Question

In pigment printing of cotton fabric, the pigment (along with binder) can be fixed by using:

• A. Saturated steam at 102°C for 4 min
• B. Dry heat at 140°C for 4 min
• C. Dry heat at 60°C for 4 min
• D. Super-heated steam at 180°C for 4 min

Hint:

Remember: “Pigment = Binder + Curing (Dry Heat).” If you see steam options, they likely correspond to dye fixation, not pigment binder crosslinking.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

- Pigments have no inherent fibre affinity; shade durability comes from {binder} film formation and crosslinking on the fibre surface.
- This binder curing requires dry heat (hot air) typically around 140–160°C for a few minutes.
- Steam methods (saturated or super-heated) are used for many dye classes (e.g., reactive/acid) but are not the standard for pigment {binder curing}.
- 60°C is far below the curing temperature for common binders.
$\Rightarrow$ The correct fixation condition is dry heat at about 140°C} for a short dwell: option (B).
Final Answer: (B) Dry heat at 140°C for 4 min.