Why is Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Added in Textile Printing and Dyeing?

Hydroxyethyl cellulose has good thickening, suspension, dispersion, emulsification, bonding, film-forming, moisture protection and providing protective colloids. Therefore, HEC has become a key auxiliary agent in textile printing and dyeing to improve efficiency, reduce losses and optimize quality. It can optimize processing effects and improve product quality. 

1. Adjust the viscosity of the slurry
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is an efficient water-soluble thickener that can significantly increase the viscosity of the dye or printing slurry. This makes the slurry easier to adhere to the surface of the fabric during coating, preventing penetration or smudging, especially in fine pattern printing to maintain clear outlines.
2. Stability
HEC can maintain stable viscosity in the printing and dyeing liquid to avoid fluctuations in slurry performance due to environmental changes.
3. Prevent too fast drying
During high-temperature drying or steaming, HEC can lock the moisture in the slurry and slow down the drying speed. This ensures that the dye has enough time to evenly penetrate the fiber and reduce the problem of color spots or uneven colors.
4. Improve the color fixation rate
The water retention effect can promote the full reaction of dye molecules and fibers, improve the color fastness and color vividness.
5. Uniformly disperse dyes
HEC prevents agglomeration by adsorbing on the surface of dye particles, ensuring that the dye is evenly distributed in the slurry and avoiding color differences or spots during dyeing.
6. Suspended impurities
During pretreatment (such as desizing and scouring), HEC can suspend fiber impurities, reduce residues on the fabric surface, and improve subsequent dyeing uniformity.
7. Improve fabric feel
In the finishing stage, the flexible film formed by HEC can cover the fiber surface, making the fabric feel softer and smoother.