Assessment of fastness of dyeings

Abstract

Fastness of coloured textiles is of utmost importance for their efficient end use. Various fastness properties, viz. light, wash, rubbing, thermal, etc., are based on mainly dye, fibre and their combined systems beside numerous other parameters too. Poor wash fastness causes staining of adjacent garment during domestic washing with simultaneous fading in depth of textile under wash; poor light fatness results quick fading on prolonged exposure to daylight. To perform better in swimming pools, dye used in dyeing costumes must have good chlorine fastness while sweating should not cause fading of colour on exposed areas of garments, etc. It is essential to assess specific fastness grades of coloured textiles to ascertain its performance for specific end use. This chapter describes parameters influencing various fastness aspects and tests to ascertain fastness of coloured textiles.