Abstract: Thickener is an important auxiliary in textiles printing. This paper introduces the types and thickening mechanisms of commonly used thickeners. Among them, the paper emphasizes the research progress on synthetic methods of waterborne polyurethane thickeners, the factors affecting the thickening effect, related application in the textile industry, and looks forward to the development of waterborne polyurethane thickeners.

Key words: printing; polyurethane; thickener; research progress