The effect of temperature, time and hydrogen ion concentration on the colorfastness of a household dye on selected cotton fabrics

A liquid household dye and two fabrics, a cotton drill and a crease resistant cotton muslin, were used to pursue the following objectives: (1) to develop a dyeing procedure for improving the colorfastness of a household dye; (2) to evaluate the effects of temperature, time, and pH (hydrogen ion concentration) of the dyebath on the colorfastness properties of the household dye selected; (3) to evaluate the effects of after treatments of acetic acid and copper sulfate; and (4) to evaluate the dyed samples for colorfastness to light, washing, and crocking.

Dye results were evaluated by the use of the Gray Scale for Color Change and the AATCC Chromatic Transference Scale. Colorfastness ratings were statistically analyzed. Major findings of the research included the following:

1. The cotton drill fabric had higher colorfastness ratings for lightfastness, washfastness, and dry crocking than did the crease resistant cotton muslin. For wet crocking, both fabrics had considerable color transference.

2. A dyebath temperature of 210°F produced significantly higher ratings for lightfastness and washfastness in both fabrics tested.

3. The aftertreatment of 1% copper sulfate solution resulted in significantly higher lightfastness ratings for both fabrics tested.

4. There was no significant difference in the dyeing times of 10 minutes and 30 minutes, although the time of 30 minutes produced slightly higher ratings.