Dyebath textile fibres

These are defined as anionic dyes with substantivity for cellulosic fibres applied from an aqueous dyebath containing an electrolyte. The forces that operate between a direct dye and cellulose include hydrogen bonding, dipolar forces and non-specific hydrophobic interaction, depending on the chemical structure and polarity of the dye. Apparently multiple attachments are important, since linearity and coplanarity of molecular structure seem to be desirable features (section 3.2.1). The sorption process is reversible and numerous attempts have been made to minimise desorption by suitable aftertreatments (section 10.9.5). The two most significant non-textile outlets for direct dyes are the batchwise dyeing of leather and the continuous coloration of paper. 

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