Multipurpose pigment printing and functional finishing of cellulosic fabrics

Functional fabrics that are economical and environmentally friendly are desired for many applications. Here in, individual inclusion of different additives, such as softeners, polyurethane, polyethylene glycol (PEG-600) and benzophenone in suitable pigment printing formulation were applied to various cellulose containing fabrics, using flat screen and microwave curing methods. The imparted multifunctional and performance finishes to cellulosic fabrics namely ultraviolet (UV) protection, antibacterial, anti-crease, and softening were evaluated. The developed functional properties and the depth of the pigment prints produced are governed by the nature of the substrate, concentration/location/distribution in addition to fixation of the added active compounds and pigment colourants. The surface alteration, morphological modifications, and immobilisation of the certain active components onto the printed substrates have been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis for selected samples.