A novel active ester ether resin, consisting of p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and a mixed-phenol novolac resin, was produced by the addition of ethyl vinyl ether to a carbonyl novolac resin. This study investigated the conditions of its synthesis and characterized its structure using infrared and 1 H NMR spectroscopies, and gel-permeation chromatography. Its solubility in alkaline solution differed greatly before and after decomposition. The results of thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the formation of an active ester ether resin of p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and novolac resin. The resin had acidolysis activity at room temperature and pyrolysis activity at high temperatures (140-200°C) and could be used in the imaging layer of a positive thermal plate for computer-to-plate processes as an inhibitor/accelerator to improve its alcohol resistance, alkali resistance, sensitivity, lattice point reducibility, and developing tolerance.
