Synthesis of a low‐temperature self‐crosslinking polyacrylate binder with a core‐shell structure and its application in textile pigment printing

Abstract

A core‐shell acrylate binder for pigment printing containing acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate (AAEM) in its shell was synthesised via semicontinuous seeded emulsion polymerisation. Self‐crosslinking occurs when curing at low temperatures without releasing formaldehyde. The core‐shell structure of the binder produces prints with a high block resistance and good film‐forming properties, which can avoid clogging the screens during the printing process and help to acquire a soft handle for textiles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrated that the latex particle had a core‐shell structure of size ca. 120 nm. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing showed that polyacrylate (PA)‐modified AAEM exhibited two apparent Tg, providing further information about the formation of the soft core‐hard shell latex particles. Crosslinking degree tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and testing of the mechanical properties indicated that self‐crosslinking of AAEM took place at 100 °C, thereby enhancing the thermostability and mechanical properties of the latex films. The softer and non‐stick handle, excellent rubbing fastness, and higher K/S were obtained by further padding the printed fabric with amino silicon softener. The chemical structures of the surfaces of the printed fabrics were studied by Fourier Transform‐infrared (FTIR), and results confirmed that the crosslinking reaction between the amino of the softener and remaining acetoacetoxy functional group (AcAc) of AAEM had taken place.