Effects of SnCl4 weighting of silk fibre on direct dyes uptake and physico-chemical properties

Purpose Colorfastness properties of dyed degummed and dyed stannic chloride weighted silk fiber were studied as a function of exposure to sunlight in air, washing with soap solution and spotting with alkalis. Design/methodology/approach Improved multi-voltine variety of degummed silk fibers was weighted with the treatment of stannic chloride at the varying pH level. Maximum weighting of silk fiber was achieved at the optimum SnCl4 concentration, pH of the solution, time and temperature. The degummed (un-weighted) and weighted silk fibers were then dyed with Direct Blue 1 and Direct Red 28 dyes at the optimized dying conditions. Findings The role of base (Na2CO3) on dyeing of weighted silk fiber with Direct Red 28 was found very influential. The loss in tenacity of degummed silk fiber was higher than that of SnCl4 weighted silk fiber when they were exposed to sunlight in air. Originality/value The colorfastness of weighted dyed silk was comparatively higher than that of un-weighted dyed silk.