Solvent Dyes
Introduction
Solvent dye is a dye that is soluble in plastics or organic solvents. When it goes with an organic solvent the dyeing process occurs in a solution. As the molecules of solvent dyes have a very small polarity or none at all there is no ionization involved in the dyeing process as it does, say, with acid dyes. Solvent dyes are normally water insoluble. One commonly used organic solvent with solvent dyes that is non-polar is petrol. Solvent dyes are pretty versatile and have found their way into a number of applications. One of their common uses is in the automotive sector to impart color to petrol fuel and other lubricants. Varied hydrocarbon based non-polar materials such as waxes and candles, coatings and wood stains are colored with the aid of solvent dyes. In the printing industry they go towards marking inkjet inks, inks and glass coloration. Printing is followed by the media industry where the solvent dyes are used for magazines and newspapers.

Properties Of Solvent Dyes
- Solvent Dyes are insoluble in water
- Molecules of solvent dyes are nonpolar or little polar
- They do not undergo ionization
- It forms a colloidal solution
- Solvent dyes have poor to good light fastness property
- Red and yellow solvent dyes are azo dyes, whereas green and blue ones tend to be anthraquinone dyes
- They do not produce discrete films or residues while manufacturing
- It enhances colour with consistency and quality with their solid capacity of being dissolved in organic solvents
- It is solvable in non-polar solutions due to granular redisposition
- Solvent dyes include alcohols, fats, waxes, oils, aromatic hydrocarbons etc.