Research on Pad-Dry Dyeing and Ultraviolet Protection of Silk Fabric Using Dyes Extracted from <i>Laccifer</i> <i>lacca</i> Kerr

Abstract

Silk fabric was dyed with the colourant extracted from Laccifer Lacca Kerr. by using post-mordanting process and pad-dry technique. The effect of metal mordantats at different mordant concentration levels on their colour strength was also investigated. Silk fabrics dyed with Laccifer Lacca extract showed a light pink shade, while those dyed with alum and stannous chloride produces pinkish-red colour. Silk mordanted with CuSO4 gave a purple red colour, while those dyed with FeSO4 had a reddish-gray colour. The fastness properties ranged from fair to good, while washing fastness was poor level. The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values of silk fabric dyed with and without metal mordants ranged between good and excellent for dyed fabric.The results confirmed that natural dyes from Laccifer Lacca Kerr. extract have potential applications for silk fabric dyeing and producing ultraviolet (UV) protective silk fabric.