DE102013218751A1 - Method for producing a security feature of a value or security product and method for producing such a product - Google Patents

Abstract

For a cost-effective production of a particularly forgery-proof and tamper-proof security feature 160 of a value or security product 600, a method is proposed. The security feature 160 is formed by at least one pattern 150. The method comprises the following process steps: (a) providing a colorant-containing intermediate carrier 200, wherein the colorant in each case contains at least one dye and / or at least one pigment-containing particles and a binder of a polymer; (b) transferring at least a portion of the colorant from the subcarrier 200 to a surface 310 of a polymer layer 300 to form a colorant layer 100 on the respective polymer layer 300, wherein the polymer layer 300 is made of at least one material selected from a group comprising polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate; and (c) locally introducing energy into at least a portion of the colorant layer 100 to release the at least one colorant and / or the at least one pigment from the particles so that the pattern 150 is formed on the respective polymer layer 300.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a security feature of a value or security product and to a method for producing a value or security product.

Value or security products, such as security documents and security elements, are used in a variety of ways to verify the identity of individuals and property or to secure a financial transfer. For this purpose, these products have security features that guarantee their authenticity and / or the identity of the person or thing. Value products, such as banknotes, stocks and the like, also have security features in order to verify their authenticity. In order to verify the identity of a person or thing associated with the product, the security features must individualize the product, e.g., personalize it, e.g. the security feature has individualizing features that indicate the particular person or thing and thus the affiliation of the product to the person or thing.

Personal documents (ID documents), i. Documents associated with a person generally have a face image of the person as well as personal data in plain text or in coded form. In order to make identification of the person as safe as possible, it is advantageous, for example, to color-reproduce the facial image in the form of a photographic replica on the document. Important for the authenticity of this personalization information is that it can not be falsified or falsified. It is therefore advantageous for the production of an ID document if the personal data, including the facial image, are formed not on the surface of the document but in its interior, since it would be necessary for the counterfeiting or falsification in this case to expose the personal data.

For example, it is off DE 29 07 004 C2 a pass card is known, which consists of two cover sheets, at least one of which is transparent, and a Karteninlett made of an opaque material, in particular paper. The card insert is provided with information that is visually recognizable through the transparent cover sheet. This information is applied to the tick by means of a laser beam. The information is personalization data in the form of alphanumeric data and / or a photograph reproduced in grid technique. The laser radiation generates local burns on the card inlay that are visible.

However, this method can not produce color reproductions. To solve this problem is in DE 10 2010 062 046 A1 a value and / or security document is provided that comprises a first pattern arranged in one or more first planes and formed from first pattern elements, and a second pattern formed in one or more planes and from second pattern elements and accurately aligned with the first pattern elements of the first pattern , The second pattern elements are located in front of the first pattern elements, as seen from one of the outer sides. The first pattern elements are transparent and / or translucent and can be colored. The first pattern may be in the form of a regular grid of pattern elements in primary colors. The second pattern elements are formed by means of laser action. For this purpose, the document layers in the desired areas may be blackened more or less, resulting in a gray or black tint of the material. Alternatively, starting materials may also be contained in the document body, which are caused to undergo a synthesis reaction under the action of suitable reaction conditions, so that colored patterns are produced.

Furthermore, in DE 10 2008 012 424 A1 a method for producing a polymer layer composite specified from a plurality of substrate layers, in which at least one first individualizing information is stored by printing technology. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of polymer layers as the substrate layers, printing the first individualizing information on at least one substrate layer, assembling the substrate layers to a substrate layer stack, and laminating the substrate layers to the polymer layer composite. The first individualizing information is decomposed into at least two print extracts, each of which includes partial information of this information. The at least two print separations are printed matched to at least two different substrate layer surfaces, so that the printed print separations in the polymer layer composite lie one above the other in registration and together reproduce the information. The surfaces printed with the indentations are inside. The polymer layers may consist at least partially of polycarbonate. The printing extracts are produced, for example, by an ink-jet printing method, for example by means of a transfer printing method, with a customary ink containing as binder a polycarbonate derivative.

Furthermore, the use of optically variable pigments in thermal printing is out DE 602 01 439 T1 known to make valuable or important documents more difficult to copy or imitate, and to enable authentication of genuine documents. For this purpose, a heat transfer medium in the form of a substrate is provided which carries on at least part of a surface a coating of a thermally transferable ink comprising a binder and a plurality of discrete particles of the optically variable pigment dispersed in the binder. The ink can be printed using a conventional thermal transfer printing apparatus.

However, the known methods for producing a value or security document have the disadvantage that they are relatively complicated and expensive. Furthermore, some of the documents produced by the above methods do not provide the necessary security against counterfeiting and falsification.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method which is simple and inexpensive and which can be used to produce counterfeit and tamper-proof value or security documents. It is therefore required that the value or security document be very favorable in terms of its quality comparable to that produced by conventional methods and in terms of manufacturing cost.

The objects stated above are achieved with the methods for producing a security feature of a value or security product as well as with the method for producing a value or security product according to the present invention. The security feature may be a component of a value or security product, namely a value or security document or security element, i. an element that is connected, for example, with an object to be protected against counterfeiting, forgery or falsification, for example as part of a sticker, label or the like.

Insofar as the term "security or valuable product" is mentioned in the description and in the claims of the present application, this includes, for example, a passport, identity card, driver's license or another ID document (in particular ID card) or an access control card, a vehicle registration document, Vehicle registration document, visa, check, means of payment, in particular a banknote, a check, bank, credit or cash card, customer card, health card, chip card, company card, proof of eligibility, membership card, gift or purchase voucher, bill of lading or other proof of entitlement, tax stamp, Postage stamp, ticket, (game) token, adhesive label (for example, for product security) to understand. The document may be, for example, a smart card. It can work in ID 1, ID 2, ID 3 format according to ISO 7810 or in any other format, for example in booklet form, such as a pass-like article. A security or value product is generally a laminate of several layers, which have been connected in register under the influence of heat and under increased pressure. The products should meet the standardized requirements, for example ISO 10373 . ISO / IEC 7810 . ISO 14443 , The product layers consist, for example, of a carrier material which is suitable for lamination.

As far as the term 'polycarbonate' (PC) is used in this description and in the claims, it is to be understood as meaning a condensation product of phosgene or another carbonic acid derivative with a bifunctional reagent which contains at least two hydroxyl groups for the condensation reaction (diol) , The diol is preferably selected from a group comprising bis (hydroxyphenyl) methane derivatives, in particular bisphenol A. Instead of bisphenol A, it is also possible to use other bifunctional reagents having at least two hydroxyl groups, for example geminally disubstituted bis (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkanes , These substances are for example in DE 10 2007 059 747 A1 described as a binder for inkjet inks. This document is therefore incorporated in full in the disclosure of the present application.

Insofar as the term "polyethylene terephthalate" is used in this description and in the claims, it is understood as meaning a condensation product of terephthalic acid or derivatives thereof with a bifunctional reagent containing at least two hydroxyl groups for the condensation reaction (diol), for example with ethylene glycol.

As used in the specification and claims of the present application, the term "security feature" is to be understood according to the present invention, the impression acting on a viewer, which is generated by a pattern. The security feature may be part of a value or security document or a separate product (a security element). getting produced. The latter can be glued to the document, for example. The security feature will generally only occupy part of the surface of the document. A security feature according to the present invention preferably also includes the facial image of the owner of the document and other individualizing, in particular personalizing, markings.

As used in the specification and claims of the present application, the term "pattern" is to be understood as meaning a somewhat distributed distribution of elements which impart an optical impression to the human eye, preferably in a two-dimensional arrangement on one or more surfaces provide a self-contained representation, such as an image, picture element, character, in particular an alphanumeric character, a symbol, crests, a line, formula or the like. For the purposes of the present invention is to be understood as a pattern in one color, including black, white and / or gray, appearing non-structured area or a multi-color surface having, for example, by their color information and therefore an identification can form. The visual impression mediating elements are perceptible by contrasting surface areas, the contrast by different hues, brightness or different surface textures (gloss, roughness or the like) is generated.

As far as in the description and in the claims of the present application, the term, pattern element 'is called, it is to be understood as a constituent part of a pattern (pixels), wherein the pattern elements can be separated from each other or transition into each other seamlessly. A pattern element serves as the smallest structural element for forming the pattern, with all pattern elements forming the pattern. The patterning material may be either transparent, translucent or opaque. Furthermore, it may have a certain brightness (absorption, remission), i. it may, for example, have a blackening, gray tinting or whitening, and / or it may have a (spectral) coloring and, in turn, a certain brightness. The pattern elements may have a circular (dot-shaped), rectangular, square, hexagonal or other shape and a size / diameter of, for example, 1 to 150 μm. Pattern elements can be the smallest elements of a perceptible representation to which one of the color values or color tones can be assigned in a multicolor color space (for example in the subtractive CMYK color space, additive RGB color space).

Insofar as the terms "raster" and "rasterized" are used in this description and in the claims, this is to be understood as a decomposition of an image into individual pattern elements, which are typically arranged regularly, for example in lines or in another regular arrangement , The pattern elements may be arranged, for example, in a honeycomb arrangement or in a row arrangement with pattern elements offset from one another or not offset from one another.

• (a) Zunächst wird ein mit einem Farbmittel versehener Zwischenträger bereitgestellt. Der mit dem Farbmittel versehene Zwischenträger kann hergestellt werden, indem das Farbmittel mindestens einmalig beispielsweise gerastert auf den Zwischenträger aufgebracht wird. Das Farbmittel enthält Partikel, die jeweils mindestens einen Farbstoff und/oder mindestens ein Pigment enthalten, sowie ein Bindemittel aus einem Polymer, vorzugsweise aus einem PC enthaltenden Polymer.
• (b) Dann wird jeweils zumindest ein Teil des gegebenenfalls gerasterten Farbmittels von dem Zwischenträger auf eine Oberfläche einer Polymerlage übertragen, wobei auf der Oberfläche der jeweiligen Polymerlage eine Farbmittelschicht gebildet wird. Dabei können beispielsweise gegebenenfalls in einem Raster angeordnete Musterelemente auf der jeweiligen Polymerlage gebildet werden. Sofern nur ein Teil des Farbmittels auf die Oberfläche der Polymerlage übertragen wird, geschieht dies durch Farbspaltung. Beispielsweise können alle oder auch nur ein Teil der auf dem Zwischenträger gebildeten Strukturen auf die Polymerlage übertragen werden. Die Polymerlage ist aus jeweils mindestens einem Material hergestellt, das ausgewählt ist aus einer Gruppe, umfassend PC und PET. Dies schließt nicht aus, dass die Polymerlage zusätzlich weitere Stoffe, wie Füllstoffe, beispielsweise Pigmente und Farbstoffe, und/oder andere Additive, Verstärkungsmaterialien, wie Glasfasermatten, und dergleichen enthält.
• (c) Anschließend wird Energie zumindest in einen Teil der Farbmittelschicht, beispielsweise in einige der Musterelemente, lokal eingebracht, um den mindestens einen Farbstoff und/oder das mindestens eine Pigment aus den Partikeln freizusetzen, sodass das Muster auf der jeweiligen Polymerlage gebildet wird.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the specified object is achieved in a first variant of the method by the method according to the invention for producing a security feature of a value or security product. The security feature is formed by at least one pattern. For the production of the security feature, the first method variant comprises the following method steps, preferably in the order given, it being possible for further method steps to be carried out between individual ones of the following method steps:

• (a) First, a colorant-provided subcarrier is provided. The intermediary provided with the colorant can be prepared by the colorant is at least once, for example, rastered applied to the intermediate carrier. The colorant contains particles, each containing at least one dye and / or at least one pigment, and a binder of a polymer, preferably from a PC-containing polymer.
• (B) Then at least a portion of the optionally screened colorant is transferred from the intermediate carrier to a surface of a polymer layer, wherein on the surface of the respective polymer layer, a colorant layer is formed. In this case, for example, optionally arranged in a grid pattern elements can be formed on the respective polymer layer. If only a part of the colorant is transferred to the surface of the polymer layer, this is done by color splitting. For example, all or even only part of the structures formed on the intermediate carrier can be transferred to the polymer layer. The polymer layer is made of at least one material selected from a group comprising PC and PET. This does not exclude that the polymer layer additionally contains other substances, such as fillers, for example pigments and dyes, and / or other additives, reinforcing materials, such as glass fiber mats, and the like.
• (c) Subsequently, energy is introduced locally at least into a part of the colorant layer, for example into some of the pattern elements, in order to release the at least one dye and / or the at least one pigment from the particles so that the pattern is formed on the respective polymer layer.

