History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.s1.1

v1.c20.s1.1

Dyes which have little or no affinity for certain substances may yet be fixed on them if a mordant is first applied. Mordants are substances found to be capable of penetrating and adhering to fibres. Since wool and silk have both acidic basic properties, they are easily dyed. But dyeing cotton is difficult as it requires the prior use of mordants. The dye added after mordanting forms an insoluble product in the cotton fibres.