OPTIMIZING THE DYEABILITY OF POLYESTER FABRICS WITH DISPERSE DYES USING AN ORTHOGONAL DESIGN

This study explores the combined effects of dye concentration, dyeing time, and acid concentration on the color strength (K/S value) of polyester fabrics dyed with Disperse Scarlet GS200 (DSG). The Taguchi L25 orthogonal array design was employed to optimize the dyeing process while reducing experimental effort and material usage. Color strength and fastness properties were evaluated through spectrophotometric measurements and analyzed using Minitab statistical software. Among the three variables, dyeing time was found to have the most significant influence on the K/S values, followed by dye concentration, whereas acid concentration had a relatively minor effect. These results highlight the importance of controlling processing time to achieve optimal coloration. In addition to color strength analysis, FTIR spectroscopy was used to examine the interaction mechanisms between DSG dyes and polyester fibers. The results suggested the presence of physical bonding, such as Van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonding. Vapor permeability tests further supported the dye–fiber interaction and fabric surface changes after dyeing. Overall, the findings contribute to improving dyeing efficiency and fabric quality while supporting environmentally conscious practices in textile manufacturing by identifying optimal dyeing conditions with reduced chemical input and energy usage.