The Diffusion of Direct Dyes into Cellulose

Some recent theoretical papers concerned with the diffusion of direct dyes into cellulose are reviewed. Mathematical solutions of the diffusion equation applicable to dyeing with a restricted amount of dye, as in commercial practice, are presented in a form suitable for calculation. Several examples of calculated rate–of–dyeing curves, suitable for direct comparison with measured ratos of dyeing from a commercial dyebath, are shown. Attempts to provide a quantitative theoretical explanation of the experimental facta about rate of dyeing are discussed. The picture of dye diffusion in cellulose, which seems to be emerging as a result of recent work, is described.