Sustainable gelatine–alginate biopolymer binder enhancing pigment printing and functional performance of textiles

This study investigates gelatine and sodium alginate as novel thickening agents for pigment textile printing using natural eco-friendly binders. As a thickener and binder, gelatine was tested in different ratios to sodium alginate. The study found that shear rate significantly affected gelatine gel-based thickener shear stress and viscosity. The study examined gelatine-based thickening agents’ elasticity and performance when thinned. The study found that adding sodium alginate increases apparent viscosity compared to gelatine gel alone. A 50:50 gelatine-alginate thickener ratio produces optimal printing paste viscosity. The samples with gelatine and sodium alginate had the highest K/S, while those without gelatine had the lowest. The study tested printed fabrics for light, washing, sweat, and rubbing fastness. All printed fabrics with pigment and gelatine/alginate (1:1) thickener had deeper color depth. After 15 days at ambient temperature, gelatine-based thickening printed fabrics were tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans.