Fabric treatment agent, printing ink set, pre-treated fabric, printing method, and printed fabric

Abstract

The objective is to provide a fabric treatment agent, a printing ink set, a pre-treated fabric, a printing method, and a printed fabric with suppressed discoloration, all of which can suppress discoloration and fading of printed fabrics. [Solution] The fabric treatment agent of the present invention is a fabric treatment agent used for printing with sublimation dyes, and is characterized by containing a colorant capturing compound whose Rf value, as determined by paper chromatography under the following conditions, is 0.7 or less. [Conditions for the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant capturing compound is impregnated into cellulose filter paper, then dried to prepare a carrier. Step 2: A 0.1% tetrahydrofuran solution of the sublimation colorant is spotted onto the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. Step 3: Develop the sample with acetonitrile at 25°C for 3 minutes. Step 4: Calculate the Rf value using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a treatment agent for textiles, an ink set for printing, pre-treated textiles, a printing method, and printed textiles. More specifically, this relates to a fabric treatment agent that can suppress discoloration and fading of printed fabrics. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a printing method is known in which textiles are dyed using printing inks containing sublimation dyes. In such printing methods, since sublimation dyes are generally hydrophobic, they adhere well to polyester textiles, which are also hydrophobic, and printing is easily performed. On the other hand, for textiles containing hydrophilic fibers such as natural fibers or synthetic cellulose fibers, the difference in polarity between the sublimation dye and the textile tends to result in insufficient adhesion of the sublimation dye.

[0003] As a technology to solve such problems, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which, in sublimation transfer printing, the sublimation colorant is fixed by swelling the fabric with a swelling agent (polyhydric alcohols) before sublimation transfer, and further, after sublimation transfer, the sublimation colorant is sealed and fixed inside the fabric by applying a synthetic resin liquid to the fabric as a post-processing step.

[0004] Furthermore, as a technology that provides a simple method that does not require a subsequent process, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which, in addition to a swelling agent (polyhydric alcohols), a water-repellent agent (for example, poly(meth)acrylate containing a polyfluoroalkyl group) is applied to the fabric before sublimation transfer.

[0005] However, even with these techniques, a problem remained: the printed fabric would fade and change color over time, especially in high-temperature environments, due to insufficient fixation of the sublimation dye. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-216763 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-42514 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems and situations, and the problem to be solved is to provide a fabric treatment agent, an ink set for printing, a pre-treated fabric, a printing method, and a printed fabric with suppressed color fading and discoloration that can suppress the color fading and discoloration of printed fabrics. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0008] As a result of studying the causes of the above problems in order to solve the above problems, the present inventor has found that by using a colorant-trapping compound having an Rf value (the smaller the value, the greater the colorant-trapping ability) of 0.7 or less, which is an index of the colorant-trapping ability, the color fading and discoloration of the printed fabric can be suppressed, and thus the present invention has been achieved. That is, the above problems according to the present invention are solved by the following means.

[0009] 1. A fabric treatment agent used for printing with a sublimable colorant, containing a colorant-trapping compound having an Rf value of 0.7 or less determined by a paper chromatography method under the following conditions The fabric treatment agent is characterized by the above. [Conditions of the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant-trapping compound is impregnated into a cellulose filter paper and then dried to prepare a carrier. Procedure 2: A 0.1% solution of the sublimable colorant in tetrahydrofuran is spotted on the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. Procedure 3: The developing sample is developed with acetonitrile for 3 minutes at 25°C. Procedure 4: The Rf value is determined from the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = developing distance of the sublimable colorant / developing distance of acetonitrile

[0010] 2. Containing a colorant-trapping compound with an Rf value of 0.5 or less The fabric treatment agent according to claim 1, characterized in that

[0011] 3. Further containing a solvent with a value of the ratio of inorganic value to organic value (I / O value) of 1.5 or more The fabric treatment agent according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

[0012] 4. The colorant-trapping compound has an aromatic heterocyclic ring The fabric treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

[0013] 5. The colorant-trapping compound has three or more aromatic rings The fabric treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

[0014] 6. The colorant-trapping compound has five or more aromatic rings The fabric treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

[0015] 7. The colorant-trapping compound has a structure in which two aromatic rings are bonded to each other by a single bond The fabric treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that

[0016] 8. A dyeing ink set including a dyeing ink containing a sublimable colorant and a fabric treatment agent containing a colorant-trapping compound, wherein the fabric treatment agent is the fabric treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 7 The dyeing ink set is characterized in that

[0017] 9. A pre-treated fabric containing a colorant-trapping compound, wherein as the colorant-trapping compound, it contains a colorant-trapping compound with an Rf value of 0.7 or less determined by a paper chromatography method under the following conditions<A pre-treated fabric characterized by the following. [Conditions for the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant capturing compound is impregnated into cellulose filter paper, then dried to prepare a carrier. Step 2: A 0.1% tetrahydrofuran solution of the sublimation colorant is spotted onto the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. Step 3: Develop the sample with acetonitrile at 25°C for 3 minutes. Step 4: Calculate the Rf value using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile

[0018] 10. A printing method for dyeing fabric with sublimation dyes in the presence of a colorant-capturing compound, As the aforementioned colorant-capturing compound, a colorant-capturing compound is used whose Rf value, determined by paper chromatography under the following conditions, is 0.7 or less. A printing method characterized by the following. [Conditions for the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant capturing compound is impregnated into cellulose filter paper, then dried to prepare a carrier. Step 2: A 0.1% tetrahydrofuran solution of the sublimation colorant is spotted onto the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. Step 3: Develop the sample with acetonitrile at 25°C for 3 minutes. Step 4: Calculate the Rf value using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile

[0019] 11. The fabric contains natural fibers or synthetic cellulose fibers. The printing method according to paragraph 10, characterized by the above.

[0020] 12. The staining method is sublimation transfer. The printing method according to paragraph 10 or 11, characterized by the above.

[0021] 13. A printed fabric containing a colorant-capturing compound and a sublimation colorant, The colorant-capturing compound includes a colorant-capturing compound whose Rf value, determined by paper chromatography under the following conditions, is 0.7 or less. A printed fabric characterized by the following features. [Conditions for the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant capturing compound is impregnated into cellulose filter paper, then dried to prepare a carrier. Step 2: A 0.1% tetrahydrofuran solution of the sublimation colorant is spotted onto the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. Step 3: Develop the sample with acetonitrile at 25°C for 3 minutes. Step 4: Calculate the Rf value using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The above-described means of the present invention makes it possible to provide a fabric treatment agent, etc., that can suppress discoloration and fading of printed fabrics.

[0023] Although the mechanism of action or mechanism of the present invention is not yet clear, it is speculated as follows.

