A review of exploring ionic and nonionic dyeing of polyester: sustainable solutions and applications

The textile industry is increasingly adopting cutting-edge technologies for dyeing polyester fabrics, driven by the need for enhanced color vibrancy and durability. Polyester, a synthetic polymer made primarily of terephthalic acid and a diol, presents distinct challenges in dyeing due to its hydrophobic nature and lack of reactive sites. This review introduces novel approaches for overcoming these challenges by examining the dyeing of polyester fibers with both ionic and nonionic dyes, with a particular focus on advanced surface modification techniques such as plasma treatment, ultrasonic waves, ozone exposure, and chitosan application. These innovative methods introduce reactive functional groups to the polyester surface, significantly improving its affinity for ionic dyes, which offer superior reactivity and color stability compared with nonionic dyes. While prior research has explored dyeing strategies for polyester, a comprehensive review specifically addressing the use of ionic and nonionic dyes alongside surface modification technologies remains rare. This paper highlights new insights into the mechanisms of dye–fiber interactions, emphasizing how surface treatments can enhance dye uptake, improve light fastness, and enable more vibrant and durable shades. This review further discusses the interplay between functional groups on polyester fibers and ionic dyes, proposing that integrating both dye types can optimize both aesthetic and functional properties in polyester textile applications. The novel contribution of this study lies in its detailed exploration of how surface modifications can be tailored to enable a broader and more effective range of dyeing options, leading to advancements in the coloration of polyester textiles.