Abstract:

It is difficult to produce dark shades for microfibre synthetic leather. For this reason, benzoic alcohol was used to improve the dyeing properties of microfibre synthetic leather. The effect of benzoic alcohol on the dye uptake, color strength and washing fastness was investigated. The assisted dyeing mechanism of benzoic alcohol was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results indicated that with addition of benzoic alcohol the rate of dye uptake increased, half-dyeing time reduced, equilibrium dye uptake percentage improved drastically, and fastness to soaping of the dyed fabrics was not affected. SEM image showed that there was a dye layer on the microfibre surface. DSC measurement showed that the glass transition temperature of the sample reduced because of benzoic alcohol treatment. Benzoic alcohol has a plasticization to the fiber and solublization to the dyestuffs, thus facilitating the diffusion of dye molecules into the microfibre.