• (a) Zunächst wird ein mit einem Farbmittel versehener Zwischenträger bereitgestellt. Der mit dem Farbmittel versehene Zwischenträger kann hergestellt werden, indem das Farbmittel mindestens einmalig gegebenenfalls gerastert auf den Zwischenträger aufgebracht wird. Das Farbmittel enthält Partikel, die jeweils mindestens einen Farbstoff und/oder mindestens ein Pigment enthalten, sowie ein Bindemittel aus einem Polymer, vorzugsweise aus einem PC enthaltenden Polymer.
• (b) Dann wird jeweils zumindest ein Teil des vorzugsweise gerasterten Farbmittels von dem Zwischenträger auf die Oberfläche der Polymerlage übertragen, wobei auf der Oberfläche der jeweiligen Polymerlage die Farbmittelschicht gebildet wird. Dabei können beispielsweise gegebenenfalls in einem Raster angeordnete Musterelemente auf der jeweiligen Polymerlage gebildet werden. Hinsichtlich der Teilübertragung des Farbmittels gilt dasselbe wie zum Herstellverfahren für das Sicherheitsmerkmal in dieser Verfahrensvariante. Die Polymerlage ist aus jeweils mindestens einem Material hergestellt, das ausgewählt ist aus einer Gruppe, umfassend PC und PET.
• (c) Danach werden die mindestens eine mit der Farbmittelschicht versehene Polymerlage sowie weitere Polymerlagen zu einem Stapel zusammengetragen.
• (d) Danach werden alle Polymerlagen zu einem Laminat verbunden.
• (e) Anschließend wird Energie zumindest in einen Teil der Farbmittelschicht lokal eingebracht, um den mindestens einen Farbstoff und/oder das mindestens eine Pigment aus den Partikeln freizusetzen, sodass das Muster auf der jeweiligen Polymerlage gebildet wird.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the stated object according to the first variant of the method is also achieved by the method according to the invention for producing a value or security product having a pattern. The method comprises the following method steps, preferably in the order given, it being possible for further method steps to be carried out between individual ones of the following method steps, if appropriate:

• (a) First, a colorant-provided subcarrier is provided. The intermediary carrier provided with the colorant can be prepared by applying the colorant to the intermediate carrier at least once, optionally screened. The colorant contains particles, each containing at least one dye and / or at least one pigment, and a binder of a polymer, preferably from a PC-containing polymer.
• (B) Then at least a portion of the preferably screened colorant is transferred from the intermediate carrier to the surface of the polymer layer, wherein on the surface of the respective polymer layer, the colorant layer is formed. In this case, for example, optionally arranged in a grid pattern elements can be formed on the respective polymer layer. With regard to the partial transfer of the colorant, the same applies as for the production process for the security feature in this process variant. The polymer layer is made of at least one material selected from a group comprising PC and PET.
• (C) Thereafter, the at least one provided with the colorant layer polymer layer and other polymer layers are collected into a stack.
• (d) Thereafter, all polymer layers are combined into a laminate.
• (E) Subsequently, energy is introduced locally at least into a part of the colorant layer in order to release the at least one dye and / or the at least one pigment from the particles, so that the pattern is formed on the respective polymer layer.

• (a) Zunächst wird ein mit einem Farbmittel versehener Zwischenträger bereitgestellt. Der mit dem Farbmittel versehene Zwischenträger kann hergestellt werden, indem das Farbmittel mindestens einmalig gegebenenfalls gerastert auf den Zwischenträger aufgebracht wird. Das Farbmittel enthält mindestens einen Farbstoff und/oder mindestens ein Pigment sowie ein Bindemittel aus einem Polymer.
• (b) Dann wird jeweils zumindest ein Teil des gegebenenfalls gerasterten Farbmittels von dem Zwischenträger auf die Oberfläche der Polymerlage übertragen, wobei auf der Oberfläche der jeweiligen Polymerlage die Farbmittelschicht gebildet wird. Dabei können beispielsweise in einem Raster angeordnete Musterelemente auf der jeweiligen Polymerlage gebildet werden. Hinsichtlich der Teilübertragung des Farbmittels gilt dasselbe wie zum Herstellverfahren für das Sicherheitsmerkmal gemäß der ersten Verfahrensvariante. Die Polymerlage ist aus jeweils mindestens einem Material hergestellt, das ausgewählt ist aus einer Gruppe, umfassend PC und PET. Hinsichtlich der Bestandteile der Polymerlage gilt dasselbe wie zum Herstellverfahren für das Sicherheitsmerkmal gemäß der ersten Verfahrensvariante.
• (c) Anschließend werden mindestens eine jeweils mit der Farbmittelschicht versehene Polymerlage sowie mindestens eine Abdecklage zu einem Stapel zusammengetragen, sodass die Abdecklage die Farbmittelschicht gegenüber einem Betrachter verbirgt.
• (d) Danach werden die mindestens eine Polymerlage und die mindestens eine Abdecklage zu einem Laminat verbunden.
• (e) Anschließend wird lokal Energie in das Laminat eingebracht, sodass zumindest ein Teil der Farbmittelschicht von dem Betrachter wahrnehmbar wird. Hierzu wird die Energie auf die Orte im Laminat gelenkt, an denen sich die zu aktivierende Farbmittelschicht befindet. Dadurch wird die Farbmittelschicht unter der Abdecklage teilweise sichtbar.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved in a second method variant by the method according to the invention for producing a security feature of a value or security product, wherein the security feature is formed by at least one pattern. The second process variant comprises the following process steps, preferably in the order given, it being possible for further process steps to be carried out between individual ones of the following process steps:

• (a) First, a colorant-provided subcarrier is provided. The intermediary carrier provided with the colorant can be prepared by applying the colorant to the intermediate carrier at least once, optionally screened. The colorant contains at least one dye and / or at least one pigment and a binder of a polymer.
• (B) Then at least a portion of the optionally screened colorant is transferred from the intermediate carrier to the surface of the polymer layer, wherein on the surface of the respective polymer layer, the colorant layer is formed. In this case, for example, arranged in a grid pattern elements can be formed on the respective polymer layer. With regard to the partial transfer of the colorant, the same applies as for the production method for the security feature according to the first variant of the method. The polymer layer is made of at least one material selected from a group comprising PC and PET. With regard to the constituents of the polymer layer, the same applies as for the production process for the security feature according to the first process variant.
• (C) Subsequently, at least one respectively provided with the colorant layer polymer layer and at least one cover layer are collected into a stack, so that the cover layer conceals the colorant layer to a viewer.
• (D) Thereafter, the at least one polymer layer and the at least one cover layer are joined to form a laminate.
• (e) Subsequently, local energy is introduced into the laminate so that at least part of the colorant layer becomes perceptible to the viewer. For this purpose, the energy is directed to the locations in the laminate where the colorant layer to be activated is located. As a result, the colorant layer under the cover layer is partially visible.

According to the present invention, in the second variant of the method, a method is also provided for producing a value or security product having a pattern. The method comprises the above method steps.

By introducing energy into at least part of the colorant layer, a visually perceptible contrast arises between first places of the value or security product into which energy is introduced and second places into which no energy is introduced. For this purpose, the non-energized points of the value or security product show no visually perceptible feature. Alternatively, you can the security feature prior to the energy input also have a uniform, surface optically recognizable coloration, which can be achieved by uniform surface loading of at least one material layer, for example with particles containing dye, ink or pigment. By a local energy input then the visual impression changes locally, so that the pattern is perceived according to the invention. As a result, any pattern, including characters, images, logos, codes and other markings, may be generated due to the contrast. This contrast may consist in the fact that initially there is no color impression and is exposed locally by the energy input color or that a contrast arises between a first color at untreated areas and a second color at treated areas. For example, inks or pigments contained in particles are initially not or only slightly perceptible. By the energy input, for example, contained in the particles dyes and / or pigments are released. This release can be perceived by the human eye. Alternatively, the introduction of energy into the particles can otherwise lead to an optically perceptible contrast, for example by disturbing existing interference-generating mirror planes in the particles.

With the two variants of the method according to the invention, on the one hand, a very high safety standard is created, since materials are used which are chemically / materially compatible with each other (coloring agent and polymer layer), so that forgery or falsification is made more difficult. Because of this, the cohesion of adjoining polymer layers also remain in the area in which the colorant is used to form the pattern, since the compatibility guarantees a very high adhesive strength of adjacent surfaces. This compatibility is achieved in that both the binder of the colorant used to form the pattern elements and the polymer layers to which the pattern elements are applied are made of compatible materials so that they form a strong interaction with each other. For this purpose, these materials have the same or similar chemical nature. According to the present invention, the binder is preferably made of or contains a polymer, and the polymer layers are or include PC and / or PET. In the case of each used for the binder and the polymer layers PC compatibility results from the large chemical similarity of the materials used. For PET, material pairing with a colorant with, for example, a PET-containing binder is preferred. Advantageously, PC is used which is formed with aromatic diols, more preferably diols from a group comprising bis (hydroxyphenyl) methane derivatives and geminally disubstituted bis (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkanes, this preferred choice being for both the material the polymer layers as well as the binder for the preparation of the colorant layers applies.

Another advantage of the manufacturing method according to the present invention is its high cost efficiency, since the colorant layer is first provided on an intermediate carrier and then transferred from this to the polymer layer. Such methods are typically known as (direct) transfer printing, sublimation printing, diffusion transfer, re-transfer. Therefore, the inventive method is also suitable for the production of a large number of security features (mass suitability).

Further, since in the first process variant particles with a dye and / or pigment and in the second process variant at least one cover layer covering the inner colorant layer are used so that the pattern formed by the colorant layer is imperceptible to an observer without further treatment the pattern can also be produced later in the document on the inside by introducing energy at least into a part of the colorant layer locally. In the first process variant, this local energy feed serves to destroy the particles in order to release the dye contained therein and / or the pigment contained therein, so that the colorant layer is visible at the treated areas or converted into a different color state from the previous one. In the former case, the particles are not visible to the naked eye, so that even the colorant layer is not visible to the naked eye. In the latter case, for example, the colorant layer can be white and, upon destruction, assume the color of the dye and / or pigment. In the second variant of the method, the energy feed serves to locally destroy the cover layer above the colorant layer, so that an area of the colorant layer underneath is recognizable from the outside. For example, the cover layer can fuse with this area of the colorant layer, so that the color penetrates to the outside and thus causes a local color according to the location and the color of the relevant area of the colorant layer. Because the colorant layer is arranged on the inside of the document, the security feature thus formed is particularly secure against counterfeiting or falsification. Both in the first and in the second process variant, the dye or the pigment of the colorant penetrates into the material of the adjacent polymer layers and thereby unfolds an intense color impression.

