Authors: Ahmed G. Hassabo a*, Mai Abd El-Aty b and Hanan A. Othman b
Thickeners are high molecular weight chemicals that give thick pastes in water and are utilized in textile printing. These give the printing paste stickiness and plasticity, allowing it to be applied to a fabric surface without spreading and keep the pattern outlines even under strong pressure. Their primary role is to keep or adhere dye particles in the desired location on the fabric until the dye transfer and fixing are complete. Because the printing paste is applied by squeegee pressure to a roller or a screen, its viscosity must be high enough to avoid quick diffusion or flushing of the colour through the fabric, which would result in the poor print definition. Or mark. Furthermore, the thickener should provide a consistent paste viscosity, allowing for a uniform and controlled flow across the screen. The shade (depth) of the printed cloth changes if the viscosity changes during the run. The viscosity stability must not only be stable at the time the printed fabric is on the machine, but it must also be stable throughout weeks or months of storage. Characteristics of thickeners, a) simplicity and ease of preparation, Detachment from the fabrics surface. c) Low cost and easy to obtain, d) Easy to remove after drying by washing, e) Printing paste distribution is homogeneous, f) suitable for Printing styles and techniques, g) The type of fabric that was used, h)Printing ingredient compatibility and stability, including dyes and auxiliaries, i) Create sharp outlines that dont bleed or spread, j) Good mechanical qualities to keep the dry film from dusting, k) Good colour yield due to good diffusion, l) Absorption of condensed water is good, ensuring that dye and water have enough space. The different kinds of thickeners, The main types of thickeners based on the natural and synthetic polymers used are: (Natural thickeners, Modified natural thickeners, Synthetic thickeners).
