bonded together. On the other hand, it is known in the photographic industry that productivity is greatly improved, for example, by applying a plurality of layers simultaneously. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,761,791, 2,681,234, 3,508,947, 4,457,256, 3,993,019, JP 63-54975, JP-A-61-278848, 55-86557, 52-31727, 55-142565, 50-43140, 63-80872, 54-54020, Special No. 5-104061, No. 5-127305, Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 49-7050, or the specification of Edgar B. et al. The so-called slide coating method (slide coating method) and curtain coating method (curtain coating method) described in Gutoff et al., "Coating and Drying Defects: Troubleshooting Operating Problems", John Wiley & Sons, 1995, pages 101-103, etc. Are known.
In the present invention, the effect can be obtained even by sequential coating. However, by performing simultaneous multilayer coating, productivity can be greatly improved and image defects can be further reduced.

The water content of the present invention is determined by the method described in JIS P 8127. The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet is conditioned for 4 days in an environment of a temperature of 25 ° C. and a humidity of 55%, and then dried at a temperature of 105 ° C. for 30 hours. It was measured from the mass at.
In the present invention, the moisture content of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet needs to be 2 to 8% by mass, and preferably 3 to 7% by mass. If it is less than 2% by mass, the image uniformity is deteriorated, and if it exceeds 8% by mass, problems such as adhesion between the front and back surfaces in the roll form of the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet occur.
Although there is no particular limitation on the method for setting the moisture content in the range of 2 to 8% by mass, the moisture content can be adjusted by adjusting the hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity of the components of the heat insulating layer, the receiving layer, and other layers. . For example, preferred methods include using a water-dispersible hollow polymer for the heat insulation layer, using a hydrophilic polymer such as gelatin or polyvinyl alcohol as a binder, and using a water-dispersed latex as a binder for the receiving layer. It is also preferable to add a humectant such as glycerin, sorbitol, or urea to the heat insulating layer and the receiving layer.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although this invention is demonstrated in detail based on an Example, this invention is not limited to these. In Examples, “part” or “%” is based on mass unless otherwise specified.

Example 1
(Preparation of thermal transfer sheet)
On the surface where the easy adhesion treatment of a 6.0 μm thick polyester film (Diafoil K200E-6F, trade name, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Polyester Film Co., Ltd.) that has been subjected to easy adhesion treatment on one side as a support, The back layer coating solution was applied so that the solid content coating amount after drying was 1 g / m ² . After drying, it was cured by heat treatment at 60 ° C.
A heat-sensitive transfer sheet in which the yellow, magenta, and cyan heat-sensitive transfer layers and the transferable protective layer laminate are applied in the order of surface to the easy-adhesion layer application side of the polyester film thus prepared by the coating liquid. Was made. The solid content coating amount of each dye layer was 0.83 g / m ² .
The transferable protective layer laminate is formed by applying a release layer coating liquid and drying it, then applying a protective layer coating liquid thereon, drying it, and then further bonding layer thereon A coating solution was applied.

Back layer coating solution Acrylic polyol resin 26.0 parts by mass (Acridic A-801, trade name, manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc.)
Zinc stearate 0.44 parts by mass (SZ-2000, trade name, manufactured by Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)
1.31 parts by mass of phosphate ester (Pricesurf A217, trade name, manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.)
Isocyanate (50% solution) 8.0 parts by mass (Bernock D-800, trade name, manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc.)
Methyl ethyl ketone / toluene (mass ratio 2/1) 64 parts by mass

Yellow Dye Layer Coating Liquid Dye Compound (Y-1) 3.9 parts by weight Dye Compound (Y-2) 3.9 parts by weight Polyvinyl acetal resin 6.2 parts by weight (ESREC KS-1, trade name, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) (Made by Co., Ltd.)
Polyvinyl butyral resin 2.2 parts by mass (Denka Butyral # 6000-C, trade name, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.)
Release agent 0.06 parts by mass (X-22-3000T, trade name, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Release agent 0.03 parts by mass (TSF4701, trade name, Momentive Performance
(Materials Japan GK)
Matting agent 0.15 parts by mass (Flosen UF, trade name, manufactured by Sumitomo Seiko Co., Ltd.)
84 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone / toluene (mass ratio 2/1)

