Rheological characterization of modified guar gums with s-triazine group and their use as thickeners in reactive printing of cotton

A series of modified guar gums with s-triazine group (TSG) was successfully prepared using monochlorotriazine sulfanilic acid as modifier under certain conditions. The flowability, viscoelasticity, and thixotropy of TSG solutions were thoroughly studied through steady shear, dynamic strain sweep, and structural recovery tests. The results indicated that TSG exhibited better flowability, more viscous effects, and higher viscosity recoverability compared with guar gum (GG). The flow and viscous characteristics of TSG increased with increasing degree of modification. As thickeners in reactive printing of cotton, the paste add-on, color yield, and penetration of TSG were 54–80, 15–60, and 31–48% higher, respectively, compared with GG. TSG could obtain desirable large patterns with bright and even color as well as fine patterns with good outline sharpness, especially 0.4–1.0TSG. TSG has great potential as a substitute for sodium alginate in reactive printing of cotton.