Examination of the dyeing properties of pigment printing fabrics in a water-ethanol mixed solvent

•Dyeing properties of pigment printing fabrics were examined.•These studies were carried out using a water-ethanol mixed solvent.•Various analytical techniques were employed to understand the results.•A model was constructed to explain the thickening mechanism and dyeing properties.•Rubbing fastness remained relatively constant upon increasing the colour depth. We examined the dyeing properties of pigment printing fabrics in a water-ethanol mixed solvent. SEM, infrared spectroscopy, XRD, and rheological studies were carried out to understand the results. The K/S values of all pigment printing fabrics initially increased prior to a subsequent decrease, as can be observed from SEM images of the fabric surfaces. Viscosity tests indicated that variations in the dyeing performance in the mixed solvent could be mainly attributed to the quality of the thickener. Through examination of the rheological properties of the NaAlg paste and the IR spectra of the NaAlg membrane, ethanol appeared to weaken the hydrogen bonds between the NaAlg chains and water molecules, leading to more compact and disordered NaAlg chains. As the rubbing fastness remained relatively constant upon increasing the colour depth of the printing fabrics, this indicated the potential for broadening the application range of such a system.