Chemicals called textile dye fixatives are employed during the dying process to increase the fabrics' ability to hold their color.In order to produce a long-lasting color on clothes, the dye molecules must stick to the fibers.But in the absence of adequate fixing, washing, light exposure, and other environmental conditions can cause these dye molecules to fade or wash out over time. Fixatives are important because they strengthen the connection between the fabric and the dye, increasing the color's resistance to fading and washing.They enhance the textile's colorfastness and durability by assisting in locking the dye molecules into the fibers. Various textile dye fixatives are available; the selection process is contingent upon the specific type of dye and fabric to be dyed. Among the typical fixatives are: Salt Fixation: Adding salt to the dye bath (often sodium chloride) is a technique used with reactive dyes.Enhancing colorfastness, the salt strengthens the link between the dye molecules and the cloth strands. Steam Fixation: This technique uses steam to help establish the dye molecules into the fibers of the dyed fabric.Acid dyes are frequently used with steam fixation to dye wool, silk, and nylon. Heat Fixation: To set the dye, heat is used to the fabric that has been dyed. Disperse dyes, which are used on synthetic textiles like polyester, are frequently applied using this technique. Chemical Fixatives: To increase colorfastness, chemical fixatives can also be applied to the colored fabric.These substances have the ability to interact with dye molecules to strengthen their connection with the fibers. In addition to increasing colorfastness, textile dye fixatives help with sustainability by minimizing the amount of dye that washes off over the course of the textile's life. They are essential in making sure textiles keep their brilliant colors after numerous washings and uses, prolonging the life of the fabric or article of clothing.
