Investigation of parameters affecting dyeing of merino wool yarn with chicory leaves plant (Cichorium intybus L)

In recent years, a revival interest in the use of natural dyes in textile coloration has been growing. Natural dyes are well compatible with the environment due to their easy degradation. Despite the antiquity and advantages of natural dyes, the use of natural dyes has problems such as the complexity of the dyeing process, limited shades and unsuitable properties of color fastness. To solve the mentioned problems, new natural dyes, different mordants and other effective parameters in dyeing can be used. Chicory (cichorium intybus L) is a plant that is rich of natural dyes. In this research, chicory leaves have been used as a natural dye for dyeing woolen yarns. The effect of dyeing parameters such as dyeing method, mordant type, acid type, dye concentration and dyeing temperature on the shade and the intensity of absorbed dye in wool fibers were investigated. The results indicate that at low dye concentration, by increasing the dying temperature there is no trend in color absorption, but with increasing dye concentration, increasing the temperature has caused more absorption of dye in equilibrium. Also, dyed samples with chicory leaves in the presence of metal mordants have acceptable washing and light fastness.