One-bath dyeing of wool/polyester blends with acid and disperse dyes. Part 2 — disperse dye distribution on polyester and wool

Disperse dye distribution on polyester and wool during one-bath dyeing of wool/polyester blends is discussed. The addition of carriers increases the wool's intrinsic saturation value for disperse dye, thus raising the degree of staining on the wool component at the low dye uptakes. However, staining can be minimised if the dyeing is close to or attains equilibrium conditions. Sequestering agents can accelerate the disperse dye diffusion out of the wool fibre, further reducing staining on wool and transferring more disperse dyes from wool to polyester. Citric acid can be used as a sequestering agent as well as a pH adjusting agent.