In the pad-steam process of vat dye, intermediate drying is carried out for \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\)
Step 1: Pad-Steam Process Overview: Fabric is padded with insoluble vat dye pigment, then undergoes chemical padding (reducing agent and alkali) and steaming for fixation.
Step 2: Intermediate Drying: A drying step can be added between dye pigment padding and chemical padding.
Step 3: Drying Step Purpose: Wet fabric with dye particles can experience uneven pigment distribution (migration) during the chemical padding. Intermediate drying fixes the pigment on fibers, preventing migration and ensuring even dyeing.
Step 4: Alternative Outcomes: While better fixation (A), increased color depth (C), and avoiding color change (D) are benefits of the complete process, intermediate drying specifically prevents pigment migration before fixation.