The role of various dyeing auxiliaries in the fastness characteristics of cotton coloured with various natural dyes through Pad-steam method (Part-I)

Abstract

This research project was carried to evaluate the colour fastness of cotton fabric some dyed with natural dyes obtained from plant and applied on by pad steam method. Due to the rising trend of going “green” all over the world, the revival of natural dyes on textiles have become crucial. Dyes from natural sources show improved biodegradability and are mostly environment ecofriendly. Their natural colouring substance is usually non-allergic,  non-carcinogenic non-toxic, and non-hazardous to the user as well as environment. However,  their non-uniform shades and poor to moderate colourfastness are some of the common drawbacks. In this research, dyes from alkanet root (Alkanna tinctoria), , madder root (Rubia tinctorum), cutch root (Acacia catechu), marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) and Turkey red (Rubia cordifolia) were used on cotton fabric. To appraise the prospect of improving their fastness properties, various dyeing auxiliaries have been incorporated in the dying formulas. Besides metallic mordants (alum, aluminium sulphate, potassium dichromate, copper sulphate, and ferric chloride), cationizing agents, finishing agents, crosslinkers and UV absorbers were applied by pre and post treatment techniques.

Key Words:

Natural dye, alkanet root, cutch root, madder root, marigold flower, Turkey red, pad-steam dyeing