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SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR GARMENT PRINTING PRETREATMENT

20250320658 ยท 2025-10-16

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    Systems and methods for garment printing pretreatment are provided. A fabric of an at least one fabric has a first surface opposing a second surface, and a treatment composition is applied to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The treatment composition includes high-density polyethylene, a first primer and filler, hydrophobic silicon, and filtered water. In some instances, the treatment composition also includes citric acid, and the filtered water is provided substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    Claims

    1. A fabric, comprising: a first surface opposing a second surface; and a pretreatment composition applied to the first surface, wherein the pretreatment composition is designed to improve at least one color attribute of ink applied to the first surface, the pretreatment composition comprising: a polyethylene; a digital primer and filler; a hydrophobic silicon; and filtered water.

    2. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the pretreatment composition is applied to the first surface and the second surface of the fabric.

    3. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the polyethylene comprises a high-density polyethylene and the pretreatment composition is imparted with a concentration of high-density polyethylene of at least about 0.5% by volume, relative to the pretreatment composition as a whole.

    4. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the pretreatment composition is imparted with a concentration of the digital primer and filler of at least about 50% by volume, relative to the pretreatment composition as a whole.

    5. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the pretreatment composition is imparted with a concentration of hydrophobic silicon of at least about 3% by volume, relative to the pretreatment composition as a whole.

    6. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the filtered water of the pretreatment composition is substantially devoid of chlorine.

    7. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the fabric is provided in the form of a garment selected from the group consisting of sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts, dresses, pants, sweaters, shorts, gowns, tunics, cardigans, overalls, swimsuits, quarter-zips, trousers, skirts, suits, sportswear, jackets, coats, scarves, tank tops, hats, gloves, corsets, underwear, socks, and bras.

    8. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the pretreatment composition consists of: the polyethylene, wherein the polyethylene is provided in the form of a high-density polyethylene; the digital primer and filler; the hydrophobic silicon; and the filtered water.

    9. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the fabric is treated with a biopolishing composition, the biopolishing composition comprising: at least one dyeing auxiliary; at least one acid; and cellulase.

    10. The fabric of claim 1, wherein: an ink-based graphic is printed onto the first surface, application of the pretreatment composition increases a vibrancy of the fabric by at least about 50%.

    11. A garment, comprising: a fabric comprising: a first surface opposing a second surface; and a pretreatment formulation applied to the first surface, the pretreatment formulation comprising: a high-density polyethylene provided in a first concentration of at least about 0.5% to about 4% by volume, relative to the pretreatment formulation as a whole; a first digital primer and filler provided in a second concentration of at least about 50% to about 70% by volume, relative to the pretreatment formulation as a whole; and a hydrophobic silicon provided in a third concentration of at least about 3% to about 9% by volume, relative to the pretreatment formulation as a whole, wherein a remaining volume of the pretreatment formulation comprises filtered water.

    12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the fabric is a white fabric.

    13. The garment of claim 11, wherein the fabric is a color fabric.

    14. The garment of claim 11, wherein at least one surface of the garment is not treated with the pretreatment formulation.

    15. The garment of claim 11, wherein the pretreatment formulation is designed to impart the fabric with a softer hand feel.

    16. The garment of claim 11, wherein the pretreatment formulation further comprises a second digital primer and filler provided in a fourth concentration of at least about 3% to about 8% by volume, relative to the pretreatment formulation as a whole.

    17. A method for applying a pretreatment formulation to a textile, the method comprising: providing a fabric to a tension system, wherein the fabric includes a first surface and a second surface; transferring the fabric into a first reservoir containing filtered water; removing excess liquid from the fabric; applying the pretreatment formulation to the fabric to create a pretreated fabric, wherein a percent wet pickup of the pretreatment formulation for each of the first surface and the second surface is at least about 10%; transporting the pretreated fabric to a dryer; and drying the pretreated fabric in the dryer to create a dried pretreated fabric, wherein the pretreatment formulation is designed to improve an effectiveness of applying an ink to the fabric.

    18. The method of claim 17, wherein the pretreatment formulation comprises: a high-density polyethylene; a digital primer and filler; and a hydrophobic silicon.

    19. The method of claim 17, wherein: the pretreatment formulation is applied to the textile via a one-step bath application method, the fabric is transferred to a second reservoir containing the pretreatment formulation to create the pretreated fabric.

    20. The method of claim 17, wherein a residual moisture content of the pretreated fabric is less than about 4% by weight relative to the textile as a whole after drying.

    Description

    DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

    [0029] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a garment including an ink-printed surface;

    [0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a process for applying a pretreatment formulation to a garment prior to printing;

    [0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a portion of a treated fabric layer;

    [0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a bath processing system used for applying a pretreatment formulation to a fabric;

    [0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a drying system for fabrics treated with a pretreatment formulation;

    [0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method of applying a pretreatment formulation to a textile; and

    [0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a method for providing an enzyme biopolishing preparatory treatment to a fabric.

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION

    [0036] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms mounted, connected, supported, and coupled and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, connected and coupled are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

    [0037] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the disclosure. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the disclosure.

    [0038] According to the teachings herein, systems and methods for garment printing pretreatment are provided. For example, a textile including at least one fabric may be provided. The at least one fabric may include a first surface opposing a second surface. A pretreatment composition or formulation may be applied to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. After the pretreatment formulation is applied, inks may be applied to the textile using a printing process to create an ink-printed garment. The pretreatment formulation may be used to create an improved garment or textile by imparting the garment or textile with enhanced colorfastness, visibly brighter ink-printed surfaces, enhanced contrast between ink-printed colors, softer hand feel, and/or increased durability for ink-printed surfaces during laundering.

    [0039] As described herein, pretreatment is understood to mean any treatment applying a composition or a formulation to a garment before applying an ink to a surface of the garment (e.g., before printing). The pretreatment formulation (alternatively referred to as a pretreatment composition) described herein may be configured to help bond inks to fibers in the textile, regulate the distribution of ink droplets on the textile, maximize color intensity or vibrancy of the ink applied to the textile, and/or promote ink absorption during the printing process. As such, the textile may be pretreated before direct-to-garment printing to increase the efficiency of the printing, the smoothness of the fabric, and the vibrancy of the ink-printed surfaces as compared to untreated textiles. Thus, the pretreatment formulation may provide ink-printed surfaces with improved color attributes while using the same or even less ink than other methods.

    [0040] In some instances, the pretreatment composition may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a high-density polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, hydrophobic silicon, and water. In other instances, the pretreatment composition may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of high-density polyethylene, digital primer and filler, hydrophobic silicon, citric acid, and water. The water in the pretreatment composition may be provided as filtered water that is substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In some instances, the filtered water may be substantially or completely devoid of chlorine. In certain instances, the citric acid may be utilized when the pretreatment formulation is applied to white textiles. In additional instances, the citric acid may impart the pretreatment composition with a pH value of about 4.5 to about 6.0. In other instances, the citric acid may impart the pretreatment composition with a pH value of 4.5 to 6.0. In further instances, the citric acid may impart the pretreatment composition with a pH value of 4.5 to 5.5. Additionally, when the pretreatment formulation is applied to white textiles, the digital primer and filler may be configured to provide a white base. In multiple instances, the digital primer and filler may comprise calcium chloride and provide a white base. Alternatively, the digital primer and filler may be configured to provide a color base, such as when the pretreatment formulation is applied to color textiles. In some instances, the digital primer and filler may comprise calcium nitrate and provide a color base. In an additional instance, the digital primer and filler providing a color base is applied at a greater or substantially greater application rate than the digital primer and filler providing a white base.

    [0041] As used herein, color refers to any color that may be perceived by the human eye, including black.

    [0042] In various instances, the pretreatment formulation may be applied using a system provided as a tension apparatus. The tension apparatus may be provided in the form of a container configured to retain a wet fabric, a tension system including a plurality of rollers, a water tank, extract rollers (e.g., rollers designed to remove or squeeze water out of the wet fabric), a mix tank filled with the pretreatment formulation, an application device designed to apply the pretreatment formulation to the textile (e.g., a tank), and a dryer. In some instances, the system may be designed to apply the pretreatment formulation on opposing surfaces of the fabric.

    [0043] The system may apply the pretreatment formulation to natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, or any blends thereof. For example, the pretreatment formulation may be provided to fabrics comprising about 100% cotton (or 100% cotton), about 100% polyester (or 100% polyester), a tri-blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, a blend of cotton and polyester, or a blend at least partially comprised of polyester. For example, the pretreatment formulation may be applied to fabrics comprising a blend of about 60% cotton and about 40% polyester (or a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend), and/or an about 10% polyester fabric blend (or a 10% polyester fabric blend). As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation may be applied to fabrics comprising about 0% to about 100% cotton (or 0% to 100% cotton), about 0% to about 100% rayon (or 0% to 100% rayon), and/or about 0% to about 100% polyester (or 0% to 100% polyester).

    [0044] In addition, the system may be designed to apply the pretreatment formulation to different types of knit fabrics. For example, the system may be configured to apply the pretreatment to jersey fabrics, fleece fabrics, heathered fabrics, French terry fabrics, fabrics having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and jersey and fleece blends (e.g., 60/40 fleece and jersey blends, 50/50 fleece and jersey blends, or any blend of fleece and jersey). In some instances, the system may also be designed to apply the pretreatment formulation to woven fabrics. Furthermore, the system may be designed to apply the pretreatment formulation to a white fabric, a color fabric, and/or a combination of white and color fabrics.

    [0045] In some cases, the systems and methods described herein may include an enzyme biopolishing preparatory process that may be carried out before the pretreatment formulation is applied to the fabric or textile. To carry out the biopolishing process, the fabric may be treated with a dye solution including at least one dyeing auxiliary and an acid. The dye solution may be imparted with a pH value of about 5.5 to about 6.5. Then, the dye solution may be heated to at least about 50 C. and a cellulase may be added. The enzyme biopolishing process may remove loose fiber ends from textiles and fabrics, thereby extending the lifetime of natural and synthetic fabrics by reducing fabric fuzz and pilling. Thus, in various instances, the biopolishing process may prepare surfaces of a textile for pretreatment with a pretreatment formulation.

    [0046] Referring now to FIG. 1, a textile 100 is provided in the form of a garment 101 illustrated as a shirt 102. The shirt 102 includes a printed graphic 104 applied to the shirt 102 after the shirt 102 was pretreated with a pretreatment formulation, as disclosed herein. The textile 100 may be provided in the form of any type of garment, including, but not limited to, sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts, dresses, pants, sweaters, shorts, gowns, tunics, cardigans, overalls, swimsuits, quarter-zips, trousers, skirts, suits, sportswear, jackets, coats, scarves, tank tops, hats, gloves, corsets, underwear, socks, and bras. For example, the textile 100 may be provided in the form of a garment selected from the group consisting of sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts, dresses, pants, sweaters, shorts, gowns, tunics, cardigans, overalls, swimsuits, quarter-zips, trousers, skirts, suits, sportswear, jackets, coats, scarves, tank tops, hats, gloves, corsets, underwear, socks, and bras. The textile 100 may also be provided in the form of non-clothing items or accessories, such as reusable grocery bags, tote bags, canvas bags, fanny packs, and backpacks. The pretreatment formulation (e.g., a pretreatment formulation 202 described with reference to FIG. 2) may be applied to natural fabrics (e.g., cotton), synthetic fabrics (e.g., polyester), or blends thereof to improve the appearance of the printed graphic 104. The printed graphic 104 may be applied using screen printing or inkjet printing methods.

    [0047] In some instances, the textile 100 may be provided as about 100% cotton (or 100% cotton), about 100% polyester (or 100% polyester), a tri-blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, a blend of cotton and polyester, or a blend at least partially comprised of polyester. For example, the textile 100 may be provided as a blend of about 60% cotton and about 40% polyester (or a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend), and/or an about 10% polyester fabric blend (or a 10% polyester fabric blend). As yet another example, the textile 100 may comprise about 0% to about 100% cotton (or 0% to 100% cotton), about 0% to about 100% rayon (or 0% to 100% rayon), and/or about 0% to about 100% polyester (or 0% to 100% polyester). As a further example, the textile 100 may be provided as a blend including about 40% to about 80% cotton and about 20% to about 60% polyester (or 40% to 80% cotton and 20% to 60% polyester). The textile 100 may also be provided in the form of jersey fabrics, fleece fabrics, heathered fabrics, French terry fabrics, fabrics having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and jersey and fleece blends (e.g., 60/40 fleece and jersey blends, 50/50 fleece and jersey blends). In some instances, the textile 100 may comprise a white fabric, a color fabric, and/or a combination of white and color fabrics.

    [0048] The textile 100 may be treated with the pretreatment formulation (e.g., the pretreatment formulation 202) before the textile 100 is arranged or constructed into the garment 101. The pretreatment formulation may be designed to help bond inks to fibers in the textile 100, regulate the distribution of ink droplets on the textile 100, maximize color intensity or vibrancy of the ink applied to the textile 100, and/or promote ink absorption during the printing process. As such, the textile 100 may be pretreated before direct-to-garment printing to increase the efficiency of the ink printing process, the colorfastness of the inks printed on the textile 100, the smoothness and softness of the textile 100, and/or vibrancy of the textile 100 as compared to untreated textiles.

    [0049] The shirt 102 may be provided with a front surface 106, a back surface 108, sleeves 110, a neck region 112, an inner portion 114, and an outer portion 116. The pretreatment formulation may be applied to some or all surfaces of the textile 100 comprising the shirt 102; thus, the printed graphic 104 may be applied in any location (including the front surface 106, the back surface 108, the sleeves 110, the neck region 112, the inner portion 114, and the outer portion 116) on the shirt 102. In some such instances, the pretreatment formulation may be uniformly or substantially uniformly distributed on all of the surfaces or some of the surfaces of the textile 100.

    [0050] The printed graphic 104 may be created using current printing techniques, such as screen printing, digital printing, and direct-to-garment printing. In some instances, some, substantially all, or all of the printed graphic 104 comprises ink. The printed graphic 104 may be configured to create a visual display of an image, a photo, a logo, text, or other graphics upon the textile 100.

    [0051] Referring now to FIG. 2, an untreated textile 200 and the pretreatment formulation 202 are provided. The arrows in FIG. 2 schematically represent application of the pretreatment formulation 202 to the untreated textile 200 to create a pretreated textile 204, which in turn may be used to create a pretreated garment 206. The pretreated garment 206 may be any garment disclosed herein (e.g., the garment 101). Systems and methods via which the pretreatment formulation 202 may be applied to an untreated fabric (e.g., the untreated textile 200) are further described with reference to FIGS. 4-6.

    [0052] The untreated textile 200 may be provided in the form of any fabric upon which the pretreatment formulation 202 has not been applied. In some instances, the untreated textile 200 may comprise a natural fabric, a synthetic fabric, or blends thereof. For example, the untreated textile 200 may be provided as 100% cotton, 100% polyester, a tri-blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, a blend of cotton and polyester (e.g., 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend), and/or a 10% polyester fabric blend. In some instances, the untreated textile 200 may be provided as a jersey fabric, a fleece fabric, a heathered fabric, a French terry fabric, a fabric having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and a fabric comprising a jersey and fleece blend (e.g., a 60/40 fleece and jersey blend, a 50/50 fleece and jersey blend).

    [0053] In some instances, an optional enzyme biopolishing preparatory process may be applied to the untreated textile 200 before pretreatment with the pretreatment formulation 202. To carry out the biopolishing, the untreated textile 200 may be treated with a dye solution including at least one dyeing auxiliary and an acid. The dye solution may be imparted with a pH value of about 5.5 to about 6.5. Then, the dye solution may be heated and cellulase may be added, as further described herein. In some instances, the enzyme biopolishing preparatory method may remove loose fiber ends from the untreated textile 200, thereby extending the lifetime of the untreated textile 200 by reducing fuzz and pilling. In various instances, the enzyme biopolishing preparatory process may prepare surfaces of the untreated textile 200 for pretreatment with the pretreatment formulation 202, although in some instances the biopolishing process may be implemented after the pretreatment formulation is applied to the untreated textile 200. In certain cases, the biopolishing preparatory process may be omitted. Methods via which the enzyme biopolishing preparatory process is carried out are further described with reference to FIG. 7.

    [0054] Advantageously, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be applied to the untreated textile 200 before shipment of the untreated textile 200 to a destination for printing. For example, the pretreatment formulation may be applied to untreated textile 200 before finished garments (e.g., the pretreated garment 206) are shipped to fabric printers. In turn, this allows the printers to create vibrant, printed textiles and garments (e.g., the shirt 102 of FIG. 1) more quickly and at a reduced cost. In some cases, applying the pretreatment formulation 202 to a garment before printing may allow the printing process to be up to about 40% faster (or 40% faster) than in instances in which the pretreatment formulation 202 is not applied. For example, applying the pretreatment formulation 202 to a garment before printing may allow the printing process to be up to about 5% faster, or about 10% faster, or about 20% faster, or about 30% faster, or about 40% faster, or about 50% faster. As an additional example, applying the pretreatment formulation 202 to a garment before printing may allow the printing process to be up to 5% faster, or 10% faster, or 20% faster, or 30% faster, or 40% faster, or 50% faster. In addition, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be labor- and money-saving for the printers because printers do not need to apply a separate pretreatment before printing on the garments.

    [0055] In various instances, some, substantially all, or all of the pretreatment formulation 202 may wash off upon laundering the pretreated garment 206. For example, most, substantially all, or all of each ingredient of the pretreatment formulation 202 (as further described herein) may wash off upon laundering of the pretreated garment 206. As an additional example, substantially all of each ingredient of the pretreatment formulation 202 except for a hydrophobic silicon may wash off upon laundering of the pretreated garment 206.

