Dyeing

Silk is generally dyed with acid and metal complex dyes. Since a large number of acid dyes are based on alpha amino benzene derivatives, they have been considered as potential carcinogens and have been progressively banned by countries across the world including India.

Restrictions on the use of a large number of synthetic acid dyes has given impetus to the use of natural plant material extracts for the coloration of silk. Some of the natural dye extracts are now available in reasonably purified and standardized user-friendly powder form (Illustration IV). Even though the colour gamut of these dyes is limited, however, enough reasonably fast colours are available that can be dyed and printed on silk (Illustration V). Many researches are exploring the possibilities of use of natural plant material and extracts for their use in the dye and printing of silk (See Box I for indicative list).