Magenta dye layer coating solution Dye compound (M-1) 0.1 part by weight Dye compound (M-2) 0.8 part by weight Dye compound (M-3) 6.9 parts by weight Polyvinyl acetal resin 8.3 parts by weight (ESREC KS-1, trade name, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Polyvinyl butyral resin 0.2 parts by mass (Denka Butyral # 6000-C, trade name, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.)
Release agent 0.05 parts by mass (X-22-3000T, trade name, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Release agent 0.03 parts by mass (TSF4701, trade name, Momentive Performance
(Materials Japan GK)
Matting agent 0.15 parts by mass (Flosen UF, trade name, manufactured by Sumitomo Seiko Co., Ltd.)
84 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone / toluene (mass ratio 2/1)

Cyan dye layer coating solution Dye compound (C-1) 1.2 parts by weight Dye compound (C-2) 6.7 parts by weight Polyvinyl acetal resin 7.3 parts by weight (ESREC KS-1, trade name, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) (Made by)
0.6 parts by weight of polyvinyl butyral resin (Denka Butyral # 6000-C, trade name, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.)
Release agent 0.05 parts by mass (X-22-3000T, trade name, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Release agent 0.03 parts by mass (TSF4701, trade name, Momentive Performance
(Materials Japan GK)
Matting agent 0.15 parts by mass (Flosen UF, trade name, manufactured by Sumitomo Seiko Co., Ltd.)
84 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone / toluene (mass ratio 2/1)

(Transferable protective layer laminate)
A release layer, a protective layer and an adhesive layer coating solution having the following composition were applied to the same polyester film used for the preparation of the dye layer to form a transferable protective layer laminate. The coating amount of the releasing layer 0.4 g / ^{m 2} when dry film, the protective layer 0.5 g / ^{m 2,} and an adhesive layer 2.4 g / ^{m 2.}
Release layer coating solution Modified cellulose resin 5.2 parts by mass (L-30, trade name, Daicel Chemical)
Methyl ethyl ketone 94.8 parts by mass Protective layer coating solution Acrylic resin solution (solid content 40%) 90 parts by mass (UNO-1, trade name, manufactured by Gifu Ceramics Co., Ltd.)
Methanol / isopropanol (mass ratio 1/1) 10 parts by mass Adhesive layer coating solution Acrylic resin 24 parts by mass (Dianaal BR-77, trade name, manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.)
The following ultraviolet absorber UV-1 2 parts by mass The following ultraviolet absorber UV-2 2 parts by mass The following ultraviolet absorber UV-3 1 part by mass The following ultraviolet absorber UV-4 1 part by mass PMMA fine particles (polymethyl methacrylate fine particles) 0. 3 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone / toluene (mass ratio 2/1) 70 parts by mass

（感転写受像シートの作製）
（本発明の試料１０１の作製）
ポリエチレンで両面ラミネートした紙支持体表面に、コロナ放電処理を施した後、ドデシルベンゼンスルホン酸ナトリウムを含むゼラチン下塗層を設けた。この上に、下記組成の下引き層、断熱層塗工液１、受容層下層、受容層上層塗工液１を支持体側からこの順に積層させた状態で、米国特許第２，７６１，７９１号明細書に記載の第９図に例示された方法により、同時重層塗布を行った。それぞれの乾燥時の塗布量が下引き層：６．８ｇ／ｍ^２、断熱層：７．４ｇ／ｍ^２、受容層下層：３．４ｇ／ｍ^２、受容層上層：１．７ｇ／ｍ^２となるように塗布を行った。また、下記の組成は、固形分としての質量部を表す。

(Preparation of sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet)
(Production of Sample 101 of the Present Invention)
The paper support surface laminated on both sides with polyethylene was subjected to corona discharge treatment, and then a gelatin subbing layer containing sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate was provided. On top of this, US Pat. No. 2,761,791 with an undercoat layer, a heat insulating layer coating solution 1, a receiving layer lower layer and a receiving layer upper layer coating solution 1 having the following composition laminated in this order from the support side. Simultaneous multilayer coating was performed by the method illustrated in FIG. 9 described in the specification. The coating amount at the time of drying is undercoat layer: 6.8 g / m ² , heat insulation layer: 7.4 g / m ² , receiving layer lower layer: 3.4 g / m ² , receiving layer upper layer: 1.7 g / m ² The coating was performed so that Moreover, the following composition represents the mass part as solid content.

