Sublimation is the process of transforming a substance from a solid directly to a gas without going through the liquid phase. While sublimation is possible for some substances, it is not possible on cotton fabric due to several reasons.
Firstly, cotton is a natural fiber composed of cellulose, which has a relatively high melting point. Sublimation requires the substance to reach its vaporization point, which is usually much lower than its melting point. Therefore, in order to sublimate on cotton fabric, you would need to heat it to a temperature that would melt the fabric, which would destroy the cotton fibers.
Secondly, sublimation requires a significant difference in pressure between the solid and gaseous states of a substance. However, the pressure inside the fibers of cotton fabric is relatively constant, making it difficult to create the necessary pressure difference for sublimation to occur.
Lastly, even if it were possible to sublimate on cotton fabric, the resulting gas would likely not adhere to the cotton fibers, which would make it difficult to create a permanent transfer of the substance onto the fabric.
Therefore, it is not possible to sublimate on cotton fabric due to its composition and physical properties.
While sublimation is not possible on cotton fabric, there are a few workarounds that can give you a similar effect. One option is to use a transfer paper specifically designed for use on cotton fabrics. These papers work by allowing the ink to adhere to the fibers of the cotton, creating a permanent transfer.
Another option is to use a special dye that is designed to work on cotton fabrics. These dyes are similar to sublimation in that they penetrate the fibers of the cotton, but they do not require the high temperatures or pressure differences necessary for sublimation.
However, even with these workarounds, it is important to note that the colors may not be as vibrant or long-lasting as with sublimation on polyester fabrics. The colors may also fade after several washes, especially if the fabric is washed frequently or with harsh detergents.
To help prevent fading, it is recommended to wash the garment in cold water and use a gentle, dye-free detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, which can cause fading and damage to the fabric. Additionally, turning the garment inside out before washing can help protect the design from rubbing against other clothing in the wash.
Overall, while sublimation on cotton fabric is not possible, there are still options available for creating custom designs on cotton garments. By using transfer papers or special dyes and taking care when washing, you can achieve a similar effect to sublimation on polyester fabrics but still do not achieve the same results.