Comparison of properties of cotton fabric dyed with pigment and reactive dye

Bleached cotton fabrics were dyed in light, medium and dark shades with pigment and reactive dye systems. The properties of the dyed fabrics were compared. It was found that in terms of fabric pilling and light fastness, particularly in deep shades, pigment dyeing is superior to reactive dyeing. However, in terms of fabric stiffness, tear strength and rubbing fastness, pigment dyeing is inferior to reactive dyeing. In terms of fabric tensile strength and washing fastness, both the dyeing systems have comparable performance.