Development of nano-pigment ink for textile ink-jet printing

The research team led by Professor Fang Kuanjun, a young scientist at Jiangnan University, after more than 4 years of painstaking research, successfully developed a color nanopigment ink that can be used for inkjet printing of textiles and has been put into mass production. Relevant experts pointed out in the appraisal report of the topic a few days ago that this achievement has filled the domestic gap and the overall level has reached the international advanced level. The fixing technology of pigment ink on fibers has reached the international advanced level.

According to reports, textile digital inkjet printing technology is a new type of printing technology integrating information, computer image processing and new materials, and is an extension of office inkjet printing technology in the textile field. This technology is different from the traditional textile printing technology. It does not need to be plate-making, has the same print fineness, and has a small footprint, no environmental pollution, and can achieve single-piece printing apparel production to meet the individual needs of consumers. Due to these unique advantages of digital ink jet printing technology, the technology is hailed as one of the key technologies for achieving the technical revolution in the textile industry in the 21st century, and has attracted the attention of large companies such as DuPont, BASF, and Ciba.

Ink is the main consumable of digital ink jet printing technology. Currently used dye inks have the disadvantages of environmental pollution and complicated processes, which have become major obstacles in promoting digital ink jet printing technology. Under the support of the National “863” Program and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Professor Fang Fangjun’s research group has developed a long-term systemic study of aqueous nanopigment dispersion systems and has successfully developed a high-stability nozzle without clogging and bright color. , Excellent printing performance, particle size of 50-150 nanometer inkjet printing nano-pigment ink. Textile ink-jet printing ink is different from office ink-jet printing ink. The former needs to solve the problem of color fastness of the pigment on the fiber, so that the printed pattern can withstand the processes of washing and rubbing. Therefore, the fixation of pigment ink has become a major technical problem in the development of inkjet printing technology. At present, this technical problem has been solved successfully by Professor Fang's research group. The nanopigment ink they developed can be applied not only to different types of ink jet printers, but also to various types of fiber fabrics such as cotton, silk, and polyester. The resulting pattern achieves a photo effect, the fabric feels soft, and has excellent color fastness.

China is the world's largest textile exporter. Textile production and trade play an important role in China's national economy. The successful development of nano-pigment ink for textile printing has greatly increased the added value of textile products, simplified the production process, low energy consumption, no waste water discharge, truly achieved the clean production of textiles, improved the technological level of the textile industry, and enhanced China's The competitiveness of textiles in the international market and the reduction of international trade frictions have important practical significance and broad application prospects.

Source: China Chemical Network