Textile Dyes
Natural Dyes Process through Eco-Friendly Roots Around since ancient times , the textile dyeing process has moved away from natural to harm the environment . The plant pigments ground in a cloth rub evolved into the use of boiled water mixed with crushed fruit , wild berries and plants to the distribution of color across the canvas. This allowed a wider range and a stronger fabric in color. With the development of high-tech fabrics (nylon and polyester) which does not readily absorb the color of the dye bath water , came the creation of synthetic dyes using toxic chemicals and heavy metals that easily 'wash' the color in the fabric. The use of an inordinate amount of water to dye the fabric has continued in the current processes. An estimated are needed about 75 gallons of water per kilo of tissue. Dioxins and mordants (mineral salts that create a chemical bond to adhere the dye to the fabric ) are part of the toxic processes career out of synthetic dyes that are way into groundwater causing damage to rivers , lakes and oceans . Approximately one fifth of industrial pollution comes from textile dyeing . Another key factor in the dyeing process is the temperature . Large amounts of energy are used to heat the dyes. Many synthetic dyes are highly toxic to workers and can cause adverse health effects to those worn stained clothes. Caused problems ranging from skin rashes, headaches and muscle pain to breathing difficulties and even seizures . Pigments Dyes types Dye The two main types of paints are natural and synthetic . Natural dyes are pigments extracted from natural substances such as plants, animals or minerals. Synthetic dyes are synthesized chemicals in a laboratory some of which contain metals . synthetic Dyes Synthetic dyes fit into different classifications as follows ; Basic - are soluble in water and is used with a mordant. There are light fast and are generally used for treatment of fabrics that have been dyed with acid dyes . Direct - adhere without mordant. They are not very bright and have poor color stability.
Mordant and Chrome - are acidic in character. For adhesion events necessary , sodium or potassium dichromate is added to the dye bath . Vat - are insoluble in water and cannot dye fibers directly but need an alkaline solution to adhere to textile fibers . Reagent - react with the fiber molecules to form a chemical compound. Apply with an alkaline solution and sometimes heat treatment is used to create color tones. Disperse - are insoluble in water. These dyes are ground into a paste or powder that gets dispersed in the solution of water in the fabric fibers . Sulphur - insoluble and soluble is done with the help of caustic soda and sodium sulfide . Dyeing is carried out at high temperature with large amounts of salt so that the color penetrates into the fiber. Pigment - high heat resins and need to adhere to the fabric. The most dangerous and harmful to humans and the environment are azo dyes. The largest group of synthetic dyes , which is manufactured using a base crude oil. When put into contact with saliva or sweat may release aromatic amines that cause health problems because they are carcinogenic and easily absorbed by the body. The least harmful eco synthetic dyes are low impact fiber reactive . These chemically bond to the fibers of the fabric for creating a strong joint , therefore, less dye is wasted in the drain water . Being an expensive dye to use, but it is also best to recover the dye water used rather than discarded. Lower temperatures are needed to apply these dyes that are less energy intensive than azo dyes. Low-impact dyes usually contain no heavy metals or toxins , but are still synthetically from petrochemicals . Not affected by saliva or sweat that are safer to use than azo dyes , but should still be avoided for the chemically sensitive . Due to the wide range of colors that can be created , the eco conscious clothing companies choose low impact reactive dyes fibers remain environmentally conscious . Vat Dyes Natural dyes Natural dyes consist of colors extracted from plants , insects and soil clays resulting in less damage to the ecosystem . Although still require metallic salts of aluminum, iron, chromium, and copper - to ensure color remains in the fabric of these salts are benign environment . The majority of natural dyes are vegetable dyes made from plant sources - roots, berries , bark, leaves and wood. The mordant necessary to adhere to the fabric are again benign salts. Vegetable dyes have a lot of dye to color fabric background and impact on the environment depends on the raw materials used . If the raw materials come from heavily fertilized areas , the impact on the environment is greater . The key is to find sources of natural or organic farming which eliminates the negative environmental impact sources.
One of the most respectful of the environment dye ingredients is clay or dirt. Clay and dirt and iron minerals used dyes and land without the use of synthetic ingredients. Fonts are easy to find yield consistent color . Beautiful colors can be achieved by mixing different clays and adding pigments available in nature . Modern developments have improved the color stability of this form of tincture . The process does not require any form of salt, just natural or biodegradable materials are used to improve the skills of dyeing natural clay. There are no negative environmental impacts including damage to waterways . Make an Organic Dye Election The ecological textiles purest color choice is to choose cotton or wool natural color grown sheep and alpaca color. But for those of us who like pizazz to our tissues are healthier and greener alternatives when it comes to dyeing textiles. To prevent environmental damage from toxic wastewater runoff and potential health problems stay away from fabrics that use synthetic dyes, especially those using azo dyes. Search to textile colors looking natural dyes fabrics such as organic cotton using dyes or clay sustainable fabrics like bamboo using low impact dyes . Colorful fabrics with natural dyes come in a wide range of colors of beautiful colors , keeping an eye towards a healthy environment. Apex Dye Stuff includes broad ranges in Disperse Dyes and Reactive Dyes.