Effects of Mordanting, Dyeing, Rinsing, and Fiber Characteristics on the Air-permeability and Color of Fabrics Dyed using Cochineal Dyestuff

Abstract

Based on the previous study, three types of synthetic fibers comprising nylon, PET, and acrylic fibers were investigated in this study. The effect of mordanting on the air-permeability and dyeing properties of fabrics was investigated. The effect of rinsing process on the air-permeability and color was quantitatively investigated by rinsing the mordanted fabric specimens 1～3 times after mordanting. The air-permeability changed peculiarly according to the characteristics of the fiber materials after mordanting. The air-permeability values of nylon and acrylic fabric specimens dropped significantly after mordanting. On the other hand, those of PET fabric specimens hardly changed after mordanting. The metal ions absorbed on the fibers of nylon and acrylic fabrics did not show the mordanting effect. Regardless of mordanting, cochineal dyestuff made direct links with the molecular chains in nylon fabrics exhibiting dark colors. After dyeing acrylic fabrics, the color did not develop at all, even though partial components of the cochineal dyestuff were absorbed apparently.