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Send EmailAcid Dyes and Metal Complex Dyes
1. Acid Dyes
Definition: Acid dyes are water-soluble, anionic synthetic dyes containing sulfonic acid (-SO₃H) or carboxylic acid (-COOH) groups in their molecular structure. In an acidic medium (pH 2-4), they show high affinity for protein and polyamide fibers (wool, silk, nylon).
Key Properties:
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High water solubility
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Bright and vivid colors
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Wash and light fastness ranging from moderate to good
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Sulfuric acid, acetic acid, or ammonium sulfate used in the dye bath
Applications:
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Wool, silk, feathers, leather
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Polyamide (nylon, perlon)
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Modified acrylic fibers
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Inks, paper, leather, and (limited) food coloring
2. Metal Complex Dyes
Definition: Metal complex dyes are obtained by chelating an acid dye molecule with a metal atom (typically chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), or copper (Cu)). This structure significantly improves the dye's fastness properties.
Two Main Types:
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1:1 Metal Complex Dyes: One metal atom bonded to one dye molecule. Dyed in an acidic medium (pH 1.5-2). Provides very high light and wash fastness.
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1:2 Metal Complex Dyes: One metal atom bonded to two dye molecules. Dyed in a neutral to slightly acidic medium (pH 5-7). Exhibits better level dyeing properties.
Advantages:
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Superior light fastness (especially in pale shades)
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Good wash, perspiration, and rubbing fastness
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Wide color gamut
Applications:
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Wool, polyamide, and silk products requiring high fastness
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Automotive upholstery fabrics
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Swimwear
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Carpets and home textiles
3. BETACID Series Acid and Metal Complex Dyes
The following list represents a typical acid and metal complex dye series. The percentages (e.g., 200%, 150%) indicate the dye's commercial strength or concentration (more concentrated than 100%).
| Color | Dye Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Yellows | BETACID YELLOW CGN 200% | Acid dye |
| BETACID YELLOW 2G 120% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID YELLOW NFG 200% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID YELLOW A4R 200% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID YELLOW M3RL 200% | Metal complex | |
| BETACID YELLOW 220 | Acid dye | |
| Oranges | BETACID ORANGE II 100% | Acid dye |
| BETACID ORANGE N-3R 200% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID ORANGE GSN 150% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID ORANGE AGT 200% | Acid dye | |
| Reds / Rhodamine | BETACID RHODAMIN B 400% | Acid dye (fluorescent) |
| BETACID RED ARL 200% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID BRILANT RED GS 150% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID RED 2BSA 200% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID RED FB 125% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID RED A-5BL 200% | Metal complex | |
| BETACID FAST RED 2B | Acid dye | |
| BETACID RED 5 – G 100% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID RED 405 | Acid dye | |
| Violet | BETACID VIOLET FBL 180% | Acid / metal complex |
| Blues | BETACID BLUE BRL 200% | Metal complex |
| BETACID BLUE ARL 200% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID BLUE 2 R 200% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID SKY BLUE R 200% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID BLUE N2G 150% | Acid dye | |
| BETACID BLUE 317 | Acid dye | |
| Turquoise | BETACID TURQUOISE BLUE M5G 100% | Acid dye (copper phthalocyanine) |
| BETACID TUR.BLUE M5G 150% | Acid dye (copper phthalocyanine) | |
| Cyanine | BETACID CYANINE M-5R 120% | Metal complex |
| Green | BETACID GREEN GS | Acid / metal complex |
| Olive Green | BETACID OLIVE GREEN S-G | Metal complex |
| Bordeaux | BETACID BORDEAUX BW 100% | Acid dye |
| Brown | BETACID BROWN ABL 100% | Metal complex |
| Navy Blue | BETACID NAVY BLUE RL 300% | Metal complex |
| Blacks | BETACID BLACK MSRL 180% | Metal complex |
| BETACID BLACK MRX 275% | Metal complex |
4. Technical Parameters and Usage Guidelines
| Parameter | Acid Dyes | 1:2 Metal Complex Dyes |
|---|---|---|
| Dyeing pH | pH 2-4 (acidic) | pH 5-7 (neutral to slightly acidic) |
| Light Fastness | 4-5 (scale 1-8) | 6-7 (scale 1-8) |
| Wash Fastness | 3-4 | 4-5 |
| Brightness | Very high | Moderate |
| Color Gamut | Very wide (including fluorescent) | Wide (but somewhat more earth tones) |
| Application Temperature | 85-100°C | 90-110°C |
Precautions:
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Metal complex dyes (especially 1:1 type) contain heavy metals (chromium); wastewater treatment must be considered.
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Percentages like 200%, 150% indicate the dye's commercial strength; adjust formulations accordingly.
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Fluorescent dyes such as Rhodamine B have lower light fastness compared to other acid dyes.
5. Sector Suitability Summary
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Textiles (wool, silk, nylon) | High | Main market for acid and metal complex dyes |
| Leather | High | Metal complex types are especially preferred |
| Automotive upholstery | High | Metal complexes used when high light fastness is required |
| Food | Low / None | Only specific approved acid dyes (e.g., E102, E110) are suitable; those listed here are not |
| Paper / Inks | Moderate | Acid dyes can be used |
| Cosmetics | Low | Certain acid dyes (e.g., CI 14720) are legal; metal complexes are generally prohibited |
