Comparison of Four Density-Based Semi-Empirical Models for the Solubility of Azo Disperse Dyes in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Abstract

Compared to traditional water dyeing, supercritical CO2 fluid waterless dyeing is more advanced concerning zero pollution, energy saving and emission reduction. The measurement of the solubility of disperse dyes in supercritical CO2 provides convenience and technological basis for the popularization and development of this technology. In the current work, the solubility of 2-[4-(2-Cyanoethylethylamino)phenyl]diazenyl-5-nitrobenzonitrile (C.I. Dispersed Red 73), 2,2′-[[4-[(4-Nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]imino] bis-ethano (C.I. Dispersed Red 19) and 3,3′-[[4-[(4-nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]imino] bispropiononitrile (C.I. Dispersed Orange S-RL) in supercritical CO2 was determined by flow-type supercritical fluid equipment at pressures ranging from 14 to 26 MPa and temperatures ranging from 343.15 to 403.15 K, and the solubility ranges were 1.96–19.78 × 10−6, 1.51–2.63 × 10−6 and 1.49–2.49 × 10−6 mol/mol, respectively. The increase in pressure P and temperature T has obvious effect on the increase in dye solubility. Dyes with high polarity have low solubility. Four density-based, semi-empirical models—the Chrastil, Mendez-Santiago–Teja, Kumar–Johnston and Bartle models—were employed to correlate and predict the solubility data obtained. The results showed that the relationship between the calculated and experimental values correlated best with the Kumar–Johnston model.