Dyeing High Wet Modulus Rayon Yarns with Fiber Reactive Dyes

Abstract

Dyeing behavior of four selected high wet modulus (HWM) rayon yarns, regular viscose rayon yarn, and cotton yarn were compared. After being dyed with a variety of fiber reactive dyes, yarns of each fiber were evaluated for quantity of dye taken up by the fiber and for apparent color yield. Dye sorption was quantified through spectrophotometric analysis; color and shade evaluation were done instrumentally, using a colorimeter, as well as visually. All forms of rayon studied were found to exhaust more dye than did cotton. Dye take-up of HWM rayon yarns was similar to that o f viscose. Depth of color o f dyed cotton yarns was consistently lower than that o f any o f the rayon yarns studied. Small variations in depth of shade among HWM and viscose yarns were attributed to the presence or absence o f delustrant.