Receptor layer upper layer coating solution 1
22.0 parts by mass of vinyl chloride / acrylic latex (Viniblanc 900, trade name, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)
2.9 parts by mass of vinyl chloride / acrylic latex (Viniblanc 276, trade name, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)
Gelatin (10% aqueous solution) 1.5 parts by mass The following ester wax EW-1 2.0 parts by mass The following surfactant F-1 0.07 parts by mass The following surfactant F-2 0.36 parts by mass Receiving layer lower layer Coating liquid Vinyl chloride / acrylic latex 24.0 parts by mass (Vinyl Blanc 690, trade name, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)
Gelatin (10% aqueous solution) 10.0 parts by mass The following surfactant F-1 0.01 parts by mass Thermal insulation layer coating solution 1
74.0 parts by mass of hollow polymer particle latex (MH5055, trade name, manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., average particle size: 0.5 μm)
Gelatin (10% aqueous solution) 26.0 parts by mass Additive II-25 0.03 parts by weight Undercoat layer coating solution 6.7 parts by weight of polyvinyl alcohol (Poval PVA205, trade name, manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.)
Styrene butadiene rubber latex 80.0 parts by mass (SN-307, trade name, manufactured by Nippon A & L Co., Ltd.)
0.03 part by mass of the following surfactant F-1

(Preparation of sample 102 of the present invention)
A sample 102 was prepared in the same manner as the sample 101 except that in the sample 101, the heat insulating layer coating liquid 1 was changed to the following heat insulating layer coating liquid 2.

Insulation layer coating solution 2
74.0 parts by mass of hollow polymer particle latex (MH5055, trade name, manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., average particle size: 0.5 μm)
Gelatin (10% aqueous solution) 2.6 parts by mass Styrene butadiene rubber latex 27.0 parts by mass (SN-307, trade name, manufactured by Nippon A & L Co., Ltd.)
Additive II-25 0.03 parts by mass

(Preparation of sample 103 of the present invention)
A sample 103 was prepared in the same manner as the sample 101 except that in the sample 101, the heat insulating layer coating liquid 1 was changed to the following heat insulating layer coating liquid 3.

Insulation layer coating solution 3
Hollow polymer particle latex 69.0 parts by mass (HP 1055, trade name, manufactured by Rohm and Haas Co., Ltd., average particle size 1.0 μm)
Gelatin (10% aqueous solution) 22.0 parts by mass Additive II-44 0.03 parts by mass

(Preparation of Sample 104 of the Present Invention)
A sample 104 was prepared in the same manner as the sample 101 except that the heat insulating layer coating solution 1 in the sample 101 was changed to the following heat insulating layer coating solution 4.

Insulating layer coating solution 4
Hollow polymer particle latex 70.1 parts by mass (HP 1055, trade name, manufactured by Rohm and Haas Co., Ltd., average particle size 1.0 μm)
Gelatin (10% aqueous solution) 3.0 parts by mass Styrene butadiene rubber latex 24.2 parts by mass (SN-307, trade name, manufactured by Nippon A & L Co., Ltd.)
Additive II-25 0.03 parts by mass

(Production of Sample 105 of the Present Invention)
Instead of the polymer latex of the vinyl chloride / acrylic compound copolymer of the receiving layer upper layer coating solution 1 used in the sample 101, a polymer latex of vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer (Vinibran 603 (manufactured by Nisshin Chemical Co., Ltd.) )), Receiving layer coating solution 2 was prepared in the same manner as receiving layer coating solution 1 except that additive III-2 was used instead of additive II-25.
The amount of the polymer latex of the vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer was determined so that the solid content was the same as that of the polymer latex of the vinyl chloride / acrylic compound copolymer.
Sample 105 was prepared in the same manner as Sample 104 except that the receiving layer coating solution 2 was used instead of the receiving layer coating solution 1 in the preparation of Sample 104.

(Preparation of sample 106 of the present invention)
A sample 106 was prepared in the same manner as the sample 104 except that the image-receiving layer upper layer coating solution 1 in the sample 104 was changed to the image-receiving layer upper layer coating solution 3 described below.
Instead of the polymer latex of the vinyl chloride / acrylic compound copolymer of the receiving layer upper layer coating solution 1 used in the sample, the polymer latex of vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / acrylic compound copolymer (Vinibran 601 Rev. 1 (Nisshin Chemical) The receptor layer coating solution 3 was prepared in the same manner as the receptor layer coating solution 1 except that the additive IV-3 was used instead of the additive II-25.
The amount of polymer latex of vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / acrylic compound copolymer was determined so that the solid content was the same as that of the polymer latex of vinyl chloride / acrylic compound copolymer.

