Ink-jet printing of cationised cotton using reactive inks

Abstract

The ink-jet printing properties of cotton cationised with 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride have been studied. Cyan, magenta, yellow and black reactive inks were used to print untreated and cationised cotton fabrics. The effect of cationic reagent concentration, steaming time, ink (colour) and print resolution were investigated, together with possible differences between the behaviour of the four inks. Colour yields, staining of the white grounds, penetration behaviour, print quality and fastness properties were evaluated.