Natural and Synthetic Indigo Color in Silk and Cotton Cloth

Abstract

Subtle color difference between silk cloth dyed with traditional natural indigo and industrial synthetic indigo was studied using a spectrophotometer. Color difference between silk and cotton cloth using natural indigo was also examined. Color was analyzed by a CIELAB color system and compared. Results showed 1) color of silk cloth dyed with natural indigo was brighter than that dyed with synthetic indigo, 2) subtle difference in color of silk cloth dyed with indigo was affected by indigo concentration in the dyed cloth rather than by other coloring materials in dye, 3) color of silk cloth was brighter than that of cotton cloth using natural indigo, and 4) functional groups may have little influence on results in this study.