Pigment Printing

Question 1

What are the 3 types of inorganic pigments?

Answer 1

• white: titanium dioxide
• black: carbon black
• coloured pigment- iron oxides

Question 2

What are 3 properties of pigments?

Answer 2

• insoluble
• dispersed into medium as fine particles
• may be supplied as powders

Question 3

What are organic pigments?

Answer 3

• most important pigments for textiles

- full range of bright colours

Question 4

What is a binder?

Answer 4

-a binder is polymers which trap the pigment particles

Question 5

Name 5 advantages of pigments as colourants.

Answer 5

• a full range of colours
• non toxic, so fairly environmentally acceptable
• inexpensive
• simple process
• no need for substantial wash off

Question 6

Name 3 disadvantages of pigment printing-

Answer 6

• the need for binder, which can cause a harsh handle
• some problems with fastness to abrasion and cleaning
• difficulties obtaining very dark shades

Question 7

What are the 6 ingredients of pigment paste

Answer 7

1. Pigment (powder or liquid)
2. water
3. binder
4. cross linking agent
5. softner
6. thickener

Question 8

Describe the fixation process

Answer 8

• uses dry heat
• this causes water to evaporate, the polymer particles to come together and create a film
• polymer cross-links

Question 9

Name 3 desirable binder properties

Answer 9

• good adhesion to fabric
• resistance to colour change and ageing
• goof film cohesion

Question 10

What are the 2 types of thickener systems for pigment printing?

Answer 10

• emulsions

- emulsifiers

Question 11

What are emulsions?

Answer 11

-tiny drops of white spirit dispersed in water

Question 12

Why are emulsions rarely used?

Answer 12

Phased out of industry bc air pollution due to white spirit evaporation

Question 13

What are emulsion systems?

Answer 13

• more environmentally friendly

- polymers become part of the film which stays on the fabric, reducing wash off

Question 14

Name 3 specialty pigments

Answer 14

• fluorescent
• metallic
• pearlescent