Investigation of the Effects of Applying Gamma Irradiation as a Pre-treatment to Cotton Printed Fabric

Abstract Gamma rays are ionizing rays that can strip electrons from atoms or molecules as they pass through matter. When gamma rays are used in textiles, the highly reactive free radicals formed after irradiation combine with the surrounding material. Gamma radiation is used to enhance dyeing processes, modify the mechanical properties of textiles, and minimize the environmental impact of production methods. Although there are some studies on the use of gamma radiation in wastewater treatment, dyeing process in the textile industry, its use as a pretreatment method for printing processes represents an important innovation and the primary contribution of this study. In this study, the effect of gamma rays on the color efficiency and strength of cellulosic fabrics especially printed fabrics was investigated. Cotton fabrics were irradiated at varying doses ranging from 0.5 to 150 kGy. The fabrics irradiated at all doses were first dyed. Then, only the fabrics irradiated at doses of 5–40–150 kGy were printed. SEM and FTIR analysis, tensile and tear strength, washing, and rubbing fastness tests were performed on the irradiated samples. Color efficiencies of dyed and printed samples were measured. The fabric’s tensile strength, tear strength, rubbing, and washing fastness changed slightly at the lower doses due to the effect of Co-60 gamma radiation. As the irradiation dose increased, color efficiency was not increased, and the strength was negatively affected. In SEM images, it was observed that radiation-induced surface modifications were made on the surface of the fabrics. The FTIR spectra revealed a rise in the absorbance of hydroxyl groups. These results also show that irradiation causes degradation. It was concluded that there was an increase in color efficiency in samples irradiated at low doses. This increase shows that similar color intensity can be achieved using less dye. This can reduce dye consumption, alleviate the environmental burden, and contributing to a more sustainable production process.