Chemzip

Reactive, Disperse, Acid Dyes & Dye Intermediates for Global Textile Industry

28 grades across 5 chemistry families — Reactive Dyes (cotton/cellulosic), Disperse Dyes (polyester), Acid & Cationic Dyes (nylon/wool/acrylic), Dye Intermediates (H-acid, J-acid, aniline derivatives), and Dye Auxiliaries.

Quick-Pick by System

Fiber TypeDye ClassApplication ProcessTypical Color RangeRecommended Grade
Cotton (cellulosic)Reactive DyeExhaust / Pad-Steam / ContinuousFull spectrumReactive Black 5, Blue 19, Red 195, Yellow 145
Cotton (cellulosic) — DirectDirect DyeExhaust, single-stepBrown / Black / YellowDirect dyestuff for leather, cotton
Cotton (Vat)Vat DyeVat reduction then re-oxidationDeep blue/indigo, deep colorsVat Blue 4 (Indanthrone)
Cotton (Sulfur)Sulfur DyeReduction-oxidation, dark heavy colorsBlack / Navy / BrownSulfur Black 1
PolyesterDisperse DyeHT-HP / Carrier / ThermosolFull spectrumDisperse Blue 56, Red 60, Yellow 54
Polyester — PrintDisperse PrintSublimation / Print thickenerBright colors, sharp printDisperse print thickener + dye
Nylon (Polyamide)Acid DyeExhaust, slightly acidic pH 4–6Bright colors, brilliant redAcid Red 18, Blue 25
Wool (Protein)Acid DyeStrong acid pH 2–4Full spectrumAcid dye nylon-equivalent grades
Wool / Silk — PrintAcid Print PastePrint applicationSharp bright colorsAcid dye print paste
AcrylicCationic DyeHT-HP cationic exhaustBrilliant colorsCationic dye for acrylic
LeatherAcid / Direct / Reactive LeatherExhaust on tanned leatherEarth tones, deep colorsAcid/Direct/Reactive dyestuff for leather
Hair Care (PPD-based)Oxidative Dye CouplersOxidative dyeingBlack to light blondePPD intermediate, oxidative coupler

All Grades (by chemistry class)

Reactive Dyes — Cotton / Cellulosic Fiber(7)

The largest dye category by global volume. Reactive dyes contain a reactive group (vinyl sulfone, chlorotriazine, fluorochlorotriazine, or bifunctional) that forms a covalent bond with cellulosic fiber hydroxyl groups, giving wash-fast bright colors. The pad-steam continuous process dominates volume cotton dyeing; exhaust dyeing serves smaller-batch operations.

textile dyeing auxiliaries

Reactive Dye Black 5

CAS: 17095-24-8

Reactive Dye Black 5 is the world's most widely used reactive black dye for cotton and cellulosic fibers, offering deep jet-black shades with outstanding all-round fastness properties. Based on the diazo structure, it provides excellent wash fastness and is the industry standard for exhaust dyeing of denim, casual wear, and home textiles. Compatible with standard alkali-salt exhaust dyeing processes.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Reactive Dye Blue 19 (Turquoise)

CAS: 2580-78-1

Reactive Dye Blue 19, also known as Reactive Turquoise Blue, is a copper phthalocyanine-based reactive dye yielding unique bright turquoise shades on cotton and cellulosic fibers. It requires higher fixation temperatures and longer reaction times than conventional reactive dyes due to its large molecular structure. Widely used in sportswear, home textiles, and fashion fabrics.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Reactive Dye Red 195

CAS: 72799-94-1

Reactive Dye Red 195 is a high-fixation bifunctional reactive dye specifically designed for dyeing cotton and cellulosic fibers. It forms a covalent bond with the fiber under alkaline conditions, delivering brilliant red shades with outstanding wash fastness. Widely adopted in continuous and exhaust dyeing processes for woven and knitted cotton fabrics.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Reactive Dye Yellow 145

CAS: 108014-15-9

Reactive Dye Yellow 145 is a high-performance bifunctional reactive dye providing bright yellow shades on cotton and regenerated cellulosic fibers. Its VS/MCT dual reactive group structure offers superior fixation rates and excellent build-up properties for medium-to-deep shade dyeing. Ideal for trichromatic exhaust and continuous dyeing systems.

