Effect of Different Energy Level Disperse Dyes in Dyeability of Polyester/Cotton Blend Fabrics Using PEG-Based Reverse Micelle as Disperse/Reactive Dye Carrier

Abstract Disperse dyes are categorized based on their energy levels and are utilized in conjunction with reactive dyes for the dyeing of polyester/cotton fibres in two distinct compositional ratios. The dyeing conditions and the colour fastness properties of the dyed materials are intrinsically linked to this classification. The application of reverse micelles as dye carriers is advantageous when dyeing below 100 °C as it facilitates the levelling of disperse dyes. The presence of reverse micelles in the dye bath may render the dyeing behaviour of disperse dyes, categorized by varying energy levels, sensitive to fluctuations in dyeing temperature and dye bath concentration. The combination of medium energy disperse dyes and reactive dyes exhibited the highest colour yield and well facilitated at dyeing temperature of 98 °C. Higher percentage of cotton in (T40/C60) blend illustrated lower reflectance compared to (T65/C35) blend fabric with lower cotton percentage. Dyed polyester/cotton fabrics with a higher polyester content (T65/C35), demonstrate slightly greater resistance to colour fastness to crocking, laundering and light compared to those with a lower polyester content (T40/C60). Disperse dyes with low-to-medium energy levels may exhibit unique dyeing characteristics when combined with reactive dyes. A dyeing process conducted at a temperature of 98 °C is deemed appropriate for both polyester and cotton fibres, utilizing PEG-based reverse micelles as dye carriers in an octane solvent. The quality of the dyed fabric, employing disperse dyes of various energy levels, was systematically evaluated.