{"id":10239,"date":"2026-08-01T11:55:59","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T11:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/?p=10239"},"modified":"2026-08-05T06:52:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T06:52:44","slug":"reactive-disperse-pigment-and-digital-textile-printing-how-to-choose-the-right-thickener-route","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/blog\/reactive-disperse-pigment-and-digital-textile-printing-how-to-choose-the-right-thickener-route\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0420\u0435\u0430\u043a\u0442\u0438\u0432\u043d\u0430\u044f, \u0434\u0438\u0441\u043f\u0435\u0440\u0441\u043d\u0430\u044f, \u043f\u0438\u0433\u043c\u0435\u043d\u0442\u043d\u0430\u044f \u0438 \u0446\u0438\u0444\u0440\u043e\u0432\u0430\u044f \u043f\u0435\u0447\u0430\u0442\u044c \u043d\u0430 \u0442\u0435\u043a\u0441\u0442\u0438\u043b\u0435: \u043a\u0430\u043a \u0432\u044b\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0442\u044c \u043f\u043e\u0434\u0445\u043e\u0434\u044f\u0449\u0438\u0439 \u0441\u043f\u043e\u0441\u043e\u0431 \u043f\u043e\u043b\u0443\u0447\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f \u0437\u0430\u0433\u0443\u0441\u0442\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044f"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-31711e6b\">Technical Guide Printing Process &amp; Thickener Selection Updated July 2026 Direct Answer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-fbb0b952\">Choose a textile printing thickener or pretreatment route by identifying the fabric, colourant system, printing method and fixation process before comparing viscosity or price. Sodium alginate is commonly used as a benchmark for reactive screen printing on cellulosic fabrics. Disperse printing on polyester requires a route compatible with disperse dyes and heat fixation. Conventional pigment printing normally depends on a synthetic thickener and binder system. Digital textile printing requires a process-specific pretreatment selected for reactive, disperse or pigment inkjet printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-1fdf55f0\">Colourant System<br>vs Printing Method<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-47b159a8\"><strong>Reactive, disperse and pigment describe different colourant and fixation systems.<\/strong> Digital describes the method used to place ink droplets on the textile. Digital textile printing can therefore use reactive ink, disperse ink or pigment ink. A \u201cdigital printing paste\u201d must be selected according to the specific digital ink and fabric route rather than treated as one universal fourth dye system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-cc73aa25\">Selection Hierarchy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-7bee7cb8\">Six Questions to Answer Before Selecting a Thickener<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-90992d84\">Product selection should follow the production route. Starting with a viscosity number or product price can lead to an unsuitable comparison. QUESTION 01<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-b417a0c7\">What Is the Fabric?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-b2270d6e\">Confirm cotton, viscose, lyocell, polyester, silk, wool or a blended fabric before selecting the colourant and paste route. QUESTION 02<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-62f47c63\">Which Colourant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-00fcd17b\">Identify reactive dye, disperse dye, pigment ink or another dye class. Different colourants require different fixation chemistry. QUESTION 03<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-6ef47547\">Screen or Digital?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-0f2b9300\">Conventional screen paste and digital fabric pretreatment have different preparation, rheology and application requirements. QUESTION 04<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-6073d905\">How Is It Fixed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-71951264\">Confirm steaming, thermofixation, sublimation or binder curing, together with the intended temperature and time. QUESTION 05<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-3a4a63f2\">What Is the Main Problem?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-8623eea7\">Identify low colour yield, bleeding, poor sharpness, difficult wash-off, unstable paste or unacceptable fabric handle. QUESTION 06<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-02daa54c\">How Will It Be Tested?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-ff1549cc\">Define the laboratory method, application trial and acceptance criteria before comparing candidate products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-adcfa92e\">Quick Process Matrix<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-1534c5dc\">Printing Process and Starting Thickener Route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-5b5f92b0\">The table provides an initial selection framework. Final suitability must be confirmed using the intended recipe, fabric and machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Printing Route<\/th><th>Typical Fabric<\/th><th>Starting Thickener or Paste Route<\/th><th>Fixation \/ Post-Treatment<\/th><th>Main Evaluation Points<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th>Reactive screen printing<\/th><td>Cotton, viscose, lyocell and suitable cellulosic fabrics<\/td><td>Sodium alginate benchmark; selected reactive CMS route may be evaluated<\/td><td>Steaming followed by washing and removal of unfixed dye and thickener<\/td><td>Colour yield, definition, penetration, wash-off and handle<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Disperse screen printing<\/th><td>Polyester and suitable polyester blends<\/td><td>Process-specific disperse printing thickener, including selected CMS or synthetic routes<\/td><td>Heat or steam fixation according to the dye and production route<\/td><td>Dispersion, screen running, fixation, sharpness and residue<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Pigment screen printing<\/th><td>Cotton, polyester and many blended or mixed-fibre fabrics<\/td><td>Synthetic thickener combined with a compatible pigment binder and auxiliary system<\/td><td>Drying and binder curing<\/td><td>Rubbing fastness, colour strength, sharpness, curing and handle<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Reactive digital printing<\/th><td>Cotton, viscose, lyocell, silk and suitable cellulosic routes<\/td><td>Reactive digital pretreatment or paste route such as DP-R<\/td><td>Steaming and wash-off<\/td><td>Ink bleeding, edge definition, colour development and wash-off<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Disperse digital printing<\/th><td>Polyester and suitable polyester blends<\/td><td>Disperse digital pretreatment route such as DP-D, depending