Systems and methods for garment printing pretreatment

Abstract

To provide systems and methods for garment printing pretreatment.SOLUTION: At least one fabric has a first surface and a second surface opposite to it, and a treatment composition is applied to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The treatment composition includes high-density polyethylene, a first primer and filler, hydrophobic silicon, and filtered water. In some instances, the treatment composition also includes citric acid, and the filtered water is provided substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 632,722, filed April 11, 2024, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR GARMENT PRINTING PRETREATMENT," currently pending, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for pre-treating garments, and more particularly, to systems and methods for pre-treating garments that use a pre-treatment formulation to prepare garments for fabric printing. [Background technology]

[0002] Current printing technologies, such as screen printing, digital printing, and direct-to-garment printing, are used to apply a variety of designs, including images, photographs, text, logos, and other graphics, to fabrics and cloth. The printed fabrics can then be used to make garments such as shirts, pants, bras, underwear, and other non-garment items or accessories. Fabric printing can also be used on various types of fabrics, such as jersey and fleece fabrics. Screen printing utilizes a stenciling screen placed over the garment, and ink is forced through the open spaces in the screen onto the wet, exposed portions of the garment. Additional colors can be applied one at a time, using a new, separate screen for each color. Other fabric printing techniques (e.g., digital printing and direct-to-garment printing) utilize computers, software, and inkjet printers to print images directly onto fabric or cloth. For example, pretreatment formulations for fabrics and garments containing binders and / or solidifying media have been utilized to improve the vibrancy of inks applied to garments. However, current pretreatment formulations leave garments feeling stiff, impart an unpleasant residual odor to garments, are expensive to manufacture, and / or require a multi-step application process. Furthermore, current pretreatment methods require the pretreatment to be applied manually by the garment printer, thereby increasing the overall cost of garments made using the current pretreatment methods. Invariably, many post-printing processes do not adequately fix the dye into the fibers of the fabric, and therefore may require additional washing and drying steps to remove unfixed dye from the fabric. Furthermore, standard pre-treatment methods can result in a lack of vibrancy and / or detergent resistance in the printed fabric image, leading to fading of the printed image over time after consumer washing. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system and method for substantially increasing the vibrancy and durability of printed fabric images. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a treated fabric is provided having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a pretreatment composition is applied to the first surface of the fabric. The pretreatment composition is designed to improve at least one color attribute of an ink applied (e.g., via printing) to the first surface of the fabric. The pretreatment composition includes polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, a hydrophobic silicone, and filtered water. In some cases, the pretreatment composition is applied to a first surface and a second surface of the fabric. In certain instances, the polyethylene is high density polyethylene and the pretreatment composition comprises a concentration of at least about 0.5% by volume of the high density polyethylene relative to the total pretreatment composition. In some cases, the pretreatment composition includes a digital primer and a filler in a concentration of at least about 50% by volume of the total pretreatment composition. In certain instances, the pretreatment composition includes a hydrophobic silicone at a concentration of at least about 3% by volume of the total pretreatment composition.

[0004] In some cases, the filtrate of the pretreatment composition is substantially free of chlorine. In certain instances, the fabric is provided in the form of a garment selected from the group consisting of sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, dresses, pants, sweaters, shorts, gowns, tunics, cardigans, overalls, swimwear, quarter zips, trousers, skirts, suits, sportswear, jackets, coats, scarves, tank tops, hats, gloves, corsets, underwear, socks, and bras. In some cases, the pretreatment composition consists of polyethylene provided in the form of high density polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, a hydrophobic silicone, and filtered water. In certain instances, the fabric is treated with a biopolish composition, the biopolish composition comprising at least one dye assistant, at least one acid, and cellulase. In some cases, an ink-based graphic is printed on the first surface of the fabric, and application of the pretreatment composition increases the vibrancy of the fabric by at least about 50%.

[0005] In some embodiments, the garment comprises a fabric provided in the form of a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a pretreatment formulation. The pretreatment formulation is applied to the first surface and comprises high-density polyethylene provided at a first concentration of at least about 0.5% to about 4% by volume relative to the total pretreatment formulation. The pretreatment formulation also comprises a first digital primer and a filler provided at a second concentration of at least about 50% to about 70% by volume relative to the total pretreatment formulation. The pretreatment formulation further comprises a hydrophobic silicone provided at a third concentration of at least about 3% to about 9% by volume relative to the total pretreatment formulation. The remaining volume of the pretreatment formulation comprises filtered water. In some cases, the fabric is a white fabric. In other cases, the fabric is a colored fabric. In some cases, at least one surface of the garment is not treated with the pre-treatment formulation. In certain instances, the pretreatment formulation is designed to impart a softer hand to the fabric. In some cases, the filtered water is substantially devoid of added chlorine. In certain instances, the pretreatment formulation further includes a second digital primer and a filler provided in a fourth concentration of at least about 3% to about 8% by volume of the total pretreatment formulation.

[0006] In some embodiments, a method for applying a pretreatment formulation to a fabric includes feeding the fabric into a tensioning system. The fabric includes a first surface and a second surface. The method also includes transferring the fabric to a first reservoir containing filtered water, removing excess liquid from the fabric, and applying the pretreatment formulation to the fabric to produce a pretreated fabric. The wet pick-up % of the pretreatment formulation on each of the first and second surfaces of the fabric is at least about 10%. The method further includes transporting the pretreated fabric to a dryer and drying the pretreated fabric in the dryer to produce a dried pretreated fabric. In some such cases, the pretreatment formulation is designed to improve the efficiency of applying ink to the fabric. In some cases, the pretreatment formulation includes high density polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, and a hydrophobic silicone. In some cases, the pretreatment formulation is applied to the fabric via a one-step bath application method, and the fabric is transferred to a second reservoir containing the pretreatment formulation to produce a pretreated fabric. In some cases, the pretreated fabric has a residual moisture content of less than about 4% by weight of the total fabric after drying. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a garment including an ink-printed surface. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a process for applying a pre-treatment formulation to garments prior to printing. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a treated fabric layer. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bath processing system used to apply a pretreatment formulation to fabric. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drying system for fabrics treated with a pretreatment formulation. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method of applying a pretreatment formulation to a fabric. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method for subjecting fabric to an enzymatic biopolishing pretreatment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Before every embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of elements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is intended to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," and variations thereof, are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, supporting, and coupling. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. The following discussion is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description should be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and are within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] The technology herein provides systems and methods for pre-treatment of garment printing. For example, a fabric including at least one type of fabric may be provided. The at least one type of fabric may include a first surface and an opposite second surface. A pre-treatment composition or formulation may be applied to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. After the pre-treatment formulation is applied, ink may be applied to the fabric using a printing process to produce an ink-printed garment. The pre-treatment formulation may be used to produce improved garments or fabrics by imparting to the garment or fabric colorfastness, enhanced visual brightness of the ink-printed surface, enhanced contrast between ink-printed colors, softer hand, and / or improved durability of the ink-printed surface during washing.

[0010] As described herein, pretreatment is understood to mean any treatment in which a composition or formulation is applied to a garment before applying ink to the surface of the garment (e.g., before "printing"). The pretreatment formulations (also referred to as pretreatment compositions) described herein can be configured to help the ink bind to fibers in the fabric, control the distribution of ink droplets on the fabric, maximize the color saturation or vibrancy of the ink applied to the fabric, and / or facilitate ink absorption during the printing process. Thus, fabrics can be pretreated prior to direct printing on garments to improve printing efficiency, fabric smoothness, and vibrancy of the ink-printed surface compared to untreated fabrics. Thus, pretreatment formulations can provide improved color attributes on the ink-printed surface, even using the same or less ink than other methods.

[0011] In some cases, the pretreatment composition may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of high-density polyethylene, digital primer and filler, hydrophobic silicone, and water. In other cases, the pretreatment composition may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of high-density polyethylene, digital primer and filler, hydrophobic silicone, citric acid, and water. The water in the pretreatment composition may be provided as filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the filtered water may be substantially or completely devoid of chlorine. In certain cases, citric acid may be utilized when the pretreatment formulation is applied to white fabrics. In additional cases, citric acid may impart a pH value of about 4.5 to about 6.0 to the pretreatment composition. In other cases, citric acid may impart a pH value of 4.5 to 6.0 to the pretreatment composition. In further cases, citric acid may impart a pH value of 4.5 to 5.5 to the pretreatment composition. Furthermore, when the pretreatment formulation is applied to white fabrics, the digital primer and filler may be configured to provide a white base. In some cases, the digital primer and filler may include calcium chloride to provide a white base. Alternatively, the digital primer and filler may be configured to provide a colored base, such as when the pretreatment formulation is applied to a colored fabric. In some cases, the digital primer and filler may include calcium nitrate to provide a colored base. In additional cases, the digital primer and filler that provide the colored base are applied at a greater or substantially greater application rate than the digital primer and filler that provide the white base. As used herein, "color" refers to any color that can be perceived by the human eye, including black.

[0012] In various cases, the pretreatment formulation can be applied using a system provided as a stretching device. The stretching device can be provided in the form of a container configured to hold wet fabric, a stretching system including multiple rollers, a water bath, a squeeze roller (e.g., a roller designed to remove or squeeze water from wet fabric), a mixing bath filled with the pretreatment formulation, an application device (e.g., a bath) designed to apply the pretreatment formulation to the fabric, and a dryer. In some cases, the system can be designed to apply the pretreatment formulation to both opposing surfaces of the fabric. The system may apply a pretreatment formulation to natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, or any blend thereof. For example, the pretreatment formulation may be provided to fabrics comprising about 100% cotton (or 100% cotton), about 100% polyester (or 100% polyester), a ternary blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, a cotton and polyester blend, or a blend at least partially composed of polyester. For example, the pretreatment formulation may be applied to fabrics comprising a blend of about 60% cotton and about 40% polyester (or a blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester), and / or a blend of about 10% polyester fabric (or a 10% polyester fabric blend). As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation may be applied to fabrics comprising about 0% to about 100% cotton (or 0% to 100% cotton), about 0% to about 100% rayon (or 0% to 100% rayon), and / or about 0% to about 100% polyester (or 0% to 100% polyester).

