Synthesis and salt‐free dyeing characteristics of cationic reactive dyes containing polyetheramine segments

Abstract

A series of cationic reactive dyes containing both quaternary ammonium and polyetheramine as soluble groups and monochlorotriazine as a reactive group have been synthesised and applied to cellulose fibre by salt‐free exhaust dyeing. Investigation of the synthesis method and dyeing properties of these cationic reactive dyes showed that the best pH value for these dyes is 6, and also that these cationic reactive dyes give a high substantivity to cellulose. In the salt‐free dyeing process, their adsorption was consistent with the Langmuir isotherm during the primary exhaustion stage, but in the secondary exhaustion stage the adsorption was in accordance with the Freundlich isotherm, and their secondary exhaustion reached up to 96% and above. Moreover, the degree of fixation, the levelling, and the transfer properties on cotton fabric were good. Light fastness reached grade 5–6, washing, perspiration, and dry rubbing fastness reached grade 4 and above, but wet rubbing fastness reached only grade 3–4.