The Coloration of High Tenacity Polyamide Fabrics with Acid Dyes Using a New Continuous Dyeing Process

F abrics made from high modulus, high tenacity, low shrinkage polycar-bonamide fibers are stable against light and heat, have low dry heat shrinkage (3%). are fatigue resistant with good ad-hesion properties, have high tenacity with outstanding toughness and are resistant to degradation and mildew (if finish free). End uses include coated and protective fabrics, sewing threads, tapes, backpacks, boots, camera and videocomputer bags, hunting apparel and gear, indoor/wtdoor furniture, soft sided luggage, golf and duffle tfags, upholstery and apparel. A problem with the fibers has been that fab-rics made from them are difficult to dye Fabrics constructed from high modulus, high tenacity, low shrinkage polyamide fibers sold under the trademarks Du Pont high tenacity nylon 6,6 a n d Cordura nylon are dyed with acid dyes by a new continuous dyeing process cal led the HTN Process. The process does not use high temperature steamers or 100% solvent systems. The process, based on padding prepared fabric open width into a specially formulated aqueous dye pad solution at ambient temperatures, is designed to solubilize, permeate and fix the acid dye molecules inside the polyamide fiber. The padded, squeezed and dried fabric is cured with dry heat thermosoled at high temperatures. First quality dyed fabrics with outstanding colorfastness to light, washing and crocking are sa id t o be possible with this process