Effect of mercerization and gamma irradiation on the dyeing behaviour of cotton using stilbene based direct dye

The dyeing behaviour of mercerized and gamma irradiated cotton fabric using stilbene based direct dye has been investigated. The fabric was treated with different concentrations of alkali to optimize the mercerization. The optimum mercerized cotton fabric was irradiated to absorbed doses of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 kGy using Cs-137 gamma irradiator. Dyeing was performed using irradiated and un-irradiated cotton with dye solutions. The dyeing parameters such as temperature, time of dyeing, pH of dyeing solutions and salt concentration were optimized. The colour strength values of dyed fabrics were evaluated by comparing irradiated and un-irradiated cotton in CIE Lab system using Spectra flash SF650. Methods suggested by International Standard Organization (ISO) were employed to study the effect of gamma irradiation on the colourfastness properties of dyed fabric. It was found that mercerized and irradiated cotton have not only improved the colour strength but enhanced the rating of fastness properties also.

► Optimum mercerization condition is 28% and optimum absorbed dose is 2 kGy.
► At optimum conditions colour strength and fastness properties are enhanced.
► Mercerization prior to irradiation saves the amount of doses, time, money and labour.
► Gamma irradiation after mercerization can improve dyeing of mercerized fabrics using other classes of dyes.