GATE (TF) Textile 2016 Question Paper Solution | GATE/2016/TF/55

Pigment printing is a type of printing process used to apply a design or pattern onto fabric. It involves the use of pigments, which are finely ground particles of color that are insoluble in water. Pigment printing differs from other types of fabric printing processes such as dyeing or screen printing, in which the color is dissolved in a liquid and applied to the fabric.
In pigment printing, the pigments are typically mixed with a binder or carrier to create a paste, which is then applied to the fabric using a variety of printing techniques, such as rotary printing or digital printing. The paste is then dried and heat-cured to fix the pigments onto the fabric.
Pigment printing is known for its ability to produce bright, vibrant colors that are resistant to fading and washing. It is also a versatile process that can be used on a wide variety of fabrics, including natural and synthetic fibers. Pigment printing can be used to create a range of effects, from bold and graphic designs to subtle tonal variations.
One advantage of pigment printing over other types of fabric printing processes is that it does not require the use of water, which makes it more environmentally friendly. Additionally, pigment printing is a relatively simple and cost-effective process, which makes it accessible to a wide range of designers and manufacturers.

Discharge printing is a type of printing process in which a design or pattern is created by removing the color from the fabric rather than adding color to it. To achieve this effect, a discharge agent is applied to the fabric in the areas where the color is to be removed.
The best fabrics for discharge printing are those that have been dyed with reactive dyes. Reactive dyes are a type of dye that chemically bonds with the fibers of the fabric, creating a strong and permanent color. When a discharge agent is applied to a fabric dyed with reactive dyes, it breaks the chemical bond between the dye and the fiber, allowing the color to be removed.
Fabrics that are suitable for discharge printing include cotton, rayon, and other cellulose-based fibers that have been dyed with reactive dyes. Polyester and other synthetic fibers are not suitable for discharge printing, as they do not react with the discharge agent in the same way as natural fibers.
In addition to the type of fabric, the color of the original dye is also an important factor to consider when choosing a fabric for discharge printing. Darker colors are typically easier to discharge than lighter colors, as they require less pigment to be removed. However, the best fabric for discharge printing ultimately depends on the specific design, color, and desired effect.

Discharge printing is a type of printing process used to create a design or pattern on fabric by removing the color from the fabric in certain areas. The process involves the use of a discharge agent, which is applied to the fabric in the areas where the color is to be removed.
Here are the general steps involved in the discharge printing process:
Fabric preparation: The fabric is pre-treated with a discharge paste or activator to prepare it for the printing process.
Printing: The design is printed onto the fabric using a screen printing process or a digital printing process. The ink used for the design contains a discharge agent, which will remove the original color from the fabric.
Drying: The printed fabric is dried to ensure that the discharge agent is fully absorbed into the fabric.
Activation: The printed fabric is then exposed to steam or heat, which activates the discharge agent and removes the original dye color from the fabric in the areas where the design was printed.
Washing: The fabric is washed to remove any residual discharge agent and to ensure that the fabric is fully clean and ready for further processing.
The discharge printing process can be used to create a range of effects, from subtle tonal variations to bold and graphic designs. It is often used on fabrics such as cotton, rayon, and other cellulose-based fibers that have been dyed with reactive dyes, as these fabrics are more receptive to the discharge agent.

Resist printing is a type of printing process used to create a design or pattern on fabric by preventing the dye from reaching certain areas of the fabric. The process involves applying a resist agent to the fabric, which acts as a barrier to the dye. When the fabric is dyed, the areas that have been treated with the resist agent will resist the dye and remain the original color of the fabric, creating a pattern or design.
There are several different types of resist printing techniques that can be used, including:
Tie-dye: In tie-dye, the fabric is folded, twisted, or tied into a pattern, and then treated with a resist agent before being dyed.

Batik: In batik, a wax resist is applied to the fabric using a tool such as a tjanting or a brush. The wax is then removed, and the fabric is dyed.

Screen printing: In screen printing, a resist agent is applied to the fabric through a stencil or a screen. The fabric is then dyed, and the resist agent prevents the dye from reaching certain areas of the fabric.

Resist printing can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, silk, and linen. The type of resist agent used will depend on the specific fabric and dye being used, as well as the desired effect. Some common resist agents include wax, starch, and chemicals such as sodium alginate or sodium silicate.

Resist printing can create a variety of effects, from bold and graphic designs to subtle and intricate patterns. It is a versatile technique that has been used in many traditional textile arts, as well as in contemporary fashion and home decor.

Sublimation transfer printing is a process of printing designs or patterns onto polyester or polymer-coated substrates using sublimation inks and heat. The process involves printing the design onto a special transfer paper using sublimation inks, and then using heat and pressure to transfer the design onto the fabric or other substrate.
Here are the general steps involved in sublimation transfer printing:
Design creation: The design is created using a graphic design software, and printed in mirror image on special sublimation transfer paper.

Transfer preparation: The substrate, which must be made of polyester or coated with a polymer, is pre-treated to ensure that it is ready to accept the sublimation ink.

Transfer process: The printed transfer paper is placed on top of the substrate, and both are secured together with heat-resistant tape. The substrate and transfer paper are then placed in a heat press, and pressure and heat are applied. The heat causes the sublimation ink to turn into a gas and bond with the fibers of the substrate, creating a vibrant and durable design.

Cooling and finishing: After the transfer process is complete, the substrate is removed from the heat press and allowed to cool. The transfer paper is then removed, and the design is complete.

Sublimation transfer printing is particularly effective for creating full-color designs, photographic images, and complex patterns. It is commonly used in the production of sportswear, promotional items, and personalized gifts. The final product is usually durable, vibrant, and washable, as the sublimation ink becomes a permanent part of the substrate. However, sublimation transfer printing is limited to certain types of substrates, and cannot be used on natural fibers such as cotton or wool.