In the first process variant, colorant particles containing dyes, inks or pigments are used to form the colorant layer. For example, the color particles may be formed in the form of core / shell color particles. To release the dyes, inks or pigments, the paint particles can be damaged or destroyed in any way. For example, the color particles can be subjected to thermal energy, so that the color particles melt or at least melt their shell. Alternatively or additionally, the color particles can also burst. Furthermore, the shell of the color particles can also be selectively removed (deburring, uncovering), for example by thermal removal of the shell or by chemical dissolution or dissolution of the shell. In a first exemplary embodiment, bursting color particles contain, for example, a liquid dye or a (liquid) ink in its interior (core). In a second embodiment, the core may be formed by a (solid) pigment or a solid dye. In this case, color particles including the pigment or dye of the core may be melted by the action of the energy. In addition, together with the core, the shell can be melted, or only the core melts. In a third embodiment, only the shell of core / shell color particles is damaged or destroyed, without the core being disturbed. The shell can be damaged or destroyed by thermal or chemical means. A thermal action on the color particles preferably takes place directly by the direct action of energy on the color particles. A chemical action on the color particles can be triggered by release of a chemical substance, preferably a chemical solvent. This chemical can then damage or destroy the shell. The chemical may be contained in other (adjacent) particles, for example capsules, which contain a solvent for the shell of the color particles and which absorb the incident energy. Accordingly, the color particles may be formed by a core and a shell surrounding the core. Furthermore, it is also possible that the color particles are formed by porous particles, for example zeolite particles, which are either surrounded by a shell or which are not surrounded by a shell. The colorant in this case may be contained in the pores of the porous paint particles in a solid state, and liquefied for its release. If the porous paint particles are surrounded by a shell, this is removed for release.

For producing core / shell particles, the dye or ink to be encapsulated is dispersed in droplets, for example, in a liquid in which it is insoluble to form minute droplets, or solid particles are dispersed in a liquid to form a suspension forms. For example, pigment is presented as granules and coated with a shell material, for example with TiO ₂ or with metal, for example Al, or with a polymer. To prepare the colored particles, liquid dye or an ink can be suspended, for example, in a liquid in which it is insoluble, so that minute droplets form. These droplets or solid particles can be stabilized, for example, by means of suitable wetting agents or emulsifiers. A process for producing coated particles for encapsulating, for example, paints is known in U.S. Pat EP 0 505 648 A1 whose disclosure content is fully incorporated into the present application. Thereafter, a hydrophobic material is coated with a resin by first providing an organic phase formed by a mixture of one or more hydrophobic liquids and / or hydrophobic solids with a self-dispersing resin, and then adding an aqueous phase to this mixture is added so that the resin forms therein a dispersion with particle sizes of up to 0.1 microns and the hydrophobic liquid and / or the hydrophobic solid encased. If a solid is to be coated, this is first converted to the desired particle size, for example by grinding. In one example, a solid dye (cyanine blue) is dispersed with a resin (polyurethane resin having terminal isocyanate groups) in a hydrophobic liquid (methyl ethyl ketone). An aqueous solution of an amine is then mixed with this dispersion and heated. Removal of the hydrophobic liquid produces an aqueous dispersion of coated color particles. A method for encapsulation with TiO ₂ is described in the dissertation by Holger Strohm from Würzburg, "Liquid phase deposition of titanium dioxide onto polymer latex templates", Bayerische Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 2005. The disclosure of this document is hereby incorporated in full in the present application. According to this publication, latex particles are first functionalized with polyelectrolytes. Subsequently, TiO ₂ particles are deposited thereon by bringing the latex particles into contact with a solution of (NH ₄ ) ₂ [TiF ₆ ] and H ₃ BO ₃ / HCl. To produce purely inorganic hollow spheres, the latex particles are then removed, either by calcination of the TiO ₂ layers in an air atmosphere or chemically by dissolving the template core with toluene. In this way, so-called nano-containers are generated, which have already been described for a number of applications, for example for transporters of medical active substances, for self-healing processes of materials and the like. Furthermore, manufacturing methods are also of Skirtach et al., "Laser-Induced Release of Encapsulated Materials Inside Living Cells", Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2006, 45, 4612-4617 and Angelatos et al., "Light Responsive Polyelectrolyte / Gold Nanoparticle Microcapsules, J. Phys. Chem. B, 2005, 109, 3071-3076 specified. Therefore, these documents are also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the present application.

Alternatively, porous particles may also be loaded (soaked) with a liquid dye or with an ink by incorporating the liquid dye or ink or a molten colorant into the pores of these particles. Or porous or non-porous particles may be coated with the liquid dye or the ink or molten colorant. The particles are then sheathed.

Suitable porous particles are inorganic materials such as, for example, zeolites or organic materials, such as polyurethane-based microfoams, or porous nanoparticles or inorganic micro-containers. Furthermore, porous materials can be produced by spray pyrolysis. This is on M. Hampden-Smith, T. Kodas, S. Haubrich, M. Oljaca, R. Einhorn, D. Williams, "Novel Particulate Production Processes to Create Unique Security Materials," in: Proc. SPIE 6075, Optical Security and Counterfeit Deterrence Techniques VI, 60750K (February 09, 2006); doi: 10.1117 / 12.641883 directed. Therefore, the disclosure of this publication in its entirety, at least with respect to the production method described therein, is included in the present application.

Further production methods for core / shell particles (including hollow glass particles) are in DG Shchukin, H. Möhwald, "Self-Repairing Coatings Containing Active Nanoreservoirs", in: www.small-journal.com (small), 2007, 3, No. 6, 926-943 , Wiley-VCH Verlag, Weinheim stated. Therefore, the disclosure of this publication in its entirety, at least with regard to the production methods described therein, is included in the present application.

Instead of core / shell particles, the color particles can also be formed by OVI pigments (OVI: optically viariable ink), in which the optically perceptible feature is caused by the interference layers contained therein. These particles are usually formed by mica platelets that are thinly coated with metal oxide.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the colorant layer is formed in the form of pattern elements. The pattern elements can advantageously be arranged in a grid, so that the pattern elements can be addressed specifically, for example, with a laser beam.

The color particles are preferably in the micrometer or sub-micron range, i. in the case of a substantially spherical or cubic or cuboidal particle whose diameter or main diagonal is in the nanometer or micrometer range, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 500 microns, more preferably from 0.1 to 100 microns, and most preferably from 0.5 to 50 μm. However, the color particles may also have platelet or needle shape. Also in this case, its thickness or needle diameter is in the micrometer range, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 500 microns, more preferably from 0.1 to 100 microns and most preferably from 0.5 to 50 microns. The size dimension in longitudinal extension, i. parallel to the platelet plane or needle length, is preferably 0.5 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m, preferably 1 to 100 .mu.m and most preferably 5 to 50 .mu.m.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optionally colorant-containing particles are contained in a paint or an ink, i. the ink or ink is suitable to be printed in a printing process or transferred to the intermediate carrier and from there to the polymer layer in another process. For the printing on the PC and / or PET layers, in principle all customary colors or inks can be used, as long as they are chemically compatible with PC or PET and have an affinity or adhesion to these polymers. This is achieved, for example, with a PC-based binder for PC polymer layers. These include, for example, solvent-based inks or inks that both dry by evaporation of the solvent and those systems in which the solvent chemically reacts, such as by crosslinking, crosslinking, polymerization, etc.

worin R¹ und R² unabhängig voneinander Wasserstoff, Halogen, bevorzugt Chlor oder Brom, C₁-C₈-Alkyl, C₅-C₆-Cycloalkyl, C₆-C₁₀-Aryl, bevorzugt Phenyl, und C₇-C₁₂-Aralkyl, bevorzugt Phenyl-C₁-C₄-Alkyl, insbesondere Benzyl, sind; m eine ganze Zahl von 4 bis 7, bevorzugt 4 oder 5 ist; R³ und R⁴ für jedes X individuell wählbar, unabhängig voneinander Wasserstoff oder C₁-C₆-Alkyl ist; X Kohlenstoff und n eine ganze Zahl größer 20 bedeuten, mit der Maßgabe, dass an mindestens einem Atom X, R³ und R⁴ gleichzeitig Alkyl bedeuten. Bevorzugt ist es, wenn an 1 bis 2 Atomen X, insbesondere nur an einem Atom X, R³ und R⁴ gleichzeitig Alkyl sind. R³ und R⁴ können insbesondere Methyl sein. Die X-Atome in α-Stellung zu dem Diphenyl-substituierten C-Atom (C1) können nicht dialkylsubstituiert sein. Die X-Atome in β-Stellung zu C1 können mit Alkyl disubstituiert sein. Bevorzugt ist m = 4 oder 5. Das PC-Derivat kann beispielsweise auf Basis von Monomeren, wie 4,4´-(3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexan-1,1-diyl)diphenol, 4,4´-(3,3-Dimethylcyclohexan-1,1-diyl)diphenol, oder 4,4´-(2,4,4-Trimethylcyclopentan-1,1-diyl)diphenol, gebildet sein. Ein solches PC-Derivat kann beispielsweise gemäß DE-A 38 32 396 aus Diphenolen der Formel (Ia) hergestellt werden, deren Offenbarungsgehalt hiermit vollumfänglich in den Offenbarungsgehalt dieser Anmeldung aufgenommen wird. Es können sowohl ein Diphenol der Formel (Ia) unter Bildung von Homopolycarbonat als auch mehrere Diphenole der Formel (Ia) unter Bildung von Copolycarbonat verwendet werden (Bedeutung von Resten, Gruppen und Parametern, wie in Formel I).

Preference is given to the use of a preparation comprising: A) 0.1 to 30% by weight of a binder with a PC derivative, B) 30 to 99.9% by weight of a preferably organic solvent or solvent mixture, C) 0 to 10% by weight, based on dry matter, of at least one dye and / or at least one pigment, D) 0 to 10% by weight of a functional material or a mixture of functional materials, E) 0 to 30% by weight of additives and / or auxiliaries, or a mixture of such substances, wherein the sum of components A) to E) always yields 100% by weight, as a printing ink or printing ink. The PC derivatives are highly compatible with PC materials, especially with PC based on bisphenol A. In addition, the PC derivative used is resistant to high temperatures and shows no discoloration at lamination-typical temperatures up to 200 ° C and more. More specifically, the PC derivative may contain functional carbonate structural units represented by the following formula (I):

wherein R ¹ and R ² independently of one another are hydrogen, halogen, preferably chlorine or bromine, C ₁ -C ₈ -alkyl, C ₅ -C ₆ -cycloalkyl, C ₆ -C ₁₀ -aryl, preferably phenyl, and C ₇ -C ₁₂ -Aralkyl, preferably phenyl-C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, in particular benzyl, are; m is an integer from 4 to 7, preferably 4 or 5; R ³ and R ^{4 are} individually selectable for each X, independently of one another is hydrogen or C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl; X is carbon and n is an integer greater than 20, with the proviso that on at least one atom X, R ³ and R ^{4 are} simultaneously alkyl. It is preferred for X, R ³ and R ^{4 to be} simultaneously alkyl at 1 to 2 atoms, in particular only at one atom. R ³ and R ⁴ may be in particular methyl. The X atoms in the α-position to the diphenyl-substituted C atom (C1) may not be dialkyl-substituted. The X atoms in β-position to C1 can be disubstituted with alkyl. Preferably m = 4 or 5. The PC derivative can be prepared, for example, on the basis of monomers, such as 4,4'- (3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane-1,1-diyl) -diphenol, 4,4'- (3, 3-dimethylcyclohexane-1,1-diyl) diphenol, or 4,4'- (2,4,4-trimethylcyclopentane-1,1-diyl) diphenol. Such a PC derivative can, for example, according to DE-A 38 32 396 from diphenols of the formula (Ia) are prepared, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated in full in the disclosure of this application. It is possible to use both a diphenol of the formula (Ia) to form homopolycarbonate and also a number of diphenols of the formula (Ia) to give copolycarbonate (meaning of radicals, groups and parameters, as in formula I).