[0013] Additionally, the system may be designed to apply the pretreatment formulation to different types of knit fabrics. For example, the system may be configured to apply the pretreatment to jersey fabrics, fleece fabrics, heathered fabrics, French terry fabrics, fabrics having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and blends of jersey and fleece (e.g., a 60 / 40 fleece and jersey blend, a 50 / 50 fleece and jersey blend, or any blend of fleece and jersey). In some cases, the system may also be designed to apply the pretreatment formulation to woven fabrics. Furthermore, the system may be designed to apply the pretreatment formulation to white fabrics, colored fabrics, and / or combinations of white and colored fabrics.

[0014] In some cases, the systems and methods described herein may include an enzymatic biopolishing pre-process that can be performed before the pretreatment formulation is applied to the fabric or textile. To perform the biopolishing process, the fabric can be treated with a dye solution containing at least one dye assistant and an acid. The dye solution can be given a pH value of about 5.5 to about 6.5. The dye solution can then be heated to at least about 50°C, and cellulase can be added. The enzymatic biopolishing process can extend the life of natural and synthetic textiles by removing loose fiber ends from the textile and textile, thereby reducing fabric fuzzing and pilling. Thus, in various instances, the biopolishing process can prepare the surface of the textile for pretreatment with the pretreatment formulation.

[0015] 1, fabric 100 is provided in the form of a garment 101, exemplified as a shirt 102. The shirt 102 includes a printed graphic 104 that is applied to the shirt 102 after the shirt 102 has been pretreated with a pretreatment formulation as disclosed herein. The fabric 100 may be provided in any type of garment form, including, but not limited to, a sweatshirt, a long-sleeve shirt, a dress, pants, a sweater, shorts, a gown, a tunic, a cardigan, overalls, swimwear, a quarter-zip, trousers, a skirt, a suit, sportswear, a jacket, a coat, a scarf, a tank top, a hat, gloves, a corset, underwear, socks, and a bra. For example, the fabric 100 may be provided in the form of a garment selected from the group consisting of a sweatshirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a dress, pants, a sweater, shorts, a gown, a tunic, a cardigan, overalls, swimwear, a quarter-zip top, trousers, a skirt, a suit, sportswear, a jacket, a coat, a scarf, a tank top, a hat, gloves, a corset, underwear, socks, and a bra. The fabric 100 may also be provided in the form of a non-apparel item or accessory, such as a reusable shopping bag, a tote bag, a canvas bag, a fanny pack, and a backpack. A pretreatment formulation (e.g., pretreatment formulation 202 described with reference to FIG. 2) can be applied to natural fabrics (e.g., cotton), synthetic fabrics (e.g., polyester), or blends thereof to improve the appearance of the printed graphic 104. The printed graphic 104 may be applied using screen printing or inkjet printing methods.

[0016] In some cases, the fabric 100 may be provided as about 100% cotton (or 100% cotton), about 100% polyester (or 100% polyester), a ternary blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, a cotton and polyester blend, or a blend at least partially composed of polyester. For example, the fabric 100 may be provided as a blend of about 60% cotton and about 40% polyester (or a blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester), and / or about 10% polyester fabric blend (or a 10% polyester fabric blend). As yet another example, the fabric 100 may comprise about 0% to about 100% cotton (or 0% to 100% cotton), about 0% to about 100% rayon (or 0% to 100% rayon), and / or about 0% to about 100% polyester (or 0% to 100% polyester). As a further example, the fabric 100 may be provided as a blend comprising about 40% to about 80% cotton and about 20% to about 60% polyester (or 40% to 80% cotton and 20% to 60% polyester). The fabric 100 may also be provided in the form of jersey fabric, fleece fabric, heathered fabric, French terry fabric, fabric having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and blends of jersey and fleece (e.g., 60 / 40 fleece and jersey blend, 50 / 50 fleece and jersey blend). In some cases, the fabric 100 may include white fabric, colored fabric, and / or a combination of white and colored fabrics.

[0017] The fabric 100 may be treated with a pretreatment formulation (e.g., pretreatment formulation 202) before the fabric 100 is placed or configured into the garment 101. The pretreatment formulation may be designed to help the ink bind to the fibers in the fabric 100, control the distribution of ink droplets on the fabric 100, maximize the color saturation or vibrancy of the ink applied to the fabric 100, and / or enhance ink absorption during the printing process. Thus, the fabric 100 may be pretreated prior to direct-to-garment printing to improve the efficiency of the ink printing process, the color fastness of the ink printed on the fabric 100, the smoothness and softness of the fabric 100, and / or the vibrancy of the fabric 100 compared to untreated fabric. The shirt 102 may include a front 106, a back 108, sleeves 110, a neck 112, an interior portion 114, and an exterior portion 116. The pre-treatment formulation may be applied to some or all surfaces of the fabric 100, including the shirt 102; thus, the printed graphic 104 may be applied anywhere on the shirt 102, including the front 106, the back 108, sleeves 110, the neck 112, the interior portion 114, and the exterior portion 116. In some such cases, the pre-treatment formulation may be distributed evenly or substantially evenly over all or some surfaces of the fabric 100.

[0018] The printed graphics 104 may be produced using current printing technologies such as screen printing, digital printing, and direct-to-garment printing. In some cases, some, substantially all, or all of the printed graphics 104 include ink. The printed graphics 104 may be configured to produce a visual display of an image, photograph, logo, text, or other graphic on the fabric 100. Referring now to Figure 2, an untreated fabric 200 and a pretreatment formulation 202 are provided. The arrows in Figure 2 schematically represent the application of the pretreatment formulation 202 to the untreated fabric 200 to produce a pretreated fabric 204, which may then be used to produce a pretreated garment 206. The pretreated garment 206 may be any garment disclosed herein (e.g., garment 101). Systems and methods through which the pretreatment formulation 202 may be applied to the untreated fabric (e.g., untreated fabric 200) are further described with reference to Figures 4-6. The untreated textile 200 may be provided in the form of any fabric to which the pretreatment formulation 202 has not been applied. In some cases, the untreated textile 200 may comprise a natural textile, a synthetic textile, or a blend thereof. For example, the untreated textile 200 may be provided as 100% cotton, 100% polyester, a ternary blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, a cotton-polyester blend (e.g., a 60% cotton-40% polyester blend), and / or a 10% polyester textile blend. In some cases, the untreated textile 200 may be provided as a jersey textile, a fleece textile, a heathered textile, a French terry textile, a textile having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and a textile comprising a blend of jersey and fleece (e.g., a 60 / 40 fleece-jersey blend, a 50 / 50 fleece-jersey blend).

[0019] In some cases, an optional enzymatic biopolishing pre-process may be applied to the untreated textile 200 prior to pre-treatment with the pre-treatment formulation 202. To perform the biopolishing, the untreated textile 200 may be treated with a dye solution containing at least one dye assistant and an acid. The dye solution may be given a pH value of about 5.5 to about 6.5. The dye solution may then be heated and cellulase may be added, as described further herein. In some cases, the enzymatic biopolishing pre-process may extend the life of the untreated textile 200 by removing loose fiber ends from the untreated textile 200, thereby reducing fuzzing and pilling. In various cases, the enzymatic biopolishing pre-process may prepare the surface of the untreated textile 200 for pre-treatment with the pre-treatment formulation 202, although in some cases the biopolishing process may be implemented after the pre-treatment formulation is applied to the untreated textile 200. In certain cases, the biopolishing pre-process may be omitted. The method through which the enzymatic biopolishing preparatory process is carried out is further described with reference to FIG.

[0020] Advantageously, the pretreatment formulation 202 can be applied to the untreated fabric 200 before it is sent to its final destination for printing. For example, the pretreatment formulation can be applied to the untreated fabric 200 before the final garment (e.g., pretreated garment 206) is sent to a fabric printer. The pretreatment formulation then allows the printer to produce vibrant printed fabrics and garments (e.g., shirt 102 of FIG. 1 ) more quickly and at a lower cost. In some cases, applying the pretreatment formulation 202 to the garment before printing can enable a printing process that is up to about 40% faster (or 40% faster) than if the pretreatment formulation 202 were not applied. For example, applying the pretreatment formulation 202 to the garment before printing can enable a printing process that is up to about 5% faster, or about 10% faster, or about 20% faster, or about 30% faster, or about 40% faster, or about 50% faster. As an additional example, applying the pre-treatment formulation 202 to the garments before printing may enable a printing process that is up to 5%, or 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50% faster. Additionally, the pre-treatment formulation 202 may save the printer labor and money because the printer does not need to apply a separate pre-treatment to the garments before printing.

[0021] In various cases, some, substantially all, or all of the pre-treatment formulation 202 can be washed off when the pre-treated garments 206 are washed. For example, most, substantially all, or all of each ingredient (described further herein) of the pre-treatment formulation 202 can be washed off when the pre-treated garments 206 are washed. As an additional example, substantially all of each ingredient of the pre-treatment formulation 202, with the exception of the hydrophobic silicone, can be washed off when the pre-treated garments 206 are washed. Advantageously, the pretreated fabric 204 (and thus the pretreated garment 206) may be imparted with a similar or better hand feel than non-pretreated fabrics. For example, the pretreated fabric 204 may be imparted with a similar or better softness than non-pretreated fabrics. In various cases, the pretreated fabric 204 is imparted with the same soft hand feel as non-pretreated fabrics, with no or substantially no residual odor and / or undesirable odor. In some cases, the pretreated fabric 204 continues to become even softer after washing. Thus, in some cases, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be designed to impart an improved hand feel (e.g., increased softness) to fabrics (e.g., pretreated fabrics 204).

