Investigation of the effect of photochromic and thermochromic dyestuffs on different woven fabric structures

Chromism is classified according to the external stimulus that causes color change. The type of chromism induced by sunlight or ultraviolet rays is called photochromism, and the type of chromism induced by changes in temperature is called thermochromism. The intensity of photochromic and thermochromic effects may vary depending on the application method to the fabric, the type and concentration of the compound used, the type of textile fiber, and the application conditions. Within the scope of the study, screen printing was applied to plain, twill, and satin woven fabrics frequently used in the textile field using thermochromic and photochromic dyes. The effect of color change times of chromic printing types applied to the fabrics on the fabric structure, color measurement, dye adhesion capacity, color fastness to washing, and rubbing fastness were evaluated and statistically analyzed. In measurements related to color change, the longest color change was observed in K1 group plain fabric structures due to their compact construction structure and high grammage. However, in calorimetric measurements, dye adhesion values (Δ E ) were found to be higher in K2 group twill fabrics due to their lower grammage and higher yarn density in the structure. In the fastness measurements, the plain, twill, and satin woven fabrics of thermochromic and photochromic dyes had good washing and rubbing fastness. As a result, it was concluded that the woven fabrics of the K2 group twill structure provided the best dye absorption in terms of calorimetric and fastness properties with the yellow color thermochromic dye.