Enhancing the outline sharpness of crosslinked printed cotton fabrics using ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether

In the current study, to obtain environmentally friendly printed cotton fabrics with a clear contour edge, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) as a crosslinking agent and guar gum as a thickener were used with natural madder dye. The solid content of the thickener was assessed to determine the optimal viscosity of the printing paste. Scanning electron microscopy images and colour depth (K/S) values were used to analyse the surface morphology and printing properties. The pattern outline of the printed cotton fabric was assessed with an optical microscope. Also, the overall fastness properties of the printed fabrics were evaluated. The results showed that when the solid content of guar gum was 2.5%, the viscosity of the printing paste was close to 10 000 mPa.s, which was suitable for printing cotton fabrics. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that most of the printing paste was removed during the washing process, and did not affect the microstructure of the cotton fabric. Compared with direct printed cotton fabrics, the K/S values of mordant and crosslinked printed cotton fabrics increased by 3.12 and 4.01, respectively. In the optical microscopy photographs, the mordant and crosslinked printed cotton fabrics displayed a clear outline sharpness of the printed pattern, and excellent printed products were obtained. The colour fastness to washing, rubbing and light of the crosslinked printed cotton fabric were significantly improved, reaching levels of 4-5.     

Properties of ink‐jet printed,ultraviolet‐cured pigment prints in comparison with screen‐printed,thermo‐cured pigment prints

A collection of printed fabrics for men’s shirts was designed and prepared using computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing technology. The colours for designs were ink‐jet printed on cotton fabrics with pigments and ultraviolet‐cured. These prints represented the target colours for subsequent flat‐screen printing, which was performed using pigment printing pastes and thermal curing. For an exact transfer of colours of the ink‐jet‐printed standard into the screen‐printing process, a computer recipe prediction method was used. A comparison of colorimetric parameters of fabrics printed with both printing techniques shows minimal and acceptable differences in the CIELab colour values. A comparison of colour fastness properties proves that very good colour fastness is achieved on the pigment‐printed fabrics produced with both printing techniques. The flat‐screen‐printed fabrics show better colour fastness to washing, perspiration and rubbing, while ink‐jet‐printed fabrics show better colour fastness to dry‐cleaning and light. The fabrics printed with both printing techniques have high rigidity and non‐elastic properties. The mechanical and physical parameters are strongly dependent upon the amount of the dry substance of the printing media applied on the cotton fabric surface, which is higher on screen‐printed fabrics. The ink‐jet‐printed fabrics show better air permeability than flat‐screen‐printed fabrics.     

The study of colour fastness of commercial microencapsulated photoresponsive dye applied on cotton,cotton/polyester and polyester fabric using a pad‐dry‐cure process

Commercial microencapsulated photoresponsive dye was applied on cotton, polyester/cotton and polyester fabric using a pad‐dry‐cure process. Colour fastness of the photoresponsive fabrics to washing, wet cleaning, dry cleaning, rubbing and light was investigated. The CIELAB colour values of the fabrics before and after testing were measured using a reflectance spectrophotometer, and the colour differences were calculated to evaluate the fastness properties. The fabrics had better colour fastness to wet cleaning and washing than to dry cleaning. The fabrics showed higher colour fastness to wet than to dry rubbing. The photoresponsiveness of the fabrics decreased with prolonged exposure time to artificial light due to low photostability of the microcapsules.     

Pigment color printing on cotton and polyester fabrics with electron beam irradiation curable formulations

