Textile and Apparel Science

Passive Dyeing Bacterial Cellulose: Results of a Contact and Low Heat Method

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Abstract

Cotton is the most popular cellulosic fiber in the world but suffers from sustainability issue in both the cultivation and dyeing processes. Bacterial Cellulose (BC) lacks hemicellulose and lignin, making it require less processing than cotton. Few studies have investigated the dyeing potential of this material, although the hand of the material indicates that gentle drying will be needed.  Pure BC was cultivated for 21 days in a modified Molasses Mannitol Media. Material was laid on colored fabric with no absorption. When colored paper was substituted, all colors (blue, red and yellow) were absorbed. The back side having direct contact with the coloration source absorbed more color. Dry crocking results indicated little to no color change while wet crocking showed moderate to little change. Continuous light exposure yielded significant to moderate color change after 1 week. These preliminary results indicate moderate to good colorfastness using a low temperature passive method.

Keywords: Bacterial Cellulose, Colorfastness

How to Cite:

Harmon, J., (2019) “Passive Dyeing Bacterial Cellulose: Results of a Contact and Low Heat Method”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8756