There are a lot of dyes that are used in the different dying functions, particularly in the dying of fabric and textiles. However, it is interesting to know that acid dye and its applications are most common in the world of fabrics. Fabric treatment plants and manufacturers, make a wide use of the acid dyes. Even before learning about the way in which the type of dyes is used on fabrics, it makes sense to learn about the dye itself. The acid dyes get their name because of the conditions in which they are applied, basic dyes were acidified which is how the acid dyes came into being and are best judged for quality by the output they give when they are applied to protein fibres. There are certain kinds of fabrics for which the acid dyes are better suited than the others.
Acid Dyes and Its Applications in fabrics:
The most important fact to know about the acid dyes and their application on fabrics is that they are most aptly suited for man-made fabrics or synthetic fabrics such as nylon. However, the dyes are also very commonly used for the dying of chlorinated wool, silk and natural protein fibres. The efficiency with which the dye works can be ascertained by the way in which it adheres to the fabric surfaces.
The method of application of acid dyes to a fabric is by bringing about a chemical reaction. When the acid dye is applied to the fabric a salt link is formed between the molecules of the dye and the polymers of the fabric. This bond that is formed between the dye and the fabric is what provides the colour to the fabric. The place at which the dye and the fabric bond is known as the dye site and in materials like wool, the dye sites are the amino groups in the fibre.
The types of acids that are used in the acid dye and its applications are acetic acid, hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid and the best application is achieved on heating the dye acid mix. The heating process jump starts the process of dying, which is not possible below the 40⁰c point. A higher temperature gives a better dying result as the heat enables the dye to separate from the acid mix and join the polymer of the fibre. In cases, where acid dyes and its applications are used in the form of printing, it is possible to get the transfer done with the help of steaming.
The use of acid dyes on fibres is something that is most result oriented, which is what makes the application of acid dyes popular in the fabric industry. The fabrics dyed with acid dyes are known to have excellent light fastness in a lot of cases which is why the fabrics dyes with acid dyes keep looking brighter for longer. However, when you need to make sure that you have the most viable results from the acid dying process, it is important to be sure about picking the right manufacturer of acid dyes.