Method of thermally sealing the overcoat of multilayer media

摘要

Mutilayer media (10) is being developed which has inner ink-receiving microporous layer (38) and an outer sealable porous surface coat, or topcoat, (40). Ink (42) printed on the media (10) passes through the topcoat (40), and is absorbed by, or reacts with the inner ink-receiving layer (38). A thermal printhead (24) is attached downstream of the print zone (20) so that it passes over the area that was previously printed with images (22), and heats the topcoat (40). Where the topcoat (40) is heated, the pores are closed and the closed pores provide a protective layer (40') between the inner ink-receiving layer (38) and the environment.