The application of cationic fixing agents to cotton dyed with direct dyes under different pH conditions

The effect of application pH on the effectiveness of the conventional cationic fixing agents Matexil FC-ER and Fixogene CXF in improving the wash fastness of the commercial direct dyes CI Direct Red 89, CI Direct Yellow 106 and CI Direct Blue 85 on cotton has been investigated. While the recommended neutral pH application resulted in improved fastness of the dyeings to the ISOC06/C2 wash fastness test, wash fastness was noticeably better when the fixing agents were applied under alkaline conditions.