Overview
EN ISO 105‑Z03:1998 (ISO 105‑Z03:1996) defines a laboratory method to determine the intercompatibility of basic (cationic) dyes on acrylic fibres. The standard assesses how a basic dye behaves when applied in combination with other basic dyes - an important property for achieving even, on‑tone shades in acrylic textiles where dyes show little migration. Compatibility is expressed against two five‑step reference scales (a yellow scale and a blue scale) using specified reference dyes.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Method for determining compatibility of a basic dye with other basic dyes on acrylic fibres.
- Reference materials: Use of specified reference dyes (examples include Basic Orange 42 and Basic Blue 69) arranged into yellow and blue series; amounts are given as % omf (on mass of fabric) in the standard’s table.
- Test conditions:
- Liquor:goods ratio: 40:1
- Dyebath pH: 4.5 ± 0.2 (controlled with glacial acetic acid and sodium acetate)
- Typical dyeing temperature: set baths at 95 °C; dyeing temperature may be adjusted within 90–100 °C to ensure equal exhaustion across specimens
- Specimen pretreatment: 10 min at ≈95 °C in 1% acetic acid + 1% sodium acetate (omf)
- Specimen count: 4–6 specimens per dyebath
- Assessment:
- Compatibility value equals the reference dye that produces on‑tone dyeings throughout the sequence of specimens.
- Values can be fractional (e.g., 2.5); if outside the scale assign <1 or >5.
- Quality of reagents/water: Use analytical‑grade reagents and grade 3 water per ISO 3696.
- Safety: Follow laboratory safety (gloves, goggles, respirators for powders/organic vapours) and local regulations.
- Test report requirements: Must include the standard reference, full dye description, acrylic fibre tested, and the compatibility result.
Applications and users
- Textile dye manufacturers and chemical formulators - to select compatible dye blends and avoid unlevelness in acrylic dyeings.
- Textile mills and garment manufacturers - for process control and troubleshooting mixed‑dye recipes.
- Independent textile test laboratories and quality assurance teams - to verify supplier claims and ensure reproducible shade matching.
- R&D groups developing new basic dyes or dyeing processes for acrylic fibres.
Related standards
- ISO 3696 (Water for analytical laboratory use) - cited for water quality.
- ISO 105 series (general colour fastness testing principles) - for broader testing context and reporting.
Keywords: EN ISO 105‑Z03:1998, ISO 105‑Z03, colour fastness, intercompatibility, basic dyes, acrylic fibres, textile testing, dye compatibility, reference dyes.