Abstract
This study investigated the properties and functions of wool and silk dyed with Catechu by examining the effects of dying conditions such as dye concentration, dying temperature, dyeing time, pH level and pre-mordants. These conditions were examined in relation to dye uptake and color changes, washing fastness, light fastness, ultraviolet-cut ability and antimicrobial ability of the dyed fabrics. Catechu showed good affinity to silk fiber. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was obtained, and so it was considered that ionic bondings are formed between Catechu and protein fiber. As the dyeing time and temperature is increased, the dyeability of both silk and wool fabrics also increases. At high temperatures the color of dyed fabrics changes from Y and YR to R. Wool is effective in using Al, Cu, Fe mordant, while silk is effective only in using only Cu mordants. The dyeability was shown to be improved at low pH levels. Additionally, both washing fastness and light fastness were shown to be low. However, the fabric color gradually changed to red was due to mailard reaction of catechol tannin causingby repeated washing and sunlight. The ultraviolet-cut ability was improved for cotton fabric dyed with Catechu. Also, dyed fabric with Catechu showed very good antimicrobial abilities at 99.9%.
