Finishing method for reactive dye inkjet printing based on the cationic modifier ink

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing reactive dye ink jet printing methods on cotton fabrics require a two-step cationization process that is time-consuming and energy-intensive, leading to high energy and water consumption, and environmental pollution due to hydrolysis of reactive dyes during steaming treatment.

Innovation Solution

A one-step cationic modifier-based finishing method for reactive dye ink jet printing that combines cationization and dye fixation, using a cationic modifier ink with specific chemical compositions and treatment processes to achieve efficient dye attachment and fixation on cellulose fibers, reducing the process duration and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the two-step cationization process is used to improve dye fixation rate, then the colour fixing rate of reactive dyes is improved, but the production time and energy consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedye fixation rateVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cationization process and reactive dye fixation process into a single simultaneous operation. The cationic modifier ink containing quaternary ammonium compounds is applied together with reactive dye ink, allowing both the cationic modification of cellulose fibers and the dye fixation to occur concurrently during one steaming treatment, eliminating the need for separate cationization and dyeing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cationic modifier ink serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cationic agent to modify cellulose fibers by attaching to hydroxyl groups, serves as a carrier for reactive dye application, and facilitates dye fixation through the combined action of cationic modification and reactive dye chemistry during the steaming process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the two-step cationization process is used to improve dye fixation rate, then the colour fixing rate of reactive dyes is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedye fixation rateVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cationization process and reactive dye fixation process into a single simultaneous operation. The cationic modifier ink containing quaternary ammonium compounds is applied together with reactive dye ink, allowing both the cationic modification of cellulose fibers and the dye fixation to occur concurrently during one steaming treatment, eliminating the need for separate cationization and dyeing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cationic modifier is applied in advance as part of the ink formulation before the actual dyeing process. The pre-formulated cationic modifier ink ensures that the cellulose fibers are already modified with cationic groups ready to interact with reactive dyes during the steaming fixation step, eliminating the need for a separate preliminary cationization treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the two-step cationization process is used to improve dye fixation rate, then the colour fixing rate of reactive dyes is improved, but the water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedye fixation rateVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cationization process and reactive dye fixation process into a single simultaneous operation. The cationic modifier ink containing quaternary ammonium compounds is applied together with reactive dye ink, allowing both the cationic modification of cellulose fibers and the dye fixation to occur concurrently during one steaming treatment, eliminating the need for separate cationization and dyeing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the steaming treatment is performed to fix reactive dye, then the dye fixation is improved, but the hydrolysis of reactive dye occurs causing environmental pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedye fixationVSAvoidhydrolysis waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cationic modifier acts as an intermediary that modifies the cellulose fiber surface to be more receptive to reactive dyes. By introducing cationic groups that interact with the negatively charged reactive dye molecules, it facilitates more efficient dye fixation during steaming, thereby reducing the amount of hydrolyzed dye that ends up in wastewater

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method significantly shortens the technological process, improves the K/S value and dye fixation of reactive dye ink jet printed fabrics, while reducing energy and water usage, and prevents hydrolyzed dye stains during washing, ensuring high-quality pattern contour and reduced cationic modifier usage.

Implementation Method 1

uses the ink jet print method to ink jet print the cationic modifier ink and reactive dye ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInkjet printing deposition:

Implementation Method 2

the cationic modifier and the reactive dye will have reaction with the hydroxy on the cotton fabrics, the corresponding cationization and fixation of reactive dye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

the cationic modifier and the reactive dye will have reaction with the hydroxy on the cotton fabrics, the corresponding cationization and fixation of reactive dye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

then perform steaming or baking treatment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11041084B2Finishing method for reactive dye inkjet printing based on the cationic modifier ink

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 DONGHUA UNIV

AI summary

A finishing method for reactive dye inkjet printing based on a cationic modifier includes: using the inkjet printing method to spray print the cationic modifier ink and the reactive dye ink on the cellulose fiber fabrics' pattern area after being subjected to sizing treatment, then subjecting the fabrics to steaming or baking treatment, and subjecting the fabrics to soaping to get the reactive dye inkjet printing fabrics. The timespan of spray printing the cationic modifier ink and reactive dye ink is 0-2 min. Cationic modifier ink includes 1.0-60.0 wt % cationic modifier. The cationic modifier refers to the molecular whose structure contains reactive group and positive charge group and the number average molecular weight of 100-30000. The reactive group is one or more in the group containing epoxy group, triazine, pyridine, and olefin. The positive charge group is one or more in the group containing quaternary ammonium salt, and ammonium chloride.