on direct or transfer printing<\/td><td>Heat fixation or sublimation<\/td><td>Penetration, sharpness, ink spreading, fixation and fastness<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Pigment digital printing<\/th><td>Cotton, polyester and suitable blends<\/td><td>Pigment digital pretreatment route such as DP-P, coordinated with the binder-containing ink system<\/td><td>Drying and curing<\/td><td>Rubbing fastness, definition, colour strength and hand feel<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-9bdbde48\">Product names and internal model codes are not universal industry standards. Confirm the applicable TDS and trial procedure before use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-74fff2ac\">Reactive Screen Printing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-86709a55\">Choosing a Thickener for Reactive Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-3ba74867\">Reactive dyes form chemical bonds with suitable fibres such as cotton and viscose during fixation. The thickener must control the printing paste without consuming a significant part of the reactive dye or preventing its transfer to the fibre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-b611ef60\">Sodium alginate is widely used as the reference thickener for conventional reactive printing because its structure generally has limited reaction with reactive dyes and it can provide useful screenability, colour yield and wash-off performance when the complete process is controlled.<sup><a href=\"#fsx-process-ref-1\">[1]<\/a><\/sup> 01<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-875e335d\">Sodium Alginate Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-4140140c\">Use sodium alginate as the initial benchmark when evaluating reactive screen printing on cotton, viscose or other suitable cellulosic fibres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compare HV, MV and LV under the same test method<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm stock-paste concentration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate screen release and edge definition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review colour yield, wash-off and fabric handle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-7020803e\"><a href=\"\/product\/sodium-alginate\/\">Review sodium alginate grades<\/a> 02<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-d550e188\">Reactive CMS Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-c6450f5f\">A suitable high-substitution CMS grade or controlled blend may be evaluated when the mill is considering a different rheology or cost-performance route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm grade suitability for reactive printing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compare colour yield and outline sharpness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check background cleanliness and wash-off<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not assume universal one-to-one replacement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-fbb35dcf\"><a href=\"\/product\/carboxymethyl-starch-cms\/\">Review CMS printing grades<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-ff8d91c5\"><strong>CMC is not automatically a direct alginate replacement.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-673961dc\">Selected CMC grades may be useful in specialty printing and other industrial systems, but conventional reactive printing suitability depends on degree of substitution, purity, dye interaction and the complete recipe. It must be proven through controlled trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-86466cbb\">Disperse Screen Printing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-f2d6c445\">Choosing a Thickener for Polyester Disperse Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-23ee4d41\">Disperse dyes are designed for hydrophobic fibres, particularly polyester. The printing paste must maintain a stable dye dispersion, transfer cleanly through the screen and release the dye during the selected heat-fixation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-646b021a\">A reactive printing thickener should not be transferred directly to disperse printing simply because it gives a similar laboratory viscosity. The dye, auxiliary, acidity, heat treatment and residue requirements are different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-4ea24da7\">FS-05 CMS Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-339854f4\">FSX Chemical positions FS-05 as a starting CMS route for selected disperse screen-printing trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm powder dispersion and hydration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review screen running and paste stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate definition after fixation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check residue, washing and fabric handle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-be660610\">Synthetic Thickener Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-1587a5fa\">A process-specific synthetic thickener may also be used when the formulation requires low dosage, salt tolerance or a particular rheological profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm compatibility with dispersing agents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the valid pH and electrolyte range<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate heat stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review removal or residual-film behaviour<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-4ca1b4ef\"><strong>Direct printing and transfer printing are different routes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-3ee41e7a\">Direct disperse printing places the colourant on the fabric before fixation. Sublimation transfer printing first prints transfer paper and then transfers the dye to polyester under heat. Their paste, coating and ink requirements should not be treated as identical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-c60aed70\">Pigment Screen Printing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-f0cc0dca\">Why Pigment Printing Requires a Binder System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-685d8e56\">Pigments do not have the same fibre affinity or chemical fixation route as reactive and disperse dyes. In conventional pigment printing, the pigment is normally fixed to the fabric through a polymeric binder film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-09646a1e\">The printing paste therefore commonly includes a pigment dispersion, synthetic thickener, binder and other auxiliaries. Research on textile pigment printing evaluates both colour properties and dry or wet rubbing fastness because binder formation and curing affect the final result.