Utilization of MLV Liposomes as a Carrier in Dyeing of Wool/Polyester

Liposomes are lipid-water systems that can carry hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials because of their amphiphilic structures. Application of liposomes in dyeing and finishing textiles is a new technology based on targeting and slow release which can lead to dyeing at lower temperature along with energy savings and lower environmental impacts. In this research work, a practical method for dyeing wool/polyester blends with disperse dye using liposome-forming compounds is proposed. Multi-lamellar liposomes (MLV) were prepared from Soya lecithin with 45% phosphatidylcholines and applied as an auxiliary in dyeing of wool/polyester fabric with disperse dye under different experimental conditions of the temperatures, time and liposome concentrations. The effect of liposomes in dye-bath on dye exhaustion and dyed fabric properties was investigated to achieve optimum conditions. The results were compared with those obtained with and without conventional dyeing auxiliary which showed that the presence of liposomes in the dye-bath helps to enhance the absorption of disperse dye on the wool/polyester fabric which was evaluated by colour strength (K/S). An increase on K/S was observed more significant for the samples dyed at 110oC for 60 min using 2% owf (on weigh of fabric) liposomes. Dyeing at higher temperature and longer time with higher liposome concentrations doesn’t increase the final exhaustion remarkably. The tensile strength, wash and light fastness of samples have not been changed significantly.