S~O P S i SAn analysis is given of the principal thermodynamic factors that influence the distribution of an ion between a macroscopically homogeneous polymer phase and a second homogeneous phase and a general method is proposed for the computation of the equilibrium ion sorptions in well-defined model systems. Particular attention is paid to the sorption of ions by polymers containing ionizable groups and the method is used to clarify some of the current problems in the theoretical explanation of the mechanism of sorption of acid dye anions by polyamide fiben. The method is applicable in principle to any dyeing system in which the fiber phase may be regarded a t equilibrium as a macroscopically homogeneous, equipotential volume.

The photodegradation of three representative acid dyes commonly used to colour nylon was studied in nylon films. It was observed that irreversible photodegradation of the dyes occurs only at wavlengths shorter than 350nm and that the quantum yield increases as the photolysis wavelength decreases. It was also found that u.v. photolysis of the dyes is partially reversible and that photodegradation is inhibited by oxygen. Evidence is presented that photodegradation occurs by a reduction process, involving hydrogen transfer from the nylon polymer to the excited dye.