Dye-fibre association

Disperse dyes are used to dye fibres which have hydrophobic properties, for example, cellulose acetate and polyester fibres. They are substantially water-insoluble dyes and are applied to the fibre in the form of a fine aqueous dispersion. The principal forces of dye-fibre association in the case of disperse dyes are hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. They are applied at high temperatures in pressurised vessels.