Stabilization mechanisms of C.I. Disperse Red 60 dispersions in the presence of its dye–polyether derivatives

This study is focused on understanding the relationship between the molecular structure of a series of dye–polyether derivatives and its dispersing ability for parent disperse dye. The effects of dye–polyether derivatives including anchoring groups and polyether chains on the aggregation at the air/solution interface, adsorption behavior and dispersion stability for dye dispersions were investigated systematically to elucidate the governing stabilization mechanism. By comparing with their polyether monoamines counterparts, it was found that the introduction of dye molecule into polyether monoamines increased their aggregation tendency at the air/solution interface and the adsorbed amount on the dye particles surface. The adsorption behavior of dye–polyether derivatives can be described by scaling laws, consisting with the predicted brush-like conformation. Dyes dispersed with dye–polyether derivatives are stable while dispersions containing polyether monoamines present low stability. The result can be explained by particle interaction potential curves together with dynamic considerations. The copolymers in this study effluences the dye dispersion stability through both molecular weight and hydrophobicity. The enhanced stability of dye–polyether derivatives can be attributed to the increased adlayer thickness and polyether chain density.