Abstract

The present article describes the role of dyes in enhancing the various properties of fibers along with their brief history and the recent methodologies used to minimize their negative impact on environmental safety. Since primitive age, natural dyes were used as coloring agents in textile industry. Later, in nineteenth century, synthetic dyes due to their high dyeability, varying shades ability, and comparatively low cost have replaced natural dyes. However, environmental concerns like water and marine pollutions forced the textile industry to develop new methodologies for the utilization of natural dyes with improved properties. Literature reveals that the use of new and advanced techniques have enhanced the dyeability, strength, softness, antimicrobial and other properties of textiles. These are mainly classified in to; a) the chemical modifications of natural dyes, and b) the surface modification of fabrics. In addition to these, the negative and positive impacts of these methods along with the future scope of research have also been discussed.

Keywords: Dyes; Textile industry; Fiber; Natural and synthetic; Antimicrobial