Effect of Hydroquinone on Light-Induced Degradation of Nylon 6 Dyed with SolubilizedVat Dyes

Abstract

Photostability of nylon 6 has been studied in the presence of four solubilized vat dyes in the lightfastness tester with an MBTF lamp. Two of the four dyes exhibit catalytic activity to enhance the actinic degradation of nylon 6, whereas the other two dyes are photochemically inactive and confer photoprotective action to the fibers. Photochemically inactive dyes possess better lightfastness compared to active dyes. Light-induced degradation of nylon 6 in the presence of solubilized vat dyes is retarded by an aftertreatment with hydroquinone because of the anti-oxidant action of hydroquinone, and not because of ultraviolet absorption by this aftertreatment agent.