Textile applications of photochromic dyes. Part 5: application of commercial photochromic dyes to polyester fabric by a solvent-based dyeing method

A series of commercial photochromic dyes was applied to polyester by a solvent dyeing process followed by thermal fixation using dichloromethane as the solvent. The process was optimised in terms of solvent/fabric ratio, dye concentration and the conditions of thermal fixation. The dyed fabrics showed reversible photochromism, developing colour on ultraviolet exposure and fading after removal of the ultraviolet source. The degree of photocoloration, background colours, fading characteristics, fatigue resistance and storage stability of the dyes were evaluated and comparisons made with the outcomes of a traditional aqueous disperse dyeing method. A study of the visible spectra of concentrated solutions of the dyes in a range of solvents provided evidence for the origin of the permanent background colours on the fabric when applied from solvents. Relationships were established between the magnitudes of the visible absorption in solution and the background colours developed, in relation to the nature of the solvents. The results suggest that toluene and ethyl acetate may offer certain advantages as solvents for the application of these dyes.