Combining reactive dyeing and finishing of cotton in one stage process

Abstract

A simultaneous dyeing and finishing of cotton fabric was investigated. The reactive dye was prepared by the chemical modification of commercial reactive dye. The butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) was used as a crosslinking agent. Various factors affecting dyeing and easy-care properties were studied. Evaluation of the dyed and finished fabric was examined with respect to color strength, wrinkle recovery and fastness properties. The results showed that color strength of dyed and finished fabric was dependent on the presence of crosslinking agent. Also the wrinkle recovery of the treated fabric significantly improved when compared to untreated fabric. It was believed that the crosslinking agent not only reacted with hydroxyl groups of adjacent cellulosic chains to impart wrinkle resistant properties but also acted as a crosslink between hydroxyl containing dye and the fiber. The results also illustrated that wash fastness properties of dyed fabric were excellent as a result of dye being covalently bonded to the fiber.