Reactive dyes (Procion)
Tintes reactivos (Procion)
- Date
- 1954-1956 · confidence high
- Place
- Blackley, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
- Credited to
- Ian Rattee and William Stephens (ICI)
- Field
- Matter & energy
What it is
Dyes that form a covalent bond with the cellulose molecules of cotton rather than merely adhering to them. They give bright colours that are very wash-fast and easy to apply at room temperature.
Discovered in 1954 through the reaction of trichlorotriazine with cellulose and marketed in 1956 as Procion; today they dominate cotton dyeing. The precursor cited is contextual.
What it led to
- cotton dyed in bright, fast colours
- cold dyeing with energy savings
- reactive dyes for wool, silk and nylon (Remazol, Cibacron)