Non-BPS mordants for acid-based dyes on textiles

Abstract

An alternative to BPS-based mordants for use in textile dyeing. The mordant comprises a water-based, bio-inspired co-polymer with cationic moieties that become fixed onto the textile by UV curing. Polymers that can be modified to change solubility, ratios of UV-crosslinkable monomer and charged monomer, the type of charge (either positive or negative) by way of co-monomer selection, as well as blend with other bio-based polymers for color fastness improvement are utilized. A specific example of such a mordant alternative is Vinylbenzylthymine (VBT) which may be used alone or with chitosan in the textile dyeing process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 763,534, filed Feb. 26, 2025, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The coloring of textiles (both natural and synthetic) with synthetic dyes is a practice that is nearly universal in the consumer apparel market. The fastness of each of these colors onto a textile, or the ability for the color to remain the same after a given number of wash cycles is not the same across colors. To improve the longevity of a color on a textile, mordants are often used as an auxiliary treatment of the fabric to improve the fastness of a given color through multiple wash cycles.

[0003] Commonly, when using acid dyes, bisphenol-S-based (BPS) mordants are used commercially for this purpose. Growing scientific evidence and public perception of the negative effects of BPS derivatives on human health and the environment has created a need for safe, high-performing alternatives.

[0004] Tannic-acid and other bio-based mordants have been explored in the space, but typically have the less than desirable aspects of adding of color or shifting of color of the baseline textile and ultimately the final dyed article.

[0005] The market needs alternatives to BPS-based mordants that are high performance and safe with minimal effect on the baseline color of the textile to be dyed as well as the final dye color.SUMMARY

[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water-based, bio-inspired co-polymer with cationic moieties that is “fixed” onto a material such as nylon using UV light (typically 254 nm), such that the copolymer acts as a mordant and improves the color fastness of synthetic acid dyes of different colors through multiple wash cycles.

[0007] Polymers according to one or more embodiments can be modified to change solubility, a ratio(s) of UV-cross-linkable monomer, and charged monomer, the type of charge (either positive or negative) through the variation of co-monomer, as well as the ability to blend the bio-inspired polymer with bio-based polymers such as chitin and chitosan to improve color fastness across a variety of textiles and dye functionalities.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a table showing a variety of VBT copolymer varieties and UV exposures as well as chitosan and VBT polymer / chitosan blends that all improve Delta E versus control samples with no mordant pretreatments. Each colored bar represents one of three different dyes (Erionyl Blue A-R, Nylosan Rhodamin E-B P 300 and Nylosan Yellow S-R p).

[0009] FIG. 2 includes images showing irradiated Nylosan Yellow S-R p—0.25 J / cm2 the samples prepared including a control and those using a non-BPS mordant according to one or more embodiments herein.

[0010] FIG. 3 includes images showing chitosan—Nylosan Yellow S-R p the samples prepared including a control and those using a chitosan mordant according to one or more embodiments herein.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a chart showing the ΔE of samples after washing—Nylosan Yellow S-R p the samples prepared including a control and those using a non-BPS mordant according to one or more embodiments herein.

[0012] FIG. 5 includes images showing irradiated Nylosan Rhodamin E-B P 300—0.25 J / cm2 the samples prepared including a control and those using a non-BPS mordant according to one or more embodiments herein.

[0013] FIG. 6 includes images showing irradiated Chitosan—Nylosan Rhodamin E-B P 300 the samples prepared including a control and those using a chitosan mordant according to one or more embodiments herein.

[0014] FIG. 7 are charts showing the ΔE of samples after washing—Nylosan Rhodamin E-B P 300—Irradiated vs Non-Irradiated.

[0015] FIGS. 8-17 illustrate experimental examples including a control, chitosan as a mordant and other comparative exemplary mordants.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Mordants for use in dyeing textiles have included tannic acid which performs well, but is also a known solution that adversely effects base textile and dyed textile color. Described herein are alternative mordants, which are water-soluble thymine-based photopolymers that can be rendered water insoluble with UV-light. That is, the mordant can be rendered water insoluble after exposure to a textile. Results show these polymers to work as well as tannic acid, with no significant effect on base or dyed textile color. Mordants described herein have been shown to work with yellow, rhodamine, deep blue, and flavine dyes.

