Tie Dye Lab: Testing of Materials
This lab is designed to allow you to evaluate the effect of natural dyes and mordants on
cotton material. Based on our conclusions from this lab, you will decide what kind of dyes
and mordants you wish to use for the Tie Dye T-shirt which we will make next week. Then,
on Tuesday November 24, you will be able to wear your tie dyed t-shirt to school (similar to
sports shirts – over your regular uniform).
A mordant is a chemical compound used to help the dye adhere to the fabric. Years ago, a
common mordant was urine! We will not be using this! We will use solutions of copper (II)
sulfate, sodium carbonate and sodium chloride. We will also test an assortment of natural
dyes. These dyes are found in drinks including Kool-Aid, Gatorade, and ocean spray drink
mix. The dyes and mordants will be tested on a small circular piece of 100% cotton (1 ½ inch
diameter).
Each group will test one mordant and water. The water will be the control for the mordant
testing. Does the independent variable (mordant used) have more of an effect than the
control (water)? Then the fabric will be dipped into 3 different dyes. After a day of drying,
the colors will be evaluated.
The lab report will be to complete the attached data collection sheet and type your answers
to the questions on the last page.
PROCEDURE:
1. Get 6 pieces of cotton cloth. Number each cloth with a permanent marker (#1 – 6).
2. Dip 3 of the pieces into the mordant. Note on the attached data collection sheet which
mordant was used.
3. Using a plastic glove, squeeze out any extra liquid and place the cloth on a labeled drying
tray.
4. Place the remaining 3 cloth pieces into water, squeeze out the extra liquid and place on the
labeled drying tray.
5. Let the mordant and water containing cloth dry for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Dip each of the cloths into 3 different dyes. Dip one cloth with mordant and one with water
in each dye.
7. Using a plastic glove, squeeze out any extra liquid and place on the drying tray. (Be sure the
drying tray is dry!)
8. Let the cloths dry overnight.
9. During the next class, evaluate the colors and record it in the data table.
10. Rinse each of the cloths in water, squeeze out, and place on the drying trays for one more
day.
11. Next class, evaluate the colors and record in the data table.
Data Collection Sheet:
(completed sheet – 10 points)
Names of Students in Group:
Table # 1: Types of Mordent and Control Used (Tie Dye Testing Lab)
Substance
Chemical Name
Chemical Formula
Control
Water
H2O
Mordent
Table #2: Types of Dye Used (Tie Dye Testing Lab)
Cloth
#
Substance Name of Dye
used
1
Mordent
2
Mordent
3
Mordent
4
Control
5
Control
6
Control
Color after
dyeing
Color after
24 hrs
Color after
rinsing
Color after
rinsing
- 24 hrs
Analysis and Conclusion:
Answers must be typed. Give detail on your answers. Use the results from the
lab as your evidence. Was there any difference between the mordant used and
the control? How did the rinsing affect the final color?
(Each question worth 10 points)
1. The three mordents used were copper (II) sulfate, sodium carbonate and sodium chloride.
a) Which mordent was the most effective ?
b) How was effectiveness determined?
c) Which mordent would be the best for the tie dye T-shirt lab? Why?
2. a) Which of the natural dyes used were the most effective?
b) How was effectiveness determined ?
c) Which dye would be the most effective for the tie dye t-shirt lab? Why?
3. The goals of “Green Chemistry” are to produce processes and products which are less
hazardous to the environment, cost effective, and perform as well or better than the existing
processes or products (effectiveness). Are industrial dyes hazardous to the environment?
Research this and explain why. Do natural dyes satisfy the green chemistry goals? Explain.
4. Research 2 dyes. Give their common name, chemical name, chemical formula and structural
formula. (Structural formula may be handwritten.)