Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing a photopolymerized flexographic relief printing plate or a photoresist from a photosensitive element comprising a photopolymerizable layer consisting essentially of (A) at least one polymer as the binder, (B) at least one photopolymerizable monomer compatible with said binder (A) and (C) one photoinitiator, by (i) imagewise exposing said photopolymerizable layer of said element to actinic light and (ii) washing out the unexposed, non-photopolymerized parts of said layer with a developer, thereby obtaining a photopolymerized flexographic relief printing plate or a photoresist. The improvement of said process comprises: washing out the non-photopolymerized parts of the irradiated photopolymerizable layer with the developer which consists essentially of at least one hydrogenated petroleum fraction having a flashpoint above 45.degree. C. and a boiling range of from 160.degree. to 220.degree. C., 0 to 2% by weight, based on the developer, of at least one surface active compound and 0 to 10% by weight, based on the developer, of a monoterpene. In a preferred embodiment the improved process makes use of a developer which contains, in addition to the abovementioned components, 5 to 20 vol. %, based on the developer, of an alcohol selected from the group consisting of alcohols with 4 to 8 carbon atoms.

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First Claim