[0024] The inventors of this invention have discovered that the reason why printed fabrics change color over time even when swelling agents are used, as in the prior art, is due to the bleeding out of the sublimation dye, which occurs when the sublimation dye is not sufficiently fixed to the fabric.

[0025] The fabric treatment agent of the present invention is characterized by containing a colorant-capturing compound whose Rf value, as determined by paper chromatography under the above conditions, is 0.7 or less. In this paper chromatography method, a cellulose filter paper on which the colorant-capturing compound has been fixed is used as a carrier, and a sublimation colorant used for printing is developed together with the colorant-capturing compound. In this method, by using a cellulose filter paper on which the colorant-capturing compound has been fixed as a carrier, the strength of the CH-π interaction assumed to act between the fabric containing cellulose fibers or fibers similar to cellulose fibers and the colorant-capturing compound can be reflected in the measured Rf value. Furthermore, by using a sublimation colorant as the development target, the strength of the π-π interaction assumed to act between the sublimation colorant and the colorant-capturing compound can also be reflected in the measured Rf value. In other words, the Rf value obtained by this paper chromatography method represents the overall strength of the CH-π interaction and the π-π interaction, and can be rephrased as an indicator of the colorant-capturing power of the colorant-capturing compound (the strength with which it fixes sublimable colorants to fabric). A smaller Rf value indicates greater colorant-capturing power.

[0026] If the colorant-capturing compound has an Rf value of 0.7 or less, it is considered to have sufficient colorant-capturing power to suppress bleed-out, and it is presumed that the fabric treatment agent of the present invention can suppress discoloration and fading of printed fabrics. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The fabric treatment agent of the present invention is a fabric treatment agent used for printing with sublimation dyes, and is characterized by containing a colorant capturing compound whose Rf value, determined by paper chromatography under the above conditions, is 0.7 or less. This feature is a technical feature common to or corresponding to the embodiments described below.

[0028] In embodiments of the fabric treatment agent of the present invention, it is preferable from the viewpoint of colorant-capturing ability to contain a colorant-capturing compound having an Rf value of 0.5 or less.

[0029] In embodiments of the fabric treatment agent of the present invention, it is preferable to further contain a solvent with an I / O ratio of 1.5 or higher. Having an I / O value within this range makes it easier for the fibers of the fabric to swell, and the solvent acts as a carrier for the sublimation colorant, allowing the sublimation colorant to penetrate the fibers more easily. This makes it easier for the sublimation colorant to fix and enhances the effect of suppressing discoloration and fading.

[0030] In embodiments of the fabric treatment agent of the present invention, it is preferable from the viewpoint of colorant-capturing ability that the colorant-capturing compound has an aromatic heterocycle.

[0031] In embodiments of the fabric treatment agent of the present invention, it is preferable from the viewpoint of colorant-capturing ability that the colorant-capturing compound has three or more aromatic rings.

[0032] In embodiments of the fabric treatment agent of the present invention, it is preferable from the viewpoint of colorant-capturing ability that the colorant-capturing compound has five or more aromatic rings.

[0033] In an embodiment of the fabric treatment agent of the present invention, it is preferable from the viewpoint of colorant-capturing ability that the colorant-capturing compound has a structure in which two aromatic rings are bonded to each other by single bonds.

[0034] The present invention relates to a textile printing ink set comprising a textile printing ink containing a sublimation colorant and a fabric treatment agent containing a colorant capturing compound, wherein the fabric treatment agent is the fabric treatment agent of the present invention.

[0035] The pre-treated fabric of the present invention is a pre-treated fabric containing a colorant-capturing compound, characterized in that the colorant-capturing compound contains a colorant-capturing compound having an Rf value of 0.7 or less as determined by paper chromatography under the above conditions.

[0036] The present invention relates to a textile printing method in which a fabric is dyed with a sublimation dye in the presence of a dye-capturing compound, characterized in that the dye-capturing compound used has an Rf value of 0.7 or less determined by paper chromatography under the above conditions.

[0037] As an embodiment of the printing method of the present invention, the effects of the present invention can be clearly demonstrated, It is preferable that the fabric contains natural fibers or synthetic cellulose fibers.

[0038] In an embodiment of the printing method of the present invention, it is preferable that the dyeing method is a sublimation transfer method from the viewpoint of achieving the effects of the present invention.

[0039] The present invention relates to a printable fabric containing a colorant-capturing compound and a sublimation colorant, characterized in that the colorant-capturing compound contains a colorant-capturing compound having an Rf value of 0.7 or less determined by paper chromatography under the above conditions.

[0040] The present invention, its components, and embodiments and models for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below. In this application, "~" is used to mean that the numerical values ​​before and after it are included as the lower limit and upper limit.

[0041] <1 Fabric treatment agent> The fabric treatment agent of the present invention is a fabric treatment agent used for printing with sublimation dyes, and is characterized by containing a colorant capturing compound whose Rf value, as determined by paper chromatography under the following conditions, is 0.7 or less.

[0042] <1.1 Conditions for the paper chromatography method> The conditions for the paper chromatography method according to the present invention are as follows: [Conditions for the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant capturing compound is impregnated into cellulose filter paper, then dried to prepare a support. Step 2: A 0.1% tetrahydrofuran solution of the sublimation colorant is spotted onto the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. Step 3: Develop the sample with acetonitrile at 25°C for 3 minutes. Step 4: Calculate the Rf value using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile

[0043] The following explains the details of each step.

[0044] (Step 1) A 10% solution of the colorant-capturing compound is impregnated into cellulose filter paper of type 5C as specified in JIS P 3801:1995, and then dried to prepare a carrier. The solvent used in the 10% solution of the colorant-capturing compound is not particularly limited as long as it can dissolve the colorant-capturing compound, and solvents that can be contained in fabric treatment agents can be used. The shape of the cellulose filter paper is not particularly limited and can be, for example, in strips. The size of the cellulose filter paper is not particularly limited, but it must be large enough to allow for sufficient unfolding in step 3. Impregnation of the cellulose filter paper with the solution is performed by immersing the cellulose filter paper in the solution for 1 minute. Drying conditions are not particularly limited as long as the carrier can be sufficiently dried to the extent that its mass stabilizes under a 25°C, 50%RH environment.

[0045] (Step 2) A 0.1% tetrahydrofuran solution of the sublimation colorant (a sublimation colorant used in textile printing together with a colorant-capturing compound) is spotted onto the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. The solution can be spotted using a capillary. The amount of solution to be spotted is preferably 0.5 to 2 μL, and more preferably 1 μL. The spot should be positioned 1 cm from the bottom edge of the cellulose filter paper. Drying conditions are not particularly limited, as long as the sample is sufficiently dried to the point where its mass stabilizes under a 25°C, 50% RH environment.

