Description
Direct dyes are a class of water-soluble dyes that can be directly applied to fibers from an aqueous solution without the need for a mordant or additional chemical treatment. They are typically anionic dyes and have good affinity for cellulose fibers like cotton and other cellulosic materials. The dye molecules adsorb onto the fiber through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces.
Color Characteristics
Key Characteristics
- Solubility: Soluble in water, which allows easy dyeing without requiring additional chemicals.
- Affinity:High affinity towards cellulosic fibers like cotton, viscose, and linen.
- Application: Applied in neutral to slightly alkaline bath conditions.
- Fixation: Adsorbed physically on the fiber surface, relying mostly on hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces; no covalent bonding.
- Dyeing method:Usually applied by exhaust dyeing, often at temperatures between 60–95°C.
- CostGenerally economical and easy to use for large-scale dyeing.
- MigrationGood migration properties in dye baths allow even dyeing.
- FastnessModerate fastness properties; improvements possible by after-treatments such as cationic fixing agents.