Influence of bifunctionality of reactive dyes on the bending rigidity of viscose printed with polysaccharide thickeners

The bending rigidity and colour depth of viscose printed with a number of reactive dyes in the presence of alginate and guar gum thickeners has been investigated. Interactions between the fabric, the dyes and the thickener were evaluated to determine the bending rigidity of the printed substrate. The results show that mono‐ or bi‐functional reactive dyes cause undesired stiff fabric handle depending on the structure (the type of the reactive system and the reactive group), the reactivity and the concentration of the reactive dye used. These interactions differ to a greater degree when guar gum thickeners are used.