Abstract: | The effect of temperature on the dyeing rate constant k, diffusion coefficient D, and time of half‐dyeing t1/2 was evaluated for the dyeing of polyester fibers with two disperse dyes, an azo and an anthraquinone dye. Activation energies of diffusion E were calculated. The polyester dyeing equilibrium was also studied and the partition coefficient K and standard affinity Δμ° at various temperatures were determined for the anthraquinone dye. Standard enthalpy ΔH° and standard entropy ΔS° of dyeing were also obtained. The same equilibrium parameters were not obtained for the azo dye because of its dyeing behavior. A similar kinetic and equilibrium study was made for the pure azo and anthraquinone compounds free from the dispersing agents present in the commercial dyes and the results are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 123–128, 2002 |