Dyeing Polyester at Low Temperatures: Kinetics of Dyeing with Disperse Dyes

This paper proposes a dyeing process for polyester at low temperatures ( 40°C and below) with disperse dyes using a microemulsion prepared by ultrasonic agitation, composed of a small proportion of organic solvent ( alkyl halogen) and phosphogliceride as the emulsifier. The kinetics of this dyeing system are determined as a function of temperature with various disperse dyes at different molecular weights. In general, dyes with lower molecular weight have a faster dyeing rate and those with a higher molecular weight have a lower rate. Activation energies range from 20-40 Kcal . mol ^-1 ; these values are similar to those achieved in traditional dyeing with a carrier.