Textile dyes

A dye can be typically described as a colored substance that has an affinity to the substance to which it is being applied. There are many synthetic dyes available now. Synthetic or organic dyes have quickly replaced the traditional natural dyes. This kind of dye cost less and they also offer a huge range of new colors. Dyes can be classified according to how they are used in the procedure of dyeing. Some of the classifications are as follows:

Acid dyes – It is a water soluble anionic dye which is usually applied to fibers such as wool, silk, nylon and modified acrylic fibers by using neutral to acid dye-baths.

Basic dyes – water soluble cationic dyes are mainly applied to acrylic fibers but rarely to wool and silk. Basic dyes are also used in the coloration of paper.

Substantive or direct dyeing – usually carried out in neutral or faintly alkaline dye-bath nearly at boiling point, with the addition of either sodium sulfate or sodium chloride. Direct dyes are used on paper, cotton, leather, silk, wool, and nylon.

Mordant dyes – require mordant to enhance the fastness of the dye against light, water, and perspiration.

Some more classifications that you can find are Vat dyes, Reactive dyes, Disperse dyes, Azo dyeing, and Sulfur dyes.