Reactive Dyes

Excellent Color and Fastness Solutions for Cellulosic Fibers

Reactive dyes, which are one of the most important building blocks of the textile dyeing sector, have become the industry standard, especially in the dyeing of cellulose-based fibers (cotton, rayon, viscose, etc.). These dyestuffs, which integrate with the fiber thanks to the superior properties in their chemical structure, offer high color yield and washing fastness.

These product groups, offered under reliable brands in the sector such as Suncion, Sunfix, Sunfron, Sunzol and Sunactive , provide customized solutions according to the dyeing processes and final product expectations of businesses.

Working Principle and Properties of Reactive Dyes

The most fundamental feature distinguishing reactive dyes from other dyestuff classes is the type of bond established with the fiber during the dyeing process.

• Covalent Bond Structure: Reactive dyes enter into a chemical reaction with cellulose molecules to form a covalent bond. This means that the dye does not merely adhere physically to the fiber, but becomes a part of the fiber's molecular structure.
• Superior Fastness Values: Thanks to this strong chemical bond established, fabrics dyed with reactive dyes offer the requested fastness options. Colors maintain their vibrancy for a long time and are resistant to fading.
• Wide Color Gamut: It offers a very wide range of colors, from bright and vivid colors to deep dark shades.

Usage Areas and Application Methods

Thanks to their versatile structures, reactive dyes easily adapt to different machine parks and production methods in textile enterprises. The main application methods are as follows:

1. Exhaust Dyeing

Especially used in jigger, jet, and overflow machines, this method ensures the transfer of dye from the bath to the fiber over a long period and at a specific temperature curve. Birkim Reactive Dyestuff Series Suncion and Sunfix series offer high reproducibility and proper levelling properties in the exhaust method, minimizing the risk of unlevelness.

2. Pad-Batch (CPB - Cold Pad Batch)

The CPB method, which is ideal for energy saving and eco-friendly production processes, is one of the areas where reactive dyes are used most efficiently. After the fabric is impregnated with dye, dyeing is completed by keeping it at room temperature (fixation). Dye series developed specifically for this process provide high solubility and short fixation times.

3. Continuous Dyeing

In continuous dyeing lines (Pad-Dry-Pad-Steam, etc.) preferred for high-yardage productions, the ability of reactive dyes to fixate quickly is of critical importance. Special series such as Birkim Reactive Dyestuff are preferred to maintain color consistency while increasing production speed.

4. Printing

Reactive dyes are used not only in plain dyeing but also in patterned fabric production. In rotation or digital printing processes applied on cellulosic fabrics, it ensures obtaining contour clarity and vivid colors.

Featured Product Groups: Suncion, Sunfix, Sunfron, Sunzol and Sunactive

In order to respond to market demands, reactive dyes have been branded according to different chemical groups and reactivity levels. These brands are segmented according to the specific needs (cost, ecology, fastness) of businesses:

• Sunfix: Offers versatile solutions for those seeking high fastness and a wide color palette. It is generally preferred in the home textile and clothing sector.
• Sunzol: These are series developed especially for matching difficult shades and economic processes, which may contain vinyl sulfone-based groups.
• Suncion and Sunfron: These are high-performance dyestuff groups optimized for special fastness requirements, different application temperatures, or specific fiber blends.

Why Should Reactive Dye Be Preferred for Cellulose-Based Fibers?