<sup><a href=\"#fsx-process-ref-2\">[2]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-102e8ba1\">Thickener Responsibilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Control screen-printing rheology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limit unwanted spreading<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support even pigment distribution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remain compatible with the binder and auxiliaries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-b93bed93\">Binder Responsibilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Attach pigment particles to the fabric<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop rubbing and washing resistance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Form correctly during curing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balance fastness with fabric softness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-bd058abc\"><strong>Do not select pigment paste by viscosity alone.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-7c85f860\">Binder compatibility, curing temperature, curing time, pigment loading, rubbing fastness and fabric handle may be more important than matching one initial viscosity value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-93fbb840\">Digital Textile Printing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-a83c506a\">Why Digital Printing Uses a Separate Pretreatment Decision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-cad5be22\">In conventional screen printing, the dye, thickener and most auxiliaries are combined in the colour paste before application. In textile inkjet printing, many functional chemicals are instead applied to the fabric through pretreatment, while the printer jets a low-viscosity ink through fine nozzles.<sup><a href=\"#fsx-process-ref-3\">[3]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-6a080572\">The pretreatment helps control droplet spreading, penetration, edge definition, colour development and fixation. It must be selected according to the ink chemistry and textile substrate. DP-R<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-eeda941c\">Reactive Digital Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-ce4cec04\">DP-R is the FSX Chemical starting route for reactive inkjet pretreatment evaluation on suitable cellulosic and related fibres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm fabric absorbency and preparation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review thickener, alkali and humectant requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate bleeding, definition and colour development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm steaming and wash-off conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-b5f32e64\">DP-D<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-39d052cb\">Disperse Digital Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-c4103761\">DP-D is the starting route for disperse inkjet evaluation on polyester and suitable polyester blends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm direct or transfer printing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review coating or pretreatment dosage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate droplet spreading and penetration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm heat fixation or sublimation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-e4457764\">DP-P<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-49a56d9b\">Pigment Digital Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-8e5dfa2b\">DP-P is the starting route for pigment inkjet pretreatment evaluation on suitable natural and synthetic fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm pigment ink and binder system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate surface ink control and edge sharpness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review curing and rubbing fastness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balance colour strength with fabric handle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-f80a64e2\">TEST<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-d012d3b2\">Digital Trial Boundary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-fe94869c\">Digital pretreatment must be tested with the actual printer, ink, waveform, resolution, fabric, drying and fixation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not rely only on laboratory viscosity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check filtration and coating uniformity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review nozzle and machine compatibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm production-side repeatability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-41ff3342\"><a href=\"\/product\/digital-printing-paste\/\">Review digital printing paste routes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-dd7955b5\">Fixation and Post-Treatment<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-5974132b\">Why Fixation Determines Product Selection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Route<\/th><th>Typical Fixation Direction<\/th><th>Post-Treatment Focus<\/th><th>Selection Risk<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th>Reactive dye<\/th><td>Steaming or another validated reactive fixation process<\/td><td>Removal of unfixed dye, alkali, auxiliaries and thickener<\/td><td>Poor wash-off may reduce cleanliness and handle<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Disperse dye<\/th><td>Heat fixation, high-temperature steaming or sublimation, depending on the route<\/td><td>Removal of surface dye or residual paste where required<\/td><td>Incorrect heat response may reduce colour or definition<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Pigment<\/th><td>Binder drying and curing<\/td><td>Usually no dye wash-off route equivalent to reactive printing<\/td><td>Under-curing can reduce fastness; over-curing may affect handle<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Digital inkjet<\/th><td>Depends on reactive, disperse or pigment ink chemistry<\/td><td>Must follow the corresponding ink and fibre route<\/td><td>\u201cDigital\u201d alone does not define the required fixation process<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-6e8f864b\">Performance Evaluation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-2aeebdd8\">What to Check During a Printing Trial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-a6c6874c\">The same acceptance criteria should not be applied blindly to every process, but the following indicators provide a useful evaluation framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Paste preparation and hydration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Viscosity stability during use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Screen release or pretreatment uniformity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Edge definition and fine-line sharpness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Colour yield or colour strength<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ink or paste penetration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Background cleanliness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bleeding or uncontrolled spreading<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fixation efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wash-off or residue removal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry and wet rubbing fastness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Final fabric handle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-dbcf17e5\"><strong>Rheology affects print application and definition.