    [0056] Advantageously, the pretreated textile 204 (and thus the pretreated garment 206) may be imparted with a hand feel that is similar to or even greater than that of non-pretreated textiles. For example, the pretreated textile 204 may be imparted with a softness that is similar to or even greater than that of non-pretreated textiles. In various instances, the pretreated textile 204 is imparted with no or substantially zero residual odor and/or undesirable odors and with the same soft hand feel as non-pretreated textiles. In some instances, the pretreated textile 204 continues to get softer after laundering. Thus, in some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be designed to impart a textile (e.g., the pretreated textile 204) with an improved hand feel (e.g., increased softness).

    [0057] Referring still to FIG. 2, the pretreated garment 206 may solely comprise the treated fabric which includes the pretreatment formulation 202, or the pretreated garment 206 may comprise both the treated fabric and the untreated textile 200. For example, the front of the pretreated garment 206 may be treated with the pretreatment formulation and ink printed, whereas the back of the garment may remain untreated and is not printed upon.

    [0058] Once the pretreated garment 206 has been created, a printed graphic may be applied to any surface of the pretreated garment 206 (e.g., see the shirt 102 and the printed graphic 104 of FIG. 1). The printed graphic may be created using current printing techniques such as screen printing, digital printing, and direct-to-garment printing, or future printing techniques designed to apply ink to a fabric. In some instances, the printed graphic is made of ink. The printed graphic may be configured to create a visual display of an image, a photo, a logo, text, or other graphics upon the pretreated garment 206.

    [0059] As a result of the application of the pretreatment formulation 202, the surface of the pretreated garment 206 containing a printed graphic such as the printed graphic 104 (the ink-printed surface) may be much smoother, brighter and more vibrant than an ink-printed surface of a non-pretreated garment. As such, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be designed to increase the efficacy or effectiveness of the process of applying an ink to a fabric to create an ink-printed surface. In some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 increases the vibrancy or contrast of the ink-printed surface as compared to a non-pretreated ink-printed surface by at least about 5%. For example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may increase the vibrancy and/or contrast of the ink-printed surface as compared to a non-pretreated ink-printed surface by at least about 10%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 75%, or at least about 100%, or at least about 200%, or at least about 400%, or at least about 600%, or at least about 1000%. As an additional example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may increase the vibrancy and/or contrast of the ink-printed surface, as compared to a non-pretreated ink-printed surface by at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 35%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 100%, or at least 200%, or at least 400%, or at least 600%, or at least 1000%. In certain instances, the increase of vibrancy or contrast may allow a viewer of the pretreated garment 206 to perceive details printed onto the garment more easily, as compared to an untreated printed garment. As such, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be designed to impart ink-treated surfaces with improved color attributes (e.g., color saturation, contrast, and/or vibrancy) as compared to fabrics not treated with the pretreatment formulation 202.

    [0060] In certain instances, the ink-printed surfaces (e.g., the printed graphic 104) may retain their color attributes after being laundered. For example, the ink-printed surfaces may partially, substantially completely, or completely retain their color attributes after being washed in a washing machine and/or dried in a dryer. In certain instances, the ink-printed surfaces may partially, substantially completely, or completely retain their color attributes after undergoing about 1 to about 50 laundry cycles (or 1 to 50 laundry cycles), although the ink-printed surfaces may also retain their color, vibrancy and/or contrast after even more laundry cycles. For example, the ink-printed surfaces may partially, substantially completely, or completely retain their color attributes after undergoing at least about 1 laundry cycle, or at least about 3 laundry cycles, or at least about 5 laundry cycles, or at least about 7 laundry cycles, or at least about 10 laundry cycles, or at least about 15 laundry cycles, or at least about 20 laundry cycles, or at least about 25 laundry cycles, or at least about 30 laundry cycles, or at least about 40 laundry cycles, or at least about 50 laundry cycles. As an additional example, the ink-printed surfaces may partially, substantially completely, or completely retain their color attributes after undergoing at least 1 laundry cycle, or at least 3 laundry cycles, or at least 5 laundry cycles, or at least 7 laundry cycles, or at least 10 laundry cycles, or at least 15 laundry cycles, or at least 20 laundry cycles, or at least 25 laundry cycles, or at least 30 laundry cycles, or at least 40 laundry cycles, or at least 50 laundry cycles. As such, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be designed to impart ink-printed surfaces of laundered garments with improved color attributes (e.g., color saturation, contrast, and/or vibrancy) as compared to laundered garments including fabrics not treated with the pretreatment formulation 202.

    [0061] As used herein, washing machine and dryer may refer to any current or future machines designed to clean and/or dry clothing items. In addition, as used herein, a laundry cycle may refer to a washing of a garment, or both a washing and drying of the garment.

    [0062] The pretreatment formulation 202 may be provided as a composition that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, silicon, and water. In some cases, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be provided as a composition that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a polyethylene (e.g., a high-density polyethylene), at least one digital primer and filler, and water (e.g., a filtered water that may substantially or completely devoid of chlorine). In other instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a high-density polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, hydrophobic silicon, and filtered water. In some such instances, the filtered water may be substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. In yet other instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a high-density polyethylene, a first digital primer and filler, a second digital primer and filler, hydrophobic silicon, and filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0063] In addition, when the pretreatment formulation 202 is applied to white textiles, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include citric acid. As such, in some instances, the pretreatment formulation may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a high-density polyethylene, at least one digital primer and filler, hydrophobic silicon, filtered water (which may be substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine), and citric acid. In additional instances, the citric acid may impart the pretreatment formulation 202 with a pH value of about 4.5 to about 6.0. In other instances, the citric acid may impart the pretreatment formulation 202 with a pH value of 4.5 to 6.0. In further instances, the citric acid may impart the pretreatment formulation 202 with a pH value of pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Additionally, in some instances, such as when the pretreatment formulation 202 is applied to white textiles, the digital primer and filler may be configured to provide a white base. In some such instances, the digital primer and filler may comprise calcium chloride. In other instances, such as when the pretreatment formulation 202 is applied to color textiles, the digital primer and filler of the pretreatment formulation 202 may be configured to provide a color base. In some such instances, the digital primer and filler may comprise calcium nitrate. In an additional instance, the pretreatment formulation 202 may utilize or include the digital primer and filler providing a color base at a greater or substantially greater application rate than the digital primer and filler providing a white base.

    [0064] The pretreatment formulation 202 is preferably supplied in the form of an aqueous solution in which the various components of the pretreatment formulation 202 are dissolved in water. In various instances, the water is provided as filtered water that is substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. Advantageously, the pretreatment formulation 202 described herein requires less digital primer and filler than existing products, is unexpectedly homogenous and stable (both chemically and physically), and may be used in a one-step treatment process. Further, the pretreatment formulations described herein may be applied to the untreated textile 200 via a one-step bath application process, as further described with reference to FIGS. 4-6.

    [0065] The high-density polyethylene provided in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with high flexibility, high durability, translucent or waxy characteristics, low-temperature toughness, and chemical resistance. In one example, the high-density polyethylene may be imparted with a tensile strength of at least about 0.20 N/mm.sup.2 to at least about 0.40 N/mm.sup.2 and a density of at least about 0.944 g/cm.sup.3 to at least about 0.965 g/cm.sup.3. In another example, the high-density polyethylene may be imparted with a tensile strength of at least 0.20 N/mm.sup.2 to at least 0.40 N/mm.sup.2 and a density of at least 0.944 g/cm.sup.3 to at least 0.965 g/cm.sup.3. In some instances, the high-density polyethylene is provided as Evo Soft PNN available from DyStar of Singapore, or a product with similar characteristics, physical properties, and chemical properties.

    [0066] The hydrophobic silicon may be any silicon that functions to induce or help facilitate primer fixation. The hydrophobic silicon may further improve ink retention on the surface of the treated textile, improve the processing of the textile, and improve vibrancy and/or contrast of ink-printed surfaces applied to the textile. The hydrophobic silicon may be provided as silicon dioxide comprising hydrophobic groups chemically bonded to the silicon dioxide's surface. In some instances, the hydrophobic groups are alkyl or polydimethylsiloxane chains. In some such instances, the hydrophobic silicon may be provided in the form of an emulsion. The hydrophobic silicon may be imparted with water-resistant properties. In various instances, the hydrophobic silicon in the pretreatment formulation 202 helps facilitate smoother ink printing and helps create a softer textile in which the textile gets even softer each time the textile is laundered. In some instances, the digital primer and filler in the pretreatment formulation 202 may include compounds configured to help ink coagulate when the ink is applied to the textile, thereby improving the textile's colorfastness.

    [0067] The digital primer and filler may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a calcium compound, a binder, and a crosslinker. For example, the digital primer and filler may include calcium chloride, an acrylic binder, and an isocyanate crosslinker. As an additional example, the digital primer and filler may include calcium nitrate, an acrylic binder, and an isocyanate crosslinker. As yet another example, the digital primer and filler may include an ionic calcium compound (e.g., calcium nitrate, calcium chloride). In some instances, the acrylic binder is provided as an anionic acrylic binder. In additional instances, the acrylic binder may include an acrylic base dispersed in water (e.g., 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, butadiene, n-butyl acrylate). In some instances, the acrylic binder may include an acrylic base dispersed in water that is completely or substantially formaldehyde free. In yet another instance, the acrylic binder may include an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of about 90 C. to about 40 C. For example, the acrylic binder may include an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of about-85 C. to about 60 C. In yet another instance, the acrylic binder may include an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of 90 C. to 40 C. For example, the acrylic binder may include an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of 85 C. to about 60 C.

