One-step dyeing of polyester/cotton with disperse/reactive dyes

A high-temperature alkaline process for the single-bath, one-step dyeing of polyester/cotton blends or mixtures with disperse/reactive dyes was developed. The process is based on the selection of alkaline dyeable disperse dyes and high temperature stable reactive dyes. Conditions such as temperature and its profiles, dyeing time, pH, alkalinity, salt, dye structures, and concentrations were all examined. The advantages of this process include the savings of time, energy, water, and labor and the decrease or elimination of the chemicals for reduction cleaning of both the dyed goods and the dyeing vessels. The disadvantage is that the dye exhaustion could be lower than the conventional two-step dyeings. However, the comparable shade depth is obtainable if the appropriate dyeing conditions and dye structures are selected.