ABSTRACT
Abstract: Silk retains both basic and acid groups on its terminal ends raising chances of dyeing with direct, acid, basic, metal-complex, mordant and reactive dyes when dye-fibre attachment takes place by chemical means. Acid dyes produce bright lightfast shades with poor wash fastness and inadequate coverage of dye. Metal-complex dyes produce dull shades with good fastness. Reactive dyes produce bright shades with good wash, light and perspiration fastness. Natural dyes produce only moderate bright light shades on mulberry silk – dyes often require a mordant to make the colour permanent while basic dyed silk suffers from poor light fastness.
