Various factors affecting the color fastness of textiles

The color fastness of textiles (referred to as color fastness) refers to the degree of color fading of dyed or printed fabrics during use or processing under external factors such as compression, friction, washing, rain, exposure, light, seawater immersion, saliva immersion, water stains, sweat stains, etc. It is an important indicator of fabrics. Good color fastness, textiles are not easily discolored during post-processing or use; Poor color fastness can lead to color fading or staining, causing a lot of trouble.

The most common color fastness issues in textiles

Unqualified sun fastness: During the wearing process of outerwear, the color of the parts that are exposed to sunlight more often becomes lighter or discolored (usually the back and shoulders), while the color of the parts that are not exposed to sunlight or have less exposure remains unchanged or changes lightly, resulting in different shades of color for products that were originally of the same color and cannot be used anymore.

Poor color fastness to washing, soap washing, and dry cleaning: Clothes fade after washing. Silk clothing, wool clothing, and pure cotton clothing are most prone to such problems.

Unqualified color fastness to friction: During the use of textiles, the degree of color fading varies due to the different degrees of friction experienced by different parts of the product. For example, the elbows, collars, and armpits of the top and sleeves are most prone to color fading. In addition, the buttocks and knees of the pants are also prone to fading.

Poor color fastness of sweat stains: mainly refers to the fading of summer clothes or close fitting underwear due to immersion in sweat.

Factors affecting the color fastness of textiles

There are many factors that affect the color fastness of dyed products, but they mainly depend on the chemical structure of the dye, the physical state of the dye on the fiber (dispersion degree of the dye, bonding with the fiber), dye concentration, dyeing method, and process conditions; The properties of fibers are also closely related to color fastness.

Factors affecting color fastness to friction

Color fastness to friction, also known as rubbing color fastness. The main influencing factors include the structure and properties of the dye, the microstructure of different fibers and fabrics, and the dyeing process.

Reactive dyes contain hydrophilic groups such as sulfonic acid groups. If the dyes on textiles are not thoroughly washed, there will be more unfixed dyes on the fibers. At this time, highly water-soluble dyes are prone to fading and sticking to friction fabrics; Dyes with high directness are difficult to diffuse into the interior of fibers, causing surface discoloration and easy fading of textiles.