Modification of cellulosic fibers to enhance their dyeability using UV-irradiation.

Present research was proposed to evaluate the effect of UV radiation on the dyeing of cellulosic fabrics with direct dyes. The cellulosic fabric was irradiated by using UV radiation assembly (180 W) for different time intervals i.e., 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min respectively. The alike set of fabrics was prepared varying the concentration of NaOH during mercerization of the fabrics. All the treated fabrics were dyed with direct dyes. The dyeing parameters such as temperature, time, pH and salt concentration were optimized. The standard methods were employed to evaluate the color strength at various levels of pH, temperature, dyeing contact time and salt concentration. Scanning electron microscope test was performed in order to evaluate the change in fibril structure and surface. The obtained results of the dyed fabrics previously treated with UV radiation and after mercerization were compared. The results revealed that the color strength of UV-irradiated fabric was high as compared to mercerized cellulosic fabrics.