Effect of Vanilla as a Natural Alternative to Traditional Carriers in Polyester Dyeing with Disperse Dyes

In this work, a new natural-based approach was exploited to improve the low temperature carrier method in dyeing process of polyester fabrics. Vanilla was introduced as an alternative substitute for commercial toxic carriers including CTM and Levegal PEW in particular. With use of vanilla in dyeing process, the dye uptake of PET fabrics dyed with C.I. Disperse blue 56 and C.I. Disperse Red 1 was increased significantly. In order to have an economical dyeing process, a two-component mixture of carrier and vanilla was assessed to reduce the consumption of carrier (1/6 of optimum amount) and vanilla. The results showed that vanilla and commercial carriers were compatible and so their mixtures led to higher dye uptake compared to each one individually. The study confirmed that vanilla as an eco-friendly material could substitute the use of commercial carriers in polyester dyeing and led to excellent wash, rub, and better light fastness properties.