Improving the coloration depth and fastness of poly(ethylene‐vinyl acetate) foam dyed with disperse dye by carrier dyeing and film formation

Abstract In order to solve the problems of poor dyeing properties and the colour fastness to ageing of poly(ethylene‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) foam, good dyeing performance was obtained by disperse dye carrier dyeing method, and the colour fastness to ageing was improved by surface film forming. The effect of dyeing process on dyeing properties was investigated by the single factor variable method. The effect of film formation on colour fastness to ageing was also studied. The results showed that disperse dye carrier dyeing could significantly improve the dyeing depth of EVA foam. Addition of carrier and prolongation of dyeing time could significantly improve the colour strength ( K/S ) values and dye penetration. However, the increase of the dosage of dyes and the concentration of the carrier could lead to a serious decrease of the colour fastness to ageing of EVA. The colour fastness to ageing of EVA could be obviously improved by film forming on the surface. Waterborne polyurethane film‐forming agent could improve the colour fastness to ageing by 1.5 grades, but the rubbing fastness was poor. When waterborne polyurethane and acrylate film‐forming agent were compounded, the colour fastness to ageing and the colour fastness to rubbing could be improved.