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textile printing chemicals

Reactive Bifunctional Dye

CAS: 67906-38-1

Reactive Bifunctional Dye is a high-performance chemical for textile printing processes. Designed for excellent color fastness and print definition in reactive, pigment, and digital textile applications.

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synthetic fiber chemicals

Reactive Dye for Cellulosic Fiber

CAS: 61814-57-1

Reactive Dye for Cellulosic Fiber for synthetic fiber production and finishing, enhancing processability, performance, and comfort properties of textile fibers.

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leather tanning chemicals

Reactive Dyestuff for Leather

CAS: 61814-57-1

Reactive Dyestuff for Leather for leather tanning, finishing, and preservation processes, delivering softness, durability, and aesthetic quality to leather goods.

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Disperse Dyes — Polyester(8)

The second-largest dye category, exclusively for polyester (and increasingly for PLA bioplastic). Disperse dyes are water-insoluble small molecules that diffuse into the hydrophobic polyester fiber matrix at high temperature/pressure (130°C in beam dyeing, 220°C in thermosol continuous). Sublimation grades enable digital printing onto polyester.

textile dyeing auxiliaries

Disperse Dye Blue 56

CAS: 12217-79-7

Disperse Dye Blue 56 is a high-sublimation-fastness azo-type disperse dye producing navy blue to royal blue shades on polyester and synthetic fiber blends. It exhibits excellent compatibility in trichromatic combinations and offers good thermosol properties. Commonly used in sportswear, outdoor fabrics, and automotive textiles requiring deep blue coloration.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Disperse Dye Red 60

CAS: 17418-58-9

Disperse Dye Red 60 is an anthraquinone-type disperse dye delivering brilliant red-violet shades on polyester, nylon, and acetate fibers. It offers excellent sublimation fastness, making it ideal for heat-transfer printing applications. Widely used in automotive upholstery, sportswear, and polyester woven fabric dyeing.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Disperse Dye Yellow 54

CAS: 12223-85-7

Disperse Dye Yellow 54 is a styryl-type disperse dye yielding brilliant greenish-yellow shades with very high light fastness on polyester fibers. It is particularly valued for its outstanding photostability and is preferred in outdoor, automotive, and military textile applications. Suitable for both exhaust and thermosol dyeing processes.

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synthetic fiber chemicals

Disperse Dye for Polyester

CAS: 3769-57-1

Disperse Dye for Polyester for synthetic fiber production and finishing, enhancing processability, performance, and comfort properties of textile fibers.

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textile printing chemicals

Disperse Print Thickener

CAS: 9004-32-4

Disperse Print Thickener is a high-performance chemical for textile printing processes. Designed for excellent color fastness and print definition in reactive, pigment, and digital textile applications.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Dispersing Agent for Disperse Dye (NNO)

CAS: 36290-04-7

Dispersing Agent NNO (sodium naphthalene formaldehyde sulfonate condensate) is the most widely used dispersant for disperse dye milling and polyester dyeing. It maintains fine disperse dye particle size distribution in the dye bath, preventing dye agglomeration at high temperatures. Suitable for HT dyeing, thermosol processes, and disperse dye formulation manufacturing.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Dye Carrier for Polyester (Dicyclohexyl Phthalate)

CAS: 84-61-7

Dicyclohexyl phthalate is an aromatic dye carrier that swells polyester fiber at atmospheric boil (100°C), allowing disperse dye penetration without high-pressure equipment. It temporarily plasticizes the PET polymer chain, increasing free volume for dye diffusion. Used in atmospheric pressure dyeing of polyester and polyester blends where HT equipment is unavailable.

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synthetic fiber chemicals

Dye Carrier for Polyester Fiber

CAS: 140-11-4

Dye Carrier for Polyester Fiber for synthetic fiber production and finishing, enhancing processability, performance, and comfort properties of textile fibers.

