IMAGE TRANSFER PRODUCT INCLUDING A PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL

An image transfer product is provided which includes a phase change material (30) in one or more layers of the product to regulate the temperature of the product during printing operations. The image transfer product may be in the form of a printing blanket (10), printing sleeve (40), electrophotographic/xerographic transfer blanket, image transfer belt (60), or roller (50) which includes a print surface layer (12) and at least one layer underlying the printing surface layer. The phase change material may be included in any of the layers of the image transfer product, but is not present at the upper surface of the print surface layer. The phase change material may be in the form of a powder, fibers, capsules, or combinations thereof.