Modelling the properties of pigment-printed polypropylene nonwoven fabric using the Box-Behnken technique

The aim of this study was to develop statistical models for the effect of binder concentration and curing temperature and time on the air permeability, tear strength, tensile strength, and crocking fastness of pigment-printed nonwoven polypropylene fabric. The design and analysis of the experimental work were carried out using MINITAB (R) statistical software according to the Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology. Models were successfully developed. It was found that binder concentration improves the wet crocking and tensile strength while having a negative impact on all other responses. Increase in curing temperature and time affects the fabric tear strength negatively but has a positive effect on wet crocking fastness and fabric tensile strength. It could be concluded that pigment prints of good dry crocking fastness may be obtained on polypropylene nonwovens without deterioration in the mechanical strength and air permeability to a commercially unacceptable level. However, further work is required to improve the wet crocking fastness properties.