This paper is a study of the thickeners used in two-phase vat dye textile printing. Throughout this complex process, the thickener dispersion undergoes several transformations, especially spreading on the textile material, drying, and coagulation. Empirical knowledge prescribes several requirements in terms of viscosity but also concerning the dried thickener. But, a better understanding of the phenomena is necessary to determine the origin of possible failure if the basic recipe is modified. Three different thickeners are considered: guaranate, alginate, and modified starch, as well as a combination of these three polymers. Their rheological properties are characterized in both permanent and oscillatory shear flow. Use of a mixture of polymers instead of a simple one avoids undesirable effects of thixotropy, yield stress, and elasticity, for a given value of the viscosity.
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research.
2010.
Thickeners in Vat Dye Textile Printing: Rheology and Morphology
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