(Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres, 2010) Faheem Uddin; Lomas, Mike
The easy-care finishing of cotton cross-links adjacent molecular chains in a cellulose structure,
whereby the wettability of finished cotton fabric is significantly reduced or becomes
unwettable. The pigment printing of easy-care finished cotton fabric was investigated. The
residual catalyst content on the fibre surface and the cross-linked molecular structure both
influence fabric wettability. The finished cotton fabric would become unwettable following
after-wash treatment, resulting in the reduced absorption of the pigment paste in fibres.
The type of catalyst used in easy-care finishing has a direct influence on pigment printing;
generally, it enhances the fabric wettability of finished fabric that has received wash-off
treatment. The catalyst content on the surface of fibres also affects the colour strength
(K/S value) and lateral spreading of aqueous print paste on the finished fabric.