| Abstract: | Work is described which shows that, by treating wool with certain amides, polyhydric alcohols or carboxylic acids, the affinity of the fibre for disperse dyes can be greatly enhanced. The most suitable compounds, with regard to effectiveness, price and commercial availability, are thiodiglycol and glycerol. Particular reference is made to the sublimation transfer-printing technique; the fibre is pretreated by pad-dry application of the compounds, and prints of excellent yield and clarity are obtained using standard disperse dye transfer papers. Yellowing and fibre damage during transfer printing are minimized by the inclusion of sulphamic acid in the pad-liquor. Wet-fastness properties of the prints are poor, but may be improved to a certain extent by the use of selected disperse dyes. |
