Reactive dyes or fiber reactive dyes are basically a
class of highly coloured organic substances. Reactive dyes uses a
chromophore that contains a substituent that is quite capable of a
direct reaction with a fiber substrate. It is the covalent bonds Which
the reactive dyes form with the substrates that are responsible for
attaching the reactive dye to natural fibers. These bonds makes reactive
dyes among the most permanent of dyes. Cold reactive dyes, like Cibacron
F, Procion MX, and Drimarene K, are very easy to use as they can be
applied at room temperature. Reactive dyes are the best bet for dyeing
cotton and other cellulose fibers. They are primarily used for tinting
textiles.
Of late, fiber Reactive Dyes have also been developed for dyeing other
fibers but there is not much commercial success.
Advantages
of the Reactive Dyes
Permanency
of the colour- fiber Reactive Dyes can be easily said to be the
most permanent of all dye types. This is because of an unique quality,
unlike other dyes, it can actually form a covalent bond with the
Substrate (cellulose or protein molecule). After the formation of the
bond, there is only one molecule, as the molecule of the is now part of
the cellulose fiber molecule.
