Dyeing and Printing by Solvent‐assisted Processes

Abstract

The background to solvent‐assisted methods of dyeing and printing and the uses that have been found for them in practical processes in the U.K. are summarised, with particular reference to the Irga‐solvent method. In principle, the addition of a suitable solvent has the same effect as either dyeing at a higher temperature for the same time or dyeing or steaming at the same temperature for a much longer time. Wherever it is more practical to include a solvent in the dye‐liquor or printing paste rather than increase the dyeing temperature or prolong the dyeing or steaming time, then solvent‐assisted processes should be of interest.

Mechanism involved in the dyeing of wool with an oil‐in‐water microemulsion system

“…Benzyl alcohol was also adsorbed on the fabric along with the dye, and at 85°C, 100% uptake of both took place. These results are in accordance with those proposed by Beal and Corbishley,6 suggesting the formation of a solvent‐rich layer on the surface of the fiber when benzyl alcohol is used as a solvent in solvent‐assisted dyeing. The dye concentrates in this layer, thus ensuring that there is an adequate supply of the dye for the fiber surface as long as there is dye in the dye bath.…”

“…1). 3 Several authors have proposed benzyl alcohol as a carrier or as a solvent in solvent‐assisted dyeing 4–11. However, its use as a component of an o/w microemulsion system for dye solubilization and textile dyeing has not been studied yet.…”