Solubilization of ionic dyes in supercritical carbon dioxide: a basic study for dyeing fiber in non-aqueous media

Solubilization of ionic dyes in supercntical carbon dioxide has been investigated using the reverse micellar system. The reverse micelle composed of pentaethylene glycol n-octyl ether and co-surfactant provided suitable solubilizing space for ionic dyes in supercritical carbon dioxide. The effect of the co-surfactant, alcohol, on the stability of the reverse micelle was also investigated. It was found that stability of the reverse micelle and capacities to dissolve water and ionic dyes in the system are greatly dependent on the chain length of alcohol. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.