(Preparation of sample 107 of the present invention)
The paper support surface laminated on both sides with polyethylene was subjected to corona discharge treatment, and then a gelatin subbing layer containing sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate was provided. On top of this, the undercoat layer, the heat insulating layer coating solution 1, and the following receiving layer coating solution 4 were sequentially applied in this order from the support side. In addition, it apply | coated so that the application quantity at the time of each drying might be an undercoat layer: 6.8 g / m < ² >, a heat insulation layer: 7.4 g / m < ² >, a receiving layer: 5.1 g / m < ² >. In addition, 0.05 mass part of surfactant F-1 was added to the heat insulation layer coating liquid 1. FIG.
For sequential coating, first, an undercoat layer was coated on a support and allowed to dry naturally. Subsequently, the heat-insulating layer coating solution 1 was applied, and after applying, cold fluid at 10 ° C. was applied for 45 seconds to eliminate the fluidity of the solution, followed by natural drying. Further, the receiving layer coating solution 4 was applied and dried at 100 ° C. for 30 seconds.

Receiving layer coating solution 4
100 parts by mass of vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate resin (Solvine A, trade name, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)
Amino-modified silicone 5 parts by mass (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name, X22-3050C)
Epoxy-modified silicone 5 parts by mass (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name, X22-3000E)
Methyl ethyl ketone / toluene (mass ratio 1/1) 400 parts by mass

(Production of Sample 108 of Comparative Example)
The sample 108 was produced in the same manner as the sample 101 except that the heat insulation layer coating solution 5 was used instead of the heat insulation layer coating solution 1 in the production of the sample 101.

Insulating layer coating solution 5
Hollow polymer particle latex 63.0 parts by mass (MH5055, trade name, manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., average particle size 0.5 μm)
Gelatin (10% aqueous solution) 30.0 parts by mass

(Production of Sample 109 of Comparative Example)
A sample 109 was prepared in the same manner as the sample 101 except that the heat insulating layer coating solution 6 was used instead of the heat insulating layer coating solution 1 in the preparation of the sample 101.

Insulation layer coating solution 6
Hollow polymer particle latex 47.0 parts by mass (MH5055, trade name, manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., average particle size 0.5 μm)
Gelatin (10% aqueous solution) 52.0 parts by mass Additive II-25 0.03 parts by mass

(Preparation of Sample 110 of Comparative Example)
Sample 110 was prepared in the same manner as Sample 101 except that Heat Insulating Layer Coating Solution 7 was used instead of Insulating Layer Coating Solution 1 in the preparation of Sample 101.

Insulating layer coating solution 7
74.0 parts by mass of hollow polymer particle latex (MH5055, trade name, manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., average particle size: 0.5 μm)
Gelatin (10% aqueous solution) 26.0 parts by mass Styrene butadiene rubber latex 58.0 parts by mass (SN-307, trade name, manufactured by Nippon A & L Co., Ltd.)
Additive II-25 0.03 parts by mass

(Image formation)
Using the ink sheet, the comparative example, and the sample of the present invention (thermal transfer image-receiving sheet), a 152 mm × 102 mm size image was output by a thermal transfer printer A (ASK-2000 manufactured by Fuji Film Co., Ltd.). The conveyance speed of the printer A was 73 mm / second. The output image was a gradation image that changed from white to max gray (solid black).

(Performance evaluation)
(Image quality evaluation)
The image quality defect was evaluated using a gradation image from white to max gray (solid black) and based on the following judgment.
5: Image quality defects are not recognized at all in the image, and there is no practical problem.
4: A slight image quality defect (printing unevenness) is recognized in the low density portion, but no image quality defect is observed in the black solid portion, and there is no practical problem.
3: Some image quality defects (printing unevenness) are recognized in the low density portion, which is a practical problem.
2: Many image quality defects (printing unevenness, white spots) are observed in the low density portion, and slight image quality defects (white spots) are recognized in the black solid portion, which is a practical problem.
1: Many image quality defects (image quality unevenness, white spots) are observed in both the low density portion and the black solid, which is a problem in practical use.

