Colorfastness properties of persimmon dye on cotton and wool substrates

Abstract

Persimmon dye is a natural dye that imparts unique properties, including fungal resistance and water resistance. This study investigated persimmon dye's performance on cotton and wool fabric. Color strength and appearance of dyed cotton and wool fabrics at various dyeing conditions (mordanting order, dye concentration, and dyeing time length) were evaluated. Dyed fabrics had high color strength when using a mordant. Color strength on dyed cotton and wool increased with increased dye concentration and dyeing time. In this study, post-mordanting, 200% dye concentration, and 60 minutes dyeing length yielded the highest color strength for cotton and wool. These samples were then assessed using AATCC laundering, perspiration, and crocking colorfastness tests. Cotton samples received a 2-3 to 4 shade change rating, while wool received a 3 to 4 depending on the test. Cotton and wool samples received a 4 to 5 staining rating except in crocking, where they received a 2-3 and 3, respectively. FTIR analysis showed that the persimmon dye formed weak bonds on both fabrics, resulting in minimal chemical changes. The results suggest that natural persimmon dye can provide good colorfastness and minimal chemical changes on wool and cotton. The comparison between dyed cotton and wool suggests wool fabric is better suited for persimmon dye application than cotton because of its slightly better colorfastness ratings and significantly higher color strength.