In addition, the diphenols of the formula (Ia) can also be used in admixture with other diphenols, for example those of the formula (Ib): HO-Z-OH (Ib), for the preparation of high molecular weight, thermoplastic, aromatic PC derivatives.

worin R einen verzweigten C₈- und/oder C₉-Alkylrest darstellt. Bevorzugt ist im Alkylrest R der Anteil an CH₃-Protonen zwischen 47 und 89 % und der Anteil der CH- und CH₂-Protonen zwischen 53 und 11 %; ebenfalls bevorzugt ist R in o- und/oder p-Stellung zur OH-Gruppe, und besonders bevorzugt die obere Grenze des ortho-Anteils 20 %. Die Kettenabbrecher werden im allgemeinen in Mengen von 0,5 bis 10, bevorzugt 1,5 bis 8 Mol-%, bezogen auf eingesetzte Diphenole, eingesetzt. Die PC-Derivate können vorzugsweise nach dem Phasengrenzflächenverhalten (vgl. H.Schnell in: Chemistry and Physics of Polycarbonates, Polymer Reviews, Vol. IX, Seite 33ff., Interscience Publ. 1964 ) in an sich bekannter Weise hergestellt werden. Hierbei werden die Diphenole der Formel (Ia) in wässrig alkalischer Phase gelöst. Zur Herstellung von Copolycarbonaten mit anderen Diphenolen werden Gemische von Diphenolen der Formel (Ia) und den anderen Diphenolen, beispielsweise denen der Formel (Ib), eingesetzt. Zur Regulierung des Molekulargewichts können Kettenabbrecher z.B. der Formel (Ic) zugegeben werden. Dann wird in Gegenwart einer inerten, vorzugsweise PC lösenden, organischen Phase mit Phosgen nach der Methode der Phasengrenzflächenkondensation umgesetzt. Die Reaktionstemperatur liegt im Bereich von 0°C bis 40°C. Die gegebenenfalls mit verwendeten Verzweiger (bevorzugt 0,05 bis 2,0 Mol-%) können entweder mit den Diphenolen in der wässrig alkalischen Phase vorgelegt werden oder in dem organischen Lösungsmittel gelöst vor Phosgenierung zugegeben werden. Neben den Diphenolen der Formel (Ia) und gegebenenfalls anderen Diphenolen (Ib) können auch deren Mono- und/oder Bis-chlorkohlensäureester mit verwendet werden, wobei diese in organischen Lösungsmitteln gelöst zugegeben werden. Die Menge an Kettenabbrechern sowie an Verzweigern richtet sich dann nach der molaren Menge von Diphenolat-Resten entsprechend Formel (Ia) und gegebenenfalls Formel (Ib); bei Mitverwendung von Chlorkohlensäureestern kann die Phosgenmenge in bekannter Weise entsprechend reduziert werden. Geeignete organische Lösungsmittel für die Kettenabbrecher sowie gegebenenfalls für die Verzweiger und die Chlorkohlensäureester sind beispielsweise Methylenchlorid, Chlorbenzol sowie insbesondere Mischungen aus Methylenchlorid und Chlorbenzol. Gegebenenfalls können die verwendeten Kettenabbrecher und Verzweiger im gleichen Solvens gelöst werden. Als organische Phase für die Phasengrenzflächenpolykondensation dienen beispielsweise Methylenchlorid, Chlorbenzol sowie Mischungen aus Methylenchlorid und Chlorbenzol. Suitable other diphenols of the formula (Ib) are those in which Z is an aromatic radical having 6 to 30 C atoms, which may contain one or more aromatic nuclei, may be substituted, and aliphatic radicals or cycloaliphatic radicals other than those of the formula (II) Ia) or heteroatoms may contain as bridge members. Examples of the diphenols of the formula (Ib) are hydroquinone, resorcinol, dihydroxydiphenyls, bis (hydroxyphenyl) alkanes, bis (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkanes, bis (hydroxyphenyl) sulfides, bis (hydroxyphenyl) ether, bis ( hydroxyphenyl) ketones, bis (hydroxyphenyl) sulfones, bis (hydroxyphenyl) sulfoxides, α, α'-bis (hydroxyphenyl) diisopropylbenzenes, and their nuclear alkylated and nuclear halogenated compounds. These and other suitable diphenols are, for example, in US-A 3,028,365 . US-A 2,999,835 . US-A 3,148,172 . US-A 3,275,601 . US-A 2,991,273 . US-A 3,271,367 . US-A 3,062,781 . US-A 2,970,131 . US-A 2,999,846 . DE-A 1 570 703 . DE-A 2 063 050 . DE-A 2 063 052 . DE-A 2 211 956 . FR-A 1 561 518 and in H. Fast in: Chemistry and Physics of Polycarbonates, Interscience Publishers, New York 1964, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in full in the disclosure of this application. Preferred other diphenols are, for example: 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, 2,4-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) -2-methylbutane, 1,1-bis ( 4-hydroxyphenyl) cyclohexane, α, α-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) -p-diisopropylbenzene, 2,2-bis (3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane, 2,2-bis (3-methyl) chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane, bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -methane, 2,2-bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane, bis (3, 5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) sulfone, 2,4-bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -2-methylbutane, 1,1-bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) cyclohexane, α, α-bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -p-diisopropylbenzene, 2,2-bis (3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane and 2,2-bis - (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl) propane. Particularly preferred diphenols of the formula (Ib) are, for example, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, 2,2-bis (3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane, 2,2-bis- (3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane, 2,2-bis (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl) -propane and 1,1-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) -cyclohexane. In particular, 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane is preferred. The other diphenols can be used both individually and in a mixture. The molar ratio of diphenols of the formula (Ia) to the other diphenols of the formula (Ib) which may optionally be used should be between 100 mol% (Ia) to 0 mol% (Ib) and 2 mol% (Ia) 98 mol% (Ib), preferably between 100 mol% (Ia) to 0 mol% (Ib) and 10 mol% (Ia) to 90 mol% (Ib) and in particular between 100 mol% (Ia ) to 0 mol% (Ib) and 30 mol% (Ia) to 70 mol% (Ib). The high molecular weight PC derivatives of the diphenols of the formula (Ia), optionally in combination with other diphenols, can be prepared by the known PC production methods. The various diphenols can be linked together both statistically and in blocks. The PC derivatives used can be branched in a manner known per se. If the branching is desired, this can in known manner by condensing small amounts, preferably amounts of 0.05 to 2.0 mol% (based on diphenols), of trifunctional or more than trifunctional compounds, especially those with three or more than three phenolic hydroxyl groups. Some branching agents having three or more than three phenolic hydroxyl groups are phloroglucinol, 4,6-dimethyl-2,4,6-tri- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -heptene-2,4,6-dimethyl-2,4,6-tri - (4-hydroxyphenyl) heptane, 1,3,5-tri (4-hydroxyphenyl) benzene, 1,1,1-tri- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -ethane, tri- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -phenylmethane , 2,2-bis [4,4-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) cyclohexyl] propane, 2,4-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl-isopropyl) -phenol, 2,6-bis (2-bis) hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl) -4-methylphenol, 2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -2- (2,4-dihydroxyphenyl) -propane, hexa- [4- (4-hydroxyphenyl-isopropyl) -phenyl] -orthoterephthalic acid ester , Tetra (4-hydroxyphenyl) methane, tetra- [4- (4-hydroxyphenyl-isopropyl) -phenoxy] -methane and 1,4-bis- [4 ', 4 "-dihydroxytriphenyl) -methyl] -benzene. Some of the other trifunctional compounds are 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, trimesic acid, cyanuric chloride and 3,3-bis (3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) -2-oxo-2,3-dihydroindole. As chain terminators known per se regulation of the molecular weight of the PC derivatives are monofunctional compounds in conventional concentrates. Suitable compounds are, for example, phenol, tert-butylphenols or other alkyl-substituted phenols. For controlling the molecular weight, in particular small amounts of phenols of the formula (Ic) are suitable:

wherein R represents a branched C ₈ and / or C ₉ alkyl radical. Preferably, in the alkyl radical R, the proportion of CH ₃ protons between 47 and 89% and the proportion of CH and CH ₂ protons between 53 and 11%; also preferably R is in the o- and / or p-position to the OH group, and more preferably the upper limit of the ortho-portion is 20%. The chain terminators are generally used in amounts of 0.5 to 10, preferably 1.5 to 8 mol%, based on diphenols used. The PC derivatives may preferably be prepared according to the interfacial behavior (cf. H. Schnell, Chemistry and Physics of Polycarbonates, Polymer Reviews, Vol. IX, p. 33ff., Interscience Publ. 1964 ) are prepared in a conventional manner. In this case, the diphenols of the formula (Ia) are dissolved in an aqueous alkaline phase. For the preparation of copolycarbonates with other diphenols, mixtures of diphenols of the formula (Ia) and the other diphenols, for example those of the formula (Ib), are used. To regulate the molecular weight, chain terminators of, for example, the formula (Ic) can be added. Then, in the presence of an inert, preferably PC-dissolving, organic phase is reacted with phosgene by the method of interfacial condensation. The reaction temperature is in the range of 0 ° C to 40 ° C. The optionally used with branching agents (preferably 0.05 to 2.0 mol%) can be presented either with the diphenols in the aqueous alkaline phase or dissolved in the organic solvent added before phosgenation. In addition to the diphenols of the formula (Ia) and, if appropriate, other diphenols (Ib), their mono- and / or bis-chloroformates may also be used, these being dissolved in organic solvents be added. The amount of chain terminators and of branching agents then depends on the molar amount of diphenolate radicals corresponding to formula (Ia) and optionally formula (Ib); When using chloroformates the amount of phosgene can be reduced accordingly in a known manner. Suitable organic solvents for the chain terminators and optionally for the branching agents and the chloroformates are, for example, methylene chloride, chlorobenzene and in particular mixtures of methylene chloride and chlorobenzene. Optionally, the chain terminators and branching agents used can be dissolved in the same solvent. For example, methylene chloride, chlorobenzene and mixtures of methylene chloride and chlorobenzene serve as the organic phase for the interfacial polycondensation.

