Apparent Colour Yield in Dyed Textiles

Various factors influence the visual efficiency of a fixed amount of colorant in a textile. The relevant optical phenomena are reviewed and treated in non-mathematical outline. The results of calculations on a number of simple optical models give rational bases for considering the qualitative effect on colour yield of the factors: fibre size and cross-section; incomplete penetration of colorant into the textile structure; colour-blended textiles; packing density of yarns and fabrics; polarization and fibre orientation; internal scattering and matt fibres; mechanical and added finishes; raised and pile structures; and ring-dyed fibres.