Dye Batch Variation in Textile Fibers

Abstract

Fiber samples from a number of different sources have been examined for dye batch variation. The manufacturers who supplied material included producers of knitting yarn, clothing, carpets, and car seat covers. Microscopy, microspectrophotometry, and thin-layer chromatography have been used for comparison of the dyes.Degrees of variation were found. With some knitting yarns there was none at all, but some clothing fabrics showed large differences. Thin-layer chromatography is the best means of discriminating between dyes extracted from these materials.The reasons for these results and their implications for the court-going officer are discussed.