The aqueous alkaline phase used is, for example, NaOH solution. The preparation of the PC derivatives by the phase interface method can be catalyzed in a conventional manner by catalysts such as tertiary amines, especially tertiary aliphatic amines such as tributylamine or triethylamine; the catalysts can be used in amounts of 0.05 to 10 mol%, based on moles of diphenols used. The catalysts can be added before the beginning of the phosgenation or during or after the phosgenation. The PC derivatives can be prepared by the known method in a homogeneous phase, the so-called "pyridine method" as well as by the known melt transesterification method using, for example, diphenyl carbonate instead of phosgene. The PC derivatives may be linear or branched, they are homopolycarbonates or copolycarbonates based on the diphenols of the formula (Ia). By arbitrary composition with other diphenols, especially those of the formula (Ib), the PC properties can be varied in a favorable manner. In such copolycarbonates, the diphenols of the formula (Ia) are present in amounts of from 100 mol% to 2 mol%, preferably in amounts of from 100 mol% to 10 mol% and in particular in amounts of from 100 mol% to 30 mol% %, based on the total amount of 100 mol% of diphenol units, contained in PC derivatives. The PC derivative can be a copolymer comprising, in particular consisting thereof, monomer units M1 based on the formula (Ib), preferably bisphenol A, and monomer units M2 based on the geminally disubstituted dihydroxydiphenylcycloalkane, preferably the 4,4'- (3,3 , 5-trimethylcyclohexane-1,1-diyl) diphenol, wherein the molar ratio M2 / M1 is preferably greater than 0.3, in particular greater than 0.4, for example greater than 0.5. It is preferred if the PC derivative has a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000, preferably from 20,000 to 300,000.

In principle, component B may be substantially organic or aqueous. Substantially aqueous means that up to 20% by weight of component B) can be organic solvents. Substantially organic means that up to 5% by weight of water may be present in component B). Component B preferably contains one or consists of a liquid aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and / or aromatic hydrocarbon, a liquid organic ester and / or a mixture of such substances. The organic solvents used are preferably halogen-free organic solvents. Particularly suitable are aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic hydrocarbons, such as mesitylene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, cumene and solvent naphtha, toluene, xylene; (organic) esters such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methoxypropyl acetate, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate. Preference is given to mesitylene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, cumene and solvent naphtha, toluene, xylene, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methoxypropyl acetate. Ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate. Very particular preference is given to mesitylene (1,3,5-trimethylbenzene), 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, cumene (2-phenylpropane), solvent naphtha and ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate. A suitable solvent mixture comprises, for example, L1) 0 to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 5% by weight, in particular 2 to 3% by weight, mesitylene, L2) 10 to 50% by weight, preferably 25 to 50% by weight %, in particular 30 to 40% by weight, 1-methoxy-2-propanol acetate, L3) 0 to 20% by weight, preferably 1 to 20% by weight, in particular 7 to 15% by weight, 1 , 2,4-trimethylbenzene, L4) 10 to 50 wt.%, Preferably 25 to 50 wt.%, In particular 30 to 40 wt.%, Ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate, L5) 0 to 10 wt. , preferably 0.01 to 2 wt .-%, in particular 0.05 to 0.5 wt .-%, cumene, and L6) 0 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 1 to 40 wt .-%, in particular 15 to 25 wt .-%, solvent naphtha, wherein the sum of components L1 to L6 always gives 100 wt .-%.

As component C are in the first process variant in or on particles contained dyes and / or pigments, especially in core / shell particles contained dyes and / or pigments, and in the second process variant, the free dyes and / or pigments (not contained in particles ) used. In principle, any desired dye or pigment can be used in both variants. Dyes and pigments are all colorants (an overview of dyes there Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Electronic Release 2007, Wiley Publishing, Chapter "Dyes, General Survey" ; gives an overview of organic and inorganic pigments Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Electronic Release 2007, Wiley Verlag, chapter "Pigments, Organic" and "Pigments, Inorganic" ). Dyes should be soluble or (stably) dispersible in the component B solvents or be suspendible. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the colorant is stable at temperatures of 160 ° C. and more for a period of more than 5 minutes, in particular color-stable. It is also possible that the colorant is subjected to a predetermined and reproducible color change under the processing conditions and is selected accordingly. In addition to the temperature stability, light stability and climatic resistance, pigments must be present in particular in the finest particle size distribution. For inkjet printing, this means in practice that the particle size should not exceed 1.0 μm, since otherwise blockages in the print head are the result. As a rule, nanoscale solid-state pigments and dissolved dyes have proven their worth. The dyes and pigments may be cationic, anionic or even neutral. As examples of dyes and pigments which can be used in ink-jet printing are mentioned: Brilliant Black CI No. 28440, Chromogen Black CI No. 14645, Direct deep black E CI No. 30235, true black salt B CI No. 37245, true black salt K CI No. 37190, Sudan black HB CI 26150 , Naphtolschwarz CI no. 20470, Bayscript ^® Black liquid, CI Basic Black 11, CI Basic Blue 154, Cartasol ^® Turquoise K-ZL liquid, Cartasol ^® Turquoise K-RL liquid (CI Basic Blue 140) Cartasol Blue K5R liquid. Suitable are further eg the dyes Hostafine ^® Black TS liquid commercially available (sold by Clariant GmbH Germany), Bayscript ^® Black liquid (CI mixture, sold by Bayer AG Germany), Cartasol ^® Black MG liquid (CI Basic Black 11, signs of Clariant GmbH Germany), Flexonylschwarz ^® PR 100 (e CI no. 30235, sold by Hoechst AG), rhodamine B, Cartasol ^® Orange K3 GL, Cartasol ^® Yellow K4 GL, GL Cartasol ^® K, or Cartasol ^® Red K 3B. Furthermore, can be used as soluble dyes anthraquinone, azo, quinophthalone, coumarin, methine, perinone, and / or pyrazole, for example, sold under the name Macrolex® ^®, use. Other suitable dyes and pigments are inter alia in the literature Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Electronic Release 2007, Wiley Verlag, chapter "Colorants Used in Ink Jet Inks" described. Well-soluble dyes lead to an optimal integration into the matrix or the binder of the print layer. The dyes and pigments can either be added directly or as a paste, a mixture of dye and pigment together with another binder. This additional binder should be chemically compatible with the other components of the formulation. If such a paste is used as component B, its quantity refers to the dye or the pigment without the other components of the paste. These other components of the paste are then subsumed under the component E. When using so-called colored pigments in the scale colors cyan-magenta-yellow and preferably also (soot) black solid color images are possible.

For introducing the dyes and / or pigments into the particles for use in the first process variant, they are dispersed together with titanium dioxide, for example, together in a suitable agent, so that the dyes and / or pigments adhere to and store them with the titanium dioxide particles Form microparticles. Alternatively, the dyes and / or pigments may also be dispersed together with lipids in a suitable liquid medium such that the lipids form micelles in which the dyes and / or pigments are incorporated. Methods of making the color particles are given above.

Component D comprises substances that can be seen directly by the human eye or by the use of suitable detectors using technical aids. Here are the materials known to those skilled in the art (see also van Renesse in: Optical document security, 3rd ed., Artech House, 2005 ), which are used to secure value and security documents. These include luminescent substances (dyes or pigments, organic or inorganic) such as photoluminophores, electroluminophores, Antistokes luminophores, fluorophores but also magnetizable, photoacoustically addressable or piezoelectric materials and metal particles, magnetic particles, thermochromic particles, electrochromic particles and other substances. Furthermore, Raman-active or Raman-reinforcing materials can be used, as well as so-called barcode materials. Again, the preferred criteria are either the solubility in the component B or pigmented systems particle sizes <1 micron and a temperature stability for temperatures> 160 ° C and light resistance and climatic resistance in the sense of the comments on the component C. Functional materials can be added directly or via a paste, ie a mixture with a further binder, which then forms part of component E, or the binder of component A.

Component E in inks for ink-jet printing includes conventionally prepared materials such as anti-foaming agents, modifiers, wetting agents, surfactants, flow agents, dryers, catalysts, (light) stabilizers, preservatives, biocides, surfactants, organic polymers for viscosity adjustment, buffer systems, etc. As setting agents customary setting salts come into question. An example of this is sodium lactate. As biocides, all commercially available preservatives which are used for inks come into question. Examples include Proxel ^® GXL and Parmetol® ^® A26. Suitable surfactants are all commercially available surfactants which are used for inks. Preferred are amphoteric or nonionic surfactants. Of course, it is also the use of special anionic or cationic surfactants, which the properties of the Dye or pigment do not change, possible. Examples of suitable surfactants are betaines, ethoxylated diols, etc. Examples are the product lines Surfynol ^® and Tergitol ^®. The amount of surfactants is particularly selected when used for ink-jet printing, for example, provided that the surface tension of the ink is in the range of 10 to 60 mN / m, preferably 20 to 45 mN / m, measured at 25 ° C. A buffer system can be set up which stabilizes the pH in the range from 2.5 to 8.5, in particular in the range from 5 to 8. Suitable buffer systems are lithium acetate, borate buffer, triethanolamine or acetic acid / sodium acetate. A buffer system will be considered in particular in the case of a substantially aqueous component B. To adjust the viscosity of the ink (possibly water-soluble) polymers can be provided. Here all suitable for conventional ink formulations polymers come into question. Examples are water-soluble starch, in particular having an average molecular weight of 3,000 to 7,000, polyvinylpyrrolidone, in particular having an average molecular weight of 25,000 to 250,000, polyvinyl alcohol, in particular having an average molecular weight of 10,000 to 20,000, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide Block copolymer, especially having an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 8,000. An example of the latter block copolymer is the product series Pluronic ^®. The proportion of biocide, based on the total amount of ink, may be in the range of 0 to 0.5% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 0.3% by weight. The proportion of surfactant, based on the total amount of ink, can range from 0 to 0.2 wt .-%. The proportion of adjusting agents, based on the total amount of ink, 0 to 1 wt .-%, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 wt .-%, amount. The auxiliaries also include other components, such as, for example, acetic acid, formic acid or n-methylpyrolidone or other polymers from the dye solution or paste used. With respect to substances which are suitable as component E, is supplemented, for example, on Ullmann's Encyclopaedia of Chemical Industry, Electronic Release 2007, Wiley Publishing, Chapter "Paints and Coatings", Section "Paint Additives" , referenced.

To apply the colorant optionally screened onto the intermediate carrier, a heat-resistant carrier material of the intermediate carrier in film form is preferably used, for example polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide or polyimide, preferably polyethylene terephthalate. The support may additionally comprise a release layer on the side of the support on which the colorant is temporarily applied, for example a layer of cross-linked acrylic polymer. Furthermore, the carrier may be formed on the opposite side with a protective layer, for example of silicone, to prevent adhesion of heating and pressure elements. The carrier material may be in the form of a band, in particular a circumferential band. In principle, a drum or a flat film or plate are also conceivable instead of a circulating belt, which are coated with a coating of the carrier and the release layer material. The band or the drum can advantageously be formed circumferentially in order to carry out the application of the colorant (process step (a)) and the subsequent transfer to the polymer film (process step (b)) continuously. The thus provided with the colorant intermediate carrier can be used in a conventional apparatus for transfer printing as a color carrier, in particular as a ribbon.

