Abstract

Sulfur dyes are used mainly for dyeing textile cellulosic materials or blends of cellulosic fibers with synthetic fibers such as acrylic fibers, polyamides (nylons), and polyesters. They are also used for silk and paper in limited quantities for specific applications. Solubilized sulfur dyes are used on certain types of leather. From an application point of view, the sulfur dyes are between vat, direct, and fiber-reactive dyes. They give good to moderate lightfastness and good wetfastness at low cost and rapid processing.

The quality of sulfur dyes has greatly improved mainly because well-defined organic compounds are used as starting materials. Owing to better techniques, sulfur dyes have good storage stability and fastness properties, and are generally easily adaptable to modern dyeing methods. In the 1980s and 1990s, reduction of sulfide levels has been achieved.

Properties, classifications, structure, manufacture, applications, economic aspects, health and safety factors, and uses are all discussed.