Question

Which among the following is not a characteristic of a binder?
A. Capable of application by dry cure to form a film, trapping the pigment on the surface of the substrate
B. Provide adhesion of the pigment to the substrate surface
C. Able to crosslink in order to form a protective film
D. Non-elastic properties to allow for bending and stretching of the substrate after printing

• A. A
• B. B
• C. C
• D. D

Hint:

Think of a binder as a high-performance paint. It needs to: - Stick to the fabric (adhesion). - Hold the color particles (pigment). - Harden into a tough layer (crosslink/cure). - Be Flexible so it doesn't crack when the fabric moves.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand the role of a binder in pigment printing. Pigments are insoluble color particles that have no natural affinity for the fiber. They are essentially "glued" onto the fabric surface. The binder is that glue. 
 

Step 2: Analyze the characteristics. 
- A & B: The binder must form a film that traps the pigment (A) and adheres it to the substrate (B). These are fundamental requirements. 
- C: The binder must be able to crosslink (usually during a heat treatment or "curing" step) to form a durable, protective, and insoluble film that can withstand washing and rubbing. This is also essential. 
- D: A printed fabric needs to be flexible. If the binder film is rigid and non-elastic, it will crack and break when the fabric is bent or stretched. Therefore, a good binder must have elastic properties, not non-elastic properties. 

Conclusion: Non-elastic properties are an undesirable characteristic for a binder. A binder must be flexible and elastic. Therefore, D is not a characteristic of a good binder.