Dyeing of Polyester-Spandex Fabric Was Discussed by AATCC Forum

Nylon-spandex fabrics have performed well in the marketplace, but there have been some challenges for the dyer in achieving color fastness for polyester-spandex fabrics. Given the issues related to dye migration with polyester-spandex, AATCC will hold a special meeting at its upcoming November 2013 Technical Committee Meetings in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US, to explore reactivating Committee RR92, Interaction of Dyes and Finishes.
 
The meeting will look at these issues and will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, from 1pm until 1:45pm with Martin Bide acting as temporary chair. Bide is a professor in the Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design at the University of Rhode Island.
 
Until recently, polyester-spandex fabrics have been less common than nylon-spandex, mainly because the high temperatures required for dyeing polyester could damage the spandex. Improved spandex, and the significantly lower cost of polyester, has resulted in the proliferation of the use of polyester stretch fabrics (which includes fabrics incorporating polyester and spandex type yarns) in new apparel and home furnishing applications.
 
This has resulted in a new and unique issue, particularly associated with fabrics dyed to dark shades including black, navy, burgundy, and forest green. During storage and/or consumer use, when exposed to conditions that are conducive to the movement of disperse dyes, dyes from the spandex can migrate onto adjacent materials that are receptive to disperse dyes (such as polyester labels, paper, or plastic) and result in noticeable staining of the materials.
 
About AATCC:
The Association of Textile, Apparel & Materials Professionals, is the world’s leading not-for-profit association serving textile professionals since 1921. AATCC, headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C., USA, provides test method development, quality control materials, and professional networking for members in about 60 countries throughout the world.