Accelerated electrons delivered by electron beam accelerator were used to fix pigment colors, incorporated in curable formulation containing diluting monomer and an oligomer, to cotton and polyester fabrics. Tetrahydrofurfurfryl acrylate monomer and trifunctional urethane‐methacrylate (TFUMA) oligomer were used as curable base besides ethylene glycol. The fabrics were printed with these formulations and exposed to various doses of electron beam irradiation generated from the 1.5 MeV (25 kW) electron beam accelerator machine. The irradiation dose, formulation composition, and pigment color concentration were studied. The roughness and color fastness to rubbing, washing, and perspiration of the printed fabrics by electron beam irradiation, were compared to the same fabrics printed by conventional pigment printing pastes. The results showed that cotton and polyester fabrics printed with the pigment colors by electron beam irradiation displayed higher color strength than those fabrics printed by the conventional thermal curing at equal pigment color ratios depending on the kind of pigment color. The durability properties, in term of roughness, rubbing, washing, and perspiration of fabrics printed by electron beam irradiation are better than those printed by conventional thermal curing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Sol-gel synthesis and characterizations of organically modified silica coatings on knitted cellulose for fixation applications

In order to improve the fixation properties, a novel organically modified silica coating (OMSC) was deposited on knitted cellulose fabric printed with pigment based ink. The organically modified silica sol (OMSS) was prepared by adding tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), ethanol, H₂O and HCl. The color fastnesses of knitted fabrics treated with the OMSS were improved significantly. The coating treatment with OMSS (concentration 4-8 wt%) was beneficial to the washing fastness, and the fade rate of washing was reduced more than 50%. The dry and wet rubbing fastnesses were enhanced one or more grades. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs of knitted cellulose fabrics indicated that continuous OMSCs were formed on the fiber surface, which contributed to the washing and rubbing fastnesses. The bending properties of fabric demonstrated that the fixing treatment had slight effect on the handle. These results suggest fixation with OMSS is an effective pathway to improve the color fastness of knitted cellulose fabrics.     

Effects of atmospheric plasma treatment on the dyeability of cotton fabrics by acid dyes

Cotton fabrics were treated with air and argon atmospheric plasma for surface activation. Activated surfaces were grafted with two different amine compounds: ethylenediamine and triethylenetetramine. Pretreated cotton was dyed with acid dye and the effects of pretreatment on the colour strength, as well as the washing, rubbing and the light fastness of the dyeings, were investigated. Colour yield results showed that grafted ethylenediamine and triethylenetetramine enhance the dyeability of cotton fabric with acid dyes. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the formed groups on the surface and scanning electron microscopy showed the etching effect of plasma.     

Pretreatment of cotton fabrics with polyamino carboxylic acids for salt‐free dyeing of cotton with reactive dyes

In this study, polyamino carboxylic acids have been used to improve the dyeability of cotton in a salt‐free reactive dyeing process. These polyamino carboxylic acids were prepared by partial carboxylation of polyvinylamine. Cotton fabric was pretreated with polyamino carboxylic acids and dyed with reactive dyes. The colour strengths of the dyed fabrics were evaluated by measuring the K/S values. The fastness properties (washing, rubbing and light fastness) of the dyed cotton fabrics were also measured. The pretreatment of cotton with polyamino carboxylic acids creates positive charges on the fabric surface. In this way, salt‐free reactive dyeing of cotton or dyeing with only a small amount of electrolyte is possible.     

Dyeing properties of textiles by Turkish hazelnut (Corylus colurna): leaves,coat, shell and dice

Turkey has a great number of hazelnut trees that possess nutritious components. However, only the inside part of the hazelnut is used as a nutrient, while the rest of it is waste. This study suggests that the waste parts of the Turkish hazelnut could be used as a natural dye for dyeing textile fabrics. The dyeing properties of the leaves, coat, shell and dice of the hazelnut were studied on wool, cotton and viscose fabric by using three different mordants: copper sulphate, iron sulphate and aluminium sulphate. The selected dyed fibre sample surfaces were observed using a scanning electron microscope. The colour strength (K/S), light, washing, rubbing, and perspiration fastness levels of the dyed fabrics were investigated. The experimental natural dyeing results indicate that waste hazelnut‐based products can be used as a natural dye for textile coloration.     