    [0068] In some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may also include (di)ethylene glycol. In various instances, the acrylic binder may have a performance grade binder value that is at least about 40. In various instances, the acrylic binder may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a polyurethane.

    [0069] In some instances, the digital primer and filler is HeiQ Effect PRP available from HeiQ Materials AG of Zurich, Switzerland, or a product with similar characteristics, physical properties, and chemical properties. For example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include isothiazolinone to improve stability of the pretreatment formulation 202 in liquid form.

    [0070] In some instances, the digital primer and filler used to provide a white base includes calcium chloride. For example, the digital primer and filler may be provided as HeiQ Effect White from HeiQ Materials AG of Zurich, Switzerland, or a product with similar characteristics, physical properties, and chemical properties. In other instances, the digital primer and filler is used to provide a color base. For example, the digital primer and filler may be provided as HeiQ Effect DP HeiQ Materials AG of Zurich, Switzerland, or a product with similar characteristics, physical properties, and chemical properties. In some instances, the digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base includes calcium nitrate.

    [0071] The citric acid used in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be provided in the form of a solid powder or a solution. For example, the citric acid may be provided to the pretreatment formulation 202 as an aqueous solution of at least about 10% to at least about 50% citric acid by volume, mass, or mole fraction. In various instances, the citric acid in the pretreatment formulation may help facilitate smooth printing of ink onto the textile and may impart the textile with anti-wrinkle properties.

    [0072] The untreated textile 200 and the pretreated textile 204 may be utilized to create any type of clothing including, but not limited to, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, pants, shorts, socks, and underwear. In some instances, the untreated textile 200 may be provided as about 100% cotton (or 100% cotton), about 100% polyester (or 100% polyester), a tri-blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, a blend of cotton and polyester, or a blend at least partially comprised of polyester. For example, the untreated textile 200 may be provided as a blend of about 60% cotton and about 40% polyester (or a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend), and/or an about 10% polyester fabric blend (or a 10% polyester fabric blend). As yet another example, the untreated textile 200 may be provided as a blend of about 0% to about 100% cotton (or 0% to 100% cotton), about 0% to about 100% rayon (or 0% to 100% rayon), and/or about 0% to about 100% polyester (or 0% to 100% polyester). As a further example, the untreated textile 200 may be provided as a blend including about 40% to about 80% cotton and about 20% to about 60% polyester (or 40% to 80% cotton and 20% to 60% polyester). The untreated textile 200 may also be provided in the form of jersey fabrics, fleece fabrics, heathered fabrics, French terry fabrics, fabrics having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and jersey and fleece blends (e.g., 60/40 fleece and jersey blends, 50/50 fleece and jersey blends). In some instances, the untreated textile 200 may comprise a white fabric, a color fabric, and/or a combination of white and color fabrics.

    [0073] The pretreatment formulation 202, as described herein, may provide an unexpected benefit wherein the ratios described unexpectedly provide formulations that are homogenous, stable, and may be used in a one-step treatment process (wherein all of the components of the pretreatment formulation 202 are applied to a textile or fabric at the same time) by various application methods such as a bath application. Further, the components of the pretreatment formulation 202 may be combined within a range defined by any of the values as described herein.

    [0074] In some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 applied to white fabrics may include, relative to the composition as a whole, citric acid in a concentration of at least about 0.025% to at least about 5% by volume, high-density polyethylene in a concentration of at least about 0.5% to at least about 10% by volume, a first digital primer and filler in a concentration of at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume, a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base) in a concentration of at least about 30% to at least about 80% by volume, and hydrophobic silicon in a concentration of at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume, wherein filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine comprises the remainder of the pretreatment formulation 202.

    [0075] In other instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 applied to white fabrics may include, relative to the composition as a whole, citric acid in a concentration of at least 0.025% to at least 5% by volume, high-density polyethylene in a concentration of at least 0.5% to at least 10% by volume, a first digital primer and filler in a concentration of at least 1% to at least 10% by volume, a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base) in a concentration of at least 30% to at least 80% by volume, and hydrophobic silicon in a concentration of at least 1% to at least 10% by volume, wherein filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine comprises the remainder of the pretreatment formulation 202.

    [0076] In some instances, a formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, citric acid in a concentration of at least about 0.025% to at least about 1% by volume, at least about 0.5% to at least about 4% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 3% to at least about 8% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least about 50% to at least about 60% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), and at least about 3% to at least about 8% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0077] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, citric acid in a concentration of at least 0.025% to at least 1% by volume, at least 0.5% to at least 4% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 3% to at least 8% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least 50% to at least 60% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), and at least 3% to 8% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0078] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, citric acid in a concentration of at least about 0.05% by volume, at least about 2% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 5.5% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least about 55% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), and at least about 5.5% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0079] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, citric acid in a concentration of at least 0.05% by volume, at least 2% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 5.5% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least 55% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), and at least 5.5% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0080] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 can include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white fabrics that includes at least about 0.5 g/L of citric acid, at least about 20 g/L high-density polyethylene, at least about 55 g/L digital primer and filler, at least about 550 g/L digital primer and filler designed for use as a white base, at least about 55 g/L hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0081] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 can include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white fabrics that includes at least 0.5 g/L of citric acid, at least 20 g/L high-density polyethylene, at least 55 g/L digital primer and filler, at least 550 g/L digital primer and filler designed for use as a white base, at least 55 g/L hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0082] In some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 applied to white fabrics may include at least 0.5 g/L to at least 100 g/L citric acid, at least 20 g/L to at least 10000 g/L high-density polyethylene, at least 55 g/L to at least 550 g/L of a first digital primer and filler in a concentration, at least 550 g/L to at least 15000 g/L of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), and at least 55 g/L to at least 275 g/L hydrophobic silicon, wherein filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine comprises the remainder of the pretreatment formulation 202.

    [0083] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 0.01% to at least about 5% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 40% to at least about 90% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0084] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 0.01% to at least 5% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 40% to at least 90% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 1% to at least 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0085] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 0.025% to at least about 2% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 60% to at least about 70% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 3% to at least about 7% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0086] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 0.025% to at least 2% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 60% to at least 70% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 3% to at least 7% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0087] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 1% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 67% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 4.5% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0088] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 1% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 67% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 4.5% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0089] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 1% to at least about 5% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 40% to at least about 90% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0090] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 1% to at least 5% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 40% to at least 90% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 1% to at least 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0091] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 1% to at least about 3% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 60% to at least about 70% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 3% to at least about 9% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0092] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 1% to at least 3% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 60% to at least 70% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 3% to at least 9% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0093] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 2% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 67% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 6.5% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0094] In some instances, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for color fabrics that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 2% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 67% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 6.5% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0095] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation has a composition that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 0.01% to at least about 5% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 40% to at least about 90% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0096] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation has a composition that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 0.01% to at least 5% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 40% to at least 90% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 1% to at least 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0097] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation has a composition that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 0.025% to at least about 2% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 60% to at least about 70% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 3% to at least about 7% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0098] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation has a composition that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 0.025% to at least 2% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 60% to at least 70% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 3% to at least 7% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0099] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation has a composition that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 1% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 67% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 4.5% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0100] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a jersey material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation has a composition that includes, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 1% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 67% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 4.5% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0101] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation 202 has a composition of, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 1% to at least about 5% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 40% to at least about 90% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0102] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation 202 has a composition of, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 1% to at least 5% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 40% to at least 90% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 1% to at least 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0103] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation 202 has a composition of, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 1% to at least about 3% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 60% to at least about 70% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 3% to at least about 9% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0104] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation 202 has a composition of, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 1% to at least 3% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 60% to at least 70% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 3% to at least 9% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0105] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation 202 has a composition of, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 2% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 67% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 6.5% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0106] In some instances, a color fabric provided as a fleece material may be treated with the pretreatment formulation 202 wherein the pretreatment formulation 202 has a composition of, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 2% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 67% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 6.5% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and the remaining volume of the composition is comprised of filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0107] In some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include citric acid in a concentration of about 0.25% by volume to about 5% by volume (or 0.25% by volume to 5% by volume), although the pretreatment formulation 202 may include citric acid in a concentration somewhat less or even greater than these values. For example, the pretreatment formulation may include citric acid in a concentration of no more than about 5% by volume, or no more than about 4% by volume, or no more than about 3% by volume, or no more than about 2% by volume, or no more than about 1% by volume, or no more than about 0.5% by volume, or no more than about 0.25% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0108] As another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include citric acid in a concentration of no more than 5% by volume, or no more than 4% by volume, or no more than 3% by volume, or no more than 2% by volume, or no more than 1% by volume, or no more than 0.5% by volume, or no more than 0.25% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0109] As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include citric acid in a concentration of at least about 0.25% by volume, or at least about 0.5% by volume, or at least about 1% by volume, or at least about 2% by volume, or at least about 3% by volume, or at least about 4% by volume, or at least about 5% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0110] As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include citric acid in a concentration of at least 0.25% by volume, or at least 0.5% by volume, or at least 1% by volume, or at least 2% by volume, or at least 3% by volume, or at least 4% by volume, or at least 5% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0111] In certain cases, the concentration of citric acid in the pretreatment formulation 202 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above. In some cases, the concentration of citric acid in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with any value falling within the minimum values and maximum values as described above.

