Optimization of wool fabric dyeing process by natural curcumin stabilized pigment based on ZIF-8 adsorption encapsulation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to improve the stability and dyeing properties of natural curcumin by adsorption packaging technology, and promote the clean dyeing technology of wool fabrics. Design/methodology/approach The response surface method was used to optimize the dyeing process of wool fabrics. The color fastnesses and the K/S value of the dyed wool fabrics were tested and analyzed, as well as the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of wool fibers. Findings The mordant dyeing method was optimized using the response surface method under pH 3.5 and a 1:50 dye bath ratio. The results showed that the mordant dyeing method was one-bath, two-step post-mordant and the optimized dyeing process was as follows: dyeing time 70 min, dyeing temperature 70°C and the dosage of mordant was 2% and yielding a K/S value of 35.22. The dyed wool had excellent rub and wash fastness (grade 4+), but inadequate light fastness, to be improved later. The results of SEM demonstrated that the optimized dyeing processes had no adverse effects on wool fibers. Originality/value No comprehensive and systematic study reports have been conducted on the dyeing process of wool fabric using natural curcumin pigment, which is adsorbed and packaged by ZIF-8, and researchers have not used statistical analysis to optimize the dyeing process using response surface methodology.