Switzerland-based Ciba Specialty Chemicals has launched a new range of soft pigment inks for
digital printing. The Ciba® Irgaphor TBI 150-850 HC highly concentrated pigment inks are designed
for piezo ink-jet printing of all textile fibers, especially polyester, cotton, and blends of
these, as well as leather. The pigments can be printed directly on all fibers without pretreatment
or aftertreatment. Following application, the inks must be fixed with dry heat for 3 to 5 minutes
at between 160 and 180°C. The printed fabric can also be treated by all hot-press and cylinder
methods for 1 minute at 210°C. The new inks are compatible with the original Ciba Irgaphor TBI
100-800 range.Ciba claims that the new dyes offer environmental advantages. One advantage is that
the inks have high fixation and need no washing off, therefore reducing water consumption and
waste-water treatment. The inks are formaldehyde-free and are also free of pigments and chemicals
that can, on reduction, release amines banned under MAK III regulations.
February 2001
