Photochemical Tendering and Fading of Dyed Textiles at Different Humidities

Abstract

Early work at the Shirley Institute showed that light fading and tendering of dyed cotton fabrics are affected by the type of light, the humidity, and the presence of metals. More extended exposures under controlled humidity conditions show that many vat and azoic dyes decrease in fastness with rise in humidity. There is also a relationship between the amount of fading and the degree of photochemical damage to the fibre and this effect is pronounced with yellow, orange, and red dyes. Some observations are included on north‐ and south‐facing exposures on dyed cotton and other fibres.