Colorimetric Properties of Disperse-dyed Polyester Fabrics Treated with Nano TiO2

In this work, the influence of nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) finishing on colorimetric properties of polyester fabrics dyed with mono-azo disperse dyes was examined in terms of the degree of shade change, color strength reduction and the percentage of dye lost from the fabrics and color fastness to washing. A self-cleaning effect imparted by nano TiO2 not only removes unwanted stains from polyester fabrics but also the dye molecules situated in the area nearby the fiber surface. Changes in colorimetric properties of the fabrics dyed with Disperse Violet 33, Disperse Red 167.1 and Disperse Blue 79.1 dyes were, therefore, examined. Shade change and reduction in color strength were observed, in addition, the dye quantity within the fiber decreased as a result of nano TiO2 treatment. Higher amount of nano TiO2 brought about a stronger effect on changes in colorimetric values, quantity of lost dye and color fastness to washing of the dyed polyester fabrics. A similar tendency was observed on these 3 mono-azo dyes. A way to achieve optimal functional performance of nano TiO2 finishing with minimal effect on colorimetric properties of the disperse dyes on polyester is by employing low nano TiO2 content and 0.05 % nano TiO2 is recommended in this work. Under such conditions, the color properties of the dyed fabrics were less influenced and in acceptable level, moreover, the resulting color fastness to washing was not affected and comparable to those exposed to reduction clearing process. HIGHLIGHTS Nano TiO2 has been widely known to offer self-cleaning effect to textiles, especially polyester, at the same time, it may also affect the color and fastness properties of disperse dye on polyester Disperse dyes can be destroyed by nano TiO2 present on polyester fibers. This causes a change in shade, color strength, dye loss and fastness to washing of the disperse-dyed polyester An appropriate amount of applied nano TiO2 onto polyester fabric is considered to maintain self-cleaning function performance with minimal effect on colorimetric properties of the disperse dyes on polyester GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT