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 develo ped. The process is based on the selection of alkaline dyeable disperse dye s and high temperature stable reactive dyes. Conditions such as temperature and its profiles, dyeing time, pH, alkalinity, salt, dye structures, and c oncentrations 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 cl eaning of both the dyed goods and the dyeing vessels. The disadvantage is t hat the dye exhaustion could be lower than the conventional two-step dyeing s. However, the comparable shade depth is obtainable if the appropriate dye ing conditions and dye structures are selected.