(Sensitivity evaluation)
The sensitivity was evaluated using a gradation image from white to max gray (solid black). The visual black density was measured with a Photographic Densitometer (manufactured by X-Rite Incorporated), and the density at the point of the black density 1.0 of the sample 108 was set to 100, and the relative sensitivity was described by the following judgment.
5: Greater than 115% 4: Greater than 105% to 110% or less 3: Greater than 100% to 105% or less 2: Greater than 95% to 100% or less
1: 95% or less

(Vickers hardness)
The Vickers hardness of the heat insulating layer single film and the Vickers hardness of the surface of the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet were determined as follows. As experimental conditions, FISCHER SCOPE H100VP was used, a test load of 100 mN was given by a Vickers indenter at a speed of 10 mN / sec, and the following formula was obtained from the following formula from the test load and the indentation depth of the indenter.
Vickers hardness UHV = 37.838 × P / (D × D)
Note that P is a test load (mN), and D is an indentation depth (μm).

(Moisture content)
The water content of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet was determined by the method described in JIS P8127.
Each of the obtained samples was prepared as a test piece having a width of 70 mm and a length of 180 mm. The test piece was weighed and placed in a desiccator, and the desiccator containing the test piece was dried for 70 minutes in a drier adjusted to 105 ° C. without a lid. After drying, the desiccator was covered in a dryer and allowed to cool to room temperature. After allowing to cool, the test piece was quickly weighed to determine the water content.

  These results are summarized in Table 1 below.

  From Table 1 above, it was found that all the samples of the present invention have high density printing characteristics and can achieve excellent image quality (no white spots, no printing unevenness).

(Example 2)
In the same manner as in Example 1, the compounds I-1, I-9, II-42, and IV-37 were evaluated by replacing each sample of Example 1 with II-25 in an equimolar amount. Similar results were shown.

Claims (7)

A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet having at least a heat insulating layer and a receiving layer on a support, wherein the heat insulating layer contains at least one hollow polymer and a compound represented by any one of the following general formulas [I] to [IV]: A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet containing at least one kind and having a Vickers hardness of a single film of the heat insulating layer of 3 to 150.

[In General Formula [I], R ¹ and R ² may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, or a lower alkyl group. X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group, an aryl group, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkenyl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, —COR ³ , —SO ₂ R ⁴ , or —N (R ⁵ ) R ^6. Represents. Here, R ³ and R ⁴ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, —OM, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, or —N (R ⁷ ) R ⁸ . R ⁵ and R ⁶ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, —COR ⁹ , or —SO ₂ R ¹⁰ . R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ may be the same or different and each represents a lower alkyl group or —N (R ¹¹ ) R ¹² , and R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ¹¹ and R ¹² are the same or different. It may represent a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group. M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, or an atomic group necessary for forming a monovalent cation, l represents an integer of 2 to 6, m represents an integer of 1 to 4, and n represents 6- represents m. However, when there are a plurality of R ¹ , R ² and X, each may be different from each other. ]

[In general formula [II], R ¹³ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group,

R ¹⁴ and R ¹⁵ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a cyano group, a heterocyclic group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkylsulfoxy group, or an alkylsulfonyl. Represents a group. Here, R ¹⁴ and R ¹⁵ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring.
R ¹⁶ and R ¹⁷ may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group. ]

[In General Formula [III], R ¹⁸ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a hydroxymethyl group, and R ¹⁹ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ]

[In the general formula [IV], R ²⁰ represents a lower alkylene group, and X represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a cyano group, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, —COR ²¹ , —N (R ²² ) represents R ²³ or —SO ₃ M, and R ²¹ represents a hydrogen atom, —OM, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or —N (R ²⁴ ) representing the ^{R 25.}
Each R ²² and ^{R 23} is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an -COR ²⁶ or _-SO 2 ^{R 26,,} or different an each other the ^{same, R 24} and R ²⁵ may be the same or different from each other, and represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, R ²⁶ represents a lower alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, and M represents It represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, or an atomic group necessary for forming a monovalent cation, p represents 0 or 1, and q represents an integer of 0 to 5. ]   The thermal transfer image-receiving sheet according to claim 1, wherein the heat insulating layer and the receiving layer are formed by simultaneous multilayer coating.   The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet has a Vickers hardness of 3 to 50.   The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hollow polymer has a particle size of 0.3 to 7.0 µm.   The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a moisture content of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet measured according to JIS P 8127 is 2 to 8% by mass.   The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the receptor layer contains at least one polymer latex.   The polymer latex is a polymer latex selected from vinyl chloride / acrylic compound copolymer latex, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer latex and vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate / acrylic compound copolymer latex. The heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet according to claim 6.