Effect of chitosan on resist printing of cotton fabrics with reactive dyes

Abstract

The concentration of chitosan, types of resist agent, curing temperature and curing time were varied to determine their effects on resist-printed cotton fabrics. An optimal chitosan concentration of 1.6% resulted in the greatest resist effect on printed cotton fabrics. For mixtures, a 6:4 ratio of citric acid : chitosan and an 8:2 mixture of tartaric acid : chitosan yielded the greatest resist effects. A curing temperature of 150°C for 180 s was optimal.

Key words: Chitosan, resist printing, reactive dyes, cotton fabrics.