Properties of novel reactive transfer printing of silk

The novel reactive transfer printing of silk was carried out through a hot-press adhesion and steaming. The special transfer paper was prepared by coating the paste mainly containing hot-melt adhesive high-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (H-HPC) and printing thickener carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The effects of each ingredient in the paste on color yield of the prints and dye penetration were investigated. The major results indicate that, color yield is chiefly governed by the adhesion extent imparted by H-HPC, the type of fixing alkaline agent, and the content of urea. Trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) as the fixing alkaline agent and adding 5% urea can enhance the color depth obviously. Dye penetration depends on the coating quantity on the transfer paper, the contents of urea and dicyandiamide. The printed silk possesses a higher color yield, color fastness of grade 3 or above, clear sharpness, and good handle when the paste contains 3% H-HPC, 0.7% CMC, 3% TCAA, 5% urea, 3% dicyandiamide, and 0.5% physical sorbent nano-silica. Copyright © 2013 Editorial Department of Journal of Donghua University. All rights reserved.