Recent Advances in Disperse Dye Development and Applications.

The commercial development of new disperse dyes for 100% polyester and polyester/cellulose blends is reviewed. The deficiencies of traditional anthraquinone disperse dyes for bright red and bright blue shades are highlighted from the standpoint of today's requirements for higher wetfastness and more economical processing. More acceptable alternative dyes are described with emphasis on exhaust dyeing of 100% polyester microfibers and one-bath dyeing of polyester/cellulose blends. Some aspects aimed at reducing environmental pollution, namely alkali-clearable disperse dyes and choice of formulating agents, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]