Investigations into the Continuous Dyeing of Wool

Abstract

A method of dyeing wool at room temperature has been studied, and adapted to the continuous dyeing of slubbing. Formic acid is used as the dye solvent. The method causes negligible fibre damage, and dye penetration and fastness of the dyeings are satisfactory. However, most dyes give skittery dyeings under the conditions used, and satisfactory fixation is obtained only in pale to medium shades. Methods of recovery of the dye solvent are described, and the cost of dyeing is estimated.