[0022] 2, the pretreated garment 206 may include only treated fabric containing the pretreatment formulation 202, or the pretreated garment 206 may include both treated fabric and untreated fabric 200. For example, the front of the pretreated garment 206 may be treated with the pretreatment formulation and ink printed, while the back of the garment may remain untreated and not be printed. Once the pretreated garment 206 is produced, a printed graphic may be applied to any surface of the pretreated garment 206 (see, for example, shirt 102 and printed graphic 104 in FIG. 1 ). The printed graphic may be produced using current printing technologies such as screen printing, digital printing, and direct-to-garment printing, or future printing technologies designed to apply ink to fabric. In some cases, the printed graphic is made with ink. The printed graphic may be configured to produce a visual display of an image, photograph, logo, wording, or other graphic on the pretreated garment 206.

[0023] As a result of application of the pretreatment formulation 202, the surface of the pretreated garment 206 containing a printed graphic, such as printed graphic 104 (the "ink-printed surface"), can be much smoother, brighter, and more vibrant than ink printed on a surface of a garment that has not been pretreated. Thus, the pretreatment formulation 202 can be designed to improve the effectiveness or efficiency of the process of applying ink to a fabric to produce an ink-printed surface. In some cases, the pretreatment formulation 202 improves the vibrancy or contrast of the ink-printed surface by at least about 5% compared to an unpretreated ink-printed surface. For example, the pretreatment formulation 202 can improve the vibrancy and / or contrast of the ink-printed surface by at least about 10%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 75%, or at least about 100%, or at least about 200%, or at least about 400%, or at least about 600%, or at least about 1000%, compared to an unpretreated ink-printed surface. As an additional example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may improve the vibrancy and / or contrast of an ink-printed surface by at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 35%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 100%, or at least 200%, or at least 400%, or at least 600%, or at least 1000%, compared to an untreated ink-printed surface. In certain cases, the improved vibrancy or contrast may allow a viewer of the pretreated garment 206 to more easily perceive details printed on the garment, compared to an untreated printed garment. Thus, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be designed to impart improved color attributes (e.g., color saturation, contrast, and / or vibrancy) to the ink-treated surface, compared to fabric not treated with the pretreatment formulation 202.

[0024] In certain cases, the ink-printed surface (e.g., the printed graphic 104) can retain its color attributes after being laundered. For example, the ink-printed surface can partially, substantially completely, or completely retain its color attributes after being washed in a washing machine and / or dried in a dryer. In certain cases, the ink-printed surface can partially, substantially completely, or completely retain its color attributes after undergoing about 1 to about 50 washing cycles (or 1 to 50 washing cycles), and the ink-printed surface can also retain its color, vibrancy, and / or contrast even after a greater number of washing cycles. For example, the ink-printed surfaces can partially, substantially completely, or completely retain their color attributes after at least about 1 wash cycle, or at least about 3 wash cycles, or at least about 5 wash cycles, or at least about 7 wash cycles, or at least about 10 wash cycles, or at least about 15 wash cycles, or at least about 20 wash cycles, or at least about 25 wash cycles, or at least about 30 wash cycles, or at least about 40 wash cycles, or at least about 50 wash cycles. As additional examples, the ink-printed surfaces can partially, substantially completely, or completely retain their color attributes after at least 1 wash cycle, or at least 3 wash cycles, or at least 5 wash cycles, or at least 7 wash cycles, or at least 10 wash cycles, or at least 15 wash cycles, or at least 20 wash cycles, or at least 25 wash cycles, or at least 30 wash cycles, or at least 40 wash cycles, or at least 50 wash cycles. Thus, the pre-treatment formulation 202 may be designed to impart improved color attributes (e.g., color saturation, contrast, and / or vibrancy) to the ink-printed surface of washed garments compared to washed garments including fabrics that have not been treated with the pre-treatment formulation 202.

[0025] As used herein, "washing machine" and "dryer" may refer to any current or future machine designed to wash and / or dry clothing items. Additionally, as used herein, "washing cycle" may refer to washing clothes or both washing and drying clothes.

[0026] Pre-treatment formulation 202 may be provided as a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of polyethylene, digital primer and filler, silicone, and water. In some cases, pre-treatment formulation 202 may be provided as a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of polyethylene (e.g., high-density polyethylene), at least one digital primer and filler, and water (e.g., filtered water that may be substantially or completely devoid of chlorine). In other cases, pre-treatment formulation 202 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of high-density polyethylene, digital primer and filler, hydrophobic silicone, and filtered water. In some such cases, the filtered water may be substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In still other cases, pre-treatment formulation 202 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of high-density polyethylene, a first digital primer and filler, a second digital primer and filler, hydrophobic silicone, and filtered water that is substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0027] Additionally, when the pre-treatment formulation 202 is applied to white fabrics, the pre-treatment formulation 202 may include citric acid. Accordingly, in some cases, the pre-treatment formulation may include, consist essentially of, or consist of high-density polyethylene, at least one digital primer and filler, hydrophobic silicone, filtered water (which may be substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine), and citric acid. In additional cases, the citric acid may impart a pH value of about 4.5 to about 6.0 to the pre-treatment formulation 202. In other cases, the citric acid may impart a pH value of 4.5 to 6.0 to the pre-treatment formulation 202. In further cases, the citric acid may impart a pH value of 4.5 to 5.5 to the pre-treatment formulation 202. Furthermore, in some cases, such as when the pre-treatment formulation 202 is applied to white fabrics, the digital primer and filler may be configured to provide a white base. In some such cases, the digital primer and filler may include calcium chloride. In other cases, such as when the pre-treatment formulation 202 is applied to colored fabrics, the digital primer and filler of the pre-treatment formulation 202 may be configured to provide a colored base. In some such cases, the digital primer and filler may include calcium nitrate. In additional cases, the pre-treatment formulation 202 may utilize or include a digital primer and filler that provides a colored base at a greater or substantially greater application rate than a digital primer and filler that provides a white base.

[0028] The pretreatment formulation 202 is preferably provided in the form of an aqueous solution in which the various components of the pretreatment formulation 202 are dissolved in water. In various instances, the water is provided as filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. Advantageously, the pretreatment formulation 202 described herein requires less digital primer and filler than existing products, and is unexpectedly homogenous and stable (both chemically and physically), and can be used in a one-step treatment process. Furthermore, the pretreatment formulations described herein can be applied to untreated fabric 200 via a one-step bath application process, as further described with reference to FIGS. 4-6. The high density polyethylene provided in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be endowed with high flexibility, high durability, translucent or waxy characteristics, low temperature toughness, and chemical resistance. In one example, the high density polyethylene has a strength of at least about 0.20 N / mm 2 ~At least about 0.40N / mm 2 and a tensile strength of at least about 0.944 g / cm 3 ~At least about 0.965g / cm 3 In another example, the high density polyethylene may have a density of at least 0.20 N / mm 2 ~At least 0.40N / mm 2 and a tensile strength of at least 0.944 g / cm 3 ~At least 0.965g / cm 3 In some cases, the high density polyethylene is provided as Evo® Soft PNN, available from DyStar of Singapore, or a product having similar characteristics, physical properties, and chemical properties.

[0029] The hydrophobic silicone may be any silicone that functions to induce or help enhance primer adhesion. The hydrophobic silicone may also improve ink retention on the surface of the treated fabric, improve fabric processing, and improve the vividness and / or contrast of ink prints applied to the fabric. The hydrophobic silicone may be provided as silicon dioxide containing hydrophobic groups chemically bonded to the silicon dioxide surface. In some cases, the hydrophobic groups are alkyl or polydimethylsiloxane chains. In some such cases, the hydrophobic silicone may be provided in the form of an emulsion. The hydrophobic silicone may be endowed with water-resistant properties. In various cases, the hydrophobic silicone in the pretreatment formulation 202 aids in smoother ink printing and produces softer fabrics that become softer with each wash. In some cases, the digital primer and filler in the pretreatment formulation 202 include compounds configured to help ink set when applied to the fabric, thereby improving the colorfastness of the fabric.

[0030] The digital primer and filler may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a calcium compound, a binder, and a crosslinker. For example, the digital primer and filler may comprise calcium chloride, an acrylic binder, and an isocyanate-based crosslinker. As an additional example, the digital primer and filler may comprise calcium nitrate, an acrylic binder, and an isocyanate-based crosslinker. As yet another example, the digital primer and filler may comprise an ionic calcium compound (e.g., calcium nitrate, calcium chloride). In some cases, the acrylic binder is provided as an anionic acrylic binder. In additional cases, the acrylic binder may comprise an acrylic base (e.g., 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, butadiene, n-butyl acrylate) dispersed in water. In some cases, the acrylic binder may comprise an acrylic base dispersed in water that is completely or substantially free of formaldehyde. In yet another case, the acrylic binder may comprise an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of about -90°C to about -40°C. For example, the acrylic binder may include an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of about −85° C. to about −60° C. In yet another example, the acrylic binder may include an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of −90° C. to about −40° C. For example, the acrylic binder may include an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of −85° C. to about −60° C. In some cases, the pretreatment formulation 202 may also include (di)ethylene glycol. In various cases, the acrylic binder may have a performance grade binder value that is at least about -40. In various cases, the acrylic binder may include, consist essentially of, or consist of polyurethane.

[0031] In some cases, the digital primer and filler is HeiQ Effect PRP, available from HeiQ Materials AG of Zurich, Switzerland, or a product having similar characteristics, physical properties, and chemical properties. For example, the pre-treatment formulation 202 may include an isothiazolinone to improve the stability of the pre-treatment formulation 202 in liquid form. In some cases, the digital primer and filler used to provide a white base includes calcium chloride. For example, the digital primer and filler may be provided as HeiQ Effect White from HeiQ Materials AG of Zurich, Switzerland, or a product with similar characteristics, physical properties, and chemical properties. In other cases, the digital primer and filler are used to provide a tint base. For example, the digital primer and filler may be provided as HeiQ Effect DP from HeiQ Materials AG of Zurich, Switzerland, or a product with similar characteristics, physical properties, and chemical properties. In some cases, the digital primer and filler designed for use as a tint base includes calcium nitrate. The citric acid used in the pretreatment formulation 202 can be provided in the form of a solid powder or a solution. For example, the citric acid may be provided in the pretreatment formulation 202 as an aqueous solution of at least about 10% to at least about 50% citric acid by volume, mass, or mole fraction. In various instances, the citric acid in the pretreatment formulation can aid in the smooth printing of ink on the fabric and can impart wrinkle-resistant properties to the fabric.

