Colorimetric Characterisation and Process Standardisation for Application of Natural Dyes on Textiles: A Research Review

Abstract

Colorimetric characterisation and to standardise the dyeing processes for applying natural colourants (dyes) on different textiles materials and related investigations have been highlighted here with a broad coverage. Lack of sufficient colorimetric characterisation data for different natural dyes led to the researchers to take a stock of total work done in this field. Without characterisation of colour components and process standardisation of specific natural dye and natural fibre combination, reproducibility, uniformity, maximum or optimised colour yield and acceptable grade of colour fastness could not be possible to achieve for natural dyeing of different textile materials. Hence, a systematic review of standardisation of extraction conditions of natural dyes and finishes, type of mordant and mordant application conditions and finally standardised dyeing process variables have been elaborated. Worldwide eco concern of consumers have created scope of newer research for revival of natural dyes and natural finish application on textiles with standardised methods/process conditions to obtain reproducible dyeing results with acceptable colour fastness. Functional finishing of textiles for antimicrobial and UV resistant finishes by natural resource materials are the two relatively newer areas, needing further research. In the concluding remarks advances in natural dyeing and natural finishing have also been dealt with futuristic need to explore.