For application of the colorant optionally in screened form to the intermediate carrier, it is possible to use any coating method, in particular a printing method, with which screened patterns can also be produced. For example, the intermediate carrier can be coated by means of a doctor blade, roller coating, injection, casting, dispenser, transfer printing or other printing method, for example with an offset printing method. In principle, it is also possible to use a digital printing method, in particular a non-impact printing method, since digital printing methods have a very high flexibility with regard to the selected motif, the motif in this case already being formed on the intermediate carrier. Therefore, the colorant can be applied in a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in particular by means of an inkjet printing process (inkjet process) on the intermediate carrier. The above-described ink composition is particularly suitable for ink-jet printing. If another method is used, the ratio of the individual components of the colorant is adapted to the coating technique.

The colorant is applied to the intermediate carrier in the two-dimensional arrangement (for the provision according to process step (a) according to both process variants), in which it is finally to be transferred to the polymer layer, wherein, however, a mirror-inverted arrangement is selected on the intermediate carrier to the laterally correct pattern to be able to form on the polymer layer.

If multiple colorants are used to form multicolor colorant layers, for example of different pattern element types or different colorant layer areas, on one surface of the polymer layer to form a multicolor pattern, or if multiple patterns are to be formed on different surfaces of the same or different polymer layers, can Structures with optionally screened colorant on the intermediate carrier successively formed several times and then each transferred to a polymer layer. After transferring the colorant from the intermediate carrier to the polymer film, the intermediate carrier can be cleaned again before colorant is again applied to the intermediate carrier for a further polymer film. Alternatively, an unused area of a colorant-coated subcarrier is used.

The generation of a rastered image of the pattern to be generated on the intermediate carrier means that individual structural elements corresponding to the colorant layer areas to be formed are generated, which are separated from one another, preferably spaced from one another.

Alternatively, the colorant layer on the intermediate carrier can not be generated rastered.

Furthermore, the colorant layer may be formed on the intermediate carrier in a non-patterned areal uniform shape (screened or not screened). In this case, either the entire colorant layer or only a part thereof can be transferred to the polymer surface. A part is transferred, for example, by means of this suitable plunger under additional heat. Such a device corresponds to a conventional thermal printhead. If the entire colorant layer is transferred from the subcarrier to the polymer surface, patterning subsequently occurs upon activation.

Alternatively, a pattern representing information, for example, can already be formed on the intermediate carrier and then transferred to the surface of the polymer layer. However, according to the invention, this pattern can then only be subsequently made perceptible, since the respective colors do not yet emerge.

After the colorant has been applied in the optionally screened arrangement on the intermediate carrier, this is brought into contact with the polymer layer. Preferably, the intermediate carrier and the polymer layer are pressed together. For color transfer, either the entire surface of the polymer layer can be brought into simultaneous contact with the intermediate carrier, or individual parts of the intermediate carrier are brought into contact with corresponding portions of the polymer layer one after the other. In this method step, the pattern can already be generated, which is finally to be formed on the polymer layer. For the transfer of the colorant from the intermediate carrier to the polymer film pressure and heat can be applied to the temporary composite of the intermediate carrier and the polymer film, but the pressure and the temperature must not be so high that the core containing the dye and / or the pigment / Shell particles / particles are impaired according to the first method variant.

The colorant layer can either be applied on one side to a surface of a polymer layer, or one colorant layer can be applied to the two surfaces of a polymer layer or to a plurality of polymer layers intended for a value or security product, either on one side and / or on both sides. For this purpose, the intermediate carrier between two transfer processes of the colorant on the polymer layers in each case again loaded with the colorant by this optionally rastered is applied to the intermediate carrier, or it is a new range of loaded with colorant intermediate carrier available.

The colorant layer on the polymer layer can be formed by pattern element matrices, which are identical in each case. Or different types of matrices can be formed in each case, which differ, for example, in the arrangement and / or in the type of the pattern elements, for example of their color. For example, first pattern elements that are red upon introduction of energy on a first surface, second pattern elements that are green upon introduction of energy, on a second surface, and third pattern elements that appear blue upon introduction of energy may be formed on a third surface. At least two of these surfaces may in this case be opposed surfaces of the same polymer layer. The first pattern formed with the first pattern elements, the second pattern formed with the second pattern elements, and the third pattern formed with the third pattern elements may each be print separations of the same overall pattern, for example the face image of a person, and be formed one over the other in register, so as to give the overall pattern , Each of these print extracts includes partial information of the information stored throughout the print image. Thus, multiple patterns may be formed in different spaced-apart pattern planes in the value or security document, which are parallel to one another.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, at least two types of pattern elements differing by different dyes and / or pigments can be formed in a regular arrangement on a surface of the at least one polymer layer. Accordingly, in step (b) of the method variants of the invention, the pattern elements can be transferred to the polymer layer (s) in a raster arrangement in which pattern elements of different color, for example in the colors of the CMYK color space, are uniformly distributed. For this purpose, either a single transfer operation can be carried out from the intermediate carrier to the surface of the polymer layer, when all the pattern elements of the different types have first been applied together to the intermediate carrier. Or several transfer operations are made by successively each pattern elements of a type formed on the intermediate carrier and then these are each transmitted from the intermediate carrier to the surface of the polymer layer.

In a raster arrangement, the pattern elements of different types may alternate in a particular order. For example, a planar, in particular honeycomb-shaped, arrangement of pattern elements can be formed, in which alternate along rows of cyan, magenta, yellow and black pattern elements. The pattern elements formed with free dye or pigment (not incorporated into particles), when viewed with the naked eye, give a dark (black-brown) area without texture (pattern). The pattern elements formed with dye and / or pigment, which is integrated into particles, give the color impression predetermined by the structure of the particles. Only by activating individual pattern elements in these process variants with their own colors does the desired pattern emerge. For this purpose, energy is locally introduced into certain pattern elements at the locations of a specific color predetermined by the pattern in order to obtain the desired color impression, possibly as a result of a color mixture of a plurality of pattern elements each having a specific color.

The pattern formed with the colorant layer or the fully coated surface may cover the surface of the polymer layer completely or only partially in a field on the polymer layer or the entire polymer layer.

After the colorant layer has been applied to the polymer layer, it is further processed with further polymer layers to form the value or security product according to the invention. For this purpose, a conventional lamination method can be used. Alternatively, the value or security product can be prepared by extruding the corresponding polymer material together with color particles. In these methods, the color particles are preferably arranged on the inside in the value or security product and remain there completely or at least largely integrated invisibly until they are activated.

After the transfer of the colorant to the polymer layer (s) no pattern is recognizable for a viewer, since the dye and / or the pigment in the first process variant is in / on the particles. These appear due to a high Lichtstreuvermögen example white, gray or light colored. This results in a substantially uniform surface that has no pattern. In the case of the second variant of the method, the colorant layer is hidden within the value or security product by the cover layer.

In order to make the pattern recognizable (to be activated), local energy, for example heat energy, energy by means of electromagnetic radiation and / or mechanical energy is additionally applied to the colorant layer by means of a suitable energy source. In this case, the colorant layer is activated, and the dye and / or the pigment diffuses into the polymer material. For example, in order to be able to selectively apply energy to individual regions of the colorant layer, ie not to impinge on adjacent colorant layer regions, the energy source must be designed to be focusable. An advantage of electromagnetic radiation for energy input is that it can be applied in a spatially resolved manner. Another advantage is that it contains, via its energy (wavelength, frequency), further information that can be used to address particular colors of the desired pattern and to specifically control activation therefor. Thus, a selective activation of different types of colorant layer areas can be achieved, for example, by adapting the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation to the dyes and / or pigments of the respective colorant. In this way, the colorant layer areas of different types can be deliberately "opened" (activated). Further, the dyes and / or pigments containing these materials may additionally contain an electromagnetic radiation absorbing sensitizer. As a result, the absorption of the colorant layer areas can advantageously be tuned specifically to the radiated electromagnetic radiation, without having to make special demands on the materials of the dyes and / or pigments with regard to their spectral sensitivity. Very particularly preferred According to a development of the present invention, a laser can be used which supplies local heat, for example by radiation absorption, which leads to a local temperature increase of all or only colorant layer regions of one type. Alternatively or additionally, a mechanical pressure can also be exerted locally on the colorant layer areas, for example with a thermal print head which additionally supplies local heat. As an alternative or in addition to these process options, it is also possible to introduce energy into the colorant layer areas by means of ultrasound, for example with an ultrasound generator (sonotrode). In the case of the dye or pigment particles (first process variant), these are selectively destroyed, so that the dye contained therein and / or pigment contained therein are released and thus the desired color is produced at the site of activation. In the case of the second variant of the method, the cover of the cover layer is at least fused, destroyed and / or pierced, so that an existing thereunder area of the colorant layer is visible, such as by local fusing with the cover. For this purpose, the cover layer may be formed, for example, of TiO ₂ . The size of the TiO ₂ particles is preferably so small that just an opaque layer is present, ie the particle diameter of the TiO ₂ particles should be greater than half the wavelength of the visible light (in the maximum of sunlight about 500 nm, ie greater than 250 nm), better still greater than 500 nm, most preferably greater than 1 μm. Upon release, dye or pigment also enters the polymer layer, since the introduced energy promotes this process. As a result of the release, the colorant layer is also melted so that the dye or the pigment not only diffuses from below in the z-direction to the cover layer and through it, so that it is dyed, but also diffuses into the polymer layer. These processes lead to color development and visualization (activation) of the affected colorant layer area. The energy can for example be introduced individually into pattern elements.

In order to initially hide the colorant layer in the second process variant, the overlying (for example, adjacent to the polymer layer) cover layer is opaque. It can be any color, including white, gray and black. Preferably, it is white, because this results in a very good contrast of the pattern formed before the remaining surface of the cover layer. The cover layer may be inherently opaque, i. the polymer of the cover layer may have been opacified by suitable dyes and / or pigments. Or the cover layer has at least one opaque layer, which also has the required opacity by means of suitable dyes and / or pigments. This layer preferably lies in a stack together with the at least one polymer layer bearing the colorant layer on the colorant layer, since, when the energy is introduced into the cover, this leads to a connection of the colorant to the cover. The cover may cover the entire surface of the security or value product, or only a part thereof, namely in particular the part corresponding to the area occupied by the colorant layer.

With the introduction of energy the perceptible pattern is formed. If the colorant layer is located internally in the value or security product, the energy is most preferably introduced into the colorant layer by means of a method which does not require direct contact between the energy source and the colorant layer for this purpose (non-contact method). For example, the introduction of energy by means of electromagnetic radiation is particularly suitable. In order to enable a local introduction of energy into individual colorant layer areas, laser radiation can therefore advantageously be used. Any laser radiation that leads to absorption in the colorant layer or in adjacent material is suitable, for example, by an IR radiation emitting laser, such as Nd: YAG (fundamental wavelength or frequency multiplied: 1064 nm, 532 nm, 355 nm, 266 nm ) or a CO ₂ laser (10.6 μm). For radiation emission in the visible spectral range, gas lasers, for example argon and krypton ion lasers, or diode lasers can be used. Excimer lasers (for example F ₂ : 157 nm, ArF: 193 nm, KrF: 248 nm, XeCl: 308 nm, XeF 351 nm) can be used in the UV spectral range. The laser is focused on the targeted introduction of energy.

