Equalizing effect of β‐cyclodextrin on dyeing of polyamide 6,6 woven fabrics with acid dyes

Cyclodextrins (CD) are produced from starch by the action of cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) enzyme. Structurally, cyclodextrins consist of 6, 7, or 8 (α, β, and γ cyclodextrins, respectively) D‐glucopyranosyl units connected by α‐(1,4) glycosidic linkages. Having polar and hydrophilic outer sides and hydrophobic cavitation gives cyclodextrins a chance to form inclusion complexes with dyes in hydrophilic mediums. In this research, the equalizing effect of β‐cyclodextrins in dyeing of polyamide 6,6 woven fabrics with 6 different acid dyes were investigated. From the experimental results, it was determined that the β‐cyclodextrin shows a retarding and equalizing effect in dyeings carried out with the dyes that show interaction with β‐CD. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2660–2668, 2007