One-Step Polyester Dyeing and Antibacterial Treatment Using Innovative Thiazole Azo Dyes in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Abstract A novel approach in the field, a range of new azothiazole dyes substituted with different hydrophobic groups, was utilized as colorants for dyeing polyester fabrics in a supercritical carbon dioxide environment. The innovative dyes were analyzed using standard spectroscopy techniques and elemental analysis. The dyeing process was assessed for its dyeing ability, color strength, and color fastness for twelve different dyes. The polyester fabrics dyed with these dyes appeared in various shades, between red and magenta. Using the AATCC method, the antibacterial assessment revealed that some dyes exhibited significant antibacterial properties against both positive and negative bacteria. All 12 dyes showed outstanding resistance to washing, rubbing, and light, with staining and color change ratings of 4–5. The results indicate that the synthesized dyes could be employed for large-scale, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly polyester fabric dyeing utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide. Graphical abstract