Air-Flow Dyeing – an Eco-friendly water preserving fabric dyeing technology
A revolutionary technology addressing environmental concerns of conventional fabric dyeing
By removing the requirement of water at the point of colour application, Air-Dye technology creates a significant opportunity to localize production for regions of the globe that lack the water resources traditional methods require.
Diversified Air-dyed Patterns
Fabrics dyed with Air-Dye technology supposedly feel no different than conventionally dyed textiles. They can be dyed all with one color, a different color on each side, a pattern on one side and a solid color on the other, or a pattern on both sides as follows (Figure 5 and 6):
- Dye-to-Dye Contrast: Air-Dye technology that dyes two different colors on opposite sides of a piece of fabric without the use of water.
- Dye-to-Print: Air-Dye technology that, on a single piece of fabric, dyes one side a solid color and one side a print, without the use of water.
- Dye-Squared: Air-Dye technology that dyes the same solid color of ink on both sides of a piece of fabric, without the use of water.
- Print-to-Print: Air-Dye technology that dyes one side of a piece of fabric with a print and the opposite side of the fabric with another print.
Applications of Air-dyed Fabrics
- Promotional Items: Banners, retail display/signage, short-run branded products, tote bags / reusable bags/aprons.
- Apparel: Fabric for all types of garments, finished accessories – scarf / ties / aprons / etc., specialty fabrics for custom items, flags / umbrellas / awnings / tents, uniforms – civic / corporate / medical, swimwear / sarongs, outerwear, sportswear / yoga-wear / active-wear / dance-wear, infant / toddler apparel, junior apparel, missy apparel, men’s wear, lingerie / intimate apparel / sleep wear, accessories / handbags / cosmetic bags / etc., & shopping bags.
- Interiors: Carpet/ceiling tiles, drapes/curtains/ blinds, top of bed product – coverlets/bedspreads/ etc., linens, wall coverings, tabletop/napkins, shower curtains, pillows/mattress coverings, & upholstery – sofas, chairs, etc.
- Industrial Print Applications: Hard surface laminate, melamine, Thin paper, vinyl transfer, & thermo films
- Medical cubicle curtains, hospital gowns.
Conclusion
The Air-Dye process radically reduces the environmental profile of the color application process while improving the use phase performance of the finished fabric. By removing the requirement of water at the point of color application, Air-Dye technology creates a significant opportunity to localize production for regions of the globe that lack the water resources traditional methods require.
Because traditional processes require considerable energy to heat the water and dry the fabric, Air-Dye technology also significantly reduces the energy required at the point of color application. As Air-Dye technology matures, expect to see additional benefits from increased efficiency in power usage, power source, and the direct application of dye without a donor media. Air-Dye is a clear response to increasing awareness of the environmental impacts associated with traditional dye application processes and new technology for improving.
References:
- Vignesh Dhanabalan, Sukanya, K.V. Lokesh, Air-Dyeing Technology-A Review, Textiles Today, October 14 (2015)
- Using Textile Dyes in the ‘Air Dyeing’ Technology, A Report, http://vipulorganics.com/blog/2017/06/08/using-textile-dyes-in-the-air-dyeing- technology/
- Deepak Kumar, Dyeing Without Water, https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/5676/dyeing-without-water
- SIU Chun Lam, Chen Xiaohui and Xie Longhan, Increased Ultra-Low Liquor Ratio Dyeing Machine with Separated Flow of Air and Dyeing Liquor, International Journal of Simulation:Systems, Scince and Technology, DOI 10.5023, 17, 23 (2004)
- Recent Developments In Dyeing, A Report, Textile World, March 21 (2010)
- Preetam Shah, Developments in Textile Machinery, https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/5122/developments-in-textile-machinery
- Kurt Muller, Ecology Meets Economy in Fabric Dyeing Airflow Technology Far Superior, Apparel Resources, May 1 (2009)
- Arun Rao, Cleantech air-flow dyeing technology to meet stricter environmental norms, The Textile Magazine, February 11, (2015)
- Nair G P, Methods and Machinery for the dyeing process, in Hand book of Textile and Industrial Dyeing, Ed.by, M.Clark, Volume-1, Page 248-298, Woodhead Publishing (2011)
- D. Kumar, Ambadas Garje, K. Desai and D. Gupta, Dyeing Without Water, Journal of the Textile Association, 71(4):171-174, November (2010)