Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Direct to Garment (DTG) inkjet printing is an alternative technology for a more sustanianble printing on textile. This technology uses a computer programmed printhead with an inkjet to propel ink droplet on the fabric. It allows fast customized print, which is desirable for the sport garment market (team logo, names, sponsorship, etc.). This method has lower upfront cost for new design allowing creation of low production run for custom design. Many printing techniques are possible such as acid, dye-sublimation, pigment and reactive. Nevertheless, pigment inks are simpler and more efficient. They are also water-based, meaning the require less solvent, which makes this technology eco-friendly. Unfortunately, water-based pigment inkjet inks have low adhesion on polyester fabric mostly because of loose textile structure for moisture wicking and breathability. Moreover, the low chemical surface energy and low number of chemical reactive sites creates insufficient interaction between the surfaces. Consequently, the low adhesion of the film translates to a low durability of wash cycle. This project aims to increase the inkjet washing durability on polyester fabric with a pre-treatment via three adhesion mechanisms: mechanical, dispersive and chemical.