Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides a photosensitive element which comprises a sheet substrate having coated thereon an actinic radiation sensitive imageable layer. The imageable layer has an admixture an aromatic diazonium salt having an anion, and having a weight average molecular weight of from about 15,000 to about 35,000. The aromatic diazonium salt is present in an amount of from about 1 weight % to about 9 weight % of the imageable layer. The composition also has a solid epoxy polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from about 2,000 to about 8,000. The coating weight of the imageable layer per area is preferably from about 0.3 to about 0.9 g/m.sup.2. The imageable layer is sensitive to low levels of actinic irradiation, namely, from about 1 to about 40 mj/cm.sup.2 in the UV region. The sensitivity is increased by heating the imageable layer before development. After imagewise exposure and aqueous development, an imaged element is obtained, which is useful for lithographic printing.

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First Claim