What Is a Fabric Reactive Dye?
The dye process originated over 5,000 years ago. Dyes were originally obtained through animals and plants such as berries or leaves. William Henry Perkin discovered the first man-made organic dye in 1856. Reactive dyes were not available until 1956. These special dyes, which technically are referred to as fiber-reactive dyes, bond chemically to fibers.
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Significance
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The fiber-reactive dyes provide colorfastness and avoids colors to bleed or run-off once washed or treated. The dyes usually require less water during manufacturing and are often referred to as low-impact dyes. Although dyes are generally petroleum-based, these eco-conscious treatments provide less water-waste and contamination in the water supply.
History
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Reactive dyes were sold commercially in 1956. Professor Ian Rattee and Dr. W.S. Stephens discovered the Procion reactive dye. The first samples were made by Dr. Stephens in 1953 and then tested by Ian Rattee. They filed for a patent in 1954.
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Types
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Reactive dyes are within the inorganic dye category. The classifications are established by how the dye is used during the dyeing process. Improvements made in the dyeing process led manufacturers away from the natural dyeing methods which were discovered thousands of years ago. Other inorganic categories are acid dye which is often used with silk, wool and nylon, basic dyes which are mainly for acrylic fibers and disperse dyes which are used for dyeing polyester, nylon and acrylic fibers as well.
Function
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These dyes, which contain a reactive group, develop a chemical bond with another group, which is referred to as the hydroxyl group from cellulosic fibers. The reactive group, also known as an activated double bond, is prepared in an alkaline dyebath. It is then applied to the fibers, which forms the chemical bond. Fabric dyeing, which technically is called the coloration of cellulosic fibers, uses this leading method of reactive dyeing.
Benefits
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Consumers mainly benefit from manufacturers using reactive dyes. It prevents consumers from experiencing fabric bleeds during garment washing or color run-offs when adding treatments or finishes to products. If this occurs, it is an instant indicator that the manufacturer did not use the reactive dyeing process when manufacturing the product. Most retailers, when placing product orders with manufacturers, will ask for a disclosure statement of the dyeing process. In the event consumers return merchandise because of bleeds or run-offs, the manufacturer would be responsible for monetary losses the retailer experienced.
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References
- "A Dictionary of Textile Terms By Dan River"; Dan River Inc.; 1980