Electrostatic self‐assembly dyeing of cotton fabrics

A new approach to the dyeing of cotton fabrics using an electrostatic self‐assembly method was evaluated. Cotton fabrics were pretreated with 2,3‐epoxypropyltrimethylammonuium chloride and cationic charges were produced on the fabric surfaces. For the dyeing of cotton fabric, reactive and acid dyes were used. Oppositely charged anionic reactive/acid dyes and cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) were alternately deposited on the surface of cationised cotton fabrics. Ten multilayer films of dye/poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) were deposited on the cotton fabric surfaces using a padder. The build‐up of the multilayer films and the level of colour strength (K/S) achieved are discussed. Samples of cotton fabrics were also dyed with the same dyes, but using the exhaust method, and both types of dyed samples were compared. The washing, rubbing and light fastness properties were evaluated for the dyed fabrics.     

Single‐phase ink‐jet printing onto cotton fabric

The current commercial application of ink‐jet reactive inks to cotton fabrics requires pretreating with pad liquor containing a thickener, urea and alkali prior to printing. In this study, attempts have been made to develop a reactive ink‐jet print in a single‐phase process by adding an organic salt to the ink formulation and hence removing the need to pretreat fabrics. This approach utilises inks containing both a reactive dye, in this case Procion Red H‐E3B, and an organic salt such as sodium formate, sodium acetate, sodium propionate or tri‐sodium citrate. The behaviour of a novel reactive ink formulation for ink‐jet printing on to cotton fabric was evaluated at different pH vlaues. The results at optimum pH indicated that printed non‐pretreated fabrics with ink containing organic salts exhibited a higher level of reactive dye fixation than printed pretreated fabric containing no organic salt ink. The yielded prints demonstrate excellent colour fastness to washing and dry/wet crocking properties. The light fastness of the printed fabrics was improved by adding an organic salt to the ink formulation.     

Diffuse reflectance behavior of the printed cotton/nylon blend fabrics treated with zirconium and cerium dioxide and citric acid in near- and short-wave IR radiation spectral ranges

Near- and short-wave IR emission spectra of printed cotton/nylon blend fabrics coated with inorganic compounds in order to tune their diffuse reflectance behavior to the ones with woodland and desert backgrounds are investigated. In this regard, cotton/nylon blend fabrics printed with a four-color digital pattern were used as the substrate, and different concentrations of zirconium and cerium dioxide (ZrO₂ and CeO₂) with and without citric acid as a cross-linker were loaded on these fabrics using the pad-dry-cure method. The diffuse reflectance of the coated fabrics with various concentrations of nanoparticles and a cross-linker was first measured by near-infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Then, fabrics with an optimum concentration of nanoparticles and appropriate reflectivity profiles similar to woodland and desert were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), washing, and rubbing fastness properties. In general, NIR and short-wave infrared (SWIR) reflectance of fabrics coated with ZrO₂ and CeO₂ nanoparticles in range of 1% to 1.5% (w/v [%]) was suitable for matching with different environments. According to the findings obtained from the durability test, it was concluded that the washing fastness of the treated fabrics with CeO₂ nanoparticles was excellent in both environments. FE-SEM images of the treated fabrics containing ZrO₂ and CeO₂ indicated that the presence of nanoparticles on the surface of fabrics in woodland patterns was greater than the desert ones. However, the coated fabrics with CeO₂ and citric acid in the woodland pattern have shown better dispersion with a mean particle size of 30 to 60 nm.     

Synthesis of an amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer and its application in reactive dyeing on cotton as a salt-free dyeing auxiliary

A water-soluble amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer was synthesised from methyl acrylate and diethylene triamine by melt polycondensation. Its molecular weight and possible structure were characterised by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The zeta potential of cotton fabrics treated with the aqueous solution of the amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer (6 g dm⁻³) in the presence of citric acid (2 g dm⁻³) and sodium hypophosphite (3 g dm⁻³) of the liquid phase is positive at pHs lower than 7.5. Dyed with reactive dyes, the treated cotton fabric displayed a markedly enhanced colour strength, even when dyeing had been carried out in the absence of the electrolyte. The washing fastness, rubbing fastness and levelling properties of the dyed, treated cotton fabrics were also good compared with that obtained by conventional dyeing. The dyeing behaviour of Reactive Brilliant Yellow A-4GLN on treated cotton fabric was examined and found to follow a Langmuir-type adsorption curve. It is concluded that the amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer can be used as a salt-free auxiliary in reactive dyeing on cotton.     

