Levelling agent and process of levelling for the disperse dyeing of hydrophobic materials

摘要

The present invention involves an improved levelling agent and a method of using it in the disperse dyeing of hydrophobic synthetic fiber materials such as polyesters and polyamides. The levelling agent enhances dye migration without substantially accelerating the exhaustion of dye onto the fabric being dyed. It is based on diaryl ethers such as ditolyl ether mixed with emulsifiers and optionally a diluent which is water or an organic solvent. It also involves a process for improving the levelness of already dyed materials by subjecting them to temperatures above the boiling point of water in the presence of diaryl ether based levelling agents.