Testing of various salts in reactive dyeing the cotton fibers

Although many different types of dyestuffs are being utilized in dyeing of cottonfibers, the most widely used ones are the reactive dyestuffs. In reactive dyeing,salt and soda are used as additives in dye bath, and the preferred salts are NaCland Na2SO4. The mentioned salts are corrosive and non-biodegradable.Therefore the search for alternative salts are still being conducted.In this study; potassium acetate, potassium sodium tartarate and potassiumoxalate mono hydrate are tested as alternative salts in reactive dyeing of cottonfibers, and the results are compared with those of NaCl salt. For this purpose,absorption percentages are calculated by spectrometrically determining the dyeconcentration in the waste water and then fixed amounts are calculated by usingconcentration in the bath after washing.The color measurements are performed by a DATACOLOR SPECTROFLASHbrand mark device with a TL-84 light source; L, a, b values are determined anddyeing is inspected with naked eye in a light booth using UV light. Additionally,light, wash and friction fastnesses are determined. All these results areevaluated within each other and the applicability of three salts being used asalternative salts is discussed.In conclusion, it is suggested that potassium acetate, potassium sodium tartarateand potassium oxalate mono hydrate salts can be used as an alternative to NaClsalt in reactive dyeing of cotton fibers, because they are non-corrosive,biological degradabile and effective salts in dyeing.Key Words : Reactive dyeing, Cotton, Potassium acetate, Potassium sodiumtartarate, Potassium oxalate.