Emperorcolor logo

Sulphur Blue 5

Sulphur Blue 5 (also sold as Sulfur Blue 5) is a deep navy sulfur dye designed for cotton and other cellulosic fibers. It delivers reliable wash and rub fastness when applied via the standard reduction-oxidation sulfur dyeing process.

Sulphur Blue 5 (Sulphur Dark Blue 3R) color is Navy blue,and Insoluble in water. In the Sodium sulfide solution solubility is good, for green light blue; In concentrated sulfuric acid for blue solution, dilution of dark after precipitation

Relative name

Sulphur Dark Blue 3R,Sulphur Fast Blue;Sulphur Navy Blue 3R;Sulphur Navy Blue B;

  • Typical Form - Powder (standard) / Liquid dispersion (on request)
  • Primary Fibers - Cotton, viscose; not recommended for nylon/wool
  • Application - Exhaust / Pad-dying after reduction
  • Fastness - Wash: High (when processed correctly). Light: Moderate

Sulphur Blue 5 is formulated to deliver consistent, economical navy shades for large-scale textile production. Unlike some azo or direct dyes, sulfur dyes are applied using a reduction stage (solubilization) followed by oxidation to regenerate the insoluble pigment within the fiber. This product is available both as a free-flowing powder and as a pre-dispersed liquid for easier handling in modern dye houses.

Key advantages

  • Excellent substantive uptake on cotton and viscose — suitable for denim and workwear.
  • High wash and rub fastness when standard sulfur dye procedures are followed.
  • Available in multiple formats to suit manual or automated dosing systems.
  • Cost-effective color source for high-volume & industrial processes.

General process outline (industrial reference):

  • Prepare goods and ensure good wetting (pH and temperature per mill practice).
  • Reduce the dye in alkaline sodium sulfide or proprietary reducing agent until soluble.
  • Exhaust the reduced dye onto cellulosic fiber under agitation.
  • Oxidize thoroughly (air/oxidizing agent) to develop the final shade; rinse and neutralize.

Note: the above is a workflow outline for guidance only. Perform lab trials to define exact dosages and parameters for your equipment and substrate.

Compatibility & blending tips

Sulphur Blue 5 blends well with other sulfur blacks/blues to adjust depth and undertone. Avoid mixing with dyes incompatible with sulfur chemistry (acid dyes, some vat dyes) unless specific compatibility tests have been completed.

Applications:

  • ‍Mainly used for cotton, hemp, viscose fabric dyeing;
  • can also be used to top and viscose fiber protoplasmic coloring. 
  • Sometimes also used in leather and paper dyeing.‍

Technical Specifications

  • ‍Product Name:Sulphur Blue 5
  • C.I. No.: 53235
  • CAS No.: 60569-85-9
  • Shade: Navy blue‍

Acid Resistance

4

Alkali Resistance

4

Light Fastness

5

Fulling

4

Persperation Fastness

5

Soaping(Moderate)

4-5

Soaping(Severe)

4

Package

25KG/DRUM, CARTON BOX, BAG

Troubleshooting & Scale-Up Tips

  • Poor uptake: check reduction completeness and liquor-to-goods ratio; ensure thorough wetting.
  • Uneven shades: confirm mechanical circulation and faster dye liquor replenishment; use dispersing aids if needed.
  • Low wash fastness: review oxidation step; incomplete oxidation leaves soluble residues that wash away.

Note: The data contained here are based on our current knowledge and experience. It is the responsibility of user to test our products before the final application.

Is Sulphur Blue 5 suitable for denim?

Yes — when applied to cotton with proper reduction and oxidation steps, it yields durable navy shades commonly used in denim. Finishing processes (e.g., stonewash) will affect final appearance.

Do you supply liquid formulations for automatic dosing?

We offer pre-dispersed liquid grades on request — these are convenient for automatic dosing lines and reduce dust exposure. Contact sales for formulation options.

Can I blend Sulphur Blue 5 with reactive/azo dyes?

Blending across dye chemistries is possible but requires lab trials. Sulfur dyes follow a different chemistry (reduction/oxidation) — coordinate process steps to avoid cross-interference.

Related Products
You may want to know about the following products

Get a Quote