A novel study of comparison properties of pigment and reactive dye-printed cotton fabric

Abstract

This novel study emphasizes to compare the properties of 100% cotton fabric printed with pigments and reactive dyes. For this purpose, a bleached cotton fabric was printed in light, medium, and dark shades with pigments and reactive dyes. In terms of fabric comfort properties (stiffness, pilling resistance, crease recovery angle) and tensile strength particularly in deep shades, pigment printing has better results than reactive printing. However, with respect to fabric performance properties (surface friction and tear strength) and rubbing fastness, pigment-printed fabric was found inferior to reactive printed fabric. It was observed that reactive printed fabric exhibits better one way moisture-transmitting capability and overall moisture management capability. Reactive printed fabric exhibits better air permeability as compared to pigment printed fabric. Both reactive and pigment printing have comparable color fastness.

Keywords

• pigment printing
• reactive printing
• cotton fabric
• physical properties