[0046] (Step 3) Develop the sample in acetonitrile for 3 minutes at 25°C. Specifically, place the sample upright in a developing tank containing acetonitrile, ensuring that the spotted portion in step 2 is not submerged in the acetonitrile. Cover the developing tank and begin the development process. The development time is 3 minutes from the moment the cellulose filter paper is immersed in the acetonitrile.

[0047] (Step 4) The Rf value is calculated using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile

[0048] "The development distance of the sublimation colorant" is the distance from the center of the spotted area in step 2 to the darkest point of the spot after development. If it is difficult to determine the darkest point, it is the distance from the center of the spotted area in step 2 to the center of the leading and trailing ends of the spot.

[0049] The "acetonitrile deployment distance" is defined as the distance from the center of the spotted area in step 2 to the tip of the acetonitrile after deployment.

[0050] The Rf value may be the average of multiple measurements, taking into consideration the accuracy of the measurement.

[0051] <1.2 Colorant capture compound> The fabric treatment agent of the present invention is characterized by containing a colorant-capturing compound whose Rf value, as determined by paper chromatography under the above conditions, is 0.7 or less. From the viewpoint of colorant-capturing ability, the Rf value is preferably 0.5 or less, more preferably 0.3 or less, and even more preferably 0.2 or less.

[0052] The colorant-capturing compound according to the present invention is preferably a compound having an aromatic ring (aromatic compound), and more preferably a compound having an aromatic heterocycle (aromatic heterocyclic compound).

[0053] In this invention, "aromatic heterocycle" refers to an aromatic ring composed of carbon and heteroatoms other than carbon, and does not include cases where the aromatic ring is composed solely of carbon and the heteroatoms constitute substituents that substitute for the aromatic ring.

[0054] From the viewpoint of colorant-catching ability, the heteroatoms constituting the aromatic heterocyclic compound are preferably oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms, or sulfur atoms, and more preferably nitrogen atoms.

[0055] Examples of aromatic heterocyclic compounds include pyrazole rings, triazole rings, imidazole rings, triazine rings, pyridine rings, pyrazole rings, allidine rings, indole rings, quinoline rings, pyrrole rings, and thiophene rings. Of these, pyrazole rings, triazole rings, or imidazole rings are preferred from the viewpoint of colorant-catching ability.

[0056] Furthermore, the aromatic compound used as a colorant-capturing compound preferably has three or more aromatic rings, and more preferably has five or more aromatic rings. It is also preferable that it partially or entirely has a structure in which two aromatic rings are bonded to each other by a single bond. When the aromatic compound has these structures, its aromaticity increases, and the π-π interaction with the sublimation colorant becomes stronger. This improves the colorant-capturing ability and enhances the effect of suppressing discoloration and fading.

[0057] The colorant-capturing compound according to the present invention preferably has a solubility of 10% by mass or more in the solvent contained together with the fabric treatment agent at 25°C and 1 atm. The higher the solubility in the solvent, the easier it is for the colorant-capturing compound to penetrate into the fibers of the fabric in a dissolved state, thereby improving the colorant-capturing ability and enhancing the effect of suppressing discoloration and fading.

[0058] Furthermore, the colorant-capturing compound according to the present invention is preferable to have a low molecular weight in that it can capture sublimation colorants within the fibers of the fabric. Low molecular weight means, for example, a molecular weight in the range of 200 to 1000.

[0059] Examples of colorant-capturing compounds according to the present invention are shown. However, the colorant-capturing compounds according to the present invention are not limited to these.

[0060] [ka]

[0061] [ka]

[0062] From the viewpoint of colorant-capturing ability, the colorant-capturing compound according to the present invention is preferably contained in an amount of 1 to 30% by mass relative to the total amount of the fabric treatment agent, and more preferably in an amount of 10 to 20% by mass.

[0063] <1.3 Solvents> The fabric treatment agent of the present invention may contain a solvent. The type of solvent is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the ratio of inorganic to organic values ​​(I / O value) is 1.5 or higher, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 5.0, and even more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 2.0. When the I / O value is within this range, the inside of the fabric fibers swells more easily, and the solvent acts as a carrier for the sublimation colorant, making it easier for the sublimation colorant to penetrate into the fibers. As a result, the sublimation colorant is more easily fixed, and the effect of suppressing discoloration and fading is enhanced.

[0064] The "I / O value" is the ratio of the inorganic value (I) to the organic value (O), and is also called the "IOB value" (Inorganic Organic Balance: IOB). This is one of the indicators that shows the degree of polarity of a component.

[0065] The I / O value is explained in detail in literature such as the Organic Concept Diagram (by Yoshio Koda, Sankyo Publishing (1984)); KUMAMOTO PHARMACEUTICAL BULLETIN, No. 1, Sections 1-16 (1954); and The Field of Chemistry, Vol. 11, No. 10, Sections 719-725 (1957). The I / O value is a value that treats the polarity of a compound or component in an organic conceptual way. This method is one of the functional group contribution methods in which parameters are set for each functional group, and inorganic and organic values ​​are shown for each functional group. The I / O value is shown by broadly classifying the properties of a compound or component into organic groups that represent covalent bonding and inorganic groups that represent ionic bonding, and positioning them at one point each on a Cartesian coordinate system called the organic axis and the inorganic axis.

[0066] Here, "inorganic value (I)" refers to a numerical representation of the influence of various substituents or bonds on the boiling point of an organic compound, based on the hydroxyl group. Specifically, if the distance between the boiling point curves of a straight-chain alcohol and a straight-chain paraffin is taken around the number of carbon atoms (5), it is approximately 100°C. Therefore, the influence of one hydroxyl group is set to 100, and the value obtained by quantifying the influence of various substituents or bonds on the boiling point based on this value is the inorganic value (I) of the substituents in the organic compound. For example, the inorganic value (I) of a -COOH group is 150, and the inorganic value (I) of a double bond is 2. Therefore, the inorganic value (I) of certain organic compounds means the sum of the inorganic values ​​(I) of the various substituents or bonds that the compound possesses.

[0067] The "organicness value (O)" is determined using the methylene group within a molecule as the unit, and is based on the influence of that methylene group on the boiling point of the carbon atom representing it. In other words, the average boiling point elevation due to the addition of one carbon atom in a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon compound with around 5 to 10 carbon atoms is 20°C. Based on this, the organicness value of one carbon atom is set at 20, and the organicness value (O) is a numerical value that quantifies the influence of various substituents or bonds on the boiling point. For example, the organicness value (O) of a nitro group (-NO2) is 70.

[0068] Generally, an I / O value closer to 0 indicates a nonpolar (highly hydrophobic, organic) organic substance, while a higher value indicates a polar (highly hydrophilic, inorganic) organic substance.

