C02 DYES

Using supercritical fluid CO₂ , polyester and other synthetics can be dyed with modified disperse dyes. The supercritical fluid CO₂ causes the polymer fiber to swell allowing the disperse dye to easily diffuse within the polymer, penetrating the pore and capillary structure of the fibers. The viscosity of the dye solution is lower, making the circulation of the dye solutions easier and less energy intensive. This deep penetration provides effective coloration of polymers which are characteristically hydrophobic. Dyeing and removing excess dye are processes that are done in the same vessel. Residue dye is minimal and may be extracted and recycled.
Supercritical CO₂ dyeing gives excellent results as far as dye levelness and shade development, and the physical properties of dyed yarns are equivalent or better to conventional methods.
Conventional textile dyeing is very water and energy intensive in pretreatment, dyeing, and post-treatment (drying). The supercritical CO₂ process involves the use of less energy than conventional processes, resulting in a potential of up to 50% lower operating costs. At this moment the only overlap is in the pre-treatment process, which is essentially the same for both. Our type 2 dyeing machines will be able to avoid the pre-treatment step as well.

Together with our partner Triade Chemicals in the Netherlands we have a complete range of CO₂ dyes available for our dyeing machines.

Advantages:

• Elimination of water consumption
• Elimination of wastewater discharges
• Wastewater treatment process eliminated
• Elimination of drying and dryer effluent
• Reduction in energy consumption
• Reduction in air emissions
• Reduction in dyeing time
• Surfactants and auxiliary chemicals in dyes eliminated
• Dye utilization is very high with very little residue dye. Unused dye can be recaptured
• Approximately 95% of used CO₂ will be recycled
• Fewer redyes are required
• Color correction is easier compared to aqueous dyeing