Indigo

Product Name	: Indigo
Catalog	: BBC-DP-2011
Botanical Name	: Indigofera tinctoria
Parts Used	: Leaves
Typical Uses	: Textiles

Indigo, the famous blue dye, is extracted from the leaves of various indigo plants, and the most widely used one is Indigofera tinctoria. Indigo can give clear blues that range from the tint of a pale sky to a deep navy that is almost black. Indigo can dye all natural fibers. The color achieved depends on the type of vat, the concentration of indigo, and the number of dips. Indigotin is insoluble in water. To use it for dyeing it must be reduced to a water-soluble form.

Dyeing Processes

Pre mordant: For indigo, it does not require a mordant.
Dyeing: Indigo can be soluble in an alkaline solution made by dissolving sodium carbonate or caustic soda in water. The pH needs to be between 9-11. The indigo dyeing process is accomplished by immersing the wetted (but not dripping) fiber, yarn or fabric into the indigo bath and leaving it under the surface initially for a period of 5-10 minutes. The more immersion-oxidation cycles, the deeper the color.
Post treatment: Conduct soaping of the dyed material with non-ionic detergent (0.5gpl) for 20-30 mins.
Hot wash and then cold wash.

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