[0017] Described herein are alternatives to Bisphenol (BPS) BPS-based mordants for use in textile dyeing. Such mordant composition comprises a water-based, bio-inspired co-polymer with cationic moieties “fixed” onto a textile, such as nylon, by UV curing. More specifically, the composition for the mordant comprises one or more polymers that can be modified to change solubility, ratios of UV-crosslinkable monomer and charged monomer, the type of charge (either positive or negative) by way of co-monomer selection, and / or a blend with other bio-based polymers for color fastness improvement. In one or more embodiments, the mordant alternative comprises Vinylbenzylthymine (VBT) alone, or in combination or blended with chitosan in the textile dyeing process.

[0018] Chitosan, formulated with salicylic acid has also shown tannic acid like performance with little base color shift.

[0019] A Vinylbenzylthymine (VBT) based photopolymer has the structure shown below:

[0020] The VBT monomer is the fundamental technology behind a well-known photoresist system. When the VBT monomer is copolymerized with a charged comonomer such as a quaternary ammonium or sulfonic acid moiety, it allows the creation of charged thin films which can be applied from water and subsequently rendered non-water soluble through crosslinking with application of UV light.

[0021] Cationic moieties (such as methyl quaternary ammoniums) have an affinity for some acid-type dyes as described herein. In particular, the comonomer shown below where the comonomer ratios are m=1 and n=4 appear to be effective when measuring dye performance before and after washing.

[0022] On one embodiment, nylon swatches were dyed both without and with pre-processing with mordants, followed by washing and measuring of the color using a handheld BYK Spectroguide colorimeter with L*a*b* colorspace output and calculating Delta E (a measure of color difference). A lower value of Delta E implies reduced color change (before and after washing) while a higher value of Delta E implies an increased change in color versus controls.Experimental ExampleFor Control (No Mordant Dyed Swatches)Dye Procedure:Heat 25 mL of water to ~85° C. and add dye (13 mg)

[0024] Once dye is dissolved, add 508 μL of 5% acetic acid in distilled water and the fabric swatch (3″×3″).

[0025] Stir 10 min using magnetic stir bar being sure to keep swatch moving.

[0026] Increase temp to 100° C. and boil for 20 minutes.

[0027] Rinse with warm water and dry (hang dry).Wash Procedure:Washed 7 samples in 1000 mL of water

[0029] In an Erlenmeyer with 2.8 mL of 50% detergent

[0030] Every 30 mins changed water

[0031] 30 min rinseFor Experimental Mordant Samples:Pretreatment (Mordant) Processwt % in water solution of the Vinylbenzylthymine-based polymers were prepared.

[0033] Per swatch 50 mL of water was used

[0034] Heated to boiling and stirred for 30 min

[0035] Stirred 200 RPM

[0036] Rinsed with cold water and allowed to dryDye Process (Per Swatch)13 mg of the color is added into about 25 mL of water.

[0038] Once dissolved at 508 μL of 5% acetic acid in distilled water.

[0039] Mix for 10 minutes being sure to keep the fabric moving.

[0040] Increase temperature to boiling (100° C.) and boil for 20 mins.

[0041] Rinse with warm water and dry.WashingThe samples were placed in an Erlenmeyer filled with 700 ml of water.

[0043] Samples were stirred with a magnetic stir bar (200 RPM) for 3 H at 50 C with x (3.8 for 8 samples and 5.3 for 11 samples) mL of 50% liquid detergent, water changes 2 times since colors leached dramatically.

[0044] Swatches were then rinsed with water for 30 minsDyes of Interest:Erionyl Blue A-R

[0046] Nylosan Rhodamin E-B P 300

[0047] Nylosan Yellow S-R p

[0048] 0.156 of dye in 300 ml of water were used to make stock solution of each color.

