How is Dye Produced?
Dye production varies greatly depending on whether natural or synthetic dyes are being created.
The vast majority of dyes are synthetic, offering superior cost and optical properties compared to natural dyes. In general, synthetic dyes are produced by reacting organic compounds with acids or alkalis, along with an intermediate compound (like a nitrating or sulfonating compound) and a solvent. This creates a dye mixture. The dye is then separated and purified. One example of this process is the creation of azo dyes, which involves a two-step process: diazotization (producing a diazonium salt) followed by coupling with a coupling component. (How Do You Make an Azo Dye? - First Source Worldwide) An example of a specific organic compound used is naphthalene. ([In general, organic compounds such as naphthalene are reacted with an acid or an alkali along with an intermediate (such as a nitrating or a sulfonating compound) and a solvent to form a dye mixture.])
Natural Dye Production
Natural dyes, on the other hand, are derived from various natural sources. The process involves extracting color from these sources. Examples include:
- Plants: Many plants, such as goldenrod flowers, black walnuts, and red onions, can be used to create dyes. The process typically involves boiling the plant material in water to extract the color. (Making Dye From Goldenrod Flowers — Cedar Dell Designs, Let's Dye . . . Black Walnut — FLORA & FIBER, Red onion skin magic - Rebecca Desnos, Acorn Dye — Acre) The specific color and intensity depend on the plant and the dyeing process. For instance, aluminum dye pots are known for producing bright colors. (Red onion skin magic - Rebecca Desnos)
- Insects: Historically, certain insects, like cochineal, were used to produce dyes, but their use has decreased.
- Minerals: Some minerals can also produce natural dyes.
The decline of certain natural sources, such as mollusk populations, has impacted the availability of some natural dyes, such as purple. ([The introduction of synthetic dyes and the decline of mollusk populations have greatly reduced the production of natural purple dye.]) Also, natural dyes used for food coloring can be prepared as either powders or concentrated liquids. Powders are generally easier to make. (How to Make Natural Food Coloring - DIY Food Dyes Tutorial)
The large-scale production of dyes, particularly for commercial applications like clothing, employs primarily synthetic methods due to their efficiency and consistency. (Mass Produced Tie-Dye! : r/tiedye, Dye - Wikipedia)
