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Kornit’s Digital Printing Glossary

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Reactive Dye Definition

Reactive Dye Definition

Reactive dye is a type of textile dye that allows for greater fastness properties due to a reaction with the substrate it is applied on. The name of reactive dye, which was originally invented in the ’50s, is based on its chemical reaction to cellulose, which forms a covalent bond and a strong attachment between the dye molecules and the fibre, resulting in solid fastness properties. This organic substance normally dissolves as it comes in contact with water and can be used for textile dyeing procedures conducted at room temperature. 

Reactive dye usage is quite popular in the textile printing industry and takes part in printing on cotton, wool, nylon, silk, blended, and other fabrics. It offers a cost-efficient, simple dyeing process and versatile applications with a wide range of colors and vibrant shades. The existing applications of reactive dye include semi-continuous and continuous dyeing, exhaust dyeing, direct printing, discharge printing, resist printing, inkjet printing, and more. 

To find the right ink set and dyeing procedure for your business, we invite you to explore Kornit’s collection of inks & consumables and advance today to the digital textile printing methods of tomorrow.