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-07562f0a\">Thickeners are used to control paste movement and reduce unwanted dye migration. The useful rheological profile depends on the application method rather than one universally ideal viscosity. <sup><a href=\"#fsx-process-ref-5\">[5]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-1b5ad8c7\">Common Selection Errors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-a6cdc79d\">Six Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-c7c27ade\">Choosing by viscosity alone<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-e21f7359\">Similar viscosity values do not prove equivalent dye compatibility, rheology, wash-off, fixation or fabric handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-07a89e1d\">Ignoring fabric composition<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-7dd7ce15\">Cotton, viscose and polyester require different colourant and fixation routes. A product proven on one fibre may fail on another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-6110863c\">Mixing screen and digital logic<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-87927109\">Screen-printing colour paste and digital pretreatment perform different functions and should not be compared only by dosage or viscosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-db1bec9f\">Ignoring fixation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-01ea9f88\">A thickener or pretreatment must remain compatible with steaming, heat fixation, sublimation or binder curing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-54d148fa\">Comparing price per kilogram only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-c48ac326\">Dosage, dye or ink consumption, washing, rejected fabric and batch adjustment may change the real production cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-ced24646\">Skipping the production trial<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-7b356a6d\">Laboratory testing is useful for screening, but final approval requires the buyer\u2019s actual machinery, recipe and process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-3ef6abc3\">Buyer Information<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-d789a260\">What to Send for Process-Based Grade Matching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fabric composition and construction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reactive, disperse or pigment colourant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Screen or digital printing method<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direct or transfer digital route<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Current product name and specification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Current recipe and dosage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Target viscosity and test method<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steaming, heating or curing conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Current production problem<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Required fastness and fabric handle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monthly consumption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Required TDS, SDS and batch COA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-664c1d95\">For viscosity comparisons, review <a href=\"\/blog\/textile-printing-thickener-viscosity-test-methods\/\">how to compare textile printing thickener viscosity test methods <\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-340d2117\">For a material-route comparison, review the <a href=\"\/blog\/cmc-vs-cms-vs-sodium-alginate-vs-digital-printing-paste\/\">CMC, CMS, sodium alginate and digital printing paste selection guide <\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-88173ecc\">FSX Chemical Routes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-671ec384\">Product Routes Available for Initial Evaluation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Product Family<\/th><th>FSX Routes<\/th><th>Initial Application Direction<\/th><th>Required Confirmation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th>Sodium Alginate<\/th><td>HV \/ MV \/ LV<\/td><td>Reactive textile printing<\/td><td>Stock-paste concentration, print method, colour and wash-off<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>CMS<\/th><td>CN-R \/ FS-05 \/ H5<\/td><td>Reactive, disperse and selected specialty routes<\/td><td>Dye system, fabric, preparation, fixation and trial result<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>CMC<\/th><td>HD \/ MD \/ LD<\/td><td>Selected printing, specialty and industrial formulations<\/td><td>DS, viscosity method, purity and full recipe compatibility<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Digital Printing Paste<\/th><td>DP-R \/ DP-D \/ DP-P<\/td><td>Reactive, disperse and pigment inkjet printing<\/td><td>Ink, fabric, product form, dosage, printer and fixation route<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-7e5ac3f1\">Buyer FAQ<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-843f83b4\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-05d809a5\">Which thickener is normally considered first for reactive printing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-6492ff51\">Sodium alginate is commonly used as the initial benchmark for conventional reactive printing on cotton, viscose and suitable cellulosic fabrics. Selected CMS alternatives may also be tested, but they require controlled recipe and printing trials. Can the same thickener be used for reactive and disperse printing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-f23dd634\">It should not be assumed. Reactive and disperse dye systems use different fabrics, auxiliaries, fixation conditions and post-treatment. A grade must be validated for the intended printing process. Is sodium alginate the default thickener for pigment printing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-eac06874\">No. Conventional pigment printing normally relies on a compatible synthetic thickener and binder system. Pigment fixation, curing, rubbing fastness and fabric handle must be evaluated together. Is digital printing paste mixed directly into the printer ink?