What are the commonly used fixing agents in the color fixing process of customized cotton printed bath towels?

In the color fixing process of customized cotton printed bath towels, the selection of color fixing agent is crucial. As an auxiliary agent to improve the color fastness of dyes on fabrics to wet treatment, color fixing agent is not only related to the visual effect of bath towels, but also determines its service life and consumer satisfaction. The following are several color fixing agents commonly used in the color fixing process of customized cotton printed bath towels:

1. Cationic color fixing agent
Cationic color fixing agent interacts with the anionic part of the dye on the bath towel to form insoluble colored compounds, thereby improving the color fastness of the printed pattern. This type of color fixing agent is particularly common in the color fixing process after dyeing with reactive dyes and direct dyes, and its color fixing mechanism is based on the mutual attraction of positive and negative charges.

2. Formaldehyde-free color fixing agent
With the improvement of environmental awareness, formaldehyde-free color fixing agents are gradually favored by the market. This type of color fixing agent does not produce free formaldehyde during the color fixing process and is harmless to the human body and the environment. They are made by polymerization reaction of organic amines with raw materials such as epichlorohydrin, which can "bridge" between dyes and fibers to form compounds and improve color fastness.

3. Cross-linking color fixer
Cross-linking color fixer forms a cross-linking structure to tightly connect dye molecules and fiber molecules together, thereby improving the washing fastness and wet friction fastness of the printed pattern. This type of color fixer is often used for color fixation after dyeing with sulfur dyes and vat dyes.

4. Phenolic condensate color fixer
Phenolic condensate color fixer is a multifunctional color fixer that not only improves color fastness, but also improves the softness and feel of bath towels. This type of color fixer is usually used for color fixation of synthetic fiber fabrics such as nylon.

When selecting a color fixer, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the material of the bath towel, the characteristics of the printing ink, and the specific conditions of the color fixation treatment. For example, a bath towel made of pure cotton is suitable for the use of cationic color fixers or formaldehyde-free color fixers; while a bath towel made of synthetic fiber may need to use a phenolic condensate color fixer. In addition, factors such as the amount of color fixer, treatment time, and temperature will also affect the color fixation effect, which needs to be controlled in actual operation.

Ultimately, in the color fixing process of customized cotton printed bath towels, choosing the right color fixing agent is the key to ensure that the printed pattern remains bright and long-lasting. Through scientific formulas and strict operating procedures, the quality and market competitiveness of bath towels can be greatly improved.