Eco-Friendly Tamarind Kernel Thickener for Printing of Polyester Using Disperse Dyes

Abstract

Printing is a form of dyeing in which colors are applied to specified regions instead of the entire fabric. To restrict the coloring matter to the design area, the dyes and other auxiliaries are pasted with a natural or synthetic thickening agent. Finding alternatives to the used thickeners has gained importance lately due to the several limitations associated with toxicity, availability, and cost of the currently used thickeners. Tamarind kernel powder has the potential to be explored as a textile thickener whilst providing economic benefits. Tamarind kernel, derived from the seeds of Tamarindus indica Linn., is a byproduct of the tamarind fruit and pulp industry. It is a low cost, non toxic, biodegradable, cold water soluble thickener. In the present study, an effort has been made to explore the suitability of tamarind kernel thickener for printing of polyester using disperse dyes. On the basis of the qualitative and quantitative analysis, 25 % concentration of tamarind kernel powder, steaming temperature of 130 °C for 30 min with carrier was optimized as printing conditions. The samples printed using the given conditions exhibited brighter and sharper lines with uniformity of color. No change in whiteness of the ground and handle of the fabric was seen. Haloing and flushing was observed in samples printed with lower concentrations (5-15 %) of tamarind kernel thickener. Color value (K/S) of the samples was increased with increase in steaming time and temperature indicating better fixation of dye at high temperatures. All the printed samples irrespective of the varying thickener concentration, steaming time and temperature gave excellent fastness to washing and rubbing.