Reaktivfärbungen

Reaktivfärbungen, also known as reactive dyes, are a class of synthetic dyes that form a covalent bond with the fiber being dyed. This chemical reaction creates a very strong and stable bond, making reactive dyes highly wash-fast and resistant to fading. They are primarily used for dyeing cellulosic fibers such as cotton, linen, and rayon, but can also be applied to wool and silk under specific conditions.

The dyeing process with reaktivfärbungen typically involves an alkaline medium, which activates both the dye molecule and the fiber, allowing the covalent bond to form. The specific type of reaktivfärbung determines the optimal dyeing temperature and pH. Common classes include vinyl sulfone (VS) dyes and monochlorotriazine (MCT) dyes. VS dyes generally require higher temperatures, while MCT dyes can be applied at lower temperatures.

The advantages of reaktivfärbungen include their brilliant and wide range of colors, excellent colorfastness, and relatively straightforward application methods. They are widely used in the textile industry for dyeing garments, home furnishings, and other textile products where durability and color retention are important. However, incomplete fixation can lead to dye hydrolysis, where the dye reacts with water instead of the fiber, reducing efficiency and requiring thorough rinsing to remove unfixed dye. Environmental considerations focus on minimizing dye waste and optimizing fixation rates.