Investigation of the improved dyeability of cationised cotton via photografting with UV active cationic monomers

In this study cotton fabric was photografted with cationic monomers using UV radiation. The dyeability of cationised cotton, in the absence of salt, with three classes of dye (direct, reactive and sulphur dyes) was significantly improved due to the increased ionic attraction between the dyes and the cationic cotton. The colour fastness of the cationised fabric was similar or better than that of the untreated fabric. In addition, when cationised, crosslinked crease‐resist cotton also showed improved dyeability, in the absence of salt, to direct dyes.