Web Extra: Dye Types and Fibers

Jennifer Nemec
September/October 2008
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS

RELATED CONTENT

MAIN ARTICLE 

Because the chemical makeup of fibers is different, no one dye is perfect for all fiber types. Below is a table of dye types, and the fibers that they are typically used with.

Dye ClassDescriptionFibers Typically Applied To
Acidhighly water-soluble, better light fastnesswool, nylon
Basicwater-soluble, applied in weakly acidic dyebaths; very bright dyesacrylic, some polyesters
Directwater-soluble, anionic compounds; can be applied directly without mordantscotton, rayon, other cellulose fibers
Dispersenot water-soluble; applied in high-temperaturepolyester, acetate, other synthetics
Reactivewater-soluble, anionic compounds; largest dye classcotton, other cellulose fibers, wool
Sulfurorganic compounds containing sulfur or sodium sulfidecotton, other cellulose fibers
Vatoldest dyes; more chemically complex; water insolublecotton, other cellulose fibers

Source: Snowden-Swan, L.J. "Pollution Prevention in the Textile Industry," in Industrial Pollution Prevention Handbook. Freeman, H.M. (Ed.), McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, 1995.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print


Archived Comments

3178
MY COMMUNITY

MOST POPULAR


Pay Now & Save 50% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*


(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Live The Good Life with Grit!

For more than 125 years, Grit has helped its readers live more prosperously and happily while emphasizing the importance of community and a rural lifestyle tradition. In each bimonthly issue, Grit includes helpful articles, humorous and inspiring articles, captivating photos, gardening and cooking advice, do-it-yourself projects and the practical reader advice you would expect to find in America’s premier rural lifestyle magazine.

Get your guide to living outside the city limits delivered straight to your mailbox. Subscribe to Grit today!  Simply fill in your information below to receive 1 year (6 issues) of Grit for only $19.95!

SPECIAL BONUS OFFER!

At Grit, we have a tradition of respecting the land that sustains rural America. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing to Grit through our automatic renewal savings plan. By paying now with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of Grit for only $14.95 (USA only).

Or, Bill Me Later and send me one year of Grit for just $19.95!