Influence of cationic modification of cotton on dyeing with reactive dyes

Abstract

Reactive dyes are the most popular dyes for dyeing cellulose fibers. The exhaustion method is the most common technical method of their application, when large amounts of neutral salts and alkali are added to the dyeing bath to fixing the dyes. Despite this, 10-40% of the dye is not fixed to the cotton and together with the salts, it represents a large environmental burden for watercourses. Recently, methods have been studied to increase the substantiality and reactivity of these dyes with the aim of promoting procedures that are more economical and environmentally safer. In this sense, cationic modification of cotton can be considered a promising procedure for increasing the utilization of reactive dyes from the technological solution. This review paper reports on the possibilities of applying different cationic agents for cotton processing and the effects of cationic modification on the ability to dye with reactive dyes.