Abstract: As a better dyeing process in textile industry, foam dyeing of reactive dye uses less energy and protects environment. In order to analyze properties of the foaming system, the foam is generated by mechanical stirring, blow ratio and half-life of foam are used to characterise the foam properties; different frothers and stabilizers were added in the foaming system to analyze the effects on foam properties; and different concentrations of reactive dyes, inorganic salts, sodium carbonate and urea were added in the foaming system to analyze the influence of concentrations on foam properties and foam stability. The experiment results indicated that when using 2g/L sodium dodecyl sulfate as frother, dodecanol and guar gum as stabilizers with the ratio of 3:4, the foam system was stable; dyes and additive agents were all influencing the foam properties.

Key words: foam dyeing, foaming agent, stabilizer, half-life, reactive dye