[0069] Examples of solvents with an I / O value of 1.5 or higher include ethylene glycol monoethylene ether (I / O value: 1.5), dimethyl sulfoxide (I / O value: 1.75), butyric acid (I / O value: 1.875), polyethylene glycol (I / O value: 2.0), isobutyric acid (I / O value: 2.143), 2,3-butanediol (I / O value: 2.5), trimethylolethane (I / O value: 3.0), propylene glycol (I / O value: 3.3), polypropylene glycol (I / O value: 3.3), and ethylene glycol (I / O value: 5.0). Among these, it is preferable to include one or more of dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol, as this allows the fibers of the fabric to swell and discoloration to be suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, the boiling point of the solvent is preferably in the range of 150 to 250°C. Examples of solvents with a boiling point in the range of 150 to 250°C include propylene glycol (boiling point 188°C), ethylene glycol (boiling point 197°C), dimethyl sulfoxide (boiling point 89°C), and 2,3-butanediol (boiling point 77°C).

[0071] In addition to the solvents listed above, other solvents such as 2-pyrrolidone (I / O value: 1.15) can also be used.

[0072] In the fabric treatment agent, the above-mentioned solvent is preferably contained in an amount of 5 to 95% by mass of the total fabric treatment agent, and more preferably in an amount of 50 to 80% by mass, from the viewpoint of suppressing discoloration and fading.

[0073] <1.4 Other ingredients> The fabric treatment agent of the present invention may further contain other components as needed. Examples of other components include water, surfactants, preservatives, pH adjusters, and the like.

[0074] Examples of water include deionized water, distilled water, and pure water. The water content in the fabric treatment agent is preferably in the range of 0 to 95% by mass, and more preferably in the range of 0 to 50% by mass.

[0075] While surfactants can be used without particular limitations, when the ink components contain anionic compounds, the ionic nature of the surfactant is preferably anionic, nonionic, or betaine. Specifically, fluorine-based or silicone-based surfactants with high static surface tension reduction ability, anionic surfactants such as dioctyl sulfosuccinate and sodium dodecyl sulfate with high dynamic surface tension reduction ability, and nonionic surfactants such as relatively low molecular weight polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, acetylene glycols, Pluronic-type surfactants (Pluronic is a registered trademark), and sorbitan derivatives are preferably used. It is also preferable to use a fluorine-based or silicone-based surfactant in combination with a surfactant with high dynamic surface tension reduction ability.

[0076] Examples of preservatives include aromatic halogen compounds (e.g., PreventolCMK), methylenedithiocyanates, halogenated nitrogen-sulfur compounds, and 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (e.g., PROXELGXL).

[0077] Examples of pH adjusters include citric acid, sodium citrate, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide.

[0078] <1.5 Physical properties of fabric treatment agents> The viscosity of the fabric treatment agent at 25°C can be appropriately adjusted depending on the method of application to the fabric. For example, when the fabric treatment agent is applied by an inkjet method, the viscosity of the fabric treatment agent is preferably in the range of 4 to 20 mPa·s. The viscosity of the fabric treatment agent can be measured at 25°C using an E-type viscometer.

[0079] <2 Ink Sets for Textile Printing> The present invention relates to a textile printing ink set comprising a textile printing ink containing a sublimation colorant and a fabric treatment agent containing a colorant capturing compound, wherein the fabric treatment agent is the fabric treatment agent of the present invention.

[0080] The fabric treatment agent included in the printing ink set is as described above. The printing inks included in the printing ink set are described below.

[0081] <3. Inks for Textile Printing> The printing ink set of the present invention contains at least a sublimation colorant. In addition to the sublimation colorant, it may also contain water, an organic solvent, a dispersant, etc.

[0082] <3.1 Sublimation colorant> In this invention, "sublimation colorant" refers to a colorant that has the property of sublimating when heated.

[0083] The sublimation colorant is preferably a dispersible dye that is insoluble or sparingly soluble in water. Here, insoluble or sparingly soluble in water means that the solubility in water at 25°C is 10 mg / L or less, preferably 5 mg / L or less, and more preferably 1 mg / L or less.

[0084] The chemical structure of the sublimation colorant is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it has multiple aromatic rings. Having multiple aromatic rings allows for strong π-π interactions with the colorant-capturing compound, making it easier for the sublimation colorant to adhere to the fabric.

[0085] Examples of dispersible dyes among sublimation colorants include the following dyes:

[0086] C.I.Disperse Yellow 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, 24, 30, 33, 34, 42, 44, 49, 50, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63, 64, 66, 68, 71, 74, 76, 79, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 90, 91, 93, 98, 99, 100, 104, 114, 116, 118, 119, 122, 124, 126, 135, 140, 141, 149, 160, 162, 163, 164, 165, 179, 180, 182, 183, 186, 192, 198, 199, 202, 204, 210, 211, 215, 216, 218, 224, etc.

[0087] C.I.Disperse Orange 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 20, 21, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 66, 71, 73, 76, 78, 80, 89, 90, 91, 93, 96, 97, 119, 127, 130, 139, 142, etc.

[0088] C.I.Disperse Red 1, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 27, 43, 44, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 65, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 81, 82, 86, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 96, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 113, 117, 118, 121, 122, 126, 127, 128, 131, 132, 134, 135, 137, 143, 145, 146, 151, 152, 153, 154, 157, 159, 164, 167, 169, 177, 179, 181, 183, 184, 185, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 200, 201, 202, 203, 205, 206, 207, 210, 221, 224, 225, 227, 229, 239, 240, 257, 258, 277, 278, 279, 281, 288, 289, 298, 302, 303, 310, 311, 312, 320, 324, 328, etc.

[0089] CIDisperse Violet1, 4, 8, 23, 26, 27, 28, 31, 33, 35, 36, 38, 40, 43, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 56, 57, 59, 61, 63, 69, 77, etc.

[0090] CIDisperse Green9 etc.

[0091] CIDisperse Brown1, 2, 4, 9, 13, 19 etc.

[0092] CIDisperse Blue3, 7, 9, 14, 16, 19, 20, 26, 27, 35, 43, 44, 54, 55, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 71, 72, 73, 75, 79, 81, 82, 83, 87, 91, 93, 94, 95, 96, 102, 106, 108, 112, 113, 115, 118, 120, 122, 125, 128, 130, 139, 141, 142, 143, 146, 148, 149, 153, 154, 158, 165, 167, 171, 173, 174, 176, 181, 183, 185, 186, 187, 189, 197, 198, 200, 201, 205, 207, 211, 214, 224, 225, 257, 259, 267, 268, 270, 284, 285, 287, 288, 291, 293, 295, 297, 301, 315, 330, 333, 359, 360, etc.

[0093] CIDisperseBlack1, 3, 10, 24 etc.

[0094] The molecular weight of the sublimation colorant is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of facilitating sublimation, a small molecular weight (e.g., 200-350) is preferable. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of preventing the sublimation colorant that has penetrated the fabric from easily leaching out, a moderately large molecular weight (e.g., 350-500) is preferable. It is preferable.

