SOLVENT DYES

Solvent Dyes are characterized by their solubility in organic solvents or plastics. When used with an organic solvent, the dyeing process takes place in a solution. The molecules of solvent dyes are non-polar (or have a small amount of polarity). This means that the dying process does not take place through ionization (as is the case with other types of colorants like acid dyes). For this reason, solvent dyes are typically insoluble in water.

Solvent dyes are fairly versatile and used in various applications. One type of non-polar, organic solvent that is commonly used with solvent dyes is petrol. Accordingly, solvent dyes are often used in the automotive industry to color petrol fuel and other hydrocarbon based fuel oils. They are also commonly utilized to color candles and waxes, ink and inkjets, wood stains and coatings, and a variety of other non-polar, hydrocarbon based materials. Because of their chemical compatibility, solvent dyes have become widely used for dyeing plastics. The coloring of PVC is now done almost categorically with the use of solvent dyes.

The naming of solvent dyes has been standardized, following the pattern of the color of the dye (and a distinguishing number) coming after the word “solvent.” For example, multiple shades of red solvent dyes are differentiated by the number at the end of the name (i.e. “Solvent Red 1,” Solvent Red 49,” Solvent Red 24,” Solvent Red 111,” etcetera).

Solvent dyes are just one type of colorant that Pylam offers. Whatever your product may be, we are certain to have the appropriate dye or pigment. All of our colorants, including our solvent dyes, are of the highest quality. We conduct thorough testing to ensure that the colorants we choose match the chemical composition of your product. Contact us today and let us help you find the perfect color for your product.