Reactive Dyes for Textile Fibres

Abstract

It is probable that history will judge the development of reactive dyes to have been the most significant innovation in textile dyeing technology of the 20th century. Reactive dyes have grown steadily in importance to become the most significant industrial class of dyes for application to cellulosic fibres, although dyes of specific types have also been developed for application to protein and polyamide fibres. Reactive dyes (after application to the textile fibre) are induced to chemically react, forming a covalent bond between the dye and the fibre. Because of the strength of the covalent bond, once applied to the textile material reactive dyes resist removal and therefore show outstanding washfastness properties. As a consequence of their industrial importance, and because they make use of some interesting organic chemistry, this chapter is devoted to a consideration of the chemical principles involved in the application and synthesis of reactive dyes.