[0095] The sublimation colorants contained in the printing ink may or may not be crystallized.

[0096] The average particle size of the sublimation pigment in the textile printing ink is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of injection stability in the inkjet method, it may be, for example, 300 nm or less. The average particle size can be determined using commercially available particle size analyzers that employ methods such as light scattering, electrophoresis, and laser Doppler. An example of a particle size analyzer is the Malvern Zetasizer 1000.

[0097] The content of sublimation pigment in textile printing ink is not particularly limited, but it is preferably in the range of 2 to 10% by mass relative to the total amount of the textile printing ink. If the sublimation pigment content is 2% by mass or more, it is easier to form high-density images, and if it is 10% by mass or less, the viscosity of the textile printing ink does not become too high, so injection stability is not easily impaired. From a similar viewpoint, it is more preferable that the sublimation pigment content be in the range of 5 to 10% by mass relative to the total amount of the textile printing ink.

[0098] <3.2 Water> Examples of water that can be contained in textile printing inks include deionized water, distilled water, and pure water. The water content in textile printing inks is preferably in the range of 40 to 98% by mass, and more preferably in the range of 50 to 70% by mass.

[0099] <3.3 Organic Solvents> Water-soluble organic solvents are preferred as organic solvents that can be contained in the textile printing ink. The total content of water and water-soluble organic solvent is preferably in the range of 90 to 98% by mass, and more preferably in the range of 90 to 95% by mass, relative to the total amount of the textile printing ink.

[0100] Examples of water-soluble organic solvents include alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol, pentanol, hexanol, cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol), polyhydric alcohols (e.g., ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerin, compounds represented by the general formula (1) below), and polyhydric alcohol ethers (e.g., ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether) This includes ethers (e.g., diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether), amines (e.g., ethanolamine, N-ethyldiethanolamine, morpholine, N-ethylmorpholine, ethylenediamine, diethylenediamine, triethylenetetramine), amides (e.g., formamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide), heterocyclic compounds (e.g., 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-oxazolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidine), sulfoxides (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide), and sulfones (e.g., sulfolane).

[0101] [ka]

[0102] [In general formula (1), R 11 Each of these represents either an ethylene glycol group or a propylene glycol group, and x, y, and z are all positive integers, with x+y+z=3 to 30.

[0103] When the fabric contains hydrophilic fibers such as natural fibers or synthetic cellulose fibers, it is preferable that the printing ink does not thicken easily upon drying, from the viewpoint of promoting the penetration of the printing ink into the fabric and minimizing the impairment of injection stability in the inkjet method. Therefore, it is preferable that the printing ink contains a high-boiling-point solvent, such as a water-soluble organic solvent, with a boiling point of 200°C or higher.

[0104] Examples of high-boiling-point solvents with a boiling point of 200°C or higher include polyols and polyalkylene oxides. Examples of polyols with a boiling point of 200°C or higher include dihydric alcohols such as 1,3-butanediol (boiling point 208°C), 1,6-hexanediol (boiling point 223°C), and polypropylene glycol; and trihydric or higher alcohols such as glycerin (boiling point 290°C) and trimethylolpropane (boiling point 295°C). Examples of polyalkylene oxides with a boiling point of 200°C or higher include ethers of dihydric alcohols such as diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (boiling point 202°C), triethylene glycol monomethyl ether (boiling point 245°C), tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether (boiling point 305°C), and tripropylene glycol monoethyl ether (boiling point 256°C), as well as ethers of trihydric or higher alcohols such as polypropylene glycol and glycerin (boiling point 290°C) and hexanetriol.

[0105] The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably in the range of 20 to 70% by mass relative to the total amount of the textile printing ink. If the content of the water-soluble organic solvent is 20% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the textile printing ink, the dispersibility and injection properties of the sublimation colorant are more easily improved, and if it is 70% by mass or less, the drying properties of the textile printing ink are less likely to be impaired.

[0106] <3.4 Dispersants> The dispersants that can be contained in the printing ink can be selected according to the type of sublimation colorant. Examples of dispersants include formalin condensates of sodium creosote oil sulfonate, formalin condensates of sodium cresol sulfonate and sodium 2-naphthol-6-sulfonate, formalin condensates of sodium cresol sulfonate, formalin condensates of sodium phenol sulfonate, formalin condensates of sodium β-naphthol sulfonate, formalin condensates containing sodium β-naphthalene sulfonate and sodium β-naphthol sulfonate, alkylene oxides containing ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, fatty alcohols, fatty amines, fatty acids, phenols, alkylphenols and carboxylic acid amines, alkylates, lignin sulfonates, sodium paraffin sulfonate, copolymers of α-olefins and maleic anhydride, and known comb-type block polymers. It contains Ma.

[0107] Examples of comb-type block polymers include DISPERBYK-190, DISPERBYK-194N, DISPERBYK-2010, and DISPERBYK- from BIC Chemie. This includes 2015 and BYK-154 ("DISPERBYK" and "BYK" are registered trademarks of the company).

[0108] The amount of dispersant is not particularly limited, but it is preferably in the range of 20 to 200 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of sublimation colorant. If the amount of dispersant is 20 parts by mass or more, the dispersibility of the sublimation colorant tends to be higher, and if it is 200 parts by mass or less, the decrease in injectionability due to the dispersant tends to be suppressed.

[0109] <3.5 Other ingredients> Printing inks may contain other components as needed. Examples of other components include surfactants, preservatives, and pH adjusters. These can be the same surfactants, preservatives, and pH adjusters that may be contained in textile treatment agents.

[0110] <3.6 Physical Properties of Textile Inks> The viscosity of the textile printing ink at 25°C is not particularly limited, as long as it is sufficient for good ejection by the inkjet method, but it is preferably in the range of 3 to 20 mPa·s, and more preferably in the range of 4 to 12 mPa·s. The viscosity of the ink can be measured at 25°C using an E-type viscometer.

[0111] <3.7 Printing inks containing colorant-capturing compounds> The aforementioned colorant-capturing compounds can also be incorporated into textile printing inks. By using textile printing inks containing colorant-capturing compounds, it is possible to obtain the effect of suppressing discoloration and fading by the colorant-capturing compounds while eliminating the need for fabric treatment agents and pre-treatment of fabrics with them.

[0112] Furthermore, while printing inks containing colorant-capturing compounds eliminate the need for fabric treatment agents and pre-treatment of fabrics with them, they can also be used on fabrics that have been pre-treated with fabric treatment agents (pre-treated fabrics).

[0113] <4. Printing Method> The present invention relates to a textile printing method in which a fabric is dyed with a sublimation dye in the presence of a dye-capturing compound, characterized in that the dye-capturing compound used has an Rf value of 0.7 or less determined by paper chromatography under the above conditions.

