Textile chemistry

thumb|right|Dyes made at De Kat, ZaandamA dye is a colored substance that is soluble in some solvent; by contrast pigments are insoluble or nearly so in all solvents. Because of their solubility, dyes can chemically bind to the material they color. Dye is generally applied in an aqueous solution and may require a mordant to improve the fastness of the dye on the fiber.

alt=Hank dyeing|right|thumb|Space dyeing right|thumb|Pigments for sale at a market in Goa, India thumb|Cotton being dyed manually in contemporary India thumb|Silk dye in pan on stove, Khotan Dyeing is the application of dyes or pigments on textile materials such as fibers, yarns, and fabrics with the goal of achieving color with desired color fastness. Dyeing is normally done in a special solution containing dyes and particular chemical material. Dye molecules are fixed to the fiber by absorption, diffusion, or bonding with temperature and time being key controlling factors. The bond between t

any process performed after dyeing the yarn or fabric to improve the look, performance, or "hand" (feel) of the finished textile or clothing