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Acid, Cationic, Direct, Vat, Sulfur — Specialty Fiber Classes(9)

Acid dyes for nylon and wool; cationic dyes for acrylic; direct dyes for cellulose (simpler than reactive but lower wash-fastness); vat dyes for deep-color cotton (denim indigo); sulfur dyes for dark heavy colors at low cost. Specialty leather dyes serve the global tannery industry.

textile dyeing auxiliaries

Acid Dye Blue 25

CAS: 6408-78-2

Acid Dye Blue 25 is an anthraquinone-type leveling acid dye yielding brilliant bright blue shades on wool, silk, and nylon. Its anthraquinone structure provides outstanding light fastness, making it suitable for high-durability wool suiting, upholstery, and nylon sportswear. Dyes under acidic pH 4–5.5 conditions with excellent bath exhaustion.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Acid Dye Red 18

CAS: 2611-82-7

Acid Dye Red 18 is a leveling acid dye providing bright scarlet-red shades on wool, silk, and nylon fibers. It dyes under weakly acidic conditions (pH 4–5) with excellent leveling properties and uniform shade development. Widely used in wool knitwear, silk scarves, and nylon carpet dyeing.

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synthetic fiber chemicals

Acid Dye for Nylon

CAS: 5850-80-6

Acid Dye for Nylon for synthetic fiber production and finishing, enhancing processability, performance, and comfort properties of textile fibers.

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textile printing chemicals

Acid Dye Print Paste

CAS: 72-57-1

Acid Dye Print Paste is a high-performance chemical for textile printing processes. Designed for excellent color fastness and print definition in reactive, pigment, and digital textile applications.

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synthetic fiber chemicals

Cationic Dye for Acrylic

CAS: 2185-86-6

Cationic Dye for Acrylic for synthetic fiber production and finishing, enhancing processability, performance, and comfort properties of textile fibers.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Vat Dye Blue 4 (Indanthrone)

CAS: 81-77-6

Vat Dye Blue 4, chemically known as Indanthrone, is the benchmark vat dye for cotton delivering deep navy-blue shades with the highest known light and wash fastness ratings. Applied via sodium dithionite/caustic soda reduction, it forms an insoluble colored pigment within the fiber on re-oxidation. Preferred in workwear, military uniform, and high-end denim dyeing.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Sulfur Dye Black 1

CAS: 1326-82-5

Sulfur Dye Black 1 is the world's most consumed textile colorant, providing deep jet-black shades on cotton and cellulosic fibers at very low cost. Applied by reduction with sodium sulfide, then re-oxidized in air or with oxidizing agents to lock color inside the fiber. The workhorse dye for denim warp yarn, cotton knit, and casualwear black dyeing worldwide.

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leather tanning chemicals

Direct Dyestuff for Leather

CAS: 2610-11-9

Direct Dyestuff for Leather for leather tanning, finishing, and preservation processes, delivering softness, durability, and aesthetic quality to leather goods.

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leather tanning chemicals

Acid Dyestuff for Leather

CAS: 5850-80-6

Acid Dyestuff for Leather for leather tanning, finishing, and preservation processes, delivering softness, durability, and aesthetic quality to leather goods.

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Dye Intermediates — H-Acid, J-Acid, Aniline Derivatives(9)

Upstream precursors for dye synthesis. H-acid (8-amino-1-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid) is the workhorse intermediate for azo dyes (reactive, acid, direct); J-acid for high-purity blacks; aniline and its substituted derivatives (m/o/p-nitroaniline, p-chloroaniline) for azo dye diazotization; resorcinol for coupling. PPD (p-phenylenediamine) is the hair-dye intermediate. Concentrated in Henan (Xinxiang, Mengzhou) and Zhejiang.

dye pigment intermediates

H-Acid (8-Amino-1-Naphthol-3,6-Disulfonic Acid)

CAS: 90-20-0

H-Acid is one of the most important naphthalene-based coupling components in the dye industry, used extensively in the synthesis of navy blue, black, and dark-shade reactive and direct azo dyes for cotton and wool. Its combination of amino, hydroxyl, and two sulfonic acid groups provides excellent coupling reactivity and contributes high wash fastness to finished dyes. Chemzip supplies H-Acid in both free acid and sodium salt forms to meet diverse formulation needs.

