Effect of a cationising agent on the conventional reactive dyeing of cotton

Abstract

Cationisation of cotton is emerging as an effective tool that may help to solve the environmental problems associated with the dyeing of cotton with reactive dyes. The efficiency of the cationising agent CA200 has been investigated and was found to be more effective when compared with the usual method for reactive dyeing of cotton. Pretreatment of the cotton fabric with the cationising agent increases the rate of dyeing compared with the existing method of reactive dyeing. The colour yields, in terms of the Kubelka–Munk values as a function of the amount of dye fixed, showed that cationisation enhances the colour strength. It also improves the washing fastness, rubbing fastness and depth of shade. The positive environmental impact of this cationisation process is significant and the cationised cotton shows a similar fabric quality as with the normal dyeing process.