Printing of Cotton Fabric with Reactive Dye using Eco-Friendly Natural Thickener

The primary objective of this research was to investigate the use of a thickening agent derived from a protein-based product and mixed with sodium alginate. Additionally, the study aimed to compare this combination with fabric printed using sodium alginate alone. Using native starch-based thickeners in various industrial applications presents significant challenges, such as low water solubility and difficulties in crosslinking with reactive colors due to the high concentration of hydroxyl groups on the molecules. The print paste was prepared with SA/GT at five different mixing ratios to evaluate the impact of these ratios on the viscosity of the printing paste and the physical qualities, color strength, and fastness properties of the printed cotton fabric. The research findings indicated an enhancement in the color strength and color fastness properties of the printed cotton fabric. However, some physical properties exhibited a slight deterioration as the gelatin content in the thickener mixture increased. Encouraging outcomes were observed when sodium alginate and a gelatin-based thickener were combined in a 50:50 ratio.