[0049] Synergistic effects are found in the combination of non-BPS mordants according to one or more embodiments described herein when combined with chitosan. Unexpected results in improvement in dyeing using the combination of non-BPS mordants such as VBT in combination with chitosan are further contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure. VBT polymers and chitosan blends as mordants for systems for use various dyes including acid based dyes and in combination with various textiles including synthetic and organic materials, and blends thereof. While the disclosure herein references nylon, alternative textiles commonly used in clothing, accessories, bedding, and the like are contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure. This includes both natural, synthetic and combination textiles.

[0050] Referring to the figures, various reference dyes were applied to textiles. For example, these dyes could be applied as 0.05% solutions and were utilized with a variety of bio-based materials to act as mordants (for example, <1.0% solutions / dispersions) which serve as controls and comparative examples for the VBT based mordants described herein, including: chitosan, microfibrillated cellulose, methyl cellulose, polyphenon 60 (green tea), ellagic acid (pomegranate), and chlorogenic acid (green coffee) or combinations thereof. The textiles, for example, nylon, were pretreated with the mordants, dyed, color measured, washed and color remeasured to monitor color fastness.

[0051] Thus embodiments according to this disclosure include a mordant for use in textile dyeing comprising a water-based bio-inspired, photocurable co-polymer, wherein the co-polymer is modifiable to change one or more of solubility, a ratio of UV-crosslinkable monomer to charged monomer, type of charge of the co-polymer either positive or negative, by way of co-monomer selection.

[0052] The mordant co-polymer comprises Vinylbenzylthymine (VBT) and in one or more embodiments is combined with chitosan in water. In such embodiments, the mordant may comprise VBT and chitosan in variable amounts. In one embodiment, the mordant may comprise approximately equal amounts by weight % of VBT and chitosan. In one embodiment, the mordant may comprise greater than about 10%, 20%, 30% 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or more by weight of VBT, in combination with chitosan in water. Alternatively, a weight % ratio of VBT to chitosan in water may be 1:0.5, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1: 10:1, 15:1 or greater. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments it may be desirable to increase the amount chitosan as compared to VBT and thus, the mordant may comprise less than about 10%, 20%, 30% 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or less by weight of VBT, in combination with chitosan in water. Alternatively, a weight % ratio of chitosan to VBT in water may be 1:0.5, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1: 10:1, 15:1 or greater.

[0053] The mordant may also be compatible for use with any acid-based dye for synthetic or natural textiles.

[0054] Embodiments according to this disclosure further include methods of dyeing synthetic or natural fiber textiles comprising pretreating the textile for dyeing with a mordant comprising the water-based bio-inspired, photocurable co-polymer according to any one or more embodiments described herein; dyeing the textile with an acid-based dye; and washing the textile.

[0055] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological act, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms for implementing the claims.

Examples

experimental example

For Control (No Mordant Dyed Swatches)

Dye Procedure:

Heat 25 mL of water to ~85° C. and add dye (13 mg)[0024]Once dye is dissolved, add 508 μL of 5% acetic acid in distilled water and the fabric swatch (3″×3″).[0025]Stir 10 min using magnetic stir bar being sure to keep swatch moving.[0026]Increase temp to 100° C. and boil for 20 minutes.[0027]Rinse with warm water and dry (hang dry).

Wash Procedure:

Washed 7 samples in 1000 mL of water[0029]In an Erlenmeyer with 2.8 mL of 50% detergent[0030]Every 30 mins changed water[0031]30 min rinse

For Experimental Mordant Samples:

Pretreatment (Mordant) Process

wt % in water solution of the Vinylbenzylthymine-based polymers were prepared.[0033]Per swatch 50 mL of water was used[0034]Heated to boiling and stirred for 30 min[0035]Stirred 200 RPM[0036]Rinsed with cold water and allowed to dry

Dye Process (Per Swatch)

13 mg of the color is added into about 25 mL of water.[0038]Once dissolved at 508 μL of 5% acetic acid in distilled water.[0039]Mix for 10 ...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 763,534, filed Feb. 26, 2025, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The coloring of textiles (both natural and synthetic) with synthetic dyes is a practice that is nearly universal in the consumer apparel market. The fastness of each of these colors onto a textile, or the ability for the color to remain the same after a given number of wash cycles is not the same across colors. To improve the longevity of a color on a textile, mordants are often used as an auxiliary treatment of the fabric to improve the fastness of a given color through multiple wash cycles.

