Environmentally Sound Pigment Printing Using Synthetic Thickening Agents

Abstract

Abstract: The feasibility of pigment printing cellulose-containing fabrics with the possibility of improving product quality without adversely affecting the environment was studied. Factors affecting both the process and product quality such as concentration of cross-linkers, the water-retaining agent, the softening agent, and the catalyst, along with the type of binder, synthetic thickening agent, cross-linking agent, water retaining agent, softener, pigment, and substrate, in addition to the thermofixation temperature, were studied. The results reve-aled that inclusion of reactant resin, dimethylol dihydroxy ethylene urea [(DMDHEU), up to 15 g/kg], catalyst (citric acid, up to 2–5 g/kg), modified polysiloxane (Solousoft® WA 90, up to 20 g/kg), and thermofixation at 160°C, improved the extent of pigment fixation as well as enhancing the softness degree of printed samples, regardless of the substrate used. On the other hand, incorporation of polyethylene glycol (PEG), as a hygroscopic agent, in the printing formulation slightly decreases the depth of shade. The changes in depth of shade of printed samples are governed by the type and nature of the thickening agent, binding agent, cross-linking agent, water-retaining agent, softening agent, and pigment color as well as the textile substrate. However, the type and nature of the aforementioned materials have practically no effect on the fastness properties of the printed samples.