<div> The textile chemical industry is becoming increasingly diverse in its offering of a large range of different dyes, pigments and finishes. These chemicals can create a variety of desirable properties in the final textile product. In one comprehensive book, the editor and contributors detail the advances that have occurred in dyes and colorants, as well as developments in textile finishing chemicals.<BR> <br> Chapters in part one review advances in dyes and colorants, including chromic materials, optical effect pigments and microencapsulated colorants for technical textile applications. Other types of functional dyes considered include UV- absorbent, anti-microbial and water-repellent dyes. The regulation regarding the use of textile dyes and advances in finishing techniques as mechanical finishing, softening treatments and the use of enzymes are the focuses of part two, along with the use of nanotechnology in producing hydrophobic, super-hydrophobic and antimicrobial finishes. The book concludes with a discussion of speciality polymers for the finishing of technical textiles.</div>