ONE-STEP DYEING AND FINISHING OF REACTIVE POLYESTER/COTTON FABRICS USING DYES AND CROSS-LINKING AGENTS

Concurrent dyeing with one class of dyestuffs (reactive dyes) and easy-care finishing with N-methylol crosslinking agents of polyester/cotton blend fabric were investigated using the conventional pad-dry-cure technique. Factors affecting the process such as nature and type of catalyst, nature and concentration of the finishing agent, nature of the dye and curing condition were examined. Evaluation of the simultaneously dyed and finished fabric was made with respect to color strength, crease recovery, tensile strength, as well as washing and rubbing fastness properties. The results obtained provide basis and different alternatives of conditions for practical implementation of combined dyeing and finishing of polyester/cotton blend fabric using reactive dyes and N-methylol crosslinking agents.