[0003] Commonly, when using acid dyes, bisphenol-S-based (BPS) mordants are used commercially for this purpose. Growing scientific evidence and public perception of the negative effects of BPS derivatives on human health and the environment has created a need for safe, high-performing alternatives.

[0004] Tannic-acid and other bio-based mordants have been explored in the space, but typically have the less than desirable aspects of adding of color or shifting of color of the baseline textile and ultimately the final dyed article.

[0005] The market needs alternatives to BPS-based mordants that are high performance and safe with minimal effect on the baseline color of the textile to be dyed as well as the final dye color.SUMMARY

[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a water-based, bio-inspired co-polymer with cationic moieties that is “fixed” onto a material such as nylon using UV light (typically 254 nm), such that the copolymer acts as a mordant and improves the color fastness of synthetic acid dyes of different colors through multiple wash cycles.

[0007] Polymers according to one or more embodiments can be modified to change solubility, a ratio(s) of UV-cross-linkable monomer, and charged monomer, the type of charge (either positive or negative) through the variation of co-monomer, as well as the ability to blend the bio-inspired polymer with bio-based polymers such as chitin and chitosan to improve color fastness across a variety of textiles and dye functionalities.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a table showing a variety of VBT copolymer varieties and UV exposures as well as chitosan and VBT polymer / chitosan blends that all improve Delta E versus control samples with no mordant pretreatments. Each colored bar represents one of three different dyes (Erionyl Blue A-R, Nylosan Rhodamin E-B P 300 and Nylosan Yellow S-R p).

[0009] FIG. 2 includes images showing irradiated Nylosan Yellow S-R p—0.25 J / cm2 the samples prepared including a control and those using a non-BPS mordant according to one or more embodiments herein.

[0010] FIG. 3 includes images showing chitosan—Nylosan Yellow S-R p the samples prepared including a control and those using a chitosan mordant according to one or more embodiments herein.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a chart showing the ΔE of samples after washing—Nylosan Yellow S-R p the samples prepared including a control and those using a non-BPS mordant according to one or more embodiments herein.

[0012] FIG. 5 includes images showing irradiated Nylosan Rhodamin E-B P 300—0.25 J / cm2 the samples prepared including a control and those using a non-BPS mordant according to one or more embodiments herein.

[0013] FIG. 6 includes images showing irradiated Chitosan—Nylosan Rhodamin E-B P 300 the samples prepared including a control and those using a chitosan mordant according to one or more embodiments herein.

[0014] FIG. 7 are charts showing the ΔE of samples after washing—Nylosan Rhodamin E-B P 300—Irradiated vs Non-Irradiated.

[0015] FIGS. 8-17 illustrate experimental examples including a control, chitosan as a mordant and other comparative exemplary mordants.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Mordants for use in dyeing textiles have included tannic acid which performs well, but is also a known solution that adversely effects base textile and dyed textile color. Described herein are alternative mordants, which are water-soluble thymine-based photopolymers that can be rendered water insoluble with UV-light. That is, the mordant can be rendered water insoluble after exposure to a textile. Results show these polymers to work as well as tannic acid, with no significant effect on base or dyed textile color. Mordants described herein have been shown to work with yellow, rhodamine, deep blue, and flavine dyes.

[0017] Described herein are alternatives to Bisphenol (BPS) BPS-based mordants for use in textile dyeing. Such mordant composition comprises a water-based, bio-inspired co-polymer with cationic moieties “fixed” onto a textile, such as nylon, by UV curing. More specifically, the composition for the mordant comprises one or more polymers that can be modified to change solubility, ratios of UV-crosslinkable monomer and charged monomer, the type of charge (either positive or negative) by way of co-monomer selection, and / or a blend with other bio-based polymers for color fastness improvement. In one or more embodiments, the mordant alternative comprises Vinylbenzylthymine (VBT) alone, or in combination or blended with chitosan in the textile dyeing process.