With the non-contact method, it is possible, in particular, to process document blanks which, apart from the security feature which can be produced using the method according to the invention, already contain substantially all other security features. Preferably, the pattern is located inside the document blank. On the one hand, this considerably simplifies the manufacturing process because, for example, a personalization of a document, for example an identity card blank, can be carried out at the issuing body without significant security measures to ensure that the documents which have not yet been personalized are transported to the issuer Do not get lost. In addition, it is ensured by an internal arrangement of the colorant layer that the pattern can not be falsified or falsified easily, because this would additionally be accessed on the inside pattern, which hardly succeed without exposing the pattern.

In order to achieve a targeted activation, for example of pattern elements (pixels) with the desired color, a very accurate positioning of the energy source is required. Since the individual pattern elements in the presence of a matrix of alternating pattern elements of different colors are not exactly recognizable in advance, for example, an adjustment can first be made to determine the position of the pattern elements relative to each other. For this, the position of at least two pattern elements in the pattern is to be determined. For the adjustment, for example energy is introduced into at least two pattern elements and the color and the position of the activated pattern elements are determined optically. By means of these color marks, the identity and the position of all other pattern elements of the pattern can then be derived. From this information, a pattern for the energy input can then be determined, according to which the pattern elements are converted into colored dots.

If the surface of the polymer layer on which the colorant layer is formed is exposed after activation, those colorant layer regions into which no energy has been introduced and which are therefore not fixed can be subsequently removed again from the at least one surface of the respective polymer layer. This achieves a better contrast of the pattern and thus an improved pattern quality.

If the surface of the polymer layer on which the colorant layer is formed is not exposed after activation, in a further process step carried out after the activation, unaltered color particles, i. Fixed color particles that are not involved in the pattern formation, if they should not be long-term stable. As a result, the once formed pattern is stabilized against further change. The fixation can be effected for example by irradiation of the value or security product by means of electromagnetic radiation having a different photon energy (wavelength) than the electromagnetic radiation used for the activation, without the previously produced visually perceptible color impression is changed. For this purpose, for example, the matrix in which the color particles are located are chemically changed in such a way that colorant can no longer escape from the unaltered color particles. One possibility of chemical modification is to chemically crosslink the matrix. For this purpose, the matrix contains chemical compounds which can be crosslinked.

A pattern produced by the methods according to the invention on at least one polymer layer can also be formed in the form of a part of a motif whose other part is produced in a conventional manner. For example, it is possible for the motif part (for example a surface half of the motif) produced in a conventional manner to be produced even before the polymer layers are joined and bonded, whereas the motif part produced according to the invention can be activated only after joining and joining the polymer layers by subsequent activation is made visible. This makes it possible that a provided in the finished value or security document motif, such as a coat of arms, in a raw document initially only partially present and is provided only at the document issuing body with the other part of the subject.

The value or security product is preferably produced from a polymer layer provided with a colorant layer, furthermore further polymer layers on which no colorant layers are present, moreover in the case of the second method variant of a cover layer and finally, if appropriate, outside protective coatings or protective films. The protective coatings or protective films are used for outside protection against damage (scratches) and for enclosing otherwise outside mounted security features in the interior of the product to protect against tampering. Furthermore, on the outside, a diffractive film can be attached. The value or security product can be produced from the document materials, in particular by lamination. In addition to the PC and / or PET layers, the product may also include layers of other materials, such as other polymers or paper or paperboard. The document is preferably produced from 3 to 12, preferably 4 to 10 films, it being possible for the individual films to consist of the same material or of different materials. Typically, the lamination of PC in a hot / cold laminating press is made in a first step at 170 to 200 ° C and a pressure of 50 to 600 N / cm ² and in a second step with cooling to about room temperature and under the same pressure. The lamination of PET takes place at a higher temperature, for example at 220 ° C. The polymer films typically have a thickness of from 25 to 150 μm, preferably from 50 to 100 μm. Alternatively, the value or security product can also be produced in a different way than by lamination, for example by extrusion.

In addition to the security feature that can be produced using the method according to the invention, the value or security product may have at least one further security feature that is either individualizing or not individualizing. Further safety features are mottled fibers, Guilloches, watermarks, embossed prints, a security thread, microfilm, tilts, holograms, optically variable pigments, luminescent colors, translucent and the like. Furthermore, the document may also comprise electronic components, for example an RFID circuit with antenna and RFID microchip, electronic display elements, LEDs, touch-sensitive sensors and the like. For example, the electronic components may be hidden between two opaque layers of the document.

The present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the following figures, in which the illustrated examples are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention described:

1 shows a value or security document with a security feature according to the invention in a schematic isometric view;

2 shows an arrangement for carrying out the method according to the invention in a schematic representation;

3 shows the process sequence according to the invention according to the first variant of the method in a schematic form; 3A : Applying colorant to an intermediate carrier in screened form; 3B Transferring colorant on the intermediate carrier from the intermediate carrier to a surface of a polymer film to form pattern elements arranged in a grid on the polymer film; 3C Forming pattern elements on a polymer layer, schematic section through the polymer layer having thereon pattern elements with four types of particulate colorants; 3D : first alternative: activating the pattern elements, schematic section through a laminate of the polymer film of 3C with other polymer films in which the pattern elements have been activated by means of energy supply; 3D ' : second alternative: activating some pattern elements, schematic section through the polymer film with partially activated pattern elements; 3E ' : Removing non-activated pattern elements;

4 shows the process sequence according to the invention according to the second variant of the method in a schematic form; 4A Forming the laminate with pattern elements on the polymer layer and the cover layer arranged above, schematic section through the laminate; 4B : Activating some pattern elements, schematic section through the laminate, in which the cover has been partially destroyed by means of energy supply;

5 shows the autopositioning for activating the pattern elements; 5A : Forming a grid of four types of pattern elements, shown in a schematic plan view; 5B : Activate two marker pattern elements;

6 shows a grid of four types of pattern elements in a schematic plan view in which only two types of pattern elements have been activated.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate elements having the same function or elements.

In the 1 shown embodiment of an identity card 600 Each has a common format for the card, for example, the format ID 1 according to ISO / IEC 7810 , The card may be fabricated as a laminate of multiple polymeric films, which may be PC and / or PET and form individual layers of the card. Some of these layers may be colored opaque with pigments, for example, to hide the card from an internal electronic device. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the card is formed of a polymer film as a substrate. The card has a front side 601 and a back side (not shown). It may, for example, have a thickness of 800 μm. The card may have several security features, such as a facial image 610 the person to whom the card is associated, and a data field 620 , in which, for example, data of this person are given in plain text, as well as other security features, which are not shown.

Further, the card points 600 a security feature 160 on, which has been activated in accordance with the invention. In the present case, a representation of the face image is representative of any differently designed marking 150 reproduced by the holder of the card in the form of a sample. Other representations may be formed by any other pattern. Alternatively, this can also facial image 610 be formed by the security feature that has been activated in accordance with the invention. In this case, there would be no other field 160 intended.

In the 2 schematically shown laser activating device is suitable in a document blank 600 a multicolored pattern 150 for example, from pattern elements 110 to create. For this purpose, the device has three lasers 2 ' . 2 ' . 2 '' , three primary mirrors 3 ' . 3 ' . 3 '' , a secondary mirror 4 , Further imaging optics (not shown), a controller 5 and a computer 6 on.

In the computer 6 For example, input data such as an image file is stored, from which a halftone image can be formed. The halftone image then becomes the raw data for the programming of the control unit 5 generated. The control unit in turn controls the secondary mirrors 3 ' . 3 ' . 3 '' so that the laser beam passes over the surface of the document blank to be activated 600 to be led. Further, the controller also controls the lasers 2 ' . 2 ' . 2 '' or in each case one of the lasers associated modulator (not shown). With these modulators, the intensity of the laser beams L can be individually modulated. With the data provided by the controller, the device can be controlled to pattern elements 110 of the pattern 150 in the document blank. To generate the colored pattern elements, the laser beams emanating from the lasers pass through the primary mirrors, then hit the secondary mirror 4 and are distracted by this on the document blank. For example, the laser beams may be passed line by line across the document surface, with the intensity of the beams being tuned by modulation to the desired beam intensity to be formed at a location on the document surface. The laser beams may, for example, be focused on the surface in order to obtain the smallest possible beam diameter.

The pattern 150 is activated by activating the document blank 600 generated by the laser by the laser beam L in the document blank on the colorant layer 100 meets ( 3D ). This is activated by the action of the laser beam, so that, for example, contained therein colorant is released and thus perceived by a viewer. Before activation, the colorant is hidden, for example, in color particles in that the shell largely shields the colorant.

In 3 the process according to the invention in the first process variant is shown in schematic form:
With this method, a colorant layer 100 in the form of regularly arranged pattern elements 110 different types A, B, C, D, ie with different colors, in a pressure field 120 on a surface 310 a commercially available PC film 300 be applied as a polymer layer, for example based on bisphenol A ( 3C ).

In a first step, colorant is screened onto an intermediate carrier 200 applied ( 3A ). The intermediate carrier is a film of PET with a release layer applied thereon. The colorants are printing inks, in which respective dyes are integrated into particles (first process variant). These are dyes included in titanium dioxide particles. In the present case, four dyes are selected, namely a yellow, a red, a green and a blue dye, with which respective colorants and with these the corresponding pattern element types A, B, C, D are formed. These particulate dyes are dispersed in a dye formulation containing as binder a PC derivative, preferably based on a geminally disubstituted bis (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane. In addition, a solvent for the binder and other additives usually added to printing inks are included.

These printing inks are, for example, by means of an inkjet printer 400 with four printheads 410 (Ink A), 420 (Ink B), 430 (Ink C), 440 (Ink D) for each one of the four printing inks on the subcarrier 200 printed, with structures in size and with the arrangement of on the surface 310 the PC film 300 to be formed pattern elements 110 be formed. The size of the pattern elements is for example 30 microns. For this purpose, all the structures on the intermediate carrier which correspond to the pattern elements to be formed on the PC film, ie all four pattern element types A, B, C, D, are generated in a laterally reversed arrangement. For example, a grid is formed from which a pattern element arrangement, such as those in 6 shown, can be generated.

By pressing the surface provided with the ink structures 210 of the subcarrier 200 on a surface 310 the PC film 300 The structures produced on the surface of the intermediate carrier are transferred to this surface of the PC film, wherein a colorant layer 100 is formed in the form of the pattern element arrangement ( 3C ). For this purpose, the PC film by means of a pressure roller 220 pressed against the intermediate carrier tape ( 3B ). This results in a polymer film surface Raster arrangement of the pattern elements with the four different colorants A, B, C, D. The pattern elements 110 are white to gray because of the use of titanium dioxide and have no discernible coloration. A viewer sees the print field 120 , in which the pattern elements lie, because of their small size therefore pale gray.

The so with the colorant layer 100 printed PC film 300 is then used with other polymer films 320 . 330 . 340 , for example, also PC slides, into a stack 350 collected. This is the printed surface 310 the PC film 300 arranged inside the stack ( 3D ). The stack is then further processed into a laminate in a conventional hot / cold lamination process, which upon completion, is a value or security document 600 represents. The result is a monolithic composite of the individual layers, ie the original surfaces are no longer recognizable after lamination. The colorant layer 100 remains during lamination, ie the dye does not diffuse out. The now internal pressure field 120 also appears slightly gray or white.

