Synthetic Fibres in the Dyehouse – The Manufacturers’ Role

This paper briefly outlines two recent examples of how Courtaulds’ research programmes have led to fibre innovations designed to assist the dyer in his trade. Tencel is the world’s first commercially available solvent-spun cellulose fibre, possessing extremely good dyeing characteristics. The yield of reactive dyes is exceptional, particularly in printing, where causticisation or mercerisation is no longer necessary to improve dye yields as with conventional viscose or cotton. Xtol is a new diacetate fibre. Its ability to be processed at higher temperatures than conventional diacetate without delustring brings improved fastness and higher dye yields