Abstract: Through the solubility parameter calculation of disperse dyes, coating agents and organic solvents as well as the analysis of their behavior, the mechanism of color change of the coated polyester fabrics in manufacturing and storage was studied in terms of solubility parameter theory. The results show that the dye migration both in fabric coating manufacturing and storage was related to the solubility parameter of coating agents and organic solvents. In manufacture process, the coating agent with similar solubility parameter to disperse dyes’ would cause dye migration from inner fiber to fabric surface, but relieve the color change caused by uneven migration of disperse dyes during storage. The main reason for uneven dye migration during storage was the volatilization of entrapped solvent, and the uneven dye migration was more easily to occur when the solubility parameter of solvent and disperse dyes were close, or the boiling point of solvent was too high or too low. In order to reduce color change phenomenon of the coated polyester fabrics, close solubility parameter between coating agent and disperse dyes as well as far solubility parameter between organic solvent and disperse dyes were chosen.

Key words: solubility parameter, coating, disperse dye, migration, color change