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19 Modernisation
Alginates in textiles
An alginat e industriezh ar gwiadoù
The textile industry accounts for 40% of alginate use. They are mainly employed in printing fabrics such as cotton and viscose. Incorporated into colouring pastes, they act as a thickener and make it possible to control the spread of the pigment on the fibre, ensuring clean, precise patterns.
Unlike other thickeners such as starch, they have the advantage of not reacting chemically with certain dyes. By not interfering with the dyeing process, they promote optimal fixing of the pigments and produce brighter, more even shades.
Finally, alginates are easily removed with water after printing, leaving no rigid residue. The fabric thus keeps all its suppleness and softness.