[0114] In the present invention, "in the presence of a colorant-capturing compound" includes cases where a fabric has been pre-treated with a fabric treatment agent containing a colorant-capturing compound (pre-treated fabric) and cases where a colorant-capturing compound is included in a printing ink for dyeing. In either case, the presence of a colorant-capturing compound makes it easier for the sublimation colorant to fix to the fabric and suppresses discoloration.

[0115] <4.1 Fabric> The fibers contained in the fabric according to the present invention are not particularly limited, but include natural fibers (including natural cellulose fibers, hemp, wool, silk, etc.), synthetic cellulose fibers (including regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon, and semi-synthetic cellulose fibers such as acetate), vinylon fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyester fibers, and the like.

[0116] The fabric is preferably made of natural fibers or synthetic cellulose fibers, as this allows the effects of the present invention to be clearly expressed, and more preferably contains 30% by mass or more of natural fibers or synthetic cellulose fibers. Among natural fibers, natural cellulose fibers such as cotton fibers are particularly preferred.

[0117] The fabric may be made from these fibers in any form, such as woven, nonwoven, or knitted. Furthermore, the fabric may be a blended woven or nonwoven fabric of two or more types of fibers.

[0118] <4.2 Pre-treatment process> When dyeing pre-treated fabric (fabric that has been pre-treated with a fabric treatment agent), a pre-treatment step is required. In the pre-treatment step, the fabric treatment agent is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the fabric. The application of the fabric treatment agent to the fabric may be applied to the entire surface of the fabric, or it may be applied selectively only to the areas to be dyed with the sublimation dye, depending on the image to be printed.

[0119] Any known method can be used without particular limitation to apply the fabric treatment agent to the fabric. Specifically, examples include the spray method, the mangle method (pad method or dipping method), the coating method, and the inkjet method. For example, in the dyeing process described later, the inkjet method is preferred from the viewpoint of being able to apply the printing ink containing the sublimation colorant continuously, and the mangle method or coater method is preferred from the viewpoint of applying a predetermined amount of fabric treatment agent in a short time.

[0120] In the mangle process, the amount of fabric treatment agent applied is adjusted by immersing the fabric in a bath of treatment agent and then squeezing it. The temperature of the fabric treatment agent is not particularly limited, but can be between 15 and 30°C. The conditions in the inkjet process can be the same as those for applying printing ink in the dyeing process.

[0121] The amount of fabric treatment agent applied is not particularly limited and can be adjusted depending on the content of the colorant-capturing compound in the fabric treatment agent and the amount of printing ink applied.

[0122] After applying the fabric treatment agent to the fabric, a step to remove the solvent from the coating of the fabric treatment agent, i.e., a drying step, may be performed, but it is preferable for some solvent to remain. The drying method is not particularly limited, but heating with hot air, a hot plate, or a heat roller is preferred. Heat drying is more preferable from the viewpoint of sufficiently removing the liquid medium in a short time. The drying temperature is preferably in the range of 100 to 130°C.

[0123] <4.3 Dyeing process> The dyeing methods in the dyeing process include a method in which printing ink is applied to a transfer medium and then the printing ink is transferred from the transfer medium to the fabric to perform dyeing (sublimation transfer method), and a method in which printing ink is applied directly to the fabric to perform dyeing (direct sublimation method). From the viewpoint of achieving the effects of the present invention, the sublimation transfer method is preferred.

[0124] When dyeing pre-treated fabric, it is preferable that the pre-treated fabric is not yet dry. Specifically, it is preferable that the fabric treatment agent remains at a concentration of 20% by mass or more relative to the mass of the fabric before pre-treatment. This causes the inside of the fabric fibers to swell, making it easier for the sublimation dye to fix and enhancing the effect of suppressing discoloration and fading.

[0125] (Sublimation transfer method) In dyeing using the sublimation transfer method, first, printing ink is applied to the transfer medium, and then dried to form an ink layer (transfer image) corresponding to the printed image. The method of applying the printing ink is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use an inkjet method because it enables high-precision printing.

[0126] The transfer medium used in dyeing by sublimation transfer is not particularly limited as long as it can form an ink layer on its surface and transfer that ink layer to the fabric, for example, one that does not interfere with the sublimation of the sublimation colorant during transfer. Examples of transfer media include silica. Paper in which an ink-receiving layer is formed on the surface using inorganic fine particles is preferred, and examples include inkjet-specific paper and transfer paper.

[0127] Next, the surface of the transfer image on the transfer medium is brought into contact with the surface of the fabric (including pre-treated fabric) and heated (heat pressed). This causes the sublimation colorant in the transfer image formed on the transfer medium to sublimate and transfer to the fabric, thereby dyeing the fabric.

[0128] The transfer temperature (heat press temperature) depends on the sublimation temperature of the sublimation colorant, but is preferably in the range of 180 to 210°C. The press pressure is 200 to 500 g / cm² for flat molds. 2 Within the range of 2-6 kg / cm² for continuous applications. 2 It is preferable that the range be within this range. The pressing time depends on the transfer temperature and pressing pressure, but it is preferable that it be within the range of 30 seconds to 180 seconds.

[0129] (Direct sublimation method) In direct sublimation dyeing, printing ink is directly applied to the fabric (including pre-treated fabric) according to the printed image. The method of applying the printing ink is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use an inkjet method because it enables high-precision printing. Specifically, in the inkjet method, an inkjet recording device is used to eject droplets of printing ink from an inkjet recording head toward the fabric.

[0130] The surface temperature of the fabric when the droplets of printing ink land is not particularly limited, but it may be heated in the range of 35 to 70°C from the viewpoint of suppressing the blurring of the image before color development.

[0131] The fabric is dyed by sublimating the sublimation colorant by heating the ink coating after impact. The heating method can be any conventionally known method and can be appropriately selected depending on the type of printing ink, colorant capturing compound, and fabric. Examples include steaming with steam; baking with dry heat or thermosol; HT steamer with superheated steam; and hot press. Among these, the steaming method, baking method, and hot press method are preferred. The heating temperature is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 95°C or higher and less than 220°C.

[0132] <5 Pre-treated fabrics> The pre-treated fabric of the present invention is a pre-treated fabric containing a colorant-capturing compound, characterized in that the colorant-capturing compound contains a colorant-capturing compound having an Rf value of 0.7 or less as determined by paper chromatography under the above conditions.

[0133] In the present invention, "pre-treated fabric containing a colorant-capturing compound" means a fabric in which the colorant-capturing compound is physically adsorbed or chemically adsorbed onto the fibers contained in the fabric.

[0134] The pre-treated fabric can be obtained by performing the above-described pre-treatment on the fabric.