[0032] The untreated fabric 200 and the pre-treated fabric 204 can be utilized to produce any type of apparel, including, but not limited to, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, pants, shorts, socks, and underwear. In some cases, the untreated fabric 200 can be provided as approximately 100% cotton (or 100% cotton), approximately 100% polyester (or 100% polyester), a ternary blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, a cotton and polyester blend, or a blend at least partially composed of polyester. For example, the untreated fabric 200 can be provided as an approximately 60% cotton and approximately 40% polyester blend (or a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend), and / or an approximately 10% polyester fabric blend (or a 10% polyester fabric blend). As yet another example, the untreated fabric 200 may be provided as a blend of about 0% to about 100% cotton (or 0% to 100% cotton), about 0% to about 100% rayon (or 0% to 100% rayon), and / or about 0% to about 100% polyester (or 0% to 100% polyester). As a further example, the untreated fabric 200 may be provided as a blend including about 40% to about 80% cotton and about 20% to about 60% polyester (or 40% to 80% cotton and 20% to 60% polyester). The untreated fabric 200 may also be provided in the form of jersey fabric, fleece fabric, heathered fabric, French terry fabric, fabric having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and blends of jersey and fleece (e.g., 60 / 40 fleece and jersey blend, 50 / 50 fleece and jersey blend). In some cases, the untreated fabric 200 may include white fabric, colored fabric, and / or a combination of white and colored fabric.

[0033] As described herein, pre-treatment formulation 202 can unexpectedly provide the advantage that the described ratios provide a homogeneous, stable formulation and can be used in a one-step treatment process (where all components of pre-treatment formulation 202 are applied to the fabric or cloth at the same time) by various application methods, such as bath application. Additionally, the components of pre-treatment formulation 202 can be combined within ranges defined by any of the values ​​described herein. In some cases, the pretreatment formulation 202 applied to the white fabric may include, based on the total composition, citric acid at a concentration of at least about 0.025% to at least about 5% by volume, high-density polyethylene at a concentration of at least about 0.5% to at least about 10% by volume, a first digital primer and filler at a concentration of at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume, a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base) at a concentration of at least about 30% to at least about 80% by volume, and a hydrophobic silicone at a concentration of at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume, with filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine making up the remainder of the pretreatment formulation 202.

[0034] In other instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 applied to the white fabric may include, based on the total composition, citric acid at a concentration of at least 0.025% to at least 5% by volume, high-density polyethylene at a concentration of at least 0.5% to at least 10% by volume, a first digital primer and filler at a concentration of at least 1% to at least 10% by volume, a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base) at a concentration of at least 30% to at least 80% by volume, and a hydrophobic silicone at a concentration of at least 1% to at least 10% by volume, with filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine making up the remainder of the pretreatment formulation 202. In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a white fabric pretreatment formulation 202, the pretreatment formulation comprising, based on the total composition, citric acid at a concentration of at least about 0.025% to at least about 1% by volume, at least about 0.5% to at least about 4% by volume of high-density polyethylene, at least about 3% to at least about 8% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least about 50% to at least about 60% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), and at least about 3% to at least about 8% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0035] In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a white fabric pretreatment formulation 202, the pretreatment formulation comprising, based on the total composition, citric acid at a concentration of at least 0.025% to at least 1% by volume, at least 0.5% to at least 4% by volume of high-density polyethylene, at least 3% to at least 8% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least 50% to at least 60% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), and at least 3% to 8% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a white fabric pretreatment formulation 202, the pretreatment formulation comprising, based on the total composition, citric acid at a concentration of at least about 0.05% by volume, at least about 2% by volume of high-density polyethylene, at least about 5.5% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least about 55% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), and at least about 5.5% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0036] In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a white fabric pretreatment formulation 202, the pretreatment formulation including, based on the total composition, citric acid at a concentration of at least 0.05% by volume, at least 2% by volume of high-density polyethylene, at least 5.5% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least 55% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), and at least 5.5% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a white fabric pretreatment formulation 202, the pretreatment formulation including at least about 0.5 g / L citric acid, at least about 20 g / L high density polyethylene, at least about 55 g / L digital primer and filler, at least about 550 g / L digital primer and filler designed for use as a white base, at least about 55 g / L hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0037] In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a white fabric pretreatment formulation 202, the pretreatment formulation including at least 0.5 g / L citric acid, at least 20 g / L high density polyethylene, at least 55 g / L digital primer and filler, at least 550 g / L digital primer and filler designed for use as a white base, at least 55 g / L hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the pre-treatment formulation 202 applied to the white fabric may include at least 0.5 g / L to at least 100 g / L of citric acid, at least 20 g / L to at least 10,000 g / L of high density polyethylene, a first digital primer and filler at a concentration of at least 55 g / L to at least 550 g / L, at least 550 g / L to at least 15,000 g / L of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), and at least 55 g / L to at least 275 g / L of hydrophobic silicone, with filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine making up the remainder of the pre-treatment formulation 202.

[0038] In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation comprising, based on the total composition, at least about 0.01% to at least about 5% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least about 40% to at least about 90% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation including, by volume of the total composition, at least 0.01% to at least 5% high density polyethylene, at least 40% to at least 90% digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, at least 1% to at least 10% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation comprising, based on the total composition, at least about 0.025% to at least about 2% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least about 60% to at least about 70% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, at least about 3% to at least about 7% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0039] In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation including, by volume of the total composition, at least 0.025% to at least 2% high density polyethylene, at least 60% to at least 70% digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, at least 3% to at least 7% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation comprising, based on the total composition, at least about 1% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least about 67% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 4.5% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0040] In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation including, by volume of the total composition, at least 1% high density polyethylene, at least 67% digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 4.5% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation including, based on the total composition, at least about 1% to at least about 5% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least about 40% to at least about 90% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation including, by volume of the total composition, at least 1% to at least 5% high density polyethylene, at least 40% to at least 90% digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, at least 1% to at least 10% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0041] In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation including, based on the total composition, at least about 1% to at least about 3% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least about 60% to at least about 70% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, at least about 3% to at least about 9% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation including, by volume of the total composition, at least 1% to at least 3% high density polyethylene, at least 60% to at least 70% digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, at least 3% to at least 9% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation including, by volume of the total composition, at least about 2% high density polyethylene, at least about 67% digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 6.5% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0042] In some cases, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for colored fabrics, the pretreatment formulation including, by volume of the total composition, at least 2% high density polyethylene, at least 67% digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 6.5% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition comprising, by volume, at least about 0.01% to at least about 5% high density polyethylene, at least about 40% to at least about 90% digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, and at least about 1% to at least about 10% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0043] In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition comprising, by volume, at least 0.01% to at least 5% high density polyethylene, at least 40% to at least 90% digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, and at least 1% to at least 10% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition comprising, by volume, at least about 0.025% to at least about 2% high-density polyethylene, at least about 60% to at least about 70% digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, and at least about 3% to at least about 7% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0044] In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition comprising, by volume, at least 0.025% to at least 2% high density polyethylene, at least 60% to at least 70% digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, and at least 3% to at least 7% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition comprising, by volume of the total composition, at least about 1% high density polyethylene, at least about 67% digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, at least about 4.5% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0045] In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition comprising, by volume of the total composition, at least 1% high density polyethylene, at least 67% digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, at least 4.5% hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition of at least about 1% to at least about 5% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least about 40% to at least about 90% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, and at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition of at least 1% to at least 5% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least 40% to at least 90% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, and at least 1% to at least 10% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0046] In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition of at least about 1% to at least about 3% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least about 60% to at least about 70% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, and at least about 3% to at least about 9% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition of at least 1% to at least 3% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least 60% to at least 70% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, and at least 3% to at least 9% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition of at least about 2% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least about 67% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, and at least about 6.5% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0047] In some cases, a colored fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with a pretreatment formulation 202 having a composition of at least 2% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least 67% by volume of a digital primer and filler designed for use as a coloring base, and at least 6.5% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, with the remaining volume of the composition being made up of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some cases, pretreatment formulation 202 may include a concentration of citric acid of about 0.25% to about 5% (or 0.25% to 5%) by volume, although pretreatment formulation 202 may include a concentration somewhat lower or higher than these values. For example, pretreatment formulation may include a concentration of citric acid of about 5% or less by volume, or about 4% or less by volume, or about 3% or less by volume, or about 2% or less by volume, or about 1% or less by volume, or about 0.5% or less by volume, or about 0.25% or less by volume, based on the total composition. As another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include citric acid at a concentration of 5% or less by volume, or 4% or less by volume, or 3% or less by volume, or 2% or less by volume, or 1% or less by volume, or 0.5% or less by volume, or 0.25% or less by volume, based on the total composition.

[0048] As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include citric acid at a concentration of at least about 0.25% by volume, or at least about 0.5% by volume, or at least about 1% by volume, or at least about 2% by volume, or at least about 3% by volume, or at least about 4% by volume, or at least about 5% by volume, based on the total composition. As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include citric acid at a concentration of at least 0.25% by volume, or at least 0.5% by volume, or at least 1% by volume, or at least 2% by volume, or at least 3% by volume, or at least 4% by volume, or at least 5% by volume, based on the total composition. In certain cases, the concentration of citric acid in the pretreatment formulation 202 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value, as described above. In some cases, the concentration of citric acid in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be given any value that falls within the range of minimum and maximum values, as described above.

