Binders are crucial in printing pastes primarily to fix pigments onto the substrate.
In printing, especially pigment printing, binders play a vital role in ensuring the quality, durability, and appearance of the printed design. They act as the adhesive that binds the pigment particles to the fibers of the material being printed on.
Binders are typically added to printing paste to achieve several key functions. These functions ensure that the pigment is properly applied, protected, and permanently fixed to the printed surface.
Key Functions of Binders in Printing Paste
Based on common practices and specifically as noted in materials from around 2021 regarding printing paste composition, the uses of binders include:
- Coating Pigments: They coat the pigment particles. This allows for the printing of very fine pigment dispersions, ensuring smooth and even application.
- Protecting Pigments: Binders provide a protective layer that shields the pigment from mechanical abrasions, which helps maintain the integrity and appearance of the printed design during use and washing.
- Fixing Pigments: A primary function is to permanently fix the pigment particles onto the fibers or surface of the material. This is essential for the design to be durable and not wash or rub off.
- Enhancing Drying Properties: Binders contribute to giving the printing paste good drying properties, which is important for efficient printing processes and achieving the desired print quality quickly.
Essentially, binders are the glue that makes pigment printing possible and permanent, ensuring the vibrant colors and designs stay put on the printed material.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Coat Pigments | Allows printing of fine dispersions by coating particles. |
| Protect Pigments | Guards against mechanical abrasion. |
| Fix Pigments | Anchors pigment to fibers for durability. |
| Improve Drying | Gives printing paste good drying characteristics. |
Without appropriate binders, pigment prints would lack fixation, durability, and clarity, easily rubbing or washing off the substrate.