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dye pigment intermediates

J-Acid (6-Amino-1-Naphthol-3-Sulfonic Acid)

CAS: 87-02-5

J-Acid is a key naphthalene-based coupling component used in the synthesis of red, bordeaux, and violet azo dyes for textile, leather, and paper applications. Unlike H-Acid, it carries only one sulfonic acid group, giving it different coupling selectivity and enabling dyes with distinct hue profiles. Chemzip supplies high-purity J-Acid to dye manufacturers seeking consistent quality for specialty color formulations.

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dye pigment intermediates

Aniline

CAS: 62-53-3

Aniline is the fundamental aromatic amine intermediate used in the synthesis of azo dyes, reactive dyes, and a wide range of organic pigments. As a primary building block for the dye and pigment industry, it undergoes diazotization reactions to form diazonium salts that couple with various coupling components. Chemzip supplies industrial-grade aniline meeting strict purity specifications for dyestuff manufacturers worldwide.

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dye pigment intermediates

Meta-Nitroaniline (m-NA)

CAS: 99-09-2

Meta-nitroaniline (m-NA) serves as a versatile intermediate for yellow and greenish-yellow azo dyes, as well as a building block for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its meta-substitution pattern allows coupling reactions that are difficult to achieve with para or ortho isomers, making it valuable for specialty dye formulations. Chemzip provides consistent-quality m-NA for dye and chemical manufacturers.

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dye pigment intermediates

Ortho-Nitroaniline (o-NA)

CAS: 88-74-4

Ortho-nitroaniline (o-NA) is an important aromatic amine intermediate primarily used in the synthesis of orange and red azo dyes and as a precursor for pesticide and pharmaceutical production. Its ortho-substitution pattern imparts unique coupling characteristics that yield vivid orange hues in reactive and direct dyes. Chemzip supplies high-purity o-NA meeting international dyestuff industry standards.

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dye pigment intermediates

Para-Nitroaniline (p-NA)

CAS: 100-01-6

Para-nitroaniline (p-NA) is a key diazo component in the manufacture of azo dyes, particularly fast yellow and orange dyes used in textiles, leather, and paper. It undergoes diazotization at low temperature and couples with naphthalenic and phenolic components to produce brilliant shades. Chemzip offers technical and refined grades to meet various manufacturing requirements.

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dye pigment intermediates

Para-Chloroaniline (p-CA)

CAS: 106-47-8

Para-chloroaniline is a halogenated aromatic amine that serves as a diazonium-forming component in the synthesis of fast, light-fast azo dyes for textiles, leather, and printing inks. The chloro substituent enhances the electron-withdrawing character, producing azo dyes with improved lightfastness compared to unsubstituted aniline derivatives. Chemzip provides high-purity p-CA to dye and pigment manufacturers globally.

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dye pigment intermediates

Resorcinol (1,3-Dihydroxybenzene)

CAS: 108-46-3

Resorcinol is a dihydric phenol serving as a coupling component in the synthesis of fluorescent dyes (fluorescein, eosin), azo dyes, and as a key raw material for resorcinol-formaldehyde resin used in tire cord adhesion. In the dye and colorant industry, it enables the synthesis of brilliant yellow and orange fluorescent dyes used in highlighters, safety garments, and paper. Chemzip supplies technical-grade resorcinol for dyestuff and polymer applications.

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cosmetic hair care chemicals

PPD Hair Dye Intermediate

CAS: 106-50-3

PPD Hair Dye Intermediate for hair care and styling product formulation, delivering conditioning, moisturizing, repair, and styling performance.

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Dye Auxiliaries — Fixing Agents, Soaping, Carriers, Print Pastes(12)

Process chemistry that supports dye application but is not the colorant itself. Reactive dye fixing agents improve wash-fastness; soaping agents wash out unfixed dye; dispersing agents (NNO/Setamol) keep disperse dye particles stabilized; print pastes carry dye through screen printing; pH buffers and water softeners ensure consistent bath chemistry.

textile leather additives

Reactive Dye Fixing Agent

CAS: 68555-36-2

Reactive dye fixing agent is a cationic polymer that forms ionic bonds with unfixed reactive dye molecules on cellulosic fibers, significantly improving wet fastness, wash fastness, and perspiration fastness of dyed fabrics. It reduces hydrolyzed dye migration without causing shade change or bronzing effect. Suitable for padding and exhaust application after reactive dyeing.

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textile leather additives

Direct Dye Fixing Agent

CAS: 26590-05-6

Direct dye fixing agent is a cationic compound that crosslinks direct dye molecules on cellulosic fibers to form insoluble complexes, dramatically improving wash fastness and light fastness of direct-dyed cotton and viscose fabrics. It creates a protective polymer network around dye molecules, preventing dye bleeding during laundering. Widely used in the finishing of direct-dyed woven and knitted fabrics.

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leather tanning chemicals

Dye Fixing Agent for Leather

CAS: 108-78-1

Dye Fixing Agent for Leather for leather tanning, finishing, and preservation processes, delivering softness, durability, and aesthetic quality to leather goods.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Cationic Dye Fixative for Reactive Dye

CAS: 26590-05-6

A polyamine-based cationic fixative designed to improve wet fastness and washing fastness of reactive-dyed cotton and viscose fabrics. It forms an ionic complex with unfixed reactive dye anions on the fiber surface, reducing dye bleeding without significantly altering the original shade. Commonly used as an after-treatment in exhaust and continuous dyeing processes.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Soaping Agent for Reactive Dye (After-Treatment)

A high-performance nonionic soaping agent specially formulated to remove unfixed reactive dye and hydrolyzed dye from cotton fabric after dyeing. It prevents back-staining of the dyed fabric during the soaping wash and achieves high wet fastness standards in a single soaping step at 95°C. Suitable for all reactive dye classes including vinyl sulfone and MCT types.

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textile leather additives

Dyeing Auxiliary

CAS: 64742-47-8

Dyeing auxiliary is a multifunctional surfactant blend that acts as a carrier, dispersant, and leveling agent in textile dyeing processes to improve dye penetration, migration, and exhaustion on various fiber substrates. It optimizes dye-fiber interaction and prevents defects such as streaks, uneven uptake, and dye agglomeration during high-temperature dyeing. Suitable for polyester, nylon, cotton, and wool across disperse, acid, reactive, and direct dye applications.

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textile leather additives

Leather Dyeing Auxiliary

Leather dyeing auxiliaries are a broad class of specialty chemicals that optimize the uptake, penetration, and fixation of dyes on leather during the dyeing process. They include leveling agents that ensure uniform color distribution, penetration aids that drive dye into the corium, and fixatives that lock dye molecules to the leather substrate. Properly selected dyeing auxiliaries reduce dye consumption and improve colorfastness ratings.

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textile printing chemicals

Pad Dyeing Auxiliaries

CAS: 68155-09-9

Pad Dyeing Auxiliaries is a high-performance chemical for textile printing processes. Designed for excellent color fastness and print definition in reactive, pigment, and digital textile applications.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Ammonium Sulfate (pH Buffer for Reactive Dyeing)

CAS: 7783-20-2

Technical-grade ammonium sulfate is used in reactive dye exhaust dyeing as a mild pH buffer and slow-release alkali source, providing controlled dye exhaustion and fixation. When heated, it hydrolyzes to release ammonia and sulfuric acid, gradually lowering bath pH to promote reactive dye fixation in a more controlled manner than direct alkali addition. Also used as a diluent and anti-migration agent in disperse dye printing.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Sodium Carbonate (Fixation Alkali for Reactive Dye)

CAS: 497-19-8

Dense soda ash (sodium carbonate, Na2CO3) is the standard fixation alkali used in reactive dye exhaust and pad dyeing of cotton. It raises the dyebath pH to 10.5–11.5, activating the hydroxyl groups on cellulose fiber for covalent bonding with reactive dye groups. Widely used in both exhaustion (adding at 50°C+) and continuous pad-steam (pre-padded) processes.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Urea (Dye Solubilizer for Printing)

CAS: 57-13-6

Technical-grade urea is an essential auxiliary in reactive dye printing paste formulations. It acts as a dye solubilizer and hygroscopic agent that maintains moisture in the print area during steaming, promoting dye dissolution and migration into the fiber for high fixation efficiency. Typically used at 50–200 g/kg in print paste alongside sodium alginate and alkali.

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textile dyeing auxiliaries

Sodium Hexametaphosphate (Water Softener for Textile)

CAS: 10124-56-8

Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a polyphosphate water softener and sequestering agent used in textile dyeing and finishing to prevent calcium and magnesium scale formation. It complexes hardness ions in process water to maintain dye solubility and prevent precipitation on fabric and equipment. Cost-effective alternative to EDTA in medium-hardness water conditions.

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Imported Brand → China Equivalent

Equivalents are indicative; verify against TDS for project-critical applications.

International Brand GradeChina EquivalentMajor Chinese Producers
DyStar Remazol Black B (Reactive Black 5)Reactive Black 5浙江龙盛 (Longsheng), 浙江闰土 (Runtu), 江苏吉华
Huntsman Avitera (multifunctional reactive)Reactive Bifunctional Dye浙江龙盛, 浙江闰土
DyStar Dianix (Disperse Blue 56)Disperse Blue 56浙江龙盛, 江苏亚邦, 闰土
Clariant Foron (Disperse Red 60)Disperse Red 60浙江龙盛, 浙江闰土, 浙江山峪
DyStar Telon (Acid Red 18)Acid Red 18浙江龙盛, 江苏吉华
Sandoz Lanasyn / Tectilon (Acid)Acid dye nylon equivalent series浙江龙盛, 江苏亚邦
Ciba Astrazon (Cationic dye)Cationic dye for acrylic浙江龙盛, 上海远东
BASF Indanthrene Blue (Vat Blue 4)Vat Blue 4 Indanthrone上海安诺其, 浙江龙盛
LANXESS H-acid (intermediate)H-acid 8-amino-1-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic河南新乡迈奇 (Maiqi), 江苏盐城天嘉宜, 浙江华星化工
BASF Aniline (intermediate)Aniline industrial grade山东金岭化工, 江苏南通星辰, 河南神马
Hodogaya / Mitsubishi PPDp-Phenylenediamine PPD industrial / hair-grade河南许昌恒生 (Hensheng), 江苏 BASF

Frequently Asked Questions

Reactive vs Direct dyes for cotton — which should I choose?

Reactive dyes give bright, wash-fast colors (ISO 105-C06 ≥4 wash rating) at slightly higher cost — they covalently bond to cellulose. Direct dyes are cheaper and process-simpler but have moderate wash-fastness (rating 2–3) — they only physically adsorb to fiber. Modern cotton textiles use reactive; direct dyes survive in cost-sensitive markets and for after-treatment-improved formulations.

Reactive dye chemistry: the dye carries a reactive group (vinyl sulfone in Remazol/Black 5; mono-chlorotriazine in Procion MX; fluorochlorotriazine in Cibacron F; bifunctional VS+MCT in Sumifix Supra) that forms a covalent ether bond with cellulose hydroxyl. Bond is permanent — wash-fastness retains through 50+ launderings. Reactive dye costs $4–8/kg vs direct dye $2–4/kg, but reactive uses 50–80% lower dye-on-fiber loading (better exhaustion), so total dye cost on garment is similar. Direct dye is still preferred for: cost-sensitive markets (Bangladesh basic apparel, India lower-end yarn dyeing), brown/black earth-tones where wash-fastness matters less, garment-dyeing where multiple over-dyes are expected. Modern reactive bifunctional dyes (Avitera, Sumifix Supra) target 70%+ dye fixation rate vs 50–60% for monofunctional reactive — significantly reducing dye-house effluent color load.

What is the difference between disperse dye for HT and carrier method?

HT-HP (high-temperature high-pressure) at 130°C dyes polyester directly without carrier — the standard for new equipment. Carrier method at 100°C requires a swelling agent (e.g., dye carrier for polyester) to open the polyester structure — used in older atmospheric-pressure equipment. Thermosol (220°C continuous) is the third method for woven fabric.

HT-HP method uses jet, beam, or jig dyeing machines pressurized to 1.5–2.0 bar; temperature 130°C is the optimum for diffusing disperse dye into amorphous regions of polyester. Standard cycle 60–90 minutes; energy consumption highest. Carrier method (atmospheric pressure) requires 3–8% dye-carrier on weight of fiber to swell polyester at 100°C reflux temperature. Carriers include dicyclohexyl phthalate, ortho-phenylphenol, or modern non-toxic alternatives (DCHP-free). Carrier residual on finished fabric is an environmental concern — most modern plants converted to HT-HP between 2000 and 2015 to eliminate carrier emissions. Thermosol continuous method bypasses both — fabric is padded with disperse dye paste, dried at 100°C, then fixed at 200–220°C for 30 seconds in a tenter frame. Used in woven-fabric dye houses (sheeting, lining), not in tubular knit.

Why do my reactive-dyed cotton fabrics fade in wash?

Three common causes: (1) unfixed dye not properly washed off (need adequate soaping), (2) hydrolyzed dye precipitation in the bath, (3) high alkalinity damaging the covalent bond during washing. Use after-treatment with reactive-dye fixing agent and proper soaping protocol.

Reactive dye fixation requires alkaline conditions (pH 10.5–11 with sodium carbonate or NaOH) to form the covalent dye-fiber bond. After dyeing, unreacted (hydrolyzed) dye remains in the bath and physically adsorbs to fiber surface — this must be washed out with hot water (95°C) and soaping agent. Soaping for 10–20 minutes at 95°C with 1–2 g/L nonionic surfactant removes hydrolyzed dye. Cationic fixing agents (e.g., polyDADMAC-based or cationic amine resins) bind any remaining hydrolyzed dye to the fiber, further reducing washoff. Garment durability: properly-finished reactive-dyed cotton survives 50+ home launderings (ISO 105-C06 rating 4-5). Failure modes: insufficient soaping leaves hydrolyzed dye that washes out in first 5 cycles; chlorinated water (swimming pool) attacks vinyl sulfone reactive groups; bleach destroys all reactive dyes. Specify reactive dyes with high wet-fastness (rating 5 standard for premium garments).

Which dye intermediates are restricted by REACH or ETAD?

Specific azo-cleaving amine intermediates (24 listed in EU directive 2002/61/EC) are banned from textiles entering EU markets — benzidine, 4-aminobiphenyl, o-toluidine, etc. Dyes that release these amines upon reductive cleavage are prohibited. Most modern reactive, disperse, and acid dyes are designed to avoid these intermediates.

The EU Regulation 1907/2006 (REACH) Annex XVII Entry 43 bans textile articles where any of 24 specified azo-cleaving aromatic amines exceeds 30 mg/kg. The list includes benzidine (carcinogen Class 1), 4-aminobiphenyl, o-toluidine, p-cresidine, 2-naphthylamine, and others. Tests are run on the textile end-product, not the dye — so any dye that synthesizes from these amines is effectively banned. ETAD (Ecological & Toxicological Association of Dyes) publishes a self-imposed industry list overlapping with EU's; member companies (DyStar, Huntsman, Clariant, plus Chinese members 浙江龙盛 / 闰土 / 江苏吉华) commit to not producing or selling restricted dyes. Chinese-origin dyes for EU export must be tested per ISO 17234 (reduction + GC-MS for cleavable amines) and certified compliant. Many Chinese producers also offer OEKO-TEX 100 certification, which extends the restricted-substance list to ~350 parameters covering pesticides, heavy metals, and APEO surfactants.

Why do Indian textile dye houses prefer Chinese dyes over Indian-made?

Chinese dyes typically offer better batch-to-batch shade consistency (deviation <0.5 ΔE vs Indian 1–2 ΔE), broader product portfolio depth per category, and competitive pricing on bulk-volume contracts. Indian dye houses use Chinese dyes for shade matching to international brand specs, while Indian producers retain domestic-market volume on commodity grades.

China's dye industry has consolidated since 2015 into large integrated producers (Longsheng/Runtu/Tianjia merged + closed smaller polluters), giving scale economies and tighter QC. Indian dye production is more fragmented (1000+ producers vs China's ~200 major ones), with Atul, Bodal, Kiri Industries being the largest. For brand-specification dyeing (Levi's, H&M, Inditex, Uniqlo) that requires ΔE < 0.8 shade tolerance, Chinese-origin dye is the default choice. For commodity local-brand dyeing (Indian domestic apparel, hosiery), Indian-origin dyes are competitive on price. Supply chain: Surat, Ahmedabad, and Tirupur textile clusters import 200+ kt/yr Chinese dyes via JNPT and Mundra ports; the trade routes through Mumbai-based distributors who carry warehoused inventory of standard grades. Chemzip routes through this established channel for India-market customers.

What is the typical CIF price differential between Chinese and EU dyes?

Commodity-grade reactive and disperse dyes from Chinese producers are 50–70% lower CIF than equivalent DyStar / Huntsman / Clariant grades. The gap narrows to 25–40% for specialty multifunctional reactive dyes (Avitera-equivalent), and to 15–25% for high-end disperse dyes with proprietary chromophores.

Reactive Black 5 from 浙江龙盛 at $5–7/kg CIF Asia vs DyStar Remazol Black B at $12–18/kg. Disperse Blue 56 from 闰土 at $6–9/kg vs Clariant Foron at $14–20/kg. The gap reflects: (1) China's H-acid and aniline intermediate cost advantage (vertical integration), (2) lower compliance and HSE overhead, (3) larger Asian market share (volume scale economics). DyStar and Huntsman retain pricing premium on technology-protected dyes (multifunctional bifunctional reactive, ultra-high lightfastness disperse, specialty chromophores for high-end automotive textile). Chinese supply is dominant for: cotton T-shirt and hosiery dye (low-tech), denim indigo, polyester sportswear, fashion knit. EU brands retain supply for: automotive interior textile, technical military textile, premium silk dyeing, luxury suiting. The market is bifurcating, not consolidating to one origin.

What documents and certifications come with the dye?

COA (color strength, shade ΔE, moisture, salt content, banned amine test per ISO 17234), SDS/MSDS, TDS standard. OEKO-TEX 100 certificate available for finished-textile-grade dyes; ZDHC MRSL compliance for global apparel brands (Levi's, H&M, Inditex, Nike supply chain). ETAD compliance statement for EU buyers.

Each dye batch's COA includes: dye content (titration or HPLC), color strength relative to standard reference (% strength), shade ΔE in CIELAB color space vs reference, moisture, electrolyte content (NaCl for reactive, Na₂SO₄ for disperse), insoluble matter, banned-amine GC-MS test per ISO 17234, heavy metals per WHO drinking-water limits. OEKO-TEX 100 certification extends to ~350 parameters; ZDHC MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List) covers ~250 substances for apparel brand chain-of-custody. Chinese dye producers serving Western brands typically have multiple certifications (BlueSign, ZDHC, OEKO-TEX, REACH SVHC, ETAD member status). For dye-intermediate sales (H-acid, aniline), the regulatory burden is lower — REACH registration and SDS suffice for industrial intermediate transactions.

MOQ, packaging, lead time for dye export?

Samples 0.5–2 kg free; standard commercial MOQ 100–500 kg for finished dye, 1 metric ton for intermediates (H-acid, aniline). Packaging: 25 kg fiber drum (most common), 1 t bulk-bag, 50 kg HDPE drum for liquid. Lead time Asia 2-3 weeks, EU/NA 5-7 weeks, India 10-15 days.

Finished dye shelf life is 24 months in original sealed 25 kg fiber drum stored below 30°C dry. Dye is a relatively stable powder — primary deterioration is moisture absorption causing caking. Standard 25 kg fiber drum (lined with PE) holds either powder or pre-paste dye. Liquid disperse-dye paste (40–50% solids) is supplied in 50 kg HDPE drum or 1 t IBC. Container-load economics: 20-foot container holds 18–22 t dye (depending on density). Sea freight Asia-India 10-15 days via JNPT/Mundra/Pipavav; Asia-Bangladesh 12-18 days via Chittagong; Asia-Vietnam 7-10 days via Ho Chi Minh/Haiphong; Asia-Turkey 25-32 days via Istanbul; Asia-Brazil 30-40 days via Santos. For India and Bangladesh markets, distributor inventory in Mumbai or Dhaka is common — Chemzip can route via these established channels for faster delivery (1-2 weeks) on standard grades.

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