[0049] In some cases, pretreatment formulation 202 may include a concentration of high-density polyethylene of about 0.025% to about 10% by volume (or 0.025% to 10% by volume), although pretreatment formulation 202 may include a concentration somewhat lower or higher than these values. For example, the pretreatment formulation may include a concentration of high-density polyethylene of about 10% by volume or less, or about 5% by volume or less, or about 4% by volume or less, or about 3% by volume or less, or about 2% by volume or less, or about 1% by volume or less, or about 0.5% by volume or less, or about 0.25% by volume or less, or about 0.05% by volume or less, or about 0.025% by volume or less, based on the total composition. As another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include high-density polyethylene at a concentration of 10% by volume or less, or 5% by volume or less, or 4% by volume or less, or 3% by volume or less, or 2% by volume or less, or 1% by volume or less, or 0.5% by volume or less, or 0.25% by volume or less, or 0.05% by volume or less, or 0.025% by volume or less, based on the total composition. As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include high density polyethylene in a concentration of at least about 0.025% by volume, or at least about 0.05% by volume, or at least about 0.25% by volume, or at least about 0.5% by volume, or at least about 1% by volume, or at least about 2% by volume, or at least about 3% by volume, or at least about 4% by volume, or at least about 5% by volume, or at least about 10% by volume, based on the total composition.

[0050] As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include high density polyethylene in a concentration of at least 0.025% by volume, or at least 0.05% by volume, or at least 0.25% by volume, or at least 0.5% by volume, or at least 1% by volume, or at least 2% by volume, or at least 3% by volume, or at least 4% by volume, or at least 5% by volume, or at least 10% by volume, based on the total composition. In certain cases, the concentration of high-density polyethylene in the pretreatment formulation 202 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value, as described above. In some cases, the concentration of high-density polyethylene in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be given any value that falls within the range of minimum and maximum values, as described above. In some cases, pre-treatment formulation 202 may include a first digital primer and filler at a concentration of about 3% to about 8% by volume (or 3% to 8% by volume), although pre-treatment formulation 202 may also include high-density polyethylene at a concentration somewhat lower or higher than these values. In some cases, pre-treatment formulation 202 may include a first digital primer and filler at a concentration of about 8% by volume or less, or about 7% by volume or less, or about 6% by volume or less, or about 5% by volume or less, or about 4% by volume or less, or about 3% by volume or less, based on the total composition.

[0051] As another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a first digital primer and filler at a concentration of 8% by volume or less, or 7% by volume or less, or 6% by volume or less, or 5% by volume or less, or 4% by volume or less, or 3% by volume or less, based on the total composition. As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a first digital primer and filler in a concentration of at least about 3% by volume, or at least about 4% by volume, or at least about 5% by volume, or at least about 6% by volume, or at least about 7% by volume, or at least about 8% by volume, based on the total composition. As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a first digital primer and filler in a concentration of at least 3% by volume, or at least 4% by volume, or at least 5% by volume, or at least 6% by volume, or at least 7% by volume, or at least 8% by volume, based on the total composition. In certain cases, the concentration of the first digital primer and filler in the pre-treatment formulation 202 can fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value, as described above. In some cases, the concentration of the first digital primer and filler in the pre-treatment formulation 202 can be given any value that falls within the range of the minimum and maximum values, as described above.

[0052] In some cases, pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer and filler designed for use as a base (including white or colored bases) at a concentration of about 30% to about 80% by volume (or 30% to 80% by volume), although pretreatment formulation 202 may also include the second digital primer and filler at a concentration somewhat lower or higher than these values. For example, pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer and filler at a concentration of about 80% by volume or less, or about 70% by volume or less, or about 60% by volume or less, or about 50% by volume or less, or about 40% by volume or less, or about 30% by volume or less, based on the total composition. As another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer and filler designed for use as a base (including a white or colored base) at a concentration of 80% by volume or less, or 70% by volume or less, or 60% by volume or less, or 50% by volume or less, or 40% by volume or less, or 30% by volume or less of the total composition. As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer designed for use as a base (including a white or colored base) and a filler in a concentration of at least about 30% by volume, or at least about 40% by volume, or at least about 50% by volume, or at least about 60% by volume, or at least about 70% by volume, or at least about 80% by volume, based on the total composition.

[0053] By way of further example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer designed for use as a base (including a white or colored base) and a filler in a concentration of at least 30% by volume, or at least 40% by volume, or at least 50% by volume, or at least 60% by volume, or at least 70% by volume, or at least 80% by volume of the total composition. In certain cases, the concentration of the second digital primer and filler in the pre-treatment formulation 202 can fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value, as described above. In some cases, the concentration of the second digital primer and filler in the pre-treatment formulation 202 can be given any value that falls within the range of the minimum and maximum values, as described above. In some cases, pretreatment formulation 202 may include a hydrophobic silicone at a concentration of about 3% to about 10% (or 3% to 10%) by volume, although pretreatment formulation 202 may include a hydrophobic silicone at a concentration somewhat lower or higher than these values. For example, pretreatment formulation may include citric acid at a concentration of about 8% or less by volume, or about 7% or less by volume, or about 6% or less by volume, or about 5% or less by volume, or about 4% or less by volume, or about 3% or less by volume, based on the total composition.

[0054] As another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a hydrophobic silicone at a concentration of 8% by volume or less, or 7% by volume or less, or 6% by volume or less, or 5% by volume or less, or 4% by volume or less, or 3% by volume or less, based on the total composition. As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a hydrophobic silicone concentration of at least about 3% by volume, or at least about 4% by volume, or at least about 5% by volume, or at least about 6% by volume, or at least about 7% by volume, or at least about 8% by volume, based on the total composition. As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a concentration of hydrophobic silicone of at least 3% by volume, or at least 4% by volume, or at least 5% by volume, or at least 6% by volume, or at least 7% by volume, or at least 8% by volume, based on the total composition. In certain cases, the concentration of hydrophobic silicone in the pretreatment formulation 202 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value, as described above. In some cases, the concentration of hydrophobic silicone in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be given any value that falls within the range of minimum and maximum values, as described above.

[0055] In various cases, the pretreatment formulation 202 can be imparted with a pH value of about 4 to about 7, although the pH value can also be somewhat lower or higher than these values. For example, a formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 can include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or colored fabrics, and the pretreatment formulation 202 can be imparted with a pH value of at least about 5 to at least about 6. As an additional example, a formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 can include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or colored fabrics, and the pretreatment formulation 202 can be imparted with a pH value of at least about 4, or at least about 4.5, or at least about 5, or at least about 5.5, or at least about 6, or at least about 6.5, or at least about 7, or about 8 or lower. As another example, the formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or colored fabric, where the pretreatment formulation 202 is imparted with a pH value of at least about 5.9 or about 5.9. In various cases, the pretreatment formulation 202 can be imparted with a pH value of 4 to 7, although the pH value can also be somewhat lower or higher than these values. For example, a formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 can include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or colored fabrics, where the pretreatment formulation 202 can be imparted with a pH value of at least 5 to at least 6. As an additional example, a formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 can include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or colored fabrics, where the pretreatment formulation 202 can be imparted with a pH value of at least 4, or at least 4.5, or at least 5, or at least 5.5, or at least 6, or at least 6.5, or at least 7, or 8 or less. As another example, a formulation for application to untreated fabric 200 can include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or colored fabrics, where the pretreatment formulation 202 is imparted with a pH value of at least 5.9 or 5.9.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3, a portion of a treated fabric layer 300 is provided. The treated fabric layer 300 may be used to produce the garments 101, 206 of Figures 1 and 2. For example, the treated fabric layer 300 may be used to produce a portion, substantially all, or the entire garment 101, 206. As an additional example, the treated fabric layer 300 may be provided as the front 106 and / or back 108 of the garment 101. As a further example, the treated fabric layer 300 may be provided as a portion, substantially all, or all of the front 208 of the pre-treated garment 206. Additionally, the treated fabric layer may comprise a portion, substantially all, or all of the fabric 100. The treated fabric layer 300 may be provided in the form of a fabric body 301 including a first surface 302 and a second surface 304 to which a pretreatment formulation 202 has been applied, although in other cases, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be applied to only one of the surfaces 302, 304. In some cases, as shown, the pretreatment formulation 202 may partially penetrate the fabric body 301. In other cases, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be present only on one or both of the surfaces 302, 304 and may not penetrate the treated fabric layer 300. In still other cases, the pretreatment formulation 202 may substantially or completely penetrate the treated fabric layer 300. Applying the pretreatment formulation 202 to at least one of the first and second surfaces of an untreated fabric or garment to create a treated fabric may be accomplished using a bath application process, as described with reference to FIG. 4 .

[0057] 4, a wet-on-wet bath processing system 400 is provided for applying a pretreatment formulation, such as pretreatment formulation 202, to a wet textile or fabric using a one-step application. The processing system 400 may be provided in the form of an extension system 401 including a container 402 for holding a textile 404, a water bath 412 with a tank 413 configured to hold a volume of water 414, a formulation treatment bath 432, a pretreatment formulation 436, a mixing tank 438, a conduit 440 for transporting the pretreatment formulation 436, and an outlet 448. The formulation treatment bath 432 may be designed to hold a volume of the pretreatment formulation 436 so that it is applied to the textile 404, and the mixing tank 438 may be designed to hold the pretreatment formulation until it is delivered to the mixing tank 438. In certain cases, the mixing tank 438 may be omitted, and the pretreatment formulation 436 may be supplied to the formulation treatment bath 432 from an alternative source. The pretreatment formulation 436 may be substantially the same as or may be endowed with the same composition, properties, and functionality as the pretreatment formulation 202 described with reference to Figure 2. Thus, the pretreatment formulation 436 may be used to produce a pretreated fabric (e.g., the pretreated fabric 204, which may in turn produce a garment including an ink-printed surface endowed with improved color attributes).

[0058] The converting system 400 may also include a plurality of rollers configured to transport the fabric 404, stretch the fabric 404, and / or aid in removing water from the fabric 404. The plurality of rollers may include a first roller 406, a second roller 410, a third roller 416, a fourth roller 418, a fifth roller 420, a first squeeze roller 422, a second squeeze roller 424, a sixth roller 426, a seventh roller 428, an eighth roller 434, a ninth roller 439, a tenth roller 442, an eleventh roller 444, and a twelfth roller 446. Additional or fewer rollers than those described herein may be provided in other instances of the converting system 400.

