Effects of SnCl₄ weighting of silk fibre on direct dyes uptake and physico-chemical properties

Abstract

Purpose

Colorfastness properties of dyed degummed and dyed stannic chloride weighted silk fiber were studied as a function of exposure to sunlight in air, washing with soap solution and spotting with alkalis.

Design/methodology/approach

Improved multi-voltine variety of degummed silk fibers was weighted with the treatment of stannic chloride at the varying pH level. Maximum weighting of silk fiber was achieved at the optimum SnCl₄ concentration, pH of the solution, time and temperature. The degummed (un-weighted) and weighted silk fibers were then dyed with Direct Blue 1 and Direct Red 28 dyes at the optimized dying conditions.

Findings

The role of base (Na₂CO₃) on dyeing of weighted silk fiber with Direct Red 28 was found very influential. The loss in tenacity of degummed silk fiber was higher than that of SnCl₄ weighted silk fiber when they were exposed to sunlight in air.

Originality/value

The colorfastness of weighted dyed silk was comparatively higher than that of un-weighted dyed silk.

Citation

Hoque, M.A., Mondal, M.I.H., Saiduzzaman, M. and Paul, U.K. (2016), "Effects of SnCl₄ weighting of silk fibre on direct dyes uptake and physico-chemical properties", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 14-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-04-2015-0011