Synthesis of a low‐temperature self‐crosslinking polyacrylate binder with a core‐shell structure and its application in textile pigment printing

Abstract

A core‐shell acrylate binder for pigment printing containing acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate ( AAEM ) in its shell was synthesised via semicontinuous seeded emulsion polymerisation. Self‐crosslinking occurs when curing at low temperatures without releasing formaldehyde. The core‐shell structure of the binder produces prints with a high block resistance and good film‐forming properties, which can avoid clogging the screens during the printing process and help to acquire a soft handle for textiles. Transmission electron microscopy ( TEM ) analysis demonstrated that the latex particle had a core‐shell structure of size ca . 120 nm. Differential scanning calorimetry ( DSC ) testing showed that polyacrylate ( PA )‐modified AAEM exhibited two apparent T g , providing further information about the formation of the soft core‐hard shell latex particles. Crosslinking degree tests, thermogravimetric analysis ( TGA ) and testing of the mechanical properties indicated that self‐crosslinking of AAEM took place at 100 °C, thereby enhancing the thermostability and mechanical properties of the latex films. The softer and non‐stick handle, excellent rubbing fastness, and higher K/S were obtained by further padding the printed fabric with amino silicon softener. The chemical structures of the surfaces of the printed fabrics were studied by Fourier Transform‐infrared ( FTIR ), and results confirmed that the crosslinking reaction between the amino of the softener and remaining acetoacetoxy functional group (AcAc) of AAEM had taken place.