In a subsequent process step, the pattern elements 110 treated with a focused laser beam L (step (c)). For this purpose, the device is used, in which the laser beam focused on the pattern plane in which the pattern elements are located, and on the pressure field 120 is moved. This is the deflection unit 3 ' . 3 ' . 3 '' available for the laser beam ( 2 ). The laser is, for example, a Nd: YAG laser. Targeted laser treatment activates individual pattern elements by releasing dye.

This diffuses into adjacent polymer layers 300 . 320 and develops locally there an intensive coloring of the material. In the present case all pattern elements have been activated ( 3D ).

In an alternative to the example described above, the PC film becomes 300 not collected with other polymer layers and laminated but further processed separately. This leaves the colorant layer 100 in the form of the pattern elements 110 on the surface 310 the PC film ( 3D ' ). In a subsequent method step, only a part of the pattern elements is activated, namely the pattern elements of the type B (red) and the type D (blue). The laser device in turn serves for this purpose. The yellow pattern elements (A) and the green pattern elements (C) remain inactive. In a subsequent step, the non-activated pattern elements are removed from the surface ( 3E ' ). For this purpose, an adhesive film is pressed onto the surface (not shown), so that the non-activated pattern elements adhere to it. The pressure field 120 appears as a mixed color of red and blue thus violet.

According to the second process variant, in another example, a colorant layer is used 100 in the form of pattern elements 110 on a PC slide 300 educated ( 4A ). For this, however, printing inks are used which contain the free dyes (not loaded in / on particles). Again, four inks are used with yellow, red, green, blue dyes. The pattern elements have a size and are in an arrangement on the surface 310 the PC film formed, which correspond to those of the first example. The pressure field formed with the pattern elements 120 appears dark brown to a viewer. Also in this case, the printing inks contain a PC derivative as a binder, for example, based on a geminally disubstituted bis (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane, and a solvent for the binder and other additives which are usually added to printing inks. In a first step, as in the first example, patterns corresponding to the pattern elements are first placed on an intermediate carrier 200 then the printing ink of these structures is formed by the subcarrier surface 210 on the surface 310 the PC film 300 transferred (according to 3A . 3B ). The structures may be formed by a pattern or by a full colorant layer.

Subsequently, this PC film 300 with other polymer films 320 . 330 . 340 , for example, also PC slides, into a stack 350 collected ( 4A ). Above the colorant layer 100 having surface 310 the PC film 300 There is also a cover layer in the form of a cover 360 standing on a surface 361 a cover layer 362 which is opaque white, for example, by titanium dioxide. This covering layer is formed by a white printing layer, for example by means of an offset printing process. The surface provided with the pattern elements 310 the PC film 300 is therefore between the PC film and the cover 360 arranged on the inside. The stack is then further processed into a laminate in a conventional hot / cold lamination process. The result is a monolithic composite of the individual layers, ie the original surfaces are no longer recognizable after lamination. The pattern elements are preserved during lamination. The now internal pressure field 120 is not visible due to the cover. At this point, the document appears white.

In a subsequent process step, the cover layer 362 about individual pattern elements 110 with a focused laser beam 510 treated. For this purpose, the aforementioned laser treatment device 500 used. The targeted laser treatment causes the covering layer to be locally melted. Due to the local increase in temperature, the dye in the underlying pattern elements in the adjacent PC film 300 . 360 diffused in the z-direction and developed there locally intensive coloring of the material. In the present case only pattern elements of colors A (yellow) and C (green) have been activated ( 4B ). This results in a changed color impression in the pressure field 120 , The print field appears through the mixture of the yellow and green pattern elements in a light green color.

By activating the pattern elements 110 of the types A and C, for example in strips, white can be formed next to light green stripes. Similarly, other patterns can be created.

In tests according to all the above-mentioned examples of an attempted delamination of the laminate, it turns out that the pressure fields have the same high adhesive strength to the adjacent polymer material as the polymer layers with one another.

In other examples, the first and second examples will be with PET as the material for the colorant layers 100 repeated to be provided polymer layers. The same results, especially for the attempted delamination of the laminate.

In 5 is a method for positioning the energy source for the targeted activation of the pattern elements 110 shown schematically:
5A shows the colorant layer 100 in the form of pattern elements 110 on the surface 310 a PC slide 300 in the coding of their respective colors. In the pressure field 120 There are four pattern element types, yellow (A), red (B), green (C), and blue (D) pattern elements. These pattern elements are in a square arrangement in a printing field 120 arranged systematically: Each two pattern element types A and B or C and D are formed in one of two consecutive arrangement types of the pattern elements. In a first row yellow pattern elements A and red pattern elements B and in a second row green pattern elements C and blue pattern elements D are each arranged alternately to each other. The first and second rows also alternate with each other.

The pattern elements 110 Of course, these colors do not show up before they are activated. For example, the colorant can be incorporated in titanium dioxide particles, so that the pattern elements appear white or gray. In order to achieve a specific activation of certain pattern elements or at least certain pattern element types, occasionally pattern elements are tentatively activated to determine their type. In the example of 5B The yellow pattern element (A) on the top left and the blue pattern element (D) on the bottom right are activated and made visible. From this determination, it is possible to infer the absolute position of all the pattern elements of a respective type from the knowledge of the arrangement of the pattern element types relative to one another, so that a targeted activation of certain pattern elements is possible after this calibration. For it is known that a red pattern element (B) is located to the left and right of a yellow pattern element (A) and a green pattern element (C) below and above a yellow pattern element and a blue pattern element (D) below and above a red pattern element ,

A targeted regional activation of pattern elements 110 a colorant layer 100 , which are in staggered rows on the surface 310 a PC slide 300 are arranged in 6 shown. In this case, yellow pattern elements (A) and red pattern elements (B) are located in a first row, and green pattern elements (C) and red pattern elements (D) are located in an underlying second row offset from the first row. The further rows down represent repetitions of the first and the second row.

Through targeted activation in an upper pressure range 130 of red pattern elements 110 (B) and in a lower pressure range 140 of yellow pattern elements (A) the pressure field appears 120 red at the top and yellow at the bottom. These two stripes represent a pattern 150 which may represent information, such as the encoded value of a patterned document. In the same way, of course, other, in particular more complicated patterns, such as the facial image of a person, by areawise activation of corresponding pattern elements, can be developed. Such a pattern can therefore also be individualizing for a value or security document 600 be and, for example, reproduce the facial image of a person.

The above description of the invention shows that the generation of a pattern can be achieved in a variety of ways: In a first alternative, the pattern is already generated during the transfer of the colorant to the intermediate carrier. In this case, preferably the entire colorant is transferred from the intermediate carrier to the polymer layer and then also preferably fully activated on the polymer layer. In a second alternative, the pattern is formed only by partial transfer of the colorant areas corresponding to the pattern on the intermediate carrier to the polymer layer. In this case, the intermediate carrier is preferably coated over its entire surface with the colorant. The colorant layer formed in the form of the pattern on the polymer layer is then preferably completely activated. In a third alternative, the pattern is first generated by selective activation on the polymer layer. For this purpose, the colorant is first preferably over the entire surface of the intermediate carrier and then also preferably over the entire surface of the intermediate carrier transferred to the polymer layer.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

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Cited non-patent literature

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Claims (11)

Method for producing a security feature ( 160 ) of a value or security product ( 600 ), the security feature ( 160 ) by at least one pattern ( 150 ) and wherein the method comprises the following method steps: (a) providing a colorant-containing intermediate carrier ( 200 ), wherein the colorant in each case contains particles which contain at least one dye and / or at least one pigment, and a binder of a polymer; (b) respectively transferring at least part of the colorant from the intermediate carrier ( 200 ) on a surface ( 310 ) a polymer layer ( 300 ) to form a colorant layer ( 100 ) on the respective polymer layer ( 300 ), wherein the polymer layer ( 300 ) each made of at least one material selected from a group comprising polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate; and (c) local introduction of energy into at least part of the colorant layer ( 100 ) to release the at least one dye and / or the at least one pigment from the particles, so that the pattern ( 150 ) on the respective polymer layer ( 300 ) is formed. Method for producing a security feature ( 160 ) of a value or security product ( 600 ), the security feature ( 160 ) by at least one pattern ( 150 ) and wherein the method comprises the following method steps: (a) providing a colorant-containing intermediate carrier ( 200 ), wherein the colorant contains at least one dye and / or at least one pigment and a binder of a polymer; (b) respectively transferring at least part of the colorant from the intermediate carrier ( 200 ) on a surface ( 310 ) a polymer layer ( 300 ) to form a colorant layer ( 100 ) on the respective polymer layer ( 300 ), wherein the polymer layer ( 300 ) each made of at least one material selected from a group comprising polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate; (c) collating at least one each with the colorant layer ( 100 ) provided polymer layer ( 300 ) and at least one cover layer ( 360 ) to a stack ( 350 ), so that the cover layer ( 360 ) the colorant layer ( 100 ) hides a viewer; (d) bonding the at least one polymer layer ( 300 ) and the at least one cover layer ( 360 ) to a laminate; and (e) locally introducing energy into the laminate so that the pattern is formed ( 150 ) at least a part of the colorant layer ( 100 ) is perceived by the viewer. Method for producing a security feature ( 160 ) of a value or security product ( 600 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the colorant layer ( 100 ) in the form of pattern elements arranged in a grid ( 110 ) is trained. Method for producing a security feature ( 160 ) of a value or security product ( 600 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polycarbonate is formed with diols from a group comprising bis (hydroxyphenyl) methane derivatives. Method for producing a security feature ( 160 ) of a value or security product ( 600 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two types of colorants differing by different dyes and / or pigments are arranged in a regular arrangement on the at least one polymer layer ( 300 ) be transmitted. Method for producing a security feature ( 160 ) of a value or security product ( 600 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the colorant is a printing ink or a printing ink. Method for producing a security feature ( 160 ) of a value or security product ( 600 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the colorant is applied to the intermediate carrier by means of an inkjet printing process ( 200 ) is applied. Method for producing a security feature ( 160 ) of a value or security product ( 600 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the colorant layer ( 100 ) within one of the at least one with the colorant layer ( 100 ) provided polymer layer ( 300 ) and optionally further polymer layers ( 320 . 330 . 340 . 360 ) are formed. Method for producing a security feature ( 160 ) of a value or security product ( 600 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy is introduced locally by means of laser radiation. Method for producing a value or security product ( 600 ) with a pattern ( 150 ), comprising the following method steps: (a) providing an intermediate carrier provided with a colorant ( 200 ), wherein the colorant in each case contains at least one dye and / or at least one pigment-containing particles and a binder of a polymer; (b) respectively transferring at least part of the colorant from the intermediate carrier ( 200 ) on a surface ( 310 ) a polymer layer ( 300 ) to form a colorant layer ( 100 ) on the respective polymer layer ( 300 ), wherein the polymer layer ( 300 ) each made of at least one material selected from a group comprising polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate; (c) gathering the at least one with the colorant layer ( 100 ) provided polymer layer ( 300 ) as well as other polymer layers ( 320 . 330 . 340 . 360 ) to a stack ( 350 ); (d) bonding all polymer layers ( 300 . 320 . 330 . 340 . 360 ) to a laminate; and (e) local introduction of energy into at least part of the colorant layer ( 100 ) to release the at least one dye and / or the at least one pigment from the particles, so that the pattern ( 150 ) on the at least one polymer layer ( 300 ) is formed. Method for producing a value or security product ( 600 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the colorant layer ( 100 ) in the form of pattern elements arranged in a grid ( 110 ) is trained.

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