DYE FOR POLYOLEFIN FIBERS

Polyolefin fibers are  hydrophobic,  and  the  molecular chains  within the fiber   are  tightly packed. Therefore  it  is extremely difficult to dye  polyolefin  fibers or  to  increase their affinity  to  dyes. Colored inorganic salts or  stable organometallic pigments have been  added  to  the  polymer melt prior  to  fiber   spinning  to color   the  fibers. Also,  nonvolatile  acids  or bases or materials such  as  polyethylene  oxides or metal  salts   have  been added to the polymer  prior  to fiber formation   to  increase the  affinity   of  the  fiber   for  disperse,   cationic,    acid,  or  mordant   dyes. Polyolefin   fibers can  be  chemically  grafted  with  appropriate  monomers    after   fiber   formation to  improve  their  dyeability.