Effect of paraffin wax emulsion on pigment print paste flow properties and printing performance on cotton fabric

This study investigates the dual application of paraffin wax emulsion in modifying the surface characteristics of knit cotton fabric and the rheological properties of pigment print paste. Paraffin wax emulsions (1%, 3%, 5%, and 8%) were incorporated into pigment printing formulations using acrylic and rubber binders. Rheological analysis showed improved moisture retention, viscosity stability, spreadability, and print sharpness, while reducing back-thickening and lowering dependence on organic solvents. Moisture retention increased to 68.08% at 3% paraffin wax compared with 64.93% for the control sample. Fabric performance results indicated improved bending length, flexural stiffness, spray resistance, hydrophobicity, smoothness, softness, and shade modification. The stickiness rating improved from 2–3 to 4–5 in rubber-based systems due to the formation of a hydrophobic wax layer. Overall, paraffin wax emulsion acted as both a rheology modifier and a surface-functional agent in pigment printing. The findings suggest a cost-effective, environmentally favourable, and industrially scalable approach for sustainable textile printing applications.