[0059] The fabric 404 may be provided in the form of a jersey fabric, a fleece fabric, a heathered fabric, a French terry fabric, a fabric having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and a blend of jersey and fleece (e.g., a 60 / 40 fleece and jersey blend, a 50 / 50 fleece and jersey blend). In some cases, the fabric 404 may be provided as about 100% cotton (or 100% cotton), about 100% polyester (or 100% polyester), a 3-blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, a cotton and polyester blend, or a blend at least partially composed of polyester. For example, the fabric 404 may be provided as a blend of about 60% cotton and about 40% polyester (or a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend), and / or about 10% polyester fabric blend (or a 10% polyester fabric blend). As yet another example, fabric 404 may be provided as a blend of about 0% to about 100% cotton (or 0% to 100% cotton), about 0% to about 100% rayon (or 0% to 100% rayon), and / or about 0% to about 100% polyester (or 0% to 100% polyester). As a further example, fabric 404 may be provided as a blend including about 40% to about 80% cotton and about 20% to about 60% polyester (or 40% to 80% cotton and 20% to 60% polyester). In some cases, fabric 100 may include white fabric, colored fabric, and / or a combination of white and colored fabrics.

[0060] Converting system 400 may utilize a formulation treatment bath 432 to deliver a pretreatment formulation 436 to fabric 404, thereby producing a pretreated fabric 450. Pretreatment formulation 436 may be stored in a mixing tank 438 and transported to formulation treatment bath 432 via a conduit 440. Additionally, pretreated fabric 450 may be delivered to a drying system (such as drying system 500 of FIG. 5) after exiting converting system 400. The fabric 404 may be provided to the water bath 412 before being provided to the formulation treatment bath 432. Thus, the fabric 404 provided to the formulation treatment bath 432 may have a consistent or substantially consistent moisture content (e.g., different areas of the fabric 404 may be given the same or substantially the same moisture content), which may then aid in the consistent or substantially consistent application of the pre-treatment formulation 436 to the fabric 404. 4 , the formulation treatment bath 432 may be in fluid communication with a mixing tank 438. Thus, the pre-treatment formulation 436 may be supplied to the formulation treatment bath 432 from the mixing tank 438 as needed. The mixing tank 438 may be fluidly coupled to a pre-treatment formulation source (not illustrated) such that the mixing tank 438 may be replenished as the pre-treatment formulation 436 is used in the formulation treatment bath 432. For example, the mixing tank 438 may be replenished when the mixing tank 438 becomes substantially empty, when the amount of pre-treatment formulation 436 in the mixing tank 438 reaches a predetermined threshold, on an as-needed basis, or continuously. Alternatively, the pre-treatment formulation 436 may be generated in the mixing tank 438 (by supplying the individual components of the pre-treatment formulation 436 to the mixing tank 438) and replenished after the mixing tank 438 becomes partially or substantially empty. In some cases, the mixing tank 438 may be replenished after the processing system 400 has ceased operation.

[0061] In various cases, the speed at which the fabric moves through the converting system 400 is at least about 40 yards / minute to at least about 70 yards / minute (or at least about 35 meters / minute to at least about 65 meters / minute), although the speed may be somewhat less than or greater than these values. In various cases, the speed at which the tensioning system 401 moves the fabric through the converting system 400 is at least 40 yards / minute (at least 35 meters / minute), or at least about 50 yards / minute (at least about 45 meters / minute), or at least about 60 yards / minute (at least about 55 meters / minute).

[0062] The pretreatment formulation 436 used or supplied in the processing system 400 may include any of the compositions described with reference to the pretreatment formulation 202 in Figure 2. For example, the pretreatment formulation 436 used in the processing system 400 may include, based on the total composition, citric acid at a concentration of at least about 0.025% to at least about 5% by volume, at least about 0.025% to at least about 10% by volume of high-density polyethylene, at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least about 30% to at least about 80% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, and filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. As an additional example, the pretreatment formulation 436 used in the processing system 400 may include, based on the total composition, citric acid at a concentration of at least 0.025% to at least 5% by volume, at least 0.025% to at least 10% by volume of high density polyethylene, at least 1% to at least 10% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least 30% to at least 80% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), at least 1% to at least 10% by volume of a hydrophobic silicone, and filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

[0063] As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 436 used in the processing system 400 may include, by volume, at least about 1% to at least about 5% high density polyethylene, at least about 40% to at least about 90% digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 1% to at least about 10% hydrophobic silicone, and filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 436 used in the processing system 400 may include, by volume, at least about 1% to at least 5% high density polyethylene, at least 40% to at least 90% digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 1% to at least 10% hydrophobic silicone, and filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In various instances, processing system 400 may be used to apply pre-treatment formulation 436 to, by way of example only, jersey fabric, fleece fabric, heathered fabric, French terry fabric, fabrics having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and blends of jersey and fleece (e.g., 60 / 40 fleece and jersey blends, 50 / 50 fleece and jersey blends). For example, processing system 400 may be utilized to apply pre-treatment formulation 436 to jersey fabric. As another example, processing system 400 may be utilized to apply pre-treatment formulation 436 to fleece fabric. It should be understood that pre-treatment formulation 436 may be applied by processing system 400 to any fabric described herein.

[0064] The pretreatment formulation 436 may be applied to both opposing surfaces of the fabric 404 in the formulation treatment bath 432. More specifically, the formulation treatment bath 432 may deliver the pretreatment formulation 436 to at least a first surface and a second surface of the fabric 404 (the first and second surfaces of the fabric 404 may be similar to the first surface 302 and second surface 304 of the treated fabric layer 300 described with reference to FIG. 3). In various cases, the amount of pretreatment formulation 436 applied to the fabric 404 to produce the pretreated fabric 450, as expressed by % wet pick-up, is at least about 10% and no more than about 25% for each of the first and / or second surfaces of the fabric 404. Preferably, the % wet pick-up for each of the first and second surfaces of the fabric 404 is substantially equivalent, thereby facilitating easier processing of the fabric 404. In various cases, the wet pick-up % of the pre-treatment formulation on each of the first and second surfaces of the fabric 404 is at least about 10%, or at least about 11%, or at least about 12%, or at least about 13%, or at least about 14%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 16%, or at least about 17%, or at least about 18%, or at least about 19%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 21%. In other cases, the wet pick-up % of the pre-treatment formulation on each of the first and second surfaces of the fabric 404 is at least 10%, or at least 11%, or at least 12%, or at least 13%, or at least 14%, or at least 15%, or at least 16%, or at least 17%, or at least 18%, or at least 19%, or at least 20%, or at least 21%.

[0065] It should be understood that when the pretreatment formulation 436 is applied to the fabric 404, the % wet pick-up values ​​for each of the first and second surfaces of the fabric 404 may be the same, substantially the same, or different. For example, a first value of % wet pick-up for the first surface and a second value of % wet pick-up for the second surface may be the same, or the first and second values ​​may be different. In some such examples, the difference between the first value of % wet pick-up and the second value of % wet pick-up may be about 0%, or about ±0.5%, or about ±1%, or about ±1.5%, or about ±2%, or about ±2.5%. Turning now to FIG. 5, a drying system 500 is provided for drying fabrics that have been treated with a pretreatment formulation (e.g., the pretreatment formulations 202, 436 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4). The drying system 500 may be designed to dry a wet pretreated fabric or fabric (e.g., the pretreated fabric 450) to remove residual moisture from the pretreated fabric or fabric. The drying system 500 may be provided in the form of a feed system 501 that includes a pretreated fabric container 502 that holds a pretreated fabric 504 (which may, in some cases, be provided as a padded fabric), a plurality of rollers, a tension-free dryer 512, and an outlet 516 from the drying system 500. The pretreated fabric 504 may be provided as a fabric that has been treated with the pretreatment formulation 202, 436. The multiple rollers may include a first roller 506, a second roller 510, and a third roller 514, although drying system 500 may also include more or fewer rollers in some cases.

[0066] Rollers 506, 510, 514 may allow for feeding, pulling, or transporting the fabric through feeding system 501. Drying system 500 may be configured to dry pre-treated fabric 504 at a temperature of at least about 120° C. After drying, the residual moisture remaining in the fabric may be about 4% or less by weight (based on the total garment), thereby producing dried pre-treated fabric 530. In various cases, the speed at which the fabric moves through the drying system 500 can be at least about 40 yards / minute to at least about 70 yards / minute (or at least about 35 meters / minute to at least about 65 meters / minute), although the speed can be somewhat less than or greater than these values. In various cases, the speed of the feed system 501 is at least about 50 to at least about 60 yards / minute. In various cases, the speed at which the feed system 501 moves the fabric through the drying system 500 is at least 40 yards / minute (at least 35 meters / minute), or at least 50 yards / minute (at least about 45 meters / minute), or at least 60 yards / minute (at least about 55 meters / minute).

[0067] After the dried pretreated fabric 530 exits the drying system 500, the dried pretreated fabric 530 may undergo further processing. For example, the dried pretreated fabric 530 may be provided to a spooling system where rolls of the dried pretreated fabric 530 are placed for storage. As an additional example, the dried pretreated fabric 530 may be provided to a garment manufacturing facility where a final garment may be produced from the dried pretreated fabric 530 (e.g., shirt 102 in FIG. 1 ). An example method of using the converting system 400 to apply a pre-treatment formulation 436 to a fabric and dry the fabric is provided in FIG.

[0068] Referring now to FIG. 6 , a method 600 for bath-applying a pretreatment formulation to a fabric is provided. The method 600 may include step 602 of feeding a fabric having a first surface and a second surface to a tensioning system. In some cases, the tensioning system may include multiple rollers. The method 600 may include step 604 of transferring the fabric to a first reservoir filled with filtered water. In some cases, the filtered water is substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. The method 600 may include step 606 of removing the fabric from the reservoir and transporting it to a set of wringing rollers. The method 600 may include step 608 of compressing the fabric between the wringing rollers to help ensure that the fabric has a consistent or substantially consistent moisture content before being introduced into the pretreatment formulation. In alternative cases, step 608 of compressing the fabric may be performed by applying pressure to either one or both sides of the fabric without using rollers. In still other cases, moisture may be removed from the fabric via application of heat to the fabric, application of dry air to the fabric, or other similar methods. Method 600 may include step 610, which transfers the fabric to a second reservoir containing a pretreatment formulation to produce a pretreated fabric, wherein the wet pick-up % of the pretreatment formulation for each of the first and second surfaces is at least about 10% to no more than about 25%. For example, the wet pick-up % of step 610 may be at least about 12% (or at least 12%). Preferably, the wet pick-up % for each of the first and second surfaces of the fabric is substantially equivalent.

[0069] In other cases, the % wet pick-up of the pre-treatment formulation for each of the first and second surfaces is at least about 10%, or at least about 11%, or at least about 12%, or at least about 13%, or at least about 14%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 16%, or at least about 17%, or at least about 18%, or at least about 19%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 21%. In other cases, the % wet pick-up of the pre-treatment formulation for each of the first and second surfaces is at least 10%, or at least 11%, or at least 12%, or at least 13%, or at least 14%, or at least 15%, or at least 16%, or at least 17%, or at least 18%, or at least 19%, or at least 20%, or at least 21%. Method 600 may include step 612 of transporting the wet pre-treated fabric to a dryer. Method 600 may include step 614 of drying the wet pre-treated fabric in the dryer until the residual moisture is less than about 4% (or 4%) by weight of the total garment to produce a dried pre-treated fabric. In some cases, the drying process of step 614 may be performed at a temperature of at least 100°C.

[0070] In some cases, step 610 applies the pretreatment formulation 202, 436 described with reference to Figures 2 and 4. In some cases, method 600 is used to apply the pretreatment to natural textile fabrics (e.g., cotton), synthetic textile fabrics (e.g., polyester), or blends thereof. In various cases, method 600 is used to apply the pretreatment to natural textile fabrics (e.g., cotton), synthetic textile fabrics (e.g., polyester), or blends thereof. In some cases, method 600 is used to apply the pretreatment to fabrics in the form of jersey fabrics, fleece fabrics, heathered fabrics, French terry fabrics, fabrics having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and blends of jersey and fleece (e.g., 60 / 40 fleece and jersey blends, 50 / 50 fleece and jersey blends). In some cases, the fabric provided in method 600 can be white fabrics, colored fabrics, and / or combinations of white and colored fabrics. In various cases, method 600 may include additional or fewer steps than the methods described herein. For example, any of the steps of method 600 described herein may be omitted or considered optional. In addition, the steps of method 600 may be performed in a different order than described herein. In some cases, the steps of method 600 may be repeated.

[0071] Method 600 may also include any or all of the components of systems 400, 500 described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Additionally, the output of method 600 (i.e., the dried pre-treated fabric) may be used to produce a pre-treated garment similar to fabric 100 described with reference to Figure 1. In various cases, the final garment may be partially or completely composed of the dried pre-treated fabric. In some such cases, the final garment may contain a surface or additional fabric that has not been treated with the pre-treatment formulation. Turning to FIG. 7 , a biopolishing prep method 700 is provided. The biopolishing prep method 700 can be designed to improve fabric quality and / or prepare the fabric for pretreatment. The biopolishing prep method 700 may be performed before, during, or after dyeing the fabric and may reduce fabric fuzz and pilling in cellulosic fabrics. The biopolishing prep method 700 may then remove loose ends of fabric yarns, producing a fabric (including any ink-printed surface) with a lighter color and a more velvety and smooth feel. Preferably, the biopolishing prep method 700 may be performed before any pretreatment formulation (e.g., pretreatment formulations 202, 436) is applied to the fabric. Alternatively, the biopolishing prep method 700 may be performed after any pretreatment formulation is applied to the fabric.

[0072] Method 700 may include step 702 of preparing fabric for dyeing by immersing the fabric in a container containing a dye solution. Method 700 may include step 704 of adding at least one dye assistant and an acid to the dye solution, the solution having a pH of at least about 5.5 to at least about 6.5 (or 5.5 to 6.5). Method 700 may include step 706 of heating the dye solution to a first temperature of at least about 50°C (or at least 50°C) and measuring the pH value. In some cases, the first temperature may also be somewhat lower or higher than at least about 50°C (or at least 50°C). Method 700 may include step 708 of adding a cellulase enzyme to the dye solution. Method 700 may include step 710 of adding an amount of alkali to deactivate the cellulase enzyme. Method 700 may include step 712 of heating the dye solution to a second temperature of at least about 60°C (or at least 60°C), although the second temperature may also be somewhat lower or higher than these values. Method 700 may include step 714 of adding a reactive dye to the dye solution while maintaining the dye solution at the second temperature. Method 700 may include step 716 of finishing the fabric by applying a bath pre-treatment, as described with reference to Figures 4-6.

[0073] In some cases of method 700, the dye assistant used in step 704 can include any dye assistant. In various cases, step 706 can include any method known in the art for measuring pH, such as a pH probe. In some cases, step 708 can add cellulase, including neutral cellulase. In some cases, step 708 can add cellulase in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight of the garment to at least about 0.45% by weight of the garment (or at least 0.45% by weight of the garment). For example, step 708 can add cellulase in an amount of at least about 0.1% by weight of the garment, or at least about 0.15% by weight of the garment, or at least about 0.2% by weight of the garment, or at least about 0.25% by weight of the garment, or at least about 0.3% by weight of the garment, or at least about 0.35% by weight of the garment, or at least about 0.4% by weight of the garment, or at least about 0.45% by weight of the garment. As additional examples, step 708 may add cellulase in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight of the garment, or at least 0.1% by weight of the garment, or at least 0.15% by weight of the garment, or at least 0.2% by weight of the garment, or at least 0.25% by weight of the garment, or at least 0.3% by weight of the garment, or at least 0.35% by weight of the garment, or at least 0.4% by weight of the garment, or at least 0.45% by weight of the garment.

[0074] In some cases, step 708 of adding the cellulase enzyme to the dye solution occurs at least about 10 minutes (or 10 minutes) after the dyeing assistant is added, although adding the cellulase enzyme to the dye solution may occur somewhat earlier or later than these times. For example, step 708 may occur at least about 5 minutes, or at least about 10 minutes, or at least about 15 minutes, or at least about 20 minutes, or at least about 25 minutes after the dyeing assistant is added. As a further example, step 708 may occur at least 5 minutes, or at least 10 minutes, or at least 15 minutes, or at least 20 minutes, or at least 25 minutes after the dyeing assistant is added. In some cases, step 710 adds an alkali comprising sodium sulfate. In some cases, step 710, adding an amount of alkali to deactivate the cellulase enzyme, occurs at least about 25 minutes (or 25 minutes) after the dyeing aid is added, although adding alkali to the cellulase enzyme may occur somewhat earlier or later than these times. For example, step 708 may occur at least about 20 minutes, or at least about 25 minutes, or at least about 30 minutes, or at least about 35 minutes, or at least about 40 minutes after the dyeing aid is added. As a further example, step 708 may occur at least 20 minutes, or at least 25 minutes, or at least 30 minutes, or at least 35 minutes, or at least 40 minutes after the dyeing aid is added.

[0075] In various cases, step 712 of increasing the temperature to 60° C. occurs at a rate of about 4° C. / min (or 4° C. / min), although the rate may be somewhat less than or greater than these values. In various cases, step 712 of increasing the temperature to 60° C. at a rate of 4° C. / min occurs at least about 35 minutes after the dye assistant is added. In some cases, step 714 of adding a reactive dye while maintaining a temperature of about 60° C. (or 60° C.) can include adding any reactive dye. In certain cases, during step 714, the temperature can be maintained at a value of about 50° C. to about 70° C. (or 50° C. to 70° C.), including when any reactive dye is added. In various cases, bio-polish prep method 700 is used before using method 600 on colored fabrics or cloths. In various cases, bio-polish prep method 700 is used before using method 600 on white fabrics or cloths. In some cases, bio-polish prep method 700 is not used before using method 600 on white fabrics or cloths. In some cases, bio-polish prep method 700 is used before using method 600 on colored fabrics or cloths.

[0076] In various cases, method 700 may include additional or fewer steps than those described herein. For example, any of the steps of method 700 described herein may be omitted or considered optional. In addition, the steps of method 700 may be performed in a different order than described herein. In some cases, the steps of method 700 may be repeated. In a first implementation, a treated fabric is provided having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a pretreatment composition is applied to the first surface of the fabric. The pretreatment composition is designed to improve at least one color attribute of an ink applied to the first surface of the fabric (e.g., via printing). The pretreatment composition includes polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, a hydrophobic silicone, and filtered water. In a second implementation, the pretreatment composition of the first implementation is applied to a first surface and a second surface of a fabric. In a third implementation, which may include either the first or second implementation, the polyethylene is a high-density polyethylene, and the pretreatment composition includes a concentration of the high-density polyethylene of at least about 0.5% by volume relative to the total pretreatment composition.

[0077] In a fourth implementation, which may include any of the first to third implementations, the pretreatment composition includes a digital primer and a filler in a concentration of at least about 50% by volume relative to the total pretreatment composition. In a fifth implementation, which may include any of the first through fourth implementations, the pretreatment composition includes a hydrophobic silicone at a concentration of at least about 3% by volume of the total pretreatment composition. In a sixth implementation, which may include any of the first to fifth implementations, the filtrate of the pretreatment composition is substantially free of chlorine. In a seventh implementation form, which may include any of the first through sixth implementation forms, the fabric is provided in the form of a garment selected from the group consisting of a sweatshirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a dress, pants, a sweater, shorts, a gown, a tunic, a cardigan, overalls, swimwear, a quarter-zip, trousers, a skirt, a suit, sportswear, a jacket, a coat, a scarf, a tank top, a hat, gloves, a corset, underwear, socks, and a bra. In an eighth implementation, which may include any of the first to seventh implementations, the pretreatment composition consists of polyethylene provided in the form of high-density polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, a hydrophobic silicone, and filtered water.

