Investigation of the effects of laser radiation on silk fabrics dyed with kermes insect (Kermes vermilio Planchon)

Abstract

In this study, the dyeing properties of a natural dye extracted from the kermes insect on silk were examined. Insect dye at different concentration rates of 5%, 10%, and 15% wt was applied to silk fabrics mordanted with alum [KAl(SO4)2.12H2O] and iron-(II) sulfate [FeSO4.7H2O]. Then, the Nd:YAG laser device was used to investigate the laser radiation effects on the color of the fabric. The dyed fabrics were analyzed by different analytical and technical methods. The RP-HPLC-DAD method was used for the identification of the coloring compounds of fabrics dyed with kermes. The color coordinates and fastness values of rubbing, washing, and light were investigated. Overall, the fastness results were excellent. SEM-EDX was performed for morphological examinations and CIEL*a*b* color values were measured for colorimetric examinations after laser radiation.