[0018] Chitosan, formulated with salicylic acid has also shown tannic acid like performance with little base color shift.

[0019] A Vinylbenzylthymine (VBT) based photopolymer has the structure shown below:

[0020] The VBT monomer is the fundamental technology behind a well-known photoresist system. When the VBT monomer is copolymerized with a charged comonomer such as a quaternary ammonium or sulfonic acid moiety, it allows the creation of charged thin films which can be applied from water and subsequently rendered non-water soluble through crosslinking with application of UV light.

[0021] Cationic moieties (such as methyl quaternary ammoniums) have an affinity for some acid-type dyes as described herein. In particular, the comonomer shown below where the comonomer ratios are m=1 and n=4 appear to be effective when measuring dye performance before and after washing.

[0022] On one embodiment, nylon swatches were dyed both without and with pre-processing with mordants, followed by washing and measuring of the color using a handheld BYK Spectroguide colorimeter with L*a*b* colorspace output and calculating Delta E (a measure of color difference). A lower value of Delta E implies reduced color change (before and after washing) while a higher value of Delta E implies an increased change in color versus controls.Experimental ExampleFor Control (No Mordant Dyed Swatches)Dye Procedure:Heat 25 mL of water to ~85° C. and add dye (13 mg)

[0024] Once dye is dissolved, add 508 μL of 5% acetic acid in distilled water and the fabric swatch (3″×3″).

[0025] Stir 10 min using magnetic stir bar being sure to keep swatch moving.

[0026] Increase temp to 100° C. and boil for 20 minutes.

[0027] Rinse with warm water and dry (hang dry).Wash Procedure:Washed 7 samples in 1000 mL of water

[0029] In an Erlenmeyer with 2.8 mL of 50% detergent

[0030] Every 30 mins changed water

[0031] 30 min rinseFor Experimental Mordant Samples:Pretreatment (Mordant) Processwt % in water solution of the Vinylbenzylthymine-based polymers were prepared.

[0033] Per swatch 50 mL of water was used

[0034] Heated to boiling and stirred for 30 min

[0035] Stirred 200 RPM

[0036] Rinsed with cold water and allowed to dryDye Process (Per Swatch)13 mg of the color is added into about 25 mL of water.

[0038] Once dissolved at 508 μL of 5% acetic acid in distilled water.

[0039] Mix for 10 minutes being sure to keep the fabric moving.

[0040] Increase temperature to boiling (100° C.) and boil for 20 mins.

[0041] Rinse with warm water and dry.WashingThe samples were placed in an Erlenmeyer filled with 700 ml of water.

[0043] Samples were stirred with a magnetic stir bar (200 RPM) for 3 H at 50 C with x (3.8 for 8 samples and 5.3 for 11 samples) mL of 50% liquid detergent, water changes 2 times since colors leached dramatically.

[0044] Swatches were then rinsed with water for 30 minsDyes of Interest:Erionyl Blue A-R

[0046] Nylosan Rhodamin E-B P 300

[0047] Nylosan Yellow S-R p

[0048] 0.156 of dye in 300 ml of water were used to make stock solution of each color.

[0049] Synergistic effects are found in the combination of non-BPS mordants according to one or more embodiments described herein when combined with chitosan. Unexpected results in improvement in dyeing using the combination of non-BPS mordants such as VBT in combination with chitosan are further contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure. VBT polymers and chitosan blends as mordants for systems for use various dyes including acid based dyes and in combination with various textiles including synthetic and organic materials, and blends thereof. While the disclosure herein references nylon, alternative textiles commonly used in clothing, accessories, bedding, and the like are contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure. This includes both natural, synthetic and combination textiles.

[0050] Referring to the figures, various reference dyes were applied to textiles. For example, these dyes could be applied as 0.05% solutions and were utilized with a variety of bio-based materials to act as mordants (for example, <1.0% solutions / dispersions) which serve as controls and comparative examples for the VBT based mordants described herein, including: chitosan, microfibrillated cellulose, methyl cellulose, polyphenon 60 (green tea), ellagic acid (pomegranate), and chlorogenic acid (green coffee) or combinations thereof. The textiles, for example, nylon, were pretreated with the mordants, dyed, color measured, washed and color remeasured to monitor color fastness.

