Coloration of Cotton Fabrics with Waterborne Carbon Black Dispersions

Abstract

Using ultrafine carbon black (CB) dispersions to dye cotton fabrics back is feasible through an exhaustion procedure. The effects of CB particle size, the type of dispersants, electrolyte concentration and cationic modification of cotton on the colour yields of CB dyed cotton fabrics have been investigated. CB particle size ranging from 130nm to 200nm is appropriate to achieve a deep black shade in cotton fabrics. Cationic dispersant improves the K/S values and wash fastness of the CB dyed cotton fabrics. However, caution should be exercised in adding electrolytes to CB dispersions. Cationic modification of cotton is an effective method to achieve higher K/S values of CB dyed fabrics. It is desirable to dye cotton fabrics with ultrafine CB particles instead of with sulfur dyes and reactive dyes.