Improving the dyeability of polyester fibre with basic dye using corona discharge accompanied by nanoclay treatment

This study presents a novel method for dyeing polyester fabric with basic dyes using corona discharge accompanied by nanoclay treatment. Thus, the fabric is treated with corona discharge irradiation at 5 kV and 10 kV for 10 min, followed by treatment with nanoclay at different concentrations. The basic dye absorption behaviour of treated fabric is studied by evaluated using reflectance spectra, colour parameters, and washing and rubbing fastness tests. Response surface methodology analyses indicates that the colour strength of the dyed sample increased while Lightness (L*) decreased with increasing voltage, time and amount of nanoclay. The results suggest that the combined treatment significantly improves the dyeability of polyester fabrics with basic dyes without the need for harsh chemical processes. This method offers alternative for polyester dyeing on commercial scale with less pollution.