Expected Results

I've researched a few similar experiments and they all agree that chemically dyed fabrics are of a better quality than naturally dyed ones. My data also agrees with this. Since I highly doubt that all us scientists used exactly the same dyes, I can conclude that chemical fabric dyes broadly are generally better resistors of weathering and have more colour endurance than natural dyes broadly. When I say broadly I'm just emