Sustainable wool fabric pad dyeing using reactive dyes in silicone non-aqueous medium

Traditional dyeing usually consumes a large amount of water and chemicals, thus causing environmental problems. To alleviate these problems, non-aqueous dyeing technology appears as an alternative for improving dye fixation and reducing effluent discharge. Here we used silicone non-aqueous medium to dye a wool fabric. Continuous pad dyeing with reactive dyes was investigated. We optimized the type of penetrating agent, padder pressure and concentration of dye. Results show that the fixation and exhaustion reach 88% and 98%, respectively, which are higher than for water-based dyed samples. The rubbing fastness of the dyed wool fabric is improved 1–2 times, and the consumption of dye is reduced by 20% by comparison with acid or reactive exhaust dyeing. Other advantages include continuous salt-free dyeing, washing and drying; saving water and less water pollution.