Enhancement of Transfer Printability of Polyester and Polyester/Cotton Fabrics via Clove Oil-Based Surface Modification

Abstract

Abstract

This study examines the role of clove oil as a bio-based surface modification agent in improving the transfer printability of polyester (PET) and polyester/cotton blended fabrics. An oil-in-ethanol/water emulsion containing clove oil, predominantly composed of eugenol, was applied to the fabric substrates prior to sublimation transfer printing. The treatment is hypothesized to modify fibre surface characteristics and influence dye–fibre interactions during thermo-fixation, thereby affecting dye diffusion, sorption, and fixation behavior. The impact of clove oil concentration and fabric composition on printing performance was systematically evaluated through measurements of color strength (K/S), wettability, and color fastness to washing, rubbing and light. The results reveal that the treated fabrics exhibit enhanced dye uptake, which can be attributed to increased interfacial affinity between disperse dye molecules and the modified fibre surface, as well as improved dye mobility under thermal conditions. In polyester/cotton blends, the treatment promotes more uniform color distribution, likely due to partial modulation of the hydrophilic–hydrophobic contrast between fibre components. Furthermore, clove oil treatment induces measurable changes in wettability. Enhanced color fastness properties indicate better dye fixation and reduced surface dye migration. Overall, the findings demonstrate that clove oil-based surface modification provides a sustainable strategy for optimizing sublimation transfer printing performance.