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Pigment dyes (also known as pigment colors) are insoluble organic or inorganic colored particles that have no natural affinity for textile fibers. Unlike traditional soluble dyes (such as acid, basic, or reactive dyes), pigments do not chemically bond with the fiber. Instead, they are fixed onto the fiber surface using a binder (a polymer resin) that forms a transparent film, encapsulating the pigment particles on the fabric.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Insoluble in water and most organic solvents |
| Application Method | Applied with binders and fixing agents (pad-dry-cure process) |
| Fiber Compatibility | Suitable for almost all fibers (cotton, polyester, blends, etc.) |
| Light Fastness | Generally very good to excellent |
| Wash Fastness | Moderate to good (depends on binder quality) |
| Rubbing Fastness | Moderate (may be lower than other dye classes) |
| Color Brightness | Moderate to good (generally less bright than soluble dyes) |
Universality: Can be used on all fiber types, including blends.
Simple Process: No washing-off step required after dyeing/fixing, saving water and energy.
No Wastewater Contamination: Since no unfixed dye needs to be washed out.
Good Light Fastness: Especially suitable for outdoor textiles and automotive fabrics.
Excellent Color Consistency: Less metamerism compared to other dye classes.
Harsh Hand Feel: The binder film can make fabric feel stiff or plastic-like.
Lower Wet Fastness: Wash and perspiration fastness can be insufficient for some applications.
Rubbing Fastness: Dry and wet rubbing fastness may be limited, especially in dark shades.
Not Suitable for High-Friction Applications: Such as upholstery or heavy-use apparel.
Printing (Textile Pigment Printing): Most common application; direct printing on fabrics.
Pad-Dyeing (Pigment Pad-Dyeing): For continuous dyeing of woven and knit fabrics.
Nonwovens (Interlinings, Felt, Geotextiles)
Garment Dyeing (Ready-Made Garments)
Canvas, Denim (Sulfur substitute effects)
Technical Textiles (Outdoor, military, automotive)
Below is the list of pigment dye types organized by color group, as provided:
| Color Group | Pigment Dye Varieties |
|---|---|
| 🟡 Yellow | YELLOW H2G, YELLOW 4G, YELLOW GR, YELLOW KRM, G.YELLOW GRZ, G.YELLOW GR |
| 🟠 Orange | ORANGE GR 13, ORANGE MHG, ORANGE MK |
| 🔴 Red | RED GH 12, RED MS 12, RED M7X, RED MH, RED M3B, RED G 122, RED HC45 |
| 🔵 Blue | BLUE MD 1, BLUE SC, BLUE G15 |
| 🔵⚫ Navy | NAVY RNL, NAVY SET, NAVY MD 1 |
| 🟤 Brown | BROWN MD 1, BROWN MR, DARK BROWN MD 1 |
| ⚫ Black | BLACK GR, BLACK GRC |
| Feature | Pigment Dyes | Reactive Dyes | Acid Dyes | Disperse Dyes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Type | All fibers | Cellulosic fibers | Polyamide, wool | Polyester |
| Solubility | Insoluble | Water-soluble | Water-soluble | Insoluble in water |
| Chemical Bond | No (binder required) | Covalent bond with fiber | Ionic bond | Physical diffusion |
| Wash Fastness | Moderate | Very good | Moderate–Good | Good–Very Good |
| Light Fastness | Very Good | Good–Very Good | Moderate–Good | Good–Very Good |
| Process Water Usage | Low (no wash-off) | High (multiple washes) | Moderate–High | Moderate |
| Hand Feel | Stiffer (binder effect) | Soft | Soft | Soft |
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Pigment Dye Concentration | 1–50 g/L (depending on shade depth) |
| Binder Concentration | 50–150 g/L |
| Fixing Agent (Crosslinker) | 5–20 g/L |
| Wetting Agent / Dispersant | 1–3 g/L |
| pH of Padding Liquor | 5–7 (neutral) |
| Padding Pick-up | 60–80% (depending on fabric) |
| Drying Temperature | 100–120°C |
| Curing Temperature | 150–170°C |
| Curing Time | 2–5 minutes |
Binder Selection: Choose a binder that provides the required fastness without excessively stiffening the fabric.
Over-Curing: Excessive temperature or time can cause discoloration (yellowing) and brittleness.
Dispersion Quality: Pigments must be finely dispersed to prevent speckling and uneven dyeing.
Rubbing Fastness for Dark Shades: Dark shades (navy, black) may require special formulations or topcoats.
Eco-Requirements: Formaldehyde-free binders and crosslinkers should be preferred for Oeko-Tex or similar certifications.
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Textile Printing | High | Most common application; universal fiber compatibility |
| Nonwovens | High | Easy and economical coloring method |
| Garment Dyeing | Moderate–High | Popular for "pigment-dyed" casual look |
| Home Textiles (Bedding, Curtains) | Moderate | Acceptable for prints; less common for solid dyeing |
| Automotive Interior | Low | Rubbing fastness and light fastness may be borderline |
| Technical Textiles | High | Outdoor, military, industrial fabrics with high light fastness requirements |
| Children's Clothing | Moderate | Must use certified, heavy-metal-free pigments |