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-01ad4f4c\">Not usually in the same way as conventional screen-printing colour paste. Many digital textile systems apply functional chemicals through fabric pretreatment, while the printer uses a separately formulated low-viscosity ink. Can one digital pretreatment be used for reactive, disperse and pigment inks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-038247f1\">It should not be assumed. Reactive, disperse and pigment inks have different fibre interactions, fixation processes and auxiliary requirements. Use a route developed and tested for the specific ink system. Is the lowest-priced thickener the lowest-cost option?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-72b53c21\">Not necessarily. Buyers should also consider dosage, colour yield, ink or dye consumption, washing, curing, rejected fabric, machine cleaning and batch consistency. What is required before approving a product for bulk supply?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-7cdf8d0b\">Confirm the product grade, laboratory method, application trial, fixation route, final print result, batch specification, packing, documents and commercial conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-0aab0dda\">About This Technical Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-9752379f\">Prepared by the FSX Chemical Technical Content Team for textile printing mills, dye and paste formulators, chemical distributors and procurement teams comparing process-specific thickener and digital pretreatment routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-86389ff1\">FSX Chemical<br>Foshan Fushixin Polymer Fiber Co., Ltd.<br>Updated July 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-743feef8\">Technical References<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-c1b36052\">Supporting Process and Printing Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-39496778\">These sources provide technical context. Commercial product selection must still be confirmed using the applicable TDS, batch information and customer production trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schneider, R. and \u0160ostar-Turk, S. Research discussing sodium alginate and alternative thickeners in reactive dye printing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0143720897001113\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">View research record<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neral, B., \u0160ostar-Turk, S. and Von\u010dina, B. \u201cProperties of UV-cured pigment prints on textile fabric.\u201d The study evaluates a pigment printing paste containing synthetic thickener, binder and pigment dispersion. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S014372080500077X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">View research record<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cRecent developments in the preparatory processes for the digital printing of textiles.\u201d Technical discussion of fabric pretreatment and digital textile printing workflow. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/B9780443154140000078\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">View publication record<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research on disperse dye inkjet printing of polyester and the relationship between ink formulation, spreading, printability and heat fixation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0300944024001024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">View research record<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cRheological study of interactions between non-ionic surfactants and polysaccharide thickeners used in textile printing.\u201d Technical discussion of rheology, shear behaviour and print definition. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0144861706004048\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">View research record<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-wd-title title wd-deb41beb\">Start with the Printing Process, Not Only the Product Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-a6b9f5ae\">Send your fabric, dye or ink system, printing method, current product, viscosity method, fixation process and target result. FSX Chemical can review an initial sodium alginate, CMS, CMC or digital printing paste route for controlled sample evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-wd-paragraph wd-b0bde224\"><a href=\"\/service\/samples-matching\/\">Request Sample Matching <\/a><a href=\"\/service\/request-a-quote\/\">Request a Quote<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u0423\u0437\u043d\u0430\u0439\u0442\u0435, \u043a\u0430\u043a \u0432\u044b\u0431\u0438\u0440\u0430\u0442\u044c \u0437\u0430\u0433\u0443\u0441\u0442\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u0438 \u0438 \u0441\u043f\u043e\u0441\u043e\u0431\u044b \u043f\u0440\u0435\u0434\u0432\u0430\u0440\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0439 \u043e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0431\u043e\u0442\u043a\u0438 \u0434\u043b\u044f \u0440\u0435\u0430\u043a\u0442\u0438\u0432\u043d\u043e\u0439, \u0434\u0438\u0441\u043f\u0435\u0440\u0441\u043d\u043e\u0439, \u043f\u0438\u0433\u043c\u0435\u043d\u0442\u043d\u043e\u0439 \u0438 \u0446\u0438\u0444\u0440\u043e\u0432\u043e\u0439 \u043f\u0435\u0447\u0430\u0442\u0438 \u043d\u0430 \u0442\u0435\u043a\u0441\u0442\u0438\u043b\u0435 \u0441 \u0443\u0447\u0435\u0442\u043e\u043c \u0442\u0440\u0435\u0431\u043e\u0432\u0430\u043d\u0438\u0439 \u043a \u0442\u043a\u0430\u043d\u0438, \u043a\u0440\u0430\u0441\u0438\u0442\u0435\u043b\u044e \u0438\u043b\u0438 \u0447\u0435\u0440\u043d\u0438\u043b\u0430\u043c, \u0444\u0438\u043a\u0441\u0430\u0446\u0438\u0438, \u0432\u044b\u043c\u044b\u0432\u0430\u0435\u043c\u043e\u0441\u0442\u0438 \u0438 \u043a\u0430\u0447\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0443 \u043f\u0435\u0447\u0430\u0442\u0438.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10240,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10239","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technical-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10239","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10239"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10239\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10241,"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10239\/revisions\/10241"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10239"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10239"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/ru\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10239"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}