PROCESS FOR THE DYEING OF POLYAMIDE FIBERS

The invention comprises a dyeing liquor for polyamide fibres containing an acid wool dyestuff, a C8-14 fatty acid/di- or tri-alkonolamine (1-3 equivalents) condensate, at least one compound having a swelling action or polyamide and possibly soluble alginates and/or a non-forming anion active dispersing agent which is an aromatic sulphonic acid or water soluble salt thereof. The polyamide is impregnated with the liquor at below the drawing temperature of said dyestuff, optionally dried and finished by steaming and/or passing through a hot acid bath. Instead of alginates, methyl cellulose or carboxymethyl cellulose may be used as thickeners The compound having a swelling action is preferably a water soluble mercaptan, hydroxyl compound, amide, thioamide or anidine; a list of suitable compounds is given. The examples describe dyeing with the liquor of the invention of woollen worsted yarn, wool flannel, silk serge and canvases of nylon and poly-e -caprolactam. U.S.A. Specification 2,089,212 is referred to.