US 12,246,550 B2
Methods for direct thermal recording media based on selective change of state
Mark R. Fisher, Appleton, WI (US)
Assigned to Appvion, LLC, Appleton, WI (US)
Filed by Appvion, LLC, Appleton, WI (US)
Filed on Jun. 27, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/850,661.
Application 17/850,661 is a division of application No. 16/361,471, filed on Mar. 22, 2019, granted, now 11,370,241.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/647,530, filed on Mar. 23, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2022/0332135 A1, Oct. 20, 2022
Int. Cl. B41M 5/36 (2006.01); B41M 5/42 (2006.01)
CPC B41M 5/36 (2013.01) [B41M 5/366 (2013.01); B41M 5/42 (2013.01); B41M 2205/04 (2013.01); B41M 2205/12 (2013.01); B41M 2205/38 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of making a recording medium, comprising:
providing a substrate and a colorant;
forming a thermal insulating layer atop the substrate;
forming a first light-scattering layer atop the thermal insulating layer, the first light-scattering layer being porous and comprising first solid scattering particles having a first melting point; and
as part of forming the first light-scattering layer, or in a separate step of forming a second light-scattering layer, providing a plurality of second solid scattering particles not being chemically reactive, and the second solid scattering particles having a second melting point;
wherein the second melting point is lower than the first melting point such that the recording medium is adapted for dynamic thermal printing wherein the second solid scattering particles, but not the first solid scattering particles, melt at selected print locations, and the second solid scattering particles, when melted, fill spaces between the first solid scattering particles; and
wherein providing the colorant includes providing the colorant in the thermal insulating layer.