Characterization of the photophysics of a mixed system of red disperse dyes using experimental and theoretical methods

While many disperse dyes have been studied in a variety of scientific fields, from textiles to biochemistry, most studies have been conducted on individual dyes having specific chromogens. However, bearing in mind that dyes are often used in combinations, in order to produce target colors for outdoor environments, an understanding of the photophysics of mixed system of dyes is important. As an extension of our previous work pertaining to scarlet and blue disperse dyes developed for use in outdoor applications, we investigated the photophysics of two commercial colorants and their various components (azo and anthraquinone red disperse dyes) to help account for their photostability when used in combinations. In this regard, experimental and modeling studies were performed to get insight into excited-state properties following light absorption. Transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) showed that the dye mixtures dissipated excited-state energy much faster than the main component (an anthraquinone disperse red dye), which emphasized the benefit of multiple components in a commercial dye. The reduced excited-state lifetime clearly showed that the presence of additional dyes can play an important role in the photophysics and improving photostability.

Automated summary

Studies have shown that mixed dye systems with multiple components dissipate excited-state energy faster than single main dyes, emphasizing the benefits of having multiple components in commercial dyes for improving photostability.