[0051] Thus embodiments according to this disclosure include a mordant for use in textile dyeing comprising a water-based bio-inspired, photocurable co-polymer, wherein the co-polymer is modifiable to change one or more of solubility, a ratio of UV-crosslinkable monomer to charged monomer, type of charge of the co-polymer either positive or negative, by way of co-monomer selection.

[0052] The mordant co-polymer comprises Vinylbenzylthymine (VBT) and in one or more embodiments is combined with chitosan in water. In such embodiments, the mordant may comprise VBT and chitosan in variable amounts. In one embodiment, the mordant may comprise approximately equal amounts by weight % of VBT and chitosan. In one embodiment, the mordant may comprise greater than about 10%, 20%, 30% 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or more by weight of VBT, in combination with chitosan in water. Alternatively, a weight % ratio of VBT to chitosan in water may be 1:0.5, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1: 10:1, 15:1 or greater. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments it may be desirable to increase the amount chitosan as compared to VBT and thus, the mordant may comprise less than about 10%, 20%, 30% 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or less by weight of VBT, in combination with chitosan in water. Alternatively, a weight % ratio of chitosan to VBT in water may be 1:0.5, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1: 10:1, 15:1 or greater.

[0053] The mordant may also be compatible for use with any acid-based dye for synthetic or natural textiles.

[0054] Embodiments according to this disclosure further include methods of dyeing synthetic or natural fiber textiles comprising pretreating the textile for dyeing with a mordant comprising the water-based bio-inspired, photocurable co-polymer according to any one or more embodiments described herein; dyeing the textile with an acid-based dye; and washing the textile.

[0055] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological act, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms for implementing the claims.

Examples

experimental example

For Control (No Mordant Dyed Swatches)

Dye Procedure:

Heat 25 mL of water to ~85° C. and add dye (13 mg)[0024]Once dye is dissolved, add 508 μL of 5% acetic acid in distilled water and the fabric swatch (3″×3″).[0025]Stir 10 min using magnetic stir bar being sure to keep swatch moving.[0026]Increase temp to 100° C. and boil for 20 minutes.[0027]Rinse with warm water and dry (hang dry).

Wash Procedure:

Washed 7 samples in 1000 mL of water[0029]In an Erlenmeyer with 2.8 mL of 50% detergent[0030]Every 30 mins changed water[0031]30 min rinse

For Experimental Mordant Samples:

Pretreatment (Mordant) Process

wt % in water solution of the Vinylbenzylthymine-based polymers were prepared.[0033]Per swatch 50 mL of water was used[0034]Heated to boiling and stirred for 30 min[0035]Stirred 200 RPM[0036]Rinsed with cold water and allowed to dry

Dye Process (Per Swatch)

13 mg of the color is added into about 25 mL of water.[0038]Once dissolved at 508 μL of 5% acetic acid in distilled water.[0039]Mix for 10 ...

Claims

1. A mordant for use in textile dyeing comprising a water-based bio-inspired, photocurable co-polymer, wherein the co-polymer is modifiable to change one or more of solubility, ratio of UV-crosslinkable monomer and charged monomer, and type of charge (either positive or negative) by way of co-monomer selection.

2. The mordant of claim 1 wherein the co-polymer comprises Vinylbenzylthymine (VBT).

3. The mordant of claim 1 further comprising chitosan.

4. The mordant of claim 2 further comprising chitosan.

5. The mordant of claim 1 wherein the mordant is compatible for use with an acid-based dye.

6. A method of dyeing a natural or synthetic fiber textile:pretreating the textile for dyeing with a mordant comprising a water-based bio-inspired, photocurable co-polymer;dyeing the textile with an acid-based dye; andwashing the textile.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the co-polymer comprises Vinylbenzylthymine (VBT).

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the mordant further comprises chitosan.

Images