Optimization of Wool Dyeing with Yellow Dye from Carthamus Tinctorius L.

Abstract

This study investigated the adsorption of safflower yellow dye on wool protein fiber and the optimum dyeing conditions to test color reproducibility. In addition, the effects of mordants on dye adsorption, color, fastness, and photofading rate were also studied. The prepared dye in powder form was characterized with UV-vis spectroscopy and FT-IR spectrometric analysis. The color of dyed fabrics was characterized by CIE L*a*b* coordinates, H V/C, and K/S values. The color reproducibility of the dyed wool fabrics was examined. The amount of dye adsorption increased and also, the shade of the dyed wool fabrics became deeper and more saturated with increasing temperature, time, and dye concentration. The maximum color strength was obtained at pH 3.0. The shade of dyed wool fabrics ranged from light yellow to dark mustard yellow as the pH of the dye bath shifted from alkaline to acidic. Color reproducibility was reliable with color differences in the range of 0.53~1.75. Fastness to dry cleaning was relatively good at 4/5 rating irrespective of mordanting. Fe and Cu mordants showed the least color change of the dyed wool fabrics after exposure to light. Mordants did not contribute to improve dye uptake and color fastness, although they made variations in color tone. Safflower yellow dye can be used satisfactorily without mordants and will not cause damage to the environment.