Screen Printing of pH-Responsive Dye to Textile

Area of Science:

• Textile Science
• Materials Chemistry
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• pH-responsive textile sensors are gaining interest.
• Screen printing is explored as a viable method for creating these sensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate screen printing as a technique for developing pH-responsive textiles.
• To investigate factors influencing the pH sensitivity and responsivity of screen-printed textiles.

Main Methods:

• Screen printing of bromocresol green dye onto cotton and polyamide fabrics.
• Evaluation of textile substrate, paste composition, and fixation methods.
• Testing mechanical/physical properties (ISO, EN, ASTM standards).
• Spectrophotometric analysis of color change in response to pH.
• Assessment of color fastness (rubbing, washing, light).

Main Results:

• Successful development of pH-responsive textiles via screen printing.
• Screen printing altered fabric mechanical and physical properties as expected.
• Responsiveness depends on fiber type, dye-fiber interaction, and wettability.
• Excellent color fastness to dry/wet rubbing.
• Polyamide showed better wash fastness than cotton.
• Poor light fastness was observed for both fabric types.

Conclusions:

• Screen printing is a feasible method for applying indicator dyes to textiles for pH sensing.
• Fabric properties and pH responsiveness are influenced by material and processing.
• Further research may be needed to improve light fastness for practical applications.