Fibers with the tunable structure colors based on the ordered and amorphous structures

Abstract

Dyeing is a process that is critical in the coloring of fibers or fabrics in the textile industry. The waste water discarded from the dyeing process gives rise to the severe pollution to the environment. In this chapter, a novel coloration strategy was presented, which uses structural colors by incorporating ordered photonic and amorphous structure onto fibers. This coloration strategy originates from color structures found in nature, such as butterfly wings and parrot feathers. Furthermore, recent results on the preparation, and mechanical and optical properties of these structurally colored fibers that mimic natural color structures, are discussed in detail. It is believed that structural coloration of fibers has potential as the environment-friendly, non-fading, and economic solution demanded by the current textile industry.