Properties of differently printed and easy‐care finished linen fabrics

Linen fabrics were printed with reactive dyes, vat dyes and pigments. The prints were cured and after‐treated using conventional processes. Printed and unprinted fabrics were finished with low‐formaldehyde resin in a pad–dry–cure process. The mechanical properties (i.e. mass per unit area, flexural rigidity, tenacity at maximum load, wrinkle recovery angles and air permeability) with characteristics of printed and easy‐care finished fabrics were measured and the mutual influence of printing and finishing on these properties was discussed. Moreover, the colour difference between the finished and unfinished printed samples was measured, and the colour fastness to washing, appearance of fabrics after domestic washing, colour fastness to rubbing and light was compared.     

Preparation of core–shell latex for the pigmented ink of textile inkjet printing

A core–shell latex comprising poly(butyl acrylate) as core and poly(styrene‐methyl methacrylate) as shell was synthesized by emulsion polymerization using allyloxy nonylphenoxy propanol polyoxyethylene ether ammonium sulfonate (ANPS) as emulsifier. Transmission electron microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, and thermogravimetric analyses suggested the prepared latex had a core–shell structure. The particle size of the core–shell latex was about 102.8 nm with a molar ratio of butylacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and styrene at 6 : 2 : 2, a mass ratio of ANPS and monomers, ammonium persulfate and monomers at 15% and 1.0%, respectively. The core–shell latex showed high centrifugal stability and excellent freeze‐thaw stability. The clogging nozzle rate of the pigmented ink containing 20 wt % core–shell latex was small, whereas the printed fabrics with this pigmented ink exhibited high rub and washing fastness. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Investigation into the sequential application of cationic/anionic fixing agents to improve the oxidative washing resistance of CI Leuco Sulphur Black 1‐dyed cotton fabric

Sulphur‐dyed cellulosic textiles are susceptible to washing powders containing activated peracid formulations resulting in obvious fading during repeated laundering. This study presents a novel one‐bath/two‐stage exhaust finishing process to improve the oxidative wash fastness of CI Leuco Sulphur Black 1‐dyed cotton fabric. The effect of the combined Tinofix ECO and Bayprotect Cl after‐treatment was to impart better colour fastness to oxidative International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 105 CO9 washing of the dyed cotton compared with those dyed fabrics after‐treated with Tinofix ECO alone. In addition, while the dyed fabrics rub and light fastness performances were unchanged by the after‐treatments, some improvement in the tensile strength of the combined Tinofix ECO and Bayprotect Cl after‐treated fabrics was observed.     

Cotton fabric dyeing with cochineal extract: influence of mordant concentration

Dyeing with cochineal extract has been carried out in Mexico since pre‐Hispanic times as a handcraft process. However, this has limited its application on fabrics other than wool. An experiment was designed to study the influence of mordant concentration on colour behaviour in cotton fabric dyed with cochineal extract at the laboratory. At the same time, colour fastness was determined by applying six fastness tests to define the quality of the dyed fabric. It was concluded that, when there was a larger concentration of metallic ions in the mordant, colour fixation in the fabric was better, as there was less lightness in the red hue of the fabric. In addition, the more hydrogen ions present because of acids, the more intense the red hue. A decreasing trend in the colour fastness tests was observed: dry rubbing > artificial light > acids > alkalis > domestic washing > hot water.     

