Comparison of Dispersion Dyeing Process of Polyester Fabric with Auxiliary Variations with Leveling Agent and Without Leveling Agent

Abstract

One of the crucial processes in the textile industry is dyeing, the process of coloring fabrics to enhance the aesthetic and functional value of textile products. In this dyeing process, the presence of auxiliary substances (additional chemicals) such as levelling agents can help improve color distribution, increase color absorption, accelerate the diffusion process, and reduce defects in the final product. Therefore, research into the effect of varying auxiliary substances in disperse dye dyeing on polyester fabric is crucial. Based on the research results, it can be seen that the use of levelling agents in the process of dyeing polyester fabric with disperse dyes significantly affects color retention and fastness properties compared to dyeing processes without levelling agents. The dyed samples with the addition of levelling agent showed more even dyeing results, without any stains, stripes, or unwanted color gradations. This is due to the function of the levelling agent in controlling the rate of dye absorption by polyester fibers, as well as facilitating the migration of dyes to the entire surface of the fabric before permanent fixation occurs. Then with the addition of levelling agent showed better fastness to washing and rubbing compared to those adding levelling with color fastness values ​​in the test sample with levelling agent for washing faded on nylon (value 3-4) while in the test sample without levelling agent washing faded on nylon (value 4).