Method of dyeing polypropylene fiber with more than one color

Abstract

A method of dyeing polypropylene fiber to create areas of different color on the fiber. A first dye solution containing a disperse dye and a dye-promoting agent is applied to substantially the entire surface of the fiber to cover the fiber with a first color. Thereafter, and while the fiber surface is still wet with the first dye solution, a second dye solution containing a disperse dye of a second color is applied only to selected discontinuous areas of the fiber. The second dye solution displaces the first dye solution in those areas of the fiber surface to which the second dye solution is applied. Then, the fiber is subjected to an elevated temperature high enough, and for a period of time sufficient, to fix the dyes in the fiber. Preferably, the second dye solution is more viscous than the first dye solution. After the dye fixation step, the fiber is scoured to remove excess dye. If desired, the second dye solution also contains a dye-promoting agent.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.