ADVANCES IN SPUN-DYEING OF REGENERATED CELLULOSE FIBERS

Spun-dyeing has proven to be very efficient for the coloration of textiles for several decades now. This method of colored fiber production has unparalleled advantages in terms of environmental safety and color fastness. This review seeks to highlight the developments in spun-dyeing of regenerated cellulose fibers over the years with emphasis on choice of colorants and their effect on the fibers produced. Excerpts of results obtained from our research work on the compatibility of spun-dyed alginate fibers and their thermal/crystalline properties with fluorescent pigments have been included in this review. It was observed from literature that dissolved dyes have not been appreciably used in spun-dyeing dyeing due to the high temperature and alkaline nature of the spinning dope usually used in the production of regenerated cellulose. These perceived challenges however sets the pace for further research into the use of dissolved dyes for fiber spinning. The possibility of adding other functional finishes such as antimicrobial, antistatic and flame retardant properties to the spinning dope during the spun-dying process has made it more attractive than ever. However, there is the need for further research into the compatibility of some these finishes with the spinning dope and their possible effect on the microstructure and the tensile properties of the dyed fibers.