Melange or Vigoureux Printing of Wool: A Method for Increasing the Rate of Dye Fixation

Abstract

The steaming time required for dye fixation has been reduced from the generally accepted 1 or 2 hrs. at atmospheric pressure to a matter of minutes by the use of suitable solvents in the printing paste and by increasing the steam pressure.

For example, with 5-10% benzyl alcohol in the paste, most neutral dyeing pre- metallized and many acid dyes required 5-15 min. steaming at 5-10 lb./sq. in. Chrome dyes required somewhat longer.

Besides increaaing the rate of fixation, suitable solvents increased the depth of color obtained for a given amount of dye.