Dyeability of flax fabric modified by copper ammonia

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the efficiency of modifying flax fibre using copper ammonia solution for improved dyeability and to optimise the conditions of such a modification.

Design/methodology/approach

Treatments of flax fibre using copper ammonia solution were carried out under various conditions, i.e. the compositions of the solution and the length of time for treatment. The dyeability, the dyeing colour depth, the tensile strength and the structure of the untreated and treated flax fibres were characterised.

Findings

The modification of flax fabric using copper ammonia solution could improve the dyeability and the dyeing colour depth of the flax fabric. The treatment appeared to reduce the crystallinity and the orientation index of the flax fibre, which was the main cause to the improved dyeability and dyeing colour depth of the flax fabric. The optimum conditions for the treatment were as follows: concentration of Cu²⁺ at 20 g/L, Cu²⁺/NH₃ ratio at 12 : 1 and time of treatment at 6 min.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst effective in improving the dyeability of the flax fibre, the treatment led to a reduction in the tensile strength of the treated flax fabric.

Practical implications

The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improve the dyeability of flax fibre.

Originality/value

The method for treatment of flax fibre was novel and could be used for industrial production process.

Citation

Sun, H., Jiang, X., Lin, L. and Bai, X. (2005), "Dyeability of flax fabric modified by copper ammonia", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 29-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/03699420510572575