Pigment Dyeing
The pigment can be described as a particulate substrate that is insoluble in water but can still be dispersed in the medium to alter its color and light scattering properties. They can be organic or inorganic color materials. They are not compatible with textile materials. They attach to the textile material using a binding agent to form an invisible coating.
The three-step process of pigment dyeing generally involves three steps such as
1. Cationisation or giving an electric charge to the fabric using a powerful cationic treatment.
Pigment dyeing uses an electrical process that gives the goods dyed an electrical charge opposite the pigment. The opposite electric charges attract each other when the pigment and bath are added. It is similar to two magnets’ north and south poles, because of its electrical nature.
This is a typical recipe to cationized step
- Cationic Iparting Agent
- Wetter
- Acetic acid for pH control
The cationic acid is applied to the fabric using a commercial dyeing machine or batch. The fabric should be rinsed after a time.
2.Pigment fatigue on the fabric
The pigments first get mixed with water. The solution is slowly added to the dyeing machine. The dye bath temperature has gradually increased. The dyeing machine is left at this temperature for approximately 20 minutes. To increase the absorption of pigments, the fabric must be kept at an elevated temperature.
Here’s a standard recipe for this step
- Pigment colorants
- Dispersing agent
3.Binder application is a binder used to fix the pigment colors in an exhaust pigment dyeing process.
Binders are typically acrylic polymers of nonionic and cationic properties. It enhances washability and crock. After the pigment has been exhausted, the binder can be fed into the dyeing machines and left to dry on the fabric. After the dyeing process is complete, acetic acid is added to a bath. The fabric is then rinsed, and the dyeing machines are drained.
The benefits of pigment dyeing
- It can be used in a variety of textiles. For fashion items and special applications, there are some brilliant fluorescent pigments.
- The process of pigment dyeing is also relatively inexpensive.
- The process chemicals are more environmentally friendly, less toxic, and polluting.
- The color fades with repeated use, just like denim.
Pigment Dyeing: Limitations
- Color fade can be a problem if not treated with chemical treatment.
- The abrasion resistance or hand may be insufficient depending on the softener, pigment, and binder used.
- Darker and deeper shades can be achieved with other dyestuffs than pigments.