Determination of kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of cellulose triacetate dyeing using matching-index-of-refraction absorption spectroscopy

A simple method of analysis is described in which ordinary absorption spectroscopy is employed to measure dye content within cellulose triacetate fibres in order to determine the rate of dyeing for triacetate fabric immersed in infinite dyebaths at various temperatures. The results are analysed to yield values for the activation energy and enthalpy change associated with the transfer of a dye, Disperse Red 13, from a saturated dyebath to the interior of triacetate fibres immersed in that bath.