A New Environmentally-Friendly Method of Dyeing Lyocell/Cotton Blended Fabrics

In this study, three different dyeing processes were applied to knitted fabrics made of Tencel-brand lyocell fiber and cotton in different ratios. The processes in this study consisted of scouring, bleaching, and dyeing. Using fabrics consisting of various lyocell and cotton blend ratios, color and fastness properties were evaluated. The reasons for this process diversity were to develop optimal processes for these fabric blends and to investigate the possibility of defibrillation, bleach residue removal, and dyeing in the same bath. Results indicated that lyocell/cotton blended fabrics containing 50% or more of cotton could be dyed in the bleaching bath. Alkaline washing only was sufficient for fabrics with a lyocell ratio of 75% or greater, resulting in chemical and energy savings.