Abstract
The development and design of novel functional and smart textile materials such as textile sensors and multicolored systems based on photochromic dyes necessitate controls of color intensities, switching speeds, and material durability. Precise control and synchronization of dye kinetics are important for multi-colored photochromic applications especially. However, durability towards abrasion and washing should not be compromised on if we aim to design reliable future textile products. In this study, two different commercial photochromic dyes — a naphthopyran and a spirooxazine-based dye — have been applied on PET fabric by inkjet printing and UV-LED curing. The photochromic textiles’ color behavior, fastness to abrasion and washing, and handle are evaluated using spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, and Kawabata evaluation system. Despite a decrease in color performance after washing, the photochromic inkjet print is effective and barely influences the textile structure. Reduced rigidity of the host matrix promoted higher color yields and faster dye kinetics, but also improved durability towards abrasion and washing. In order to synchronize kinetics of the different dye types for multi-colored applications, distinct curing conditions are preferable, which, however, result in varying print durability. In the design of multi-colored photochromic textiles, dye kinetics, and durability have to be balanced.
Highlights
A limited number of products have reached the market, smart and functional textile high-end products have been an important topic for many years
Based on the measured K/S values of a photochromic dye, the coloration curve is fitted while taking a decay mechanism upon color measurement during UV-exposure and resulting activation into account
With the aim to develop reliable textile sensors and multi-colored systems based on photochromic dyes, the controls of color intensities, switching speeds, and material durability in use are critical characteristics
Summary
A limited number of products have reached the market, smart and functional textile high-end products have been an important topic for many years. Resource-efficiency, flexibility, and costeffectiveness play a key role in triggering innovation and promoting the production of smart and functional niche products like photochromic textiles among others. Combining inkjet printing and curing with UV-LED light facilitates a sustainable, flexible, and economic textile production and avoids the use of water, unnecessary amounts of chemicals, and energy while producing less waste. To the best of our knowledge, few studies on the resource-efficient production of photochromic textiles have been done. Aldib [2] explored inkjet printing of solvent-based photochromic inks and Fu et al [3] investigated photonic curing
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