[0135] <6 Printed Fabrics> The present invention relates to a printable fabric containing a colorant-capturing compound and a sublimation colorant, characterized in that the colorant-capturing compound contains a colorant-capturing compound having an Rf value of 0.7 or less determined by paper chromatography under the above conditions.

[0136] In the present invention, "printed fabric containing a colorant-capturing compound and a sublimation colorant" means a fabric in which the colorant-capturing compound and the sublimation colorant are physically adsorbed or chemically adsorbed onto the fibers contained in the fabric.

[0137] The printed fabric can be obtained by performing the above-described printing process on the fabric. Specifically, it can be obtained by dyeing the fabric using at least one of a printing ink containing a colorant-capturing compound and a pre-treated fabric. [Examples]

[0138] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these. In the following examples, unless otherwise specified, the operations were carried out at room temperature (25°C). Unless otherwise specified, "%" and "parts" mean "mass%" and "parts by mass," respectively.

[0139] [Preparation of treatment agents for textiles] Colorant-capturing compounds and solvents were mixed in the combinations listed in Table I, so that the colorant-capturing compound content was 20% by mass, to prepare fabric treatment agents 1 to 16.

[0140] The compounds used as colorant-capturing compounds are the aforementioned compounds (3), (7), (10), (11), and (13).

[0141] The Rf values ​​in Table 1 are those obtained by paper chromatography using each colorant-capturing compound under the following conditions.

[0142] [Conditions for the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant-capturing compound is used as a 5C solution as defined in JIS P 3801:1995. A carrier was prepared by impregnating cellulose filter paper with the solution and then drying it. The solvent used for the 10% solution of the colorant-capturing compound was the same type of solvent as that contained in the fabric treatment agent (dimethyl sulfoxide or 2-pyrrolidone). The cellulose filter paper was cut into strips measuring 5 cm x 3 cm. The cellulose filter paper was impregnated with the solution by immersing it in the solution for 1 minute. After impregnation, the excess was removed by sandwiching it between Kimwipes, and then it was dried for 1 minute using a hot press at 180°C.

[0143] Step 2: A 0.1% tetrahydrofuran solution of the sublimation colorant (CI Disperse Red 60, CI Disperse Blue 359, or CI Disperse Yellow 54) used in the printing process described later is added to the carrier. After spotting, the sample was dried to prepare the developing specimen. Spotting was performed using a capillary tube. The amount of solution spotted was 1 μL, and the diameter of the spot was approximately 2 mm. The spot was positioned 1 cm from the bottom edge of the cellulose filter paper. After spotting, the sample was thoroughly dried with warm air.

[0144] Step 3: The sample was developed in acetonitrile for 3 minutes at 25°C. Specifically, the sample was placed upright as much as possible in a developing tank filled with acetonitrile to a height of approximately 5 mm, so that the spotted portion in Step 2 was not submerged in the acetonitrile. Then, the developing tank was covered and the development was carried out. The development time was 3 minutes from the time the cellulose filter paper was immersed in the acetonitrile.

[0145] Step 4: The Rf value was calculated using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile

[0146] The "development distance of the sublimation colorant" was defined as the distance from the center of the spotted area in step 2 to the darkest point of the spot after development. If it was difficult to determine the darkest point, the distance was defined as the distance from the center of the spotted area in step 2 to the center of the leading and trailing ends of the spot.

[0147] The "acetonitrile deployment distance" was defined as the distance from the center of the spotted area in step 2 to the tip of the deployed acetonitrile.

[0148] For each colorant-capturing compound, the measurement was performed three times, and the average value was adopted as the Rf value.

[0149] The Rf values ​​for fabric treatment agents 1 and 2 were measured using cellulose filter paper as the carrier material.

[0150] [Preparation of ink for textile printing] Disperbyk-190 (manufactured by Bic Chemie Japan Co., Ltd., acid value 10 mg KOH / g) and deionized water were mixed and stirred until homogeneous. Then, CI Disperse Red 60 was added as a sublimation colorant (dispersible dye), pre-mixed, and dispersed until the Z-average particle size, measured by dynamic light scattering, was within the range of 150-200 nm, to prepare a dispersion with a sublimation colorant concentration of 20% by mass. At this time, the amounts of dispersant, deionized water, and sublimation colorant were adjusted so that the sublimation colorant content was 20% by mass of the total mass of the dispersion, and the amount of solids in the dispersant was 30% of the total mass of the sublimation colorant. The Z-average particle size was measured by dynamic light scattering using a Zetasizer 1000, manufactured by Malvern ("Zetasizer" is a registered trademark of the company), in a sand grinder filled with 0.5 mm zirconia beads at a volume percentage of 50%.

[0151] The obtained dispersion was mixed with appropriate amounts of 30% by mass, 10% by mass of glycerin as an organic solvent, 25% by mass of ethylene glycol, Proxel GXL as a preservative, and sodium citrate hydrate as a pH adjuster. The mixture was then mixed with deionized water to a total of 100% by mass and filtered through a 1 μm mesh filter. This prepared printing ink 1 (magenta sublimation ink) containing 6% by mass of CI Disperse Red 60.

[0152] In the preparation of the above-mentioned printing ink 1 (magenta sublimation ink), printing ink 2 (blue sublimation ink) containing 6% by mass of CI Disperse Blue 359 was prepared in the same manner, except that CI Disperse Red 60 was replaced with CI Disperse Blue 359.

[0153] In the preparation of the above printing ink 1 (magenta sublimation ink), CI Disperse Red 60 was changed to CI Disperse Yellow 54, and the mixing ratio of the dispersion was changed from 30% by mass to 15% by mass. Except for the above, the same procedure was followed to produce a textile printing ink 3 (I) containing 3% by mass of CI Disperse Yellow 54. Yellow sublimation ink was prepared.

[0154] [Printing] (1) Pre-treatment of fabrics with fabric treatment agents (Preparation of pre-treated fabrics) Cotton broadcloth 40 (100% cotton) was used for the fabric. Each of the fabric treatment agents prepared above was applied to the fabric using an inkjet printer equipped with an inkjet head (Konica Minolta head KM1024iMAE) at a main scan of 540 dpi and a sub-scan of 720 dpi. The application area was 200 mm x 200 mm, and the application amount was 40 g / m². 2 This resulted in obtaining pre-treated fabrics that had been pre-treated with each fabric treatment agent.

[0155] (2) Applying printing ink to the transfer paper A4 sublimation transfer paper with adhesive (manufactured by Systemgraphi) was used as the transfer paper. The prepared textile ink was applied to the transfer paper using an inkjet printer equipped with an inkjet head (Konica Minolta head KM1024iMAE) at a main scan of 540 dpi and a sub-scan of 720 dpi, forming a 200 mm x 200 mm solid image (ink layer) on the transfer paper. The ejection frequency was set to 22.4 kHz. After that, the transfer paper with the textile ink applied was dried in a dryer at 70°C for 30 seconds.

