Preparation of an associative thickener for digital printing of nylon carpet
ISSN: 0369-9420
Article publication date: 1 May 2019
Issue publication date: 1 May 2019
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to prepare an associative thickener base on two polyacrylate-based copolymers, which can be used for digital printing of nylon carpet with enhanced performance.
Design/methodology/approach
An associative thickener was prepared by compounding two polyacrylate-based copolymers, cationic starch and polyacrylic acid; and mediated by polyethylene glycol and polyacrylamide crosslinker. The formulation of the associative thickener was optimized by using the orthogonal array testing strategy. The stability of the associative thickener was investigated by measuring effects of temperature, electrolytes, storage time and auxiliaries on viscosity. The associative thickener was compared with a commercial thickener by evaluating their performance in digital printing of nylon carpet.
Findings
The associative thickener provided same color strength and fastness in the printing of nylon carpet as the commercial one, but was more easily washed off for a better hand feeling of the printed carpet.
Practical implications
The prepared associative thickener can be applied for digital printing of nylon carpet.
Originality/value
The associative thickener can be facilely prepared from commercially available chemicals and suitable for digital printing of nylon carpet.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Authors would like to thank the financial support from the Natural Science Foundation of China (51703084) for this work.
Citation
Zhou, C.-E., Niu, H., Zhang, Q., Li, H., Kan, C.W., Sun, C., Du, J. and Xu, C. (2019), "Preparation of an associative thickener for digital printing of nylon carpet", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 48 No. 3, pp. 216-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-08-2018-0090
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited