*1.1.2.4. UV Excimer laser modification on polyamide materials: effect on the dyeing properties*

Polyamide materials irradiated with 193 nm ArF Excimer laser developed ripple-like struc‐ tures of micron size on the surface. (Figure 3)

**Figure 3.** Morphological features of untreated and laser treated nylon 6 fabric

These structures are strictly perpendicular to the stress direction of the fiber. Dyeing results revealed that the dyeing properties of all dyes on polyamide fabrics changed remarkably af‐ ter the treatment.

Results suggest that the change in coloration closely correspond with the ripple-like struc‐ tures and the changes in chemical properties induced by laser treatment. It should be noted that the increased rate of exhaustion of acid dyes by laser treatment is not beneficial for dye‐ ing polyamides since this will enhance the non-uniformity of the dye. While deeper dyeing is a greater advantage for disperse and reactive dyes since darker shades are obtainable us‐ ing only the usual amounts of dyestuffs. To conclude, the excimer laser modification process has a high industrial potential, as it is an environmentally friendly dry process not involving any of the solvents required for a wet chemical process. After laser treatment, the dyeing properties of disperse and reactive dyes are improved and this provides an alternative choice for dyeing polyamide materials. (Figure 4) [16]

**Figure 4.** Dye bath exhaustion study of laser treated nylon 6 fabrics; (●) Control (▲) Laser treated

Surface Modification Methods for Improving the Dyeability of Textile Fabrics

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/53911

43

*1.1.2.4. UV Excimer laser modification on polyamide materials: effect on the dyeing properties*

tures of micron size on the surface. (Figure 3)

42 Eco-Friendly Textile Dyeing and Finishing

**Figure 3.** Morphological features of untreated and laser treated nylon 6 fabric

choice for dyeing polyamide materials. (Figure 4) [16]

ter the treatment.

These structures are strictly perpendicular to the stress direction of the fiber. Dyeing results revealed that the dyeing properties of all dyes on polyamide fabrics changed remarkably af‐

Results suggest that the change in coloration closely correspond with the ripple-like struc‐ tures and the changes in chemical properties induced by laser treatment. It should be noted that the increased rate of exhaustion of acid dyes by laser treatment is not beneficial for dye‐ ing polyamides since this will enhance the non-uniformity of the dye. While deeper dyeing is a greater advantage for disperse and reactive dyes since darker shades are obtainable us‐ ing only the usual amounts of dyestuffs. To conclude, the excimer laser modification process has a high industrial potential, as it is an environmentally friendly dry process not involving any of the solvents required for a wet chemical process. After laser treatment, the dyeing properties of disperse and reactive dyes are improved and this provides an alternative

Polyamide materials irradiated with 193 nm ArF Excimer laser developed ripple-like struc‐

**Figure 4.** Dye bath exhaustion study of laser treated nylon 6 fabrics; (●) Control (▲) Laser treated