    [0112] In some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include high-density polyethylene in a concentration of about 0.025% by volume to about 10% by volume (or 0.025% by volume to 10% by volume), although the pretreatment formulation 202 may include high-density polyethylene in a concentration somewhat less or even greater than these values. For example, the pretreatment formulation may include high-density polyethylene in a concentration of no more than about 10% by volume, or no more than about 5% by volume, or no more than about 4% by volume, or no more than about 3% by volume, or no more than about 2% by volume, or no more than about 1% by volume, or no more than about 0.5% by volume, or no more than about 0.25% by volume, or no more than about 0.05% by volume, or no more than about 0.025% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0113] As another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include high-density polyethylene in a concentration of no more than 10% by volume, or no more than 5% by volume, or no more than 4% by volume, or no more than 3% by volume, or no more than 2% by volume, or no more than 1% by volume, or no more than 0.5% by volume, or no more than 0.25% by volume, or no more than 0.05% by volume, or no more than 0.025% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0114] As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include high-density polyethylene in a concentration of at least about 0.025% by volume, or at least about 0.05% by volume, or at least about 0.25% by volume, or at least about 0.5% by volume, or at least about 1% by volume, or at least about 2% by volume, or at least about 3% by volume, or at least about 4% by volume, or at least about 5% by volume, or at least about 10% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0115] As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include high-density polyethylene in a concentration of at least 0.025% by volume, or at least 0.05% by volume, or at least 0.25% by volume, or at least 0.5% by volume, or at least 1% by volume, or at least 2% by volume, or at least 3% by volume, or at least 4% by volume, or at least 5% by volume, or at least 10% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0116] In certain cases, the concentration of high-density polyethylene in the pretreatment formulation 202 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above. In some cases, the concentration of high-density polyethylene in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with any value falling within the minimum values and maximum values as described above.

    [0117] In some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a first digital primer and filler in a concentration of about 3% by volume to about 8% by volume (or 3% by volume to 8% by volume), although the pretreatment formulation 202 may include high-density polyethylene in a concentration somewhat less or even greater than these values. In some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a first digital primer and filler in a concentration of no more than about 8% by volume, or no more than about 7% by volume, or no more than about 6% by volume, or no more than about 5% by volume, or no more than about 4% by volume, or no more than about 3% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0118] As another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a first digital primer and filler in a concentration of no more than 8% by volume, or no more than 7% by volume, or no more than 6% by volume, or no more than 5% by volume, or no more than 4% by volume, or no more than 3% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0119] As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a first digital primer and filler in a concentration of at least about 3% by volume, or at least about 4% by volume, or at least about 5% by volume, or at least about 6% by volume, or at least about 7% by volume, or at least about 8% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0120] As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a first digital primer and filler in a concentration of at least 3% by volume, or at least 4% by volume, or at least 5% by volume, or at least 6% by volume, or at least 7% by volume, or at least 8% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0121] In certain cases, the concentration of a first digital primer and filler in the pretreatment formulation 202 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above. In some cases, the concentration of a first digital primer and filler in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with any value falling within the minimum values and maximum values as described above.

    [0122] In some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer and filler designed for use as a base (including for a white or color base) in a concentration of about 30% by volume to about 80% by volume (or 30% by volume to 80% by volume), although the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer and filler in a concentration somewhat less or even greater than these values. For example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer and filler in a concentration of no more than about 80% by volume, or no more than about 70% by volume, or no more than about 60% by volume, or no more than about 50% by volume, or no more than about 40% by volume, or no more than about 30% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0123] As another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer and filler designed for use as a base (including for a white or color base) in a concentration of no more than 80% by volume, or no more than 70% by volume, or no more than 60% by volume, or no more than 50% by volume, or no more than 40% by volume, or no more than 30% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0124] As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer and filler designed for use as a base (including for a white or color base) in a concentration of at least about 30% by volume, or at least about 40% by volume, or at least about 50% by volume, or at least about 60% by volume, or at least about 70% by volume, or at least about 80% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0125] As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include a second digital primer and filler designed for use as a base (including for a white or color base) in a concentration of at least 30% by volume, or at least 40% by volume, or at least 50% by volume, or at least 60% by volume, or at least 70% by volume, or at least 80% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0126] In certain cases, the concentration of a second digital primer and filler in the pretreatment formulation 202 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above. In some cases, the concentration of a second digital primer and filler in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with any value falling within the minimum values and maximum values as described above.

    [0127] In some instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include hydrophobic silicon in a concentration of about 3% by volume to about 10% by volume (or 3% by volume to 10% by volume), although the pretreatment formulation 202 may include hydrophobic silicon in a concentration somewhat less or even greater than these values. For example, the pretreatment formulation may include citric acid in a concentration of no more than about 8% by volume, or no more than about 7% by volume, or no more than about 6% by volume, or no more than about 5% by volume, or no more than about 4% by volume, or no more than about 3% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0128] As another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include hydrophobic silicon in a concentration of no more than 8% by volume, or no more than 7% by volume, or no more than 6% by volume, or no more than 5% by volume, or no more than 4% by volume, or no more than 3% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0129] As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include hydrophobic silicon in a concentration of at least about 3% by volume, or at least about 4% by volume, or at least about 5% by volume, or at least about 6% by volume, or at least about 7% by volume, or at least about 8% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0130] As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 202 may include hydrophobic silicon in a concentration of at least 3% by volume, or at least 4% by volume, or at least 5% by volume, or at least 6% by volume, or at least 7% by volume, or at least 8% by volume, relative to the composition as a whole.

    [0131] In certain cases, the concentration of hydrophobic silicon in the pretreatment formulation 202 may fall within a range bounded by any minimum value and any maximum value as described above. In some cases, the concentration of hydrophobic silicon in the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with any value falling within the minimum values and maximum values as described above.

    [0132] In various instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with a pH value of about 4 to about 7, although the pH value may also be somewhat less or even greater than these values. For example, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or color textiles where the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with a pH value of at least about 5 to at least about 6. As an additional example, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or color textiles where the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with a pH value of at least about 4, or at least about 4.5, or at least about 5, or at least about 5.5, or at least about 6, or at least about 6.5, or at least about 7, or no more than about 8. As another example, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or color fabrics where the pretreatment formulation 202 is imparted with a pH value of at least about 5.9 or about 5.9.

    [0133] In various instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with a pH value of 4 to 7, although the pH value may also be somewhat less or even greater than these values. For example, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or color textiles where the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with a pH value of at least 5 to at least 6. As an additional example, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or color textiles where the pretreatment formulation 202 may be imparted with a pH value of at least 4, or at least 4.5, or at least 5, or at least 5.5, or at least 6, or at least 6.5, or at least 7, or no more than 8. As another example, the formulation for application to an untreated textile 200 may include a pretreatment formulation 202 for white or color fabrics where the pretreatment formulation 202 is imparted with a pH value of at least 5.9 or 5.9.

    [0134] Referring to FIG. 3, a portion of a treated fabric layer 300 is provided. The treated fabric layer 300 may be used to create the garments 101, 206 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the treated fabric layer 300 may be used to create a portion of, substantially all, or the entirety of the garments 101, 206. As an additional example, the treated fabric layer 300 may be provided as the front surface 106 and/or the back surface 108 of the garment 101. As a further example, the treated fabric layer 300 may be provided as a portion of, substantially all, or all of the front surface 208 of the pretreated garment 206. In addition, the treated fabric layer may comprise a portion of, substantially all, or all of the textile 100.

    [0135] The treated fabric layer 300 may be provided in the form of a fabric body 301 including a first surface 302 and a second surface 304 upon which the pretreatment formulation 202 has been applied, although in other instances the pretreatment formulation 202 may only be applied to one of the surfaces 302, 304. In some instances, as shown, the pretreatment formulation 202 may partially penetrate the fabric body 301. In other instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may only be present on one or both of the surfaces 302, 304 and may not penetrate the treated fabric layer 300. In yet other instances, the pretreatment formulation 202 may substantially or fully penetrate the treated fabric layer 300. Application of the pretreatment formulation 202 to at least one of a first surface and a second surface of an untreated fabric or garment to generate a treated fabric may be achieved using a bath application process, as described with reference to FIG. 4.