[0156] (3) Sublimation transfer of the ink for printing on fabrics The solid image of the transfer paper with the printing ink applied thereon was brought into contact with the application area of the fabric treatment agent of the above-prepared undried pre-treated fabric, and using a transfer device (heat press machine), heat pressing was performed at 180 °C for 3 minutes and a press pressure of 300 g / cm 2 Thus, the printing ink on the transfer paper was sublimation transferred onto the pre-treated fabric to obtain a printed fabric.

[0157] [Evaluation of the fading suppression effect] For each printed fabric dyed using each fabric treatment agent, L * a * b * in the L * , a * , and b * were measured with a spectrocolorimeter (CM-25d manufactured by Konica Minolta, measurement light source: D65). Further, each printed fabric was left in an environment of 20 °C and 95% RH for 7 days, and then L * , a * , and b * were measured again. ΔL * , Δa * , and Δb * which are the differences between the respective values before and after leaving, were obtained, and further, the color difference ΔE * ab before and after leaving was obtained by the following formula. (Formula) ΔE * ab = {(ΔL * ) 2 + (Δa * ) 2 + (Δb * ) 2} 1 / 2

[0158] From the said ΔE * ab, the fading suppression effect was evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation results are as shown in Table I.

[0159] A: ΔE * ab is less than 2 B: ΔE * ab is 2 or more and less than 4 C: ΔE * ab is 4 or more and less than 6 D:ΔE * ab is 6 or greater but less than 8 E:ΔE * ab is 8 or greater and less than 10 F:ΔE * ab is between 10 and 12 (exclusive). G:ΔE * ab is between 12 and 14 H:ΔE * ab is 14 or higher

[0160] [Table 1]

[0161] In the table, "DR60" refers to CI Disperse Red 60, "DB359" refers to CI Disperse Blue 359, and "DY54" refers to CI Disperse Yellow 54.

[0162] From the above results, it can be confirmed that the fabric treatment agent of the present invention is able to suppress discoloration and fading of printed fabrics more effectively than the fabric treatment agent of the comparative example.

Claims

1. A fabric treatment agent used for printing with sublimation dyes having multiple aromatic rings, The aforementioned fabric contains natural fibers or synthetic cellulose fibers. It contains a colorant-capturing compound whose Rf value, as determined by paper chromatography under the following conditions, is 0.7 or less. The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound has three or more aromatic rings, The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound is contained in an amount of 1% to 30% by mass relative to the fabric treatment agent. A fabric treatment agent characterized by the following: [Conditions for the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant capturing compound is impregnated into cellulose filter paper, then dried to prepare a carrier. Step 2: A 0.1% solution of the sublimation colorant tetrahydrofuran is spotted onto the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. Step 3: Develop the sample with acetonitrile at 25°C for 3 minutes. Step 4: Calculate the Rf value using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile

2. Contains a colorant-capturing compound whose Rf value is 0.5 or less. The fabric treatment agent according to feature 1.

3. It further contains a solvent whose ratio of inorganic to organic properties (I / O value) is 1.5 or higher. A fabric treatment agent according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound has an aromatic heterocycle A fabric treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound has five or more aromatic rings. A fabric treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound has a structure in which two aromatic rings are bonded to each other by single bonds. A fabric treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Contains a solvent, The colorant-capturing compound has a solubility of 10% by mass or more in the solvent at 25°C and 1 atm. A fabric treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The content of the solvent is 5% by mass to 95% by mass. The fabric treatment agent according to feature 7.

9. A printing ink set comprising a printing ink containing a sublimation colorant and a fabric treatment agent containing a colorant capturing compound, The fabric treatment agent is the fabric treatment agent described in any one of claims 1 to 8. A textile printing ink set characterized by the following features.

10. A pre-treated fabric containing a colorant-capturing compound, The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound contains a colorant-capturing compound whose Rf value, as determined by paper chromatography under the following conditions, is 0.7 or less. A fabric used for printing with sublimation colorants having multiple aromatic rings, and pre-treated with a fabric treatment agent containing the aforementioned colorant-capturing compound. The aforementioned pre-treated fabric contains natural fibers or synthetic cellulose fibers. The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound has three or more aromatic rings, The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound is contained in an amount of 1% to 30% by mass relative to the fabric treatment agent. A pre-treated fabric characterized by the following. [Conditions for the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant capturing compound is impregnated into cellulose filter paper, then dried to prepare a carrier. Step 2: A 0.1% solution of the sublimation colorant tetrahydrofuran is spotted onto the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. Step 3: Develop the sample with acetonitrile at 25°C for 3 minutes. Step 4: Calculate the Rf value using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile

11. A printing method for dyeing fabric with a sublimation dye having multiple aromatic rings in the presence of a colorant-capturing compound, The fabric is dyed with the sublimation dye using a fabric treatment agent containing the aforementioned colorant-capturing compound. As the aforementioned colorant-capturing compound, a colorant-capturing compound having an Rf value of 0.7 or less determined by paper chromatography under the following conditions is used. The aforementioned fabric contains natural fibers or synthetic cellulose fibers. The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound has three or more aromatic rings, The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound is contained in an amount of 1% to 30% by mass relative to the fabric treatment agent. A printing method characterized by the following. [Conditions for the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant capturing compound is impregnated into cellulose filter paper, then dried to prepare a carrier. Step 2: A 0.1% solution of the sublimation colorant tetrahydrofuran is spotted onto the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. Step 3: Develop the sample with acetonitrile at 25°C for 3 minutes. Step 4: Calculate the Rf value using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile

12. The staining method is sublimation transfer. The printing method according to feature 11.

13. A printed fabric containing a colorant-capturing compound and a sublimation colorant having multiple aromatic rings, The fabric is printed using a fabric treatment agent containing the aforementioned colorant-capturing compound, with a sublimation colorant containing the aforementioned aromatic ring. Contains natural or synthetic cellulose fibers, The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound contains a colorant-capturing compound whose Rf value, as determined by paper chromatography under the following conditions, is 0.7 or less. The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound has three or more aromatic rings, The aforementioned colorant-capturing compound is contained in an amount of 1% to 30% by mass relative to the fabric treatment agent. A printed fabric characterized by the following features. [Conditions for the paper chromatography method] Procedure 1: A 10% solution of the colorant capturing compound is impregnated into cellulose filter paper, then dried to prepare a carrier. Step 2: A 0.1% solution of the sublimation colorant tetrahydrofuran is spotted onto the carrier and then dried to prepare a developing sample. Step 3: Develop the sample with acetonitrile at 25°C for 3 minutes. Step 4: Calculate the Rf value using the following formula. (Formula) Rf value = Expansion distance of the sublimation colorant / Expansion distance of acetonitrile

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