Comparative Evaluation of Bio-Based and Conventional Finishes for Various Digitally Printed Fabrics

This research investigates the conventional application of bio-based and synthetic finishes on digitally printed textiles. While digital inkjet printing was used for coloration, all finishes were applied using traditional padding techniques. The performance of the bio-based finishes including fatty acid (softener), citric acid (crease resistance), diammonium hydrogen phosphate (flame retardant), and stearic acid (oil and water repellent) were compared with synthetic analogues such as silicon softeners, DMDHEU resin, phosphorus-based flame retardants, and fluorinated oil and water repellents. Fabrics studied were cotton, polyester, polyester-cotton blend, and silk. The bio-based finishes provided competitive functional performance on digitally printed textiles. This work highlights a sustainable alternative in textile finishing without compromising key performance parameters.