Synthesis of cationic binder through surfactant-free emulsion polymerization for textile pigment applications

The cationic P(DMDAAC-BA-MMA-HEA) copolymer latex was prepared with diallyldimethylammonium chloride, butyl acrylate, methylmethacrylate and hydroxyethyl acrylate as monomers via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. The structures and morphologies of the latex were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The utilization performance of the cationic latex as a binder for pigment dyeing of cotton fabrics was investigated. FT-IR showed that the polymer was prepared successfully. TEM micrograph revealed that the hybrid latex particles were uniform spheres with the diameter ranged from 500 to 600 nm. Cotton fabric dyed with the cationic binder demonstrated 3–4 grade dry and wet rubbing fastness and 4 grade soaping fastness, which were comparable with commercial binders. Moreover, the binder can be used safely in pigment dyeing to give the dyed fabric improved hand feel and excellent elongation at break. It could be said that an efficient way to produce a binder with good performance was developed by the use of cationic emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization.