Comparison of dyeing performance between jute-cotton blended fabric and cotton fabric, using reactive dyes

Abstract

The global trend is shifting back towards natural fibres, with jute-cotton blended fabric being a prime example of a sustainable product made from two natural fibres. Ensuring an efficient and effective dyeing process is essential for the long-term use of jute-cotton blended fabric. This research project focused on investigating the dyeing process of jute-cotton blended fabric in a single step and evaluating the wash and rubbing fastness of the dyed fabric. To evaluate the dyeing results, jute-cotton blended fabric and cotton fabric were produced using the same equipment and subjected to identical dyeing methods. The reflectance curve and DEcmc value were then analyzed. The reflectance curve displayed a consistent pattern, with a DEcmc value below 1. Rubbing fastness measures the fabric's ability to resist colour change and staining when rubbed. The overall results indicated good resistance, measured on a grey scale from 4 to 5. Wash fastness, on the other hand, assesses the fabric's ability to resist colour change and staining during washing. The staining grey scale result was 3, while the colour change grey scale was 4. The jute-cotton blended fabric sample had 48 Ends per inch (EPI), 36 Picks per inch (PPI), and a weight of 221 grams per square meter (GSM).