An Evaluation of Silk Fabric Dyed with Lac Dye by Using Pad-Dry Technique - A Research on Effect of Mordant Concentration

Abstract

A natural dye extracted from lac was applied to a silk fabric by the use of pad-dry technique under different conditions. The dyeing properties were evaluated by measuring K/S and CIELAB values. In addition, the different fastness properties were evaluated. The effect of dyes at different mordant concentration levels with respect to their colour strength was also studied. Silk fabrics dyed with lac extract showed a light pink shade, while those dyed with alum and stannous chloride pinkish-red colour. Silk substrates dyed with CuSO4 gave a purple red colour, while those dyed with FeSO4 had a reddish-gray colour. The fastness properties ranged from fair to good, while washing fastness was poor level.