Reactive dyes (i.e.: our sublimation inks for cotton products) are the most commonly used dyes in cotton dyeing, the consumption rises a lot, which is also expected to continue in the next few years. The popularity of the reactive dyes is due to its moderate price, high tinting power and very good color fastness. Its only disadvantage is the hydrolysis problem of the dyeing stuff.

Definition of Hydrolysis 

Dyes are usually fixed on cotton fiber under the alkaline conditions, and the alkalinity promotes the reaction between dyeing stuff and water, to let the dyes lost activity. With the inactivated dyes (then it is as the hydrolyzed dyes), cannot react with cotton fibers (Once if our product is for cotton socks), resulting partly loss of the dyes. Hydrolyzed dyes physically adhere to the cotton fibers until it was washed out during washing finishing, this is why come out later with the color fastness issue. In addition, hydrolyzed dyes also flow into the waste liquid & increase the pollution load.

The reaction of reactive dyes and water is not the only reason to impact the high tinting color.  The application performance of the dye is also closely related to the following points, such as the storage stability, the stability of the dipping liquid or printing, and also the reactive dye concentration changes in the process of thermal dissolution of dye formulation.

After the introduction for reactive dyes and hydrolysis. You should now have a better understanding of the reaction between digital printing inks and cotton fiber products. If you are interested in this aspect, please contact us.