Turmeric Dyeing of Silk Fabric

IntroductionThe optimum dye solution is utilized to standardize the
In recent years the usage of natural dyes and colorsdye concentration. The dyes undergo the procedure
for fabric dyeing has witnessed its revival due toof absorption in the solar cooker time ranging from
hazardous experience due to effects of synthetic30-180 minutes. The absorption power of the silk fabric
dyes and chemicals. The natural dyes are eco-friendly,determines the dyeing time
harmless and non-toxic in nature. Also, the usage ofConcentration of acid:
renewable sources of energy in textile and apparelThe two acids used for dilution are acetic and nitric
industry has been increased due to many advantagesacid. From each of diluted acid, 20 ml is mixed into the
associated with it. Solar energy usage for dyeingdye bath. The dyes are examined for their absorption
purpose is a cost effective method. In hot countries likepower. This examination is done visually.
India, the sun shines bright for 60% of the day, usingMordants usage:
solar energy to dye silk fabric with turmeric dye isThe mordants discussed earlier Alum and Stannous
cheap and environment friendly method.chloride are used here. The process of dyeing and
Things requiredmordanting are done together. Both these mordants
There are certain things required in order to dye theare mixed with water which results into optimized
silk with turmeric dye which are listed as follows-mordants.
turmeric plant stems, raw silk fabric yarn, diluted nitric &Procedure for mordanting:
acetic acid and mordants like alum & stannous chloride.There are two methods in mordanting premordanting
Before applying the dye to the fabric the process ofand postmordanting. The pre-requisite of this process
removing sericin from silk is done. Here the silk fabric isis to keep other things like dyeing time, acid
first treated with ezee kept in it for approximately oneconcentration, etc. steady. By looking at the dyes the
hour then washed and dried. This whole process ismethod of mordanting i.e. pre or postmordanting to be
known as degumming.used is decided.
Enhancing of dyeing parametersAppropriate dyeing conditions:
To dye the silk fabric with turmeric dyes certain1. The right level of dye concentration is 3g per 100ml
procedures are to be followed. The dye dilution, theof water used for 1 gram for silk fabric as it was
time taken for its extraction, time for dyeing, amount ofobserved that the percentage of absorption of dye by
mordant used and mordanting process are to besilk fabric is best if done in this measurement.
taken care of to result into turmeric dyed silk fabrics2. As stated earlier four different dye extraction time
which is evenly dyed with no color patches orwas used- 20, 40, 60 and 80 minutes, however it was
differences in shade.found that 60mins/1hour time duration produced
Not only yellow color is produced through dyeing withturmeric dye with maximum absorbency.
turmeric dyeing but also many other colors are3. The right level of acid concentration in dye bath is,
produced when turmeric dye is mixed with otherfor acetic acid is 2% and 3% for nitric acid. After this
colors, like - orange, green, blue color with addition ofconcentration the dye absorbency decreases.
indigo and red color with addition of safflowers and4. The best concentration for mordants was 0.4g for
mango rind.stannous chloride and 5g for Alum. Use of appropriate
You might think how both red and yellow colors aremordent concentration helps in better absorption of
produced through turmeric dye in its original form, theturmeric dye on silk fabric.
answer lies in the type of liquid used for concentration.5. It was found that the turmeric dye's absorbency
When the solution is prepared in acidic liquid it wouldwas better with stannous chloride and postmordanting
produce yellow dye and when alkali liquid is used itmethod was better than premordanting method.
would produce red dye.Conclusion
Time for dye extraction:The silk fabric dyed with turmeric dye using solar
In order to extract the dye, aqueous mode is utilized.energy gives better results. Color evenness and better
The dye is examined for its evenness and color shadedye absorbency is experienced when dyeing the silk
by quality control supervisors before applying to thefabric by turmeric dyes. The existing silk dyeing units
fabric. The turmeric powder is which is one gram isare being encouraged to use turmeric dyeing method.
diluted with 100 ml of water. Four such solutions areIt does not pose any chemical harm on part of the
prepared. Each one is boiled for four different timedyer as well as the wearer. Also the added benefit is
period i.e. 20, 40, 60 and 80 minutes in a solar cooker.that the government also supports such environment
Time taken for dyeing:friendly processes.