Tertiary amine cationic polyacrylamide with high cationization degree was used as a new cationic agent to pretreat cotton with dip-pad-bake method. The obtained cationic cotton was dyed with reactive dyes in the ab-sence of electrolyte. The effects of the characteristics of the cationic agent and the pretreatment conditions on dye-ability of reactive dye were investigated. The results showed that the fixation and K/S values of the reactive dyes on the cationic cotton were improved compared with those on the untreated one in the presence of salt. Tests on fast-ness properties of the dyed cotton and fabric quality of the pretreated cotton were carried out and the results showed that wash and rub fastness of the salt-free dyeing were both satisfactory. And anti-crease property,tensile and tear strength,and handling of the cationic cotton were also good compared with that of the untreated one.
