Sublimation Transfer Printing Technology: Raw Material Requirements and Process

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① Sublimation Transfer Paper: Sublimation transfer paper must meet specific criteria: dust-free and burr-free surface, dimensional stability, controlled air permeability to suit printing needs, ease of dye release, high thermal resistance, and low dye gas permeability to ensure effective transfer. The basis weight of transfer paper typically ranges from 50 to 70 g/m². Natural polymer materials such as starch, gum arabic, and sodium alginate are commonly used.

② Disperse Dyes: Disperse dyes must exhibit good sublimation transferability and permeability, achieve acceptable fastness levels, and maintain compatibility under operating conditions to ensure accurate three-color reproduction. Typically, disperse dyes with molecular weights ranging from 230 to 380 and sublimation temperatures between 180 and 240°C are selected. The coloring effect depends on the dye type, molecular weight, sublimation characteristics, and the structure of the polymer being colored. Strong interactions between dye vapor and fiber molecules allow the dye to diffuse into the fiber interior. Ideally, the sublimation temperature should remain below 200°C.

③ Binders: Commonly used solid resins include low-viscosity ethyl cellulose and ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. Typical solvents include turpentine, terpineol, high-boiling alkanes, aromatic alkanes, and fiber-dissolving agents, along with minor additives. Key binder requirements include low affinity with dyes, easy dye vapor release, appropriate printability, storage stability, and heat transfer adaptability.

④ Ink Formulation: The key to producing sublimation transfer patterned paper lies in the ink formulation. Dye content varies between 5% and 18%, depending on specific application requirements.

Internationally, sublimation transfer printing has long been established in industrial production and continues to grow. In recent years, various regions in China have initiated production on different scales. Currently, most patterned paper in China is printed using offset or gravure methods, with only a small portion utilizing platform-based screen printing machines. The development of rotary screen printing for patterned paper remains ongoing. With the continued advancement and popularization of screen printing technology, it is anticipated that the adoption of screen printing machines and the use of water-based or emulsion inks for sublimation transfer patterned paper will significantly increase, offering substantial economic benefits to industries involved in printing, dyeing, coloring, and decorative applications.