Investigation into the effect of a plant‐derived stabiliser on the light and wash fastness of sulphur‐dyed cotton and nylon fabrics

In this study, cotton fabric and nylon fabric were dyed with a range of commercial sulphur dyes and the light and wash fastness of the coloured fabrics was investigated. The effect of after‐treating the coloured cotton and nylon fabrics with a tannin‐based commercial product, Bayprotect Cl, in the presence or absence of sodium sulphate in the treatment bath, was found to significantly improve the light fastness of the sulphur‐dyed cotton, and the photoprotective effect was partially stable to ISO 105‐C06 washing. In addition, the tannin‐based after‐treatment also improved the colour stability of the dyed fabrics to the perborate‐based ISO 105‐C06 washing. The possible mechanisms for the improved fastness properties are also discussed. The application of sulphur dyes to nylon is potentially commercially useful but has been limited because of the reported poor light fastness of the dyeings. The photoprotective effect of the tannin‐based after‐treatment was investigated with a view to providing the necessary commercial performance. However, it was established that on this fibre, the light fastness improvement was marginal, and the associated wash fastness to oxidative bleach‐based ISO 105‐C06 washing was limited.     

Development of flame retardancy properties of new halogen‐free phosphorous doped SiO2 thin films on fabrics

In this study, flame retardancy properties of fabrics treated with phosphorous (P) doped and undoped SiO₂ thin films were developed by sol–gel technique. As to this aim, P‐doped and undoped SiO₂ film were coated on cotton fabric from the solutions prepared from P, Si‐based precursors, solvent, and chelating agent at low temperature in air using sol–gel technique. To determine solution characteristics, which affect thin film structure, turbidity, pH values, and rheological properties of the prepared solutions were measured using a turbidimeter, a pH meter, and a rheometer machines before coating process. The thermal, structural, and microstructural characterization of the coating were done using differential thermal analysis/thermograviometry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, tensile strength, wash fastness, flame retandancy, and lightness properties of the coated fabrics were determined. To compensate the slight loss of tensile strength of samples, which occurred at the treated fabrics with P‐doped Si‐based solutions, the cotton fabrics were coated with polyurethane films during second step. In conclusion, the flame retardant cotton fabric with durability of washing as halogen‐free without requiring after treatment with formaldehyde was fabricated using sol–gel processing for the first time. Moreover the cotton fabrics, which were treated with P‐doped Si‐based solutions and then coated with polyurethane at second step, still has got nonflammable property. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Comfort and reflectance properties of viscose/polyester blend fabric printed by vat/disperse dyes in visible/near-infrared region

In this study, a viscose/polyester fabric was printed by disperse and vat dyes to match the reflectance characteristics of the NATO black and green hues with forest environment in the visible/near-infrared (Vis-NIR) reflection spectrum. The black and activated carbon nanoparticles were also added to the printing paste to match the reflectance of hues. Color components and Vis-NIR reflective behavior of printed fabrics were measured by reflection spectrophotometer. The rubbing, washing and light fastness, water absorption time, air permeability, bending length, and crease recovery angle of printed fabrics were also studied. Additionally, the strength properties of samples were measured. The reflectance behavior of the samples showed that the use of the black and activated carbon nanoparticles results in diminution of the Vis-NIR reflection. The strength, air permeability, and bending length of printed fabrics have decreased, while the angle of crease recovery and the time of water droplet absorption have increased. The rubbing, washing, and light stabilities of printed samples were also measured as appropriate.     

Preparation of fluorescent pigment latex and its application on binder‐free printing of cotton fabrics

The recognized disadvantages of pigment printing are the stiff hand feel owing to the large particle size of the binder and pigments and the crosslinked binder introducing rigidity. In the current study, fluorescent pigment latex (FPL) was prepared via mini‐emulsion polymerization and further applied on cotton fabric printing in the absence of binder. The mini‐emulsions were prepared by dispersing the fluorescein in the monomers methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) with DNS‐86 as emulsifier, hexadecane as co‐emulsifier, and ammonium persulfate as initiator. The Fourier‐transform infrared‐attenuated total refraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis showed that the fluorescein was successfully encapsulated into P(MMA‐co‐BA) and the polymer content was 91.22%. The surface morphology study revealed that compact and smooth film was formed onto the surface of FPL printings, which resulted in better hand feel and rubbing fastness as compared to the conventional printings with a large amount of binder. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45826.