The Role of Polyoxyethylenated Stearylamines in the Dyeing of Cotton with Direct Dyes

The adsorption kinetics of two polyoxyethylenated stearylamines (PSAs) on cotton fabrics have been studied. Interactions between the PSAs and the dyes C.I. Direct Red 23 and C.I. Direct Blue 2 have been investigated and the stoichiometry of the various dye/PSA complexes formed have been deduced. Cotton fabrics, both untreated and pretreated with PSAs, have been dyed with the above dyes and greatest dye uptake was observed at higher dye/PSA molar ratios. No PSA was found to remain on the fabrics after dyeing