Preparation of the cellulose/silica hybrid containing cationic group by sol–gel crosslinking process and its dyeing properties

The cellulose/silica hybrid (CSH) was prepared by sol–gel crosslinking process. 2,4,6-tri [(2-epihydrin-3-bimethyl-ammonium)propyl]-1,3,5-triazine chloride (Tri-EBAC) was used as crosslinking agent in the sol–gel process. The dyeing properties of the cellulose/silica hybrid with the traditional reactive dyes were discussed by reflectance spectra, color yield (K/S) and the colorimetric data of CIELAB. SEM analysis was used to characterize surface structure of the cellulose/silica hybrid. The results show that the cellulose/silica hybrid could be dyed with traditional reactive dyes. The dyeing process for the cellulose/silica hybrid quickly reached equilibrium. K/S of three different color dyes on cellulose/silica hybrid was much higher than those of them on the traditional cellulose. Cellulose/silica hybrid imparted excellent fastness properties. After dyeing, the reflectance spectra curves and the minimum reflectance wavelengths of the dyed cellulose/silica hybrid and cellulose fabrics had not noticeable change.