    [0136] Referring now to FIG. 4, a wet-on-wet bath processing system 400 for applying a pretreatment formulation, such as the pretreatment formulation 202, using a one-step application to a wet textile or fabric is provided. The processing system 400 may be provided in the form of a tension system 401 including a container 402 which retains fabric 404, a water bath 412 comprising a tank 413 configured to retain an amount of water 414, a formulation treatment bath 432, a pretreatment formulation 436, a mix tank 438, a conduit 440 for transporting the pretreatment formulation 436, and an exit 448. The formulation treatment bath 432 may be designed to retain a volume of pretreatment formulation 436 as the pretreatment formulation is applied to the fabric 404, and the mix tank 438 may be designed to retain a pretreatment formulation 436 until the pretreatment formulation is provided to the mix tank 438. In certain instances, the mix tank 438 may be omitted and the pretreatment formulation 436 may be provided to the formulation treatment bath 432 from an alternative source. The pretreatment formulation 436 may be imparted with substantially the same or the same composition, properties, and function as the pretreatment formulation 202 described with reference to FIG. 2. As such, the pretreatment formulation 436 may be used to create a pretreated fabric (e.g., a pretreated textile 204, which in turn may create a garment including an ink-printed surface imparted with improved color attributes).

    [0137] The processing system 400 may also include a plurality of rollers configured to help transport the fabric 404, tension the fabric 404, and/or remove water from the fabric 404. The plurality of rollers may include a first roller 406, a second roller 410, a third roller 416, a fourth roller 418, a fifth roller 420, a first extract roller 422, a second extract roller 424, a sixth roller 426, a seventh roller 428, an eighth roller 434, a ninth roller 439, a tenth roller 442, an eleventh roller 444, and a twelfth roller 446. Additional or fewer rollers than described herein may be provided in other instances of the processing system 400.

    [0138] The fabric 404 may be provided in the form of jersey fabrics, fleece fabrics, heathered fabrics, French terry fabrics, fabrics having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and jersey and fleece blends (e.g., 60/40 fleece and jersey blends, 50/50 fleece and jersey blends). In some instances, the fabric 404 may be provided as about 100% cotton (or 100% cotton), about 100% polyester (or 100% polyester), a tri-blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, a blend of cotton and polyester, or a blend at least partially comprised of polyester. For example, the fabric 404 may be provided as a blend of about 60% cotton and about 40% polyester (or a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend), and/or an about 10% polyester fabric blend (or a 10% polyester fabric blend). As yet another example, the fabric 404 may be provided as an about 0% to about 100% cotton (or 0% to 100% cotton), about 0% to about 100% rayon (or 0% to 100% rayon), and/or about 0% to about 100% polyester (or 0% to 100% polyester) blend. As a further example, the fabric 404 may be provided as a blend including about 40% to about 80% cotton and about 20% to about 60% polyester (or 40% to 80% cotton and 20% to 60% polyester). In some instances, the textile 100 may comprise a white fabric, a color fabric, and/or a combination of white and color fabrics.

    [0139] The processing system 400 may utilize the formulation treatment bath 432 to provide the pretreatment formulation 436 to the fabric 404, thereby creating a pretreated fabric 450. The pretreatment formulation 436 may be stored in the mix tank 438 and may be transported via the conduit 440 to the formulation treatment bath 432. In addition, the pretreated fabric 450 may be provided to a drying system (such as a drying system 500 of FIG. 5), after exiting the processing system 400.

    [0140] The fabric 404 may be provided to the water bath 412 before being provided to the formulation treatment bath 432. As such, the fabric 404 provided to the formulation treatment bath 432 may have a consistent or substantially consistent moisture content (e.g., different regions of the fabric 404 may be imparted with the same or substantially the same moisture content), which in turn may help provide consistent or substantially consistent application of the pretreatment formulation 436 to the fabric 404.

    [0141] Referring still to FIG. 4, the formulation treatment bath 432 may be in fluid communication with the mix tank 438. Thus, the pretreatment formulation 436 may be provided from the mix tank 438 and to the formulation treatment bath 432 as needed. The mix tank 438 may be fluidly coupled to a source of the pretreatment formulation (not illustrated) so that the mix tank 438 may be replenished as the pretreatment formulation 436 is used in the formulation treatment bath 432. For example, the mix tank 438 may be replenished once the mix tank 438 is substantially empty, once the amount of the pretreatment formulation 436 in the mix tank 438 reaches a predetermined threshold value, as needed, or on a continuous basis. Alternatively, the pretreatment formulation 436 may be created within the mix tank 438 (by providing the individual components of the pretreatment formulation 436 to the mix tank 438) and replenished after the mix tank 438 is partially or substantially depleted. In some instances, the mix tank 438 may be replenished after the processing system 400 ceases operation.

    [0142] In various instances, the speed at which fabrics move through the processing system 400 is at least about 40 yds/min to at least about 70 yds/min (or at least about 35 m/min to at least about 65 m/min), although the speed may be somewhat less or even greater than these values. In various instances, the speed at which the tension system 401 moves fabrics through the processing system 400 is at least 40 yds/min (at least 35 m/min), or at least about 50 yds/min (at least about 45 m/min), or at least about 60 yds/min (at least about 55 m/min).

    [0143] The pretreatment formulation 436 used in or provided to the processing system 400 includes all of the compositions described with reference to the pretreatment formulation 202 of FIG. 2. For example, the pretreatment formulation 436 as used in the processing system 400 may include, relative to the composition as a whole, citric acid in a concentration of at least about 0.025% to at least about 5% by volume, at least about 0.025% to at least about 10% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least about 30% to at least about 80% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. As an additional example, the pretreatment formulation 436 as used in the processing system 400 may include, relative to the composition as a whole, citric acid in a concentration of at least 0.025% to at least 5% by volume, at least 0.025% to at least 10% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 1% to at least 10% by volume of a first digital primer and filler, at least 30% to at least 80% by volume of a second digital primer and filler (designed for use as a white base), at least 1% to at least 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0144] As a further example, the pretreatment formulation 436 as used in the processing system 400 may include, relative to the composition as a whole, at least about 1% to at least about 5% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least about 40% to at least about 90% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least about 1% to at least about 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. As yet another example, the pretreatment formulation 436 as used in the processing system 400 may include, relative to the composition as a whole, at least 1% to at least 5% by volume high-density polyethylene, at least 40% to at least 90% by volume digital primer and filler designed for use as a color base, at least 1% to at least 10% by volume hydrophobic silicon, and filtered water substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine.

    [0145] In various instances, the processing system 400 may be used for application of the pretreatment formulation 436 to, by way of example, jersey fabrics, fleece fabrics, heathered fabrics, French terry fabrics, fabrics having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and jersey and fleece blends (e.g., 60/40 fleece and jersey blends, 50/50 fleece and jersey blends). For example, the processing system 400 may be utilized to apply the pretreatment formulation 436 to jersey fabrics. As another example, the processing system 400 may be utilized to apply the pretreatment formulation 436 to fleece fabrics. It is to be understood that the pretreatment formulation 436 may be applied by the processing system 400 to any fabric described herein.

    [0146] The pretreatment formulation 436 may be applied to opposite sides of the fabric 404 in the formulation treatment bath 432. More specifically, the formulation treatment bath 432 may provide the pretreatment formulation 436 to at least a first surface and a second surface of the fabric 404 (the first and second surfaces of the fabric 404 may be similar to the first surface 302 and the second surface 304 of the treated fabric layer 300 described with reference to FIG. 3). In various instances, the amount of the pretreatment formulation 436 applied to the fabric 404 to create the pretreated fabric 450, as represented by the percent wet pickup, is at least about 10% to no more than about 25% on each of the first surface and/or the second surface of the fabric 404. Preferably, the percent wet pickup on each of the first and second surfaces of the fabric 404 are substantially equivalent, thereby facilitating easier processing of the fabric 404.

    [0147] In various instances, the percent wet pickup of the pretreatment formulation on each of the first and second surfaces of the fabric 404 is at least about 10%, or at least about 11%, or at least about 12%, or at least about 13%, or at least about 14%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 16%, or at least about 17%, or at least about 18%, or at least about 19%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 21%. In other instances, the percent wet pickup of the pretreatment formulation on each of the first and second surfaces of the fabric 404 is at least 10%, or at least 11%, or at least 12%, or at least 13%, or at least 14%, or at least 15%, or at least 16%, or at least 17%, or at least 18%, or at least 19%, or at least 20%, or at least 21%.

    [0148] It is to be understood that when the pretreatment formulation 436 is applied to the fabric 404, the value of the percent wet pickup for each of the first surface and the second surface of the fabric 404 may be the same, substantially the same, or different. For example, a first value of the percent wet pickup for the first surface and a second value of the percent wet pickup for the second surface may be the same or the first and second values may be different. In some such examples, a difference of the first value of the percent wet pickup and the second value of the percent wet pickup may be about 0%, or about 0.5%, or about 1%, or about 1.5%, or about 2%, or about 2.5%.

    [0149] Turning now to FIG. 5, the drying system 500 for drying fabric treated with a pretreatment formulation (e.g., the pretreatment formulations 202, 436 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4) is provided. The drying system 500 may be designed to dry a wet, pretreated textile or fabric (e.g., the pretreated fabric 450) to remove residual moisture from the pretreated textile or fabric. The drying system 500 may be provided in the form of a feeding system 501 including a pretreated textile container 502 that retains a pretreated fabric 504 (which, in some instances, may be provided as a padded textile), a plurality of rollers, a tensionless dryer 512, and an exit 516 from the drying system 500. The pretreated fabric 504 may be provided as a textile treated with the pretreatment formulation 202, 436. The plurality of rollers may include a first roller 506, a second roller 510, and a third roller 514, although the drying system 500 may also be provided with more or fewer rollers in some instances.

