Dyes are classified in two ways, one, based on the method of application and other on their parent structure.
Based on method of application:
- Acid dyes: These are acidic in nature and used for dyeing animal fibres and synthetic fibres. These can be used for protein fibre such as wool and silk.
E.g. Picric acid, Naphthol yellow-s
- Basic dyes: These are basic dyes containing basic group (- NH2 ,- NHR, – NR2). They are used for dyeing animal fibres and plant fibres.
- Mordant dyes or Indirect dyes: These dyes have a poor affinity for cotton fabrics and hence do not dye directly. They require pretreatment of the fibre with a mordant. Mordant (latin: mordere = to bite) is a substance which can be fixed to the fibre and then can be combined with the dye to form an insoluble complex called lake. Aluminium, chromium, and iron salts are widely used as mordants.
E.g. alizarin.
- Direct dyes: They have high affinity for cotton, rayon and other cellulose fibre. So they are applied directly as they fix firmly on the fabric.
E.g. Congo red
- Vat dyes: It can be used only on cotton and, not on silk and wool. This dyeing is a continuous process and is carried out in a large vessel called vat. So it is called as vat dye.
E.g. Indigo
