Comparative Study on Fluorine & Chlorine-Based Reactive Dyes

Abstract

The textile industry utilizes reactive dyes to dye cotton fabrics because reactive dyes providebright, colourful options and good colour fastness. However, conventional chlorine-based reactive dyes have lower fixation efficiencies and higher levels of hydrolysis, resulting in higher environmental pollution due to the large quantities of salts and alkalis needed to be used during the dyeing process. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate other reactive dye systems that potentially may offer improved dye performance along with reduced environmental impact. This project will compare dyeing behaviours, fastness properties, and sustainability considerations between fluorine-based reactive dyes and conventional chlorine-based reactive dyes on cotton fabrics. With the increasing demand for sustainable textile processing and stricter environmental regulations, the background for this investigation stems from the fact that fluorine-based reactive dyes represent a newer generation of dye systems that exhibit higher reactivity and improved fixation efficiencies compared to traditional chlorine-based reactive dyes. Knowledge of the comparative performance of fluorine-based versus chlorine-based reactive dyes is important when selecting the best dye option for applications in modern textile processes. An experimental methodology was designed and implemented to address this issue. Cotton fabrics that had been pre-treated were dyed with chlorinated and fluorinated reactive dyes under laboratory conditions specifically controlled. Dyeing of samples followed standard dyeing protocol, and the finished dyed samples were tested for wash fastness, rubbing fastness, and perspiration fastness according to internationally accepted testing standards.