Knowra Mordant Mordant A mordant is a substance that helps bind a dye to a material, often by forming a coordination complex. It can alter a dye’s color and improve its resistance to washing or light.
Coordination complex : A structure in which a central metal ion or atom is bonded to surrounding molecules or ions. Metal ions in many mordants coordinate with dye molecules and help connect them to fibers.
Natural dye : A colorant obtained from a biological or mineral source rather than synthesized for use as a dye. Many natural dyes need a mordant to color fibers effectively.
Dyeing : The process of imparting color to fibers, fabrics, or other materials using dyes. Mordanting developed as one way to make dyeing more durable and controllable.
Colorfastness : A material’s resistance to fading or color loss during exposure to light, washing, rubbing, or other conditions. Mordants can improve dye retention, but performance depends on the dye and fiber.
Dye–fiber bond : An interaction that holds a dye molecule to a textile fiber through chemical or physical forces. Mordanting changes the interactions that retain dye on a fiber.
Alum : A family of hydrated double sulfate salts, including potassium alum, used in dyeing and other processes. Alum is a widely used mordant that often produces relatively bright shades.
Tyrian purple : A costly ancient purple dye produced from secretions of Mediterranean murex sea snails. Its use illustrates the diverse ancient technologies that colored textiles, though it did not require a mordant.
Metamerism : A phenomenon in which colors match under one lighting condition but appear different under another. Changing a dye’s coordination environment with different mordants can alter its spectral color.
Metal ion : An atom or molecule with a net electrical charge that contains a metal element. Metal ions such as aluminum and iron commonly provide mordanting sites.
Iron(II) sulfate : An iron salt commonly known as ferrous sulfate, used in industry and as a textile mordant. Iron salts can darken natural dyes and shift their hues.
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