Intense and vibrant color construction and functionalization for protein macromolecule/polyamide two-component fabric...

Silk/polyamide fabric inherits the advantages of natural and synthetic fibers, making them remarkable in textile and garment field. However, the use of synthetic chemicals for color construction and functionalization of silk/polyamide fabrics is problematic because of their non-renewable resources and harmful effects on the environment. Furthermore, achieving even color construction of silk and polyamide fibers in one bath is challenging due to their significant differences in chemical structure and surface properties. In this study, an environmentally friendly approach for color construction and functionalization of silk/polyamide fabric with microbial nano prodigiosins based on adjustable pigment allocation in one bath was proposed. Through investigating the mechanism of how the dye bath pH value influences the uptake amounts of pigments by two types of fibers, an almost equal proportion of pigment onto both fibers realized. The rubbing, washing and perspiration fastness of dyed fabric met the requirements for daily use. Moreover, the two-component fabric displayed the most vibrant and saturated color, excellent dye penetration performance, good ultraviolet (UV) protection and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, the dyed fabric maintained original smooth surface, breaking strength and soil degradation ability. This study explored a potential way for the color construction and multi-functionalization of silk/polyamide fabrics to meet the growing demand for sustainable and value-added textiles.