[0078] In a ninth implementation, which may include any of the first to eighth implementations, the fabric is treated with a biopolishing composition, and the biopolishing composition includes at least one dyeing aid, at least one acid, and cellulase. In a tenth implementation, which may include any of the first to ninth implementations, an ink-based graphic is printed on a first surface of the fabric, and application of the pretreatment composition increases the vibrancy of the fabric by at least about 50%. In an eleventh implementation, a garment includes a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a fabric provided in the form of a pre-treatment formulation. The pre-treatment formulation is applied to the first surface and includes high-density polyethylene provided at a first concentration of at least about 0.5% to about 4% by volume relative to the total pre-treatment formulation. The pre-treatment formulation also includes a first digital primer and a filler provided at a second concentration of at least about 50% to about 70% by volume relative to the total pre-treatment formulation. The pre-treatment formulation further includes a hydrophobic silicone provided at a third concentration of at least about 3% to about 9% by volume relative to the total pre-treatment formulation. The remaining volume of the pre-treatment formulation includes filtered water. In a twelfth implementation, which may include the eleventh implementation, the cloth is a white cloth.

[0079] In a thirteenth implementation, which may include the eleventh implementation, the fabric is a colored fabric. In a fourteenth implementation, which may include any of the eleventh to thirteenth implementations, at least one surface of the garment is not treated with a pretreatment formulation. In a fifteenth implementation, which may include any of the eleventh to fourteenth implementations, the pretreatment formulation is designed to impart a softer hand to the fabric. In a sixteenth implementation, which may include any of the eleventh through fifteenth implementations, the filtered water is substantially devoid of added chlorine. In a seventeenth implementation, which may include any of the eleventh to sixteenth implementations, the pretreatment formulation further includes a second digital primer and a filler provided at a fourth concentration of at least about 3% to about 8% by volume relative to the total pretreatment formulation. In an eighteenth implementation, a method for applying a pretreatment formulation to a fabric includes feeding the fabric into a tensioning system. The fabric includes a first surface and a second surface. The method also includes transferring the fabric to a first reservoir containing filtered water, removing excess liquid from the fabric, and applying the pretreatment formulation to the fabric to produce a pretreated fabric. The wet pick-up % of the pretreatment formulation on each of the first surface and the second surface of the fabric is at least about 10%. The method further includes transporting the pretreated fabric to a dryer and drying the pretreated fabric in the dryer to produce a dried pretreated fabric. In some such cases, the pretreatment formulation is designed to improve the efficiency of applying ink to the fabric.

[0080] In a 19th implementation, which may include the 18th implementation, the pretreatment formulation includes high-density polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, and a hydrophobic silicone. In a twentieth implementation, which may include either the eighteenth or nineteenth implementation, the pretreatment formulation is applied to the fabric via a one-step bath application method, and the fabric is transferred to a second reservoir containing the pretreatment formulation to produce a pretreated fabric. In a 21st implementation, which may include any of the 18th to 20th implementations, the residual moisture content of the pretreated fabric is less than about 4% by mass of the entire fabric after drying. In a twenty-second implementation, any of the eighteenth to twenty-first implementations can be used to provide the treated fabric of any of the first to tenth implementations. In a 23rd implementation, any of the 18th to 21st implementations can be used to provide the garment of any of the 11th to 17th implementations. In a 24th implementation, an ink-printed surface is generated when ink is applied to a fabric or pretreated fabric of any of the first to 23rd implementations, and the ink-printed surface retains its color attributes after being subjected to 3 to 30 washing cycles.

[0081] In a 25th implementation, an ink-printed surface is generated when ink is applied to a fabric or pretreated fabric of any of the first to 23rd implementations, and the ink-printed surface retains its color attributes after being subjected to at least 10 washing cycles. In a 26th implementation, the color attribute described in either the 24th or 25th implementation is selected from the group consisting of color saturation, contrast, vividness, and combinations thereof. In a 27th implementation, the color attributes described in either the 24th or 25th implementation include at least one of color saturation, contrast, and vividness. The present disclosure provides the following technical advantages over existing solutions: (a) an improved single-application pretreatment system for direct-to-garment printing; (b) an improved formulation for pretreatment; (c) providing garments with improved hand feel (e.g., softness); (d) providing garments with ink-treated surfaces with improved vibrancy, contrast, and color fastness; and (e) improved methods that increase efficiency and thereby reduce waste of pretreatment formulations. Various properties of the garments, fabrics, treated fabrics, and ink-printed surfaces in Figures 1-7 are described with reference to one or more values ​​and ranges. It is understood that each property described herein may be assigned a discrete value or a range of values ​​that coincide with all values ​​described with reference to that property. In addition, each property described herein may be assigned a discrete value or a range of values ​​that fall within any minimum and maximum values ​​or ranges described with reference to that property.

[0082] While the present disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and departures from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the claims appended hereto. The entire contents of each patent and publication cited herein are incorporated by reference as if each such patent and publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 fabrics 101 Clothing 102 shirt 104 Graphics 106 Front 108 Back 110 Sleeve 112 Neck circumference 114 Inner part 116 Outer part 200 untreated fabric 202 Pretreatment Compounds 204 Pretreated fabric 206 Pretreated clothing 208 Front 300 Treated fabric layer 300 301 Fabric body 301 302 First Surface 304 Second Surface 400 Wet-on-Wet Bath Processing System 401 Extension System 402 Container 404 Cloth 406 First Roller 410 Second Roller 412 Bathing 413 Tank 414 Water 416 Third Roller 418 Fourth Roller 420 The Fifth Roller 422 First Squeezing Roller 424 Second Squeezing Roller 426 The Sixth Roller 428 The Seventh Roller 432 Compound treatment bath 434 The 8th Roller 436 Pretreatment Compounds 438 Mixing tank 439 The 9th Roller 440 Conduit 442 The 10th Roller 444 The 11th Roller 446 The 12th Roller 448 Exit 450 pretreated cloth 500 Drying System 501 Supply System 502 Pretreated fabric container 504 Pretreated cloth 506 First Roller 510 Second Roller 512 Tensionless dryer 514 Third Roller 516 Exit 530 Dried pretreated fabric 600 Method for bath-applying a pretreatment formulation to a fabric 700 Biopolish Prep Method

Claims

1. a first surface and an opposite second surface; and a pretreatment composition applied to a first surface; A fabric comprising: The pretreatment composition is designed to improve at least one color attribute of an ink applied to the first surface, the pretreatment composition comprising: polyethylene; Digital primers and fillers; Hydrophobic silicone; and filtered water Including cloth.

2. The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the pretreatment composition is applied to a first surface and a second surface of the fabric.

3. 10. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the polyethylene comprises high density polyethylene and the pretreatment composition is applied at a concentration of at least about 0.5% by volume of the high density polyethylene relative to the total pretreatment composition.

4. 10. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the pretreatment composition is provided with a digital primer and filler in a concentration of at least about 50% by volume of the total pretreatment composition.

5. 10. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the pretreatment composition is provided with a hydrophobic silicone concentration of at least about 3% by volume of the total pretreatment composition.

6. 10. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the filtrate of the pretreatment composition is substantially devoid of chlorine.

7. 10. The fabric of claim 1 provided in the form of a garment selected from the group consisting of sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, dresses, pants, sweaters, shorts, gowns, tunics, cardigans, overalls, swimwear, quarter zips, trousers, skirts, suits, sportswear, jackets, coats, scarves, tank tops, hats, gloves, corsets, underwear, socks, and bras.

8. The pretreatment composition comprises: Polyethylene provided in the form of high density polyethylene; Digital primers and fillers; Hydrophobic silicone; and filtered water The fabric of claim 1 , comprising:

9. The fabric is treated with a biopolish composition, the biopolish composition comprising: at least one dyeing assistant; at least one acid; and cellulase The fabric of claim 1 , comprising:

10. an ink-based graphic printed on the first surface; 10. The fabric of claim 1, wherein application of the pretreatment composition improves the vividness of the fabric by at least about 50%.

11. a first surface, an opposite second surface; and a pretreatment composition applied to a first surface; A garment comprising a fabric comprising: The pretreatment formulation comprises: high density polyethylene provided in a first concentration of at least about 0.5% to about 4% by volume of the total pretreatment formulation; a first digital primer and filler provided in a second concentration of at least about 50% to about 70% by volume of the total pretreatment formulation; and a hydrophobic silicone provided in a third concentration of at least about 3% to about 9% by volume of the total pretreatment formulation; Including, the remaining volume of the pretreatment formulation comprises filtered water; clothing.

12. 12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the fabric is a white fabric.

13. 12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the fabric is a colored fabric.

14. 12. The garment of claim 11, wherein at least one surface of the garment is not treated with a pretreatment formulation.

15. 12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the pretreatment formulation is designed to impart a softer hand to the fabric.

16. 12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the pre-treatment formulation further comprises a second digital primer and a filler provided in a fourth concentration of at least about 3% to about 8% by volume of the total pre-treatment formulation.

17. 1. A method of applying a pretreatment formulation to a fabric, comprising: feeding a fabric including a first surface and a second surface into a tensioning system; transferring the fabric to a first reservoir containing filtered water; removing excess liquid from the fabric; applying a pretreatment formulation to a fabric to produce a pretreated fabric, wherein the wet pick-up % of the pretreatment formulation on each of the first surface and the second surface is at least about 10%; transporting the pretreated fabric to a dryer; drying the pretreated fabric in a dryer to produce a dried pretreated fabric; Including, A method in which the pretreatment formulation is designed to improve the efficiency of applying ink to the fabric.

18. The pretreatment formulation comprises: High density polyethylene; Digital primers and fillers; and Hydrophobic Silicon 18. The method of claim 17, comprising:

19. The pretreatment formulation is applied to the fabric via a one-step bath application method; 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the fabric is transferred to a second reservoir containing a pretreatment formulation to produce a pretreated fabric.

20. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the pretreated fabric has a residual moisture content of less than about 4% by weight of the total fabric after drying.

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