    [0150] The rollers 506, 510, 514 may allow the textile to be fed, pulled, or transported through the feeding system 501. The drying system 500 may be configured to dry the pretreated fabric 504 at a temperature of at least about 120 C. After drying, the residual moisture remaining in the fabric may be no more than about 4% by weight (relative to the garment as a whole), thereby producing a dried pretreated textile 530.

    [0151] In various instances, the speed at which fabrics move through the drying system 500 may be at least about 40 yds/min to at least about 70 yds/min (or at least about 35 m/min to at least about 65 m/min), although the speed may be somewhat less or even greater than these values. In various instances, the speed of the feeding system 501 is at least about 50 to at least about 60 yds/min. In various instances, the speed at which the feeding system 501 moves fabrics through the drying system 500 is at least 40 yds/min (at least 35 m/min), or at least 50 yds/min (at least about 45 m/min), or at least 60 yds/min (at least about 55 m/min).

    [0152] After the dried pretreated textile 530 exits the drying system 500, the dried pretreated textile 530 may undergo further processing. For example, the dried pretreated textile 530 may be provided to a spool system wherein rolls of the dried pretreated textile 530 are arranged for storage. As an additional example, the dried pretreated textile 530 may be provided to a garment manufacturing unit, wherein finished garments may be produced from the dried pretreated textile 530 (e.g., the shirt 102 of FIG. 1).

    [0153] An example method of using the processing system 400 for applying the pretreatment formulation 436 to a textile and drying the textile is provided in FIG. 6.

    [0154] Referring now to FIG. 6, a method 600 for bath application of a pretreatment formulation to a textile is provided. The method 600 may include a step 602 of providing a fabric having a first and a second surface to a tension system. In some instances, the tension system may include a plurality of rollers. The method 600 may include a step 604 of transferring the fabric to a first reservoir filled with filtered water. In some instances, the filtered water is substantially or completely devoid of added chlorine. The method 600 may include a step 606 of transporting the fabric out of the reservoir and to a set of extract rollers. The method 600 may include a step 608 of pressing the fabric between the set of extract rollers to help ensure that the textile has a consistent or substantially consistent moisture content before being introduced to the pretreatment formulation. In alternative instances, the step 608 of pressing the fabric may be performed by applying pressure to either one or both sides without using rollers. In yet other instances, the moisture may be removed from the fabric via the application of heat to the fabric, the application of dried air to the fabric, or through other similar methods. The method 600 may include a step 610 of transferring the fabric to a second reservoir containing a pretreatment formulation to create a pretreated fabric, wherein a percent wet pickup of the pretreatment formulation for each of the first surface and the second surface is at least about 10% to no more than about 25%. For example, the percent wet pickup of the step 610 may be at least about 12% (or at least 12%). Preferably, the percent wet pickup on each of the first and second surfaces of the fabric is substantially equivalent.

    [0155] In other instances, the percent wet pickup of the pretreatment formulation on each of the first and second surface is at least about 10%, or at least about 11%, or at least about 12%, or at least about 13%, or at least about 14%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 16%, or at least about 17%, or at least about 18%, or at least about 19%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 21%. In other instances, the percent wet pickup of the pretreatment formulation on each of the first and second surfaces is at least 10%, or at least 11%, or at least 12%, or at least 13%, or at least 14%, or at least 15%, or at least 16%, or at least 17%, or at least 18%, or at least 19%, or at least 20%, or at least 21%.

    [0156] The method 600 may include a step 612 of transporting the wet pretreated fabric to a dryer. The method 600 may include a step 614 of drying the wet pretreated fabric in the dryer until the residual moisture is less than about 4% by weight (or 4% by weight) relative to the garment as a whole to create a dried pretreated fabric. In some instances, the drying process of the step 614 may be carried out at a temperature of at least 100 C.

    [0157] In some instances, the step 610 applies a pretreatment formulation 202, 436 as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. In some instances, the method 600 is used for pretreatment application to natural textile fabrics (e.g., cotton), synthetic textile fabrics (e.g., polyester), or blends thereof. In various instances, the method 600 is used for pretreatment application to natural textile fabrics (e.g., cotton), synthetic textile fabrics (e.g., polyester), or blends thereof. In some instances, the method 600 is used for pretreatment application to fabrics in the form of jersey fabrics, fleece fabrics, heathered fabrics, French terry fabrics, fabrics having a first side comprising jersey and a second side comprising French terry, and jersey and fleece blends (e.g., 60/40 fleece and jersey blends, 50/50 fleece and jersey blends). In some instances, the fabrics provided in the method 600 may be a white fabric, a color fabric, and/or a combination of white and color fabrics.

    [0158] In various instances, the method 600 may include additional steps or fewer steps than those described herein. For example, any of the steps of the method 600 described herein may be omitted or may be considered optional. In addition, the steps of the method 600 may be performed in an order different than that described herein. In some cases, the steps of the method 600 may be repeated.

    [0159] The method 600 may also include any or all of the components of the systems 400, 500 as described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5. In addition, output of the method 600 (i.e., the dried pretreated fabric) may be used to create a pretreated garment similar to the textile 100 as described with reference to FIG. 1. In various instances, a finished garment may be partially or completely composed of the dried pretreated fabric. In some such instances, the finished garment may contain surfaces or additional fabrics that are not treated with the pretreatment formulation.

    [0160] Turning to FIG. 7, a biopolishing preparatory method 700 is provided. The biopolishing preparatory method 700 may be designed to improve fabric quality and/or prepare a fabric for pretreatment. The biopolishing preparatory method 700 may be carried out before, during, or after fabric dyeing, and may reduce fabric hairiness and pilling in cellulose fabric. In turn, the biopolishing preparatory method 700 may produce a fabric imparted with a more velvety and slicker hand feel, along with a brighter color (including of any ink-printed surfaces), by removing loose ends of the fabric threads. Preferably, the biopolishing preparatory method 700 may be performed before any pretreatment formulation (e.g., the pretreatment formulations 202, 436) is provided to the fabric. Alternatively, the biopolishing preparatory method 700 may be performed after any pretreatment formulation is applied to the fabric.

    [0161] The method 700 may include a step 702 of preparing a fabric for dyeing by immersing fabric in a container including a dye solution. The method 700 may include a step 704 of adding at least one dyeing auxiliary and an acid to the dye solution, wherein the solution has a pH of at least about 5.5 to at least about 6.5 (or 5.5 to 6.5). The method 700 may include a step 706 of heating the dye solution to a first temperature of at least about 50 C. (or at least 50 C.) and measuring the pH value. In some instances, the first temperature may also be somewhat less or even greater than at least about 50 C. (or at least 50 C.). The method 700 may include a step 708 of adding a cellulase enzyme to the dye solution. The method 700 may include a step 710 of adding an amount of an alkali to deactivate the cellulase enzyme. The method 700 may include a step 712 of heating the dye solution to a second temperature of at least about 60 C. (or at least 60 C.), although the second temperature may also be somewhat less or even greater than these values. The method 700 may include a step 714 of adding reactive dye agents to the dye solution while maintaining the dye solution at the second temperature. The method 700 may include a step 716 of finishing the fabric by bath pretreatment application, as described with reference to FIGS. 4-6.

    [0162] In some instances of the method 700, the dyeing auxiliary agent used in the step 704 may comprise any dyeing auxiliary. In various instances, the step 706 may include any method in the art for measuring pH, such as a pH probe. In some instances, the step 708 may add a cellulase comprising a neutral cellulase. In some instances, step 708 may add an amount of at least about 0.05% on weight garment to at least about 0.45% on weight garment (or at least 0.45% on weight garment) of cellulase. For example, the step 708 may add an amount of at least about 0.1% on weight garment, or at least about 0.15% on weight garment, or at least about 0.2% on weight garment, or at least about 0.25% on weight garment, or at least about 0.3% on weight garment, or at least about 0.35% on weight garment, or at least about 0.4% on weight garment, or at least about 0.45% on weight garment of cellulase. As an additional example, the step 708 may add an amount of at least 0.05% on weight garment, or at least 0.1% on weight garment, or at least 0.15% on weight garment, or at least 0.2% on weight garment, or at least 0.25% on weight garment, or at least 0.3% on weight garment, or at least 0.35% on weight garment, or at least 0.4% on weight garment, or at least 0.45% on weight garment of cellulase.

    [0163] In some instances, the step 708 of adding a cellulase enzyme to the dye solution occurs at least about 10 minutes (or 10 minutes) after the dyeing auxiliary is added, although the step of adding the cellulase enzyme to the dye solution may occur somewhat sooner or even later than these values. For example, the step 708 may occur at least about 5 minutes, or at least about 10 minutes, or at least about 15 minutes, or at least about 20 minutes, or at least about 25 minutes after the dyeing auxiliary is added. As an additional example, the step 708 may occur at least 5 minutes, or at least 10 minutes, or at least 15 minutes, or at least 20 minutes, or at least 25 minutes after the dyeing auxiliary is added.

    [0164] In some instances, the step 710 adds an alkali comprising sodium sulfate. In some instances, the step 710 of adding an amount of an alkali to deactivate the cellulase enzyme occurs at least about 25 minutes (or 25 minutes) after the dyeing auxiliary is added, although the step of adding the alkali to the cellulase enzyme may occur somewhat sooner or even later than these values. For example, the step 708 may occur at least about 20 minutes, or at least about 25 minutes, or at least about 30 minutes, or at least about 35 minutes, or at least about 40 minutes after the dyeing auxiliary is added. As an additional example, the step 708 may occur at least 20 minutes, or at least 25 minutes, or at least 30 minutes, or at least 35 minutes, or at least 40 minutes after the dyeing auxiliary is added.

    [0165] In various instances, the step 712 of increasing the temperature to 60 C. occurs at a rate of about 4 C./min (or 4 C./min), although the rate may be somewhat less or greater than these values. In various instances, the step 712 of increasing the temperature to 60 C. at a rate of 4 C./min occurs at least about 35 minutes after the dyeing auxiliary is added.

    [0166] In some instances, the step 714 of adding reactive dye agents while maintaining the temperature of about 60 C. (or 60 C.) may include adding any reactive dye. In certain cases, the temperature may be maintained at a value of about 50 C. to about 70 C. (or 50 C. to 70 C.) during the step 714, including when any reactive dye is added.

    [0167] In various instances, the biopolishing preparatory method 700 is used prior to use of the method 600 with color textiles or fabrics. In various instances, the biopolishing preparatory method 700 is used prior to use of the method 600 with white textiles or fabrics. In some instances, biopolishing preparatory method 700 is not utilized prior to the use of the method 600 for white textiles or fabrics. In some instances, the biopolishing preparatory method 700 is utilized prior to the use of the method 600 for color textiles or fabrics.

    [0168] In various instances, the method 700 may include additional steps or fewer steps than those described herein. For example, any of the steps of the method 700 described herein may be omitted or may be considered optional. In addition, the steps of the method 700 may be performed in an order different than that described herein. In some cases, the steps of the method 700 may be repeated.

    [0169] In a first implementation, a treated fabric is provided in the form of a first surface opposing a second surface, in which a pretreatment composition is applied to the first surface of the fabric. The pretreatment composition is designed to improve at least one color attribute of ink applied to the first surface of the fabric (e.g., via printing). The pretreatment composition includes a polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, a hydrophobic silicon, and filtered water.

    [0170] In a second implementation, the pretreatment composition of the first implementation is applied to the first surface and the second surface of the fabric.

    [0171] In a third implementation, which may include either the first or second implementation, the polyethylene is a high-density polyethylene, and the pretreatment composition includes a concentration of high-density polyethylene of at least about 0.5% by volume, relative to the pretreatment composition as a whole.

    [0172] In a fourth implementation, which may include any of the first through third implementations, the pretreatment composition includes a concentration of the digital primer and filler of at least about 50% by volume, relative to the pretreatment composition as a whole.

    [0173] In a fifth implementation, which may include any of the first through fourth implementations, the pretreatment composition includes a concentration of hydrophobic silicon of at least about 3% by volume, relative to the pretreatment composition as a whole.

    [0174] In a sixth implementation, which may include any of the first through fifth implementations, the filtered water of the pretreatment composition is substantially free of chlorine.

    [0175] In a seventh implementation, which may include any of the first through sixth implementations, the fabric is provided in the form of a garment selected from the group consisting of sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts, dresses, pants, sweaters, shorts, gowns, tunics, cardigans, overalls, swimsuits, quarter-zips, trousers, skirts, suits, sportswear, jackets, coats, scarves, tank tops, hats, gloves, corsets, underwear, socks, and bras.

    [0176] In an eighth implementation, which may include any of the first through seventh implementations, the pretreatment composition consists of the polyethylene provided in the form of a high-density polyethylene, the digital primer and filler, the hydrophobic silicon, and the filtered water.

    [0177] In a ninth implementation, which may include any of the first through eighth implementations, the fabric is treated with a biopolishing composition, where the biopolishing composition includes at least one dyeing auxiliary, at least one acid, and cellulase.

    [0178] In a tenth implementation, which may include any of the first through ninth implementations, an ink-based graphic is printed onto the first surface of the fabric, and application of the pretreatment composition increases a vibrancy of the fabric by at least about 50%.

    [0179] In an eleventh implementation, a garment includes a fabric provided in the form of a first surface opposing a second surface and a pretreatment formulation. The pretreatment formulation is applied to the first surface and includes a high-density polyethylene provided in a first concentration of at least about 0.5% to about 4% by volume, relative to the pretreatment formulation as a whole. The pretreatment formulation also includes a first digital primer and filler provided in a second concentration of at least about 50% to about 70% by volume, relative to the pretreatment formulation as a whole. The pretreatment formulation further includes a hydrophobic silicon provided in a third concentration of at least about 3% to about 9% by volume, relative to the pretreatment formulation as a whole. A remaining volume of the pretreatment formulation includes filtered water.

    [0180] In a twelfth implementation, which may include the eleventh implementation, the fabric is a white fabric.

    [0181] In a thirteenth implementation, which may include the eleventh implementation, the fabric is a color fabric.

    [0182] In a fourteenth implementation, which may include any of the eleventh through thirteenth implementations, at least one surface of the garment is not treated with the pretreatment formulation.

    [0183] In a fifteenth implementation, which may include any of the eleventh through fourteenth implementations, the pretreatment formulation is designed to impart the fabric with a softer hand feel.

    [0184] In a sixteenth implementation, which may include any of the eleventh through fifteenth implementations, the filtered water is substantially devoid of added chlorine.

    [0185] In a seventeenth implementation, which may include any of the eleventh through sixteenth implementations, the pretreatment formulation further includes a second digital primer and filler provided in a fourth concentration of at least about 3% to about 8% by volume, relative to the pretreatment formulation as a whole.

    [0186] In an eighteenth implementation, a method for applying a pretreatment formulation to a textile includes the step of providing a fabric to a tension system. The fabric includes a first surface and a second surface. The method also includes the steps of transferring the fabric into a first reservoir containing filtered water, removing excess liquid from the fabric, and applying the pretreatment formulation to the fabric to create a pretreated fabric. A percent wet pickup of the pretreatment formulation for each of the first surface and the second surface of the fabric is at least about 10%. The method additionally includes the steps of transporting the pretreated fabric to a dryer and drying the pretreated fabric in the dryer to create a dried pretreated fabric. In some such instances, the pretreatment formulation is designed to improve an effectiveness of applying an ink to the fabric.

    [0187] In a nineteenth implementation, which may include the eighteenth implementation, the pretreatment formulation includes a high-density polyethylene, a digital primer and filler, and a hydrophobic silicon.

    [0188] In a twentieth implementation, which may include either the eighteenth or nineteenth implementations, the pretreatment formulation is applied to the textile via a one-step bath application method, and the fabric is transferred to a second reservoir containing the pretreatment formulation to create the pretreated fabric.

    [0189] In a twenty-first implementation, which may include any of the eighteenth through twentieth implementations, a residual moisture content of the pretreated fabric is less than about 4% by weight relative to the textile as a whole after drying.

    [0190] In a twenty-second implementation, any of the eighteenth through twenty-first implementations may be used to provide the treated fabric of any of the first through tenth implementations.

    [0191] In a twenty-third implementation, any of the eighteenth through twenty-first implementations may be used to provide the garment of the eleventh through seventeenth implementations.

    [0192] In a twenty-fourth implementation, ink-printed surfaces are created upon applying an ink to the fabric or pretreated fabric of any of the first to twenty-third implementations, and the ink-printed surfaces retain their color attributes after being subjected to 3 to 30 laundry cycles.

    [0193] In a twenty-fifth implementation, ink-printed surfaces are created upon applying an ink to the fabric or pretreated fabric of any of the first to twenty-third implementations, and the ink-printed surfaces retain their color attributes after being subjected to at least 10 laundry cycles.

    [0194] In a twenty-sixth implementation, the color attributes described in either the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth implementations are selected from the group consisting of color saturation, contrast, vibrancy, and combinations thereof.

    [0195] In a twenty-seventh implementation, the color attributes described in either the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth implementations include at least one of color saturation, contrast, and vibrancy.

    [0196] The present disclosure offers the following technical advantages over existing solutions: (a) an improved single-application pretreatment system for direct-to-garment printing, (b) an improved formulation for pretreatment, (c) providing a garment imparted with improved hand feel (e.g., softness), (d) providing a garment with ink-treated surfaces imparted with increased vibrancy, contrast, and colorfastness, and (e) an increased efficiency and improvement in methods that thereby reduce wasting pretreatment formulation.

    [0197] Various properties of the garments, fabrics, treated textiles, and ink-printed surfaces of FIGS. 1-7 were described with reference to one or more values and ranges. It is to be understood that each property described herein may be imparted with a discrete value, or a range of values, consistent with all values recited with reference to said property. In addition, each property described herein may be imparted with a discrete value, or a range of values, falling within any minimum and maximum value or range recited with reference to said property.

    [0198] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.