The effect of electrolytes on direct dyes for cotton

Abstract

AbstractElectrolytes generally promote dyebath exhaustion when direct dyes are used for cellulosic fibers, but the extent with which they do so usually varies from one electrolyte to another. Two direct dyes with varying numbers of sulfonic acid groups were investigated. Cotton cellulose was dyed with these dyes using different electrolytes and a phosphate buffer system. The relationship between strength loss with increase in number of sulfonic acid groups was an obvious observation. Wash fastness results had indicated that the most important consideration is the molecular weight and the overall molecular architecture of the dye.