EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT FINISHING AGENTS ON COLOR STRENGTH VALUES OF SUBLIMATION TRANSFER PRINTING OF COTTON FABRICS

Sublimation transfer printing is based on printing the disperse dyestuff onto the transfer paper and contacting the printed transfer paper with the fabric under temperature and pressure. The dispersed dyestuff in the transfer paper is transferred to the fabric by passing from the solid phase to the gas phase with temperature. Sublimation transfer printing has some advantages such as low investment cost compared to conventional printing machines, less space requirement, etc. However, sublimation transfer printing is only suitable for synthetic fibers, especially polyester fibers. This limits the use of this type of printing. In recent years, research on the possibilities of using sublimation transfer printing in the printing of natural fibers has been increasing. The present work investigated silicone agents for the sublimation transfer printing of cotton in terms of color and fastness properties. The process variables were also investigated, such as printing temperature and time. In this study, hydrophobic macrosilicone, hydrophobic microsilicone, hydrophilic macro silicon, hydrophilic microsilicone, dimethylol dihydroxy ethylene urea, and fluorocarbon were used. Two concentrations of finishing agents were applied (30 g/l before printing and 15 g/l before printing + 15 g/l after printing). Three different printing times (30 sec., 50 sec. and 90 sec.) and temperatures (180oC, 200oC and 220oC) were also applied. Color strength values of printed fabrics were investigated.