Disperse dyes are applied as very finely divided materials that
are adsorbed onto the fibers with which they then form a solid solution.
Dispersed dyes are primarily used for polyester and acetate fibers. Simple
soluble azo, styryl benzodi furanone, and insoluble anthraquinone are the
most common disperse dyes.
Disperse dyes are substantially water-insoluble nonionic
dyes for application to synthetic hydrophobic fibers from aqueous dispersions.
Water-insoluble dyes,
which, when held in fine suspension, can
be applied to acetate rayon fabrics. The
dye, together with a dispersing agent, is
warmed to a temperature of 45–50°C and
the fabric added. By modifying the method
of application it is possible to dye polyacrylic
and polyester fibers. The yellow/orange
shades are nitroarylamine derivatives
and the green to bluish shades are derivatives
of 1-amino anthraquinone. Certain
azo compounds are disperse dyes and these
give a range of colors.