Improving the dyeing properties and softness of hemp fabric using chitosan and epoxy modified silicone oil

In order to improve the dyeing depth and softness, hemp fabrics were treated with chitosan (molecular weight less than 10,000, degree of deacetylation 90%) and epoxy modified silicone oil in different volume ratios, and then dyed with Remazol Brillant Blue R vinyl sulphone. The changes in fine structure were characterized by means of SEM, FT‐IR, TG, DSC, and XRD. In addition, the effects of chitosan/silicone oil on the properties of tensile, bending, whiteness, dyeing, and color fastness were also investigated. It was found that compared with the untreated hemp fiber, the thermal stability of modified hemp fiber was improved and the percent residual weight increased in the range of temperature 25°–550°. The size of crystal grain decreased and the degree of crystallization increased. For the chitosan/silicone oil treated fabric, the handle was improved but the tensile properties degraded. As the content of chitosan increased, the color yield increased. Color fastnesses with regard to to rubbing, wet scrubbing, and washing durability were also improved when the volume ratio of chitosan to silicone oil was 5:1.