Light fading, rub and wash fastness of sulphur-dyed cotton fabrics aftertreated with cation–tannin protective system
ISSN: 0369-9420
Article publication date: 2 June 2020
Issue publication date: 19 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Sulphur dyes are the most highly consumed colourants for cellulosic substrates owing to their reasonable cost and acceptable fastness. However, the use of noxious conventional reducing agent, sodium sulphide and impaired wash fastness against oxidative bleaching is gradually decreasing the market of these dyes. As the need for “Green” goods and services is raising public awareness, this paper aims to use a glucose-based biodegradable reducing agent in place of sodium sulphide to dye cotton fabrics with a range of commercial sulphur dyes. The study also proposes an aftertreatment method to improve the fastness properties of the dyeing.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper investigated the impact of a newly developed aftertreatment method on the fastness properties of dyeing. This involved the sequential application of a cationic fixing agent (Tinofix ECO) and tannin (Bayprotect CL) on the coloured fabrics and subsequent evaluation of colour strength, washing, light and rubbing fastness.
Findings
The effect of aftertreating the dyed cotton was found to significantly improve the light and wet rub fastness. The surface morphology of the dyeing remained unaffected as depicted by the absence of any finish residues.
Research limitations/implications
The protective effect of the cation–tannin aftertreatments was examined with a view to providing the necessary commercial performance; however, it was established that the dry rub fastness was either reduced or remained unaffected and the wash fastness to International Organization for Standardization 105 C09 was also marginal.
Originality/value
This finishing technique is novel and can be found useful for manufacturing sulphur-dyed products with the improved light and wet rub fastness.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank the Department of Textile Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology for providing facilities to fulfill the requirements of the experimental work.
The author would also acknowledge financial support in terms of a PhD scholarship from NED University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan through Higher Education Commission to carry out this study at the School of Materials, The University of Manchester, UK.
Citation
Mohtashim, Q., Rigout, M. and Siddique, S.H. (2020), "Light fading, rub and wash fastness of sulphur-dyed cotton fabrics aftertreated with cation–tannin protective system", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 49 No. 6, pp. 431-439. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-11-2019-0104
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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