The role of inorganic electrolyte (salt) in cellulosic fibre dyeing: Part 1 fundamental aspects

This review concerns the application of dyes to both natural and man‐made cellulosic fibres from aqueous dyebaths using exhaust dyeing processes and the role of added inorganic electrolyte in such dyeing systems. This part of the article presents a review of the fundamental properties and characteristics of cellulosic fibres and each of the five classes of dye employed for their coloration, as well as the essential principles involved in the application of the various types of dye to cellulosic fibres. In the next part of the article, the various theories and concepts which have been proposed to account for the promotional effect exerted by added inorganic electrolyte on dye uptake are reviewed and scrutinised, from the viewpoints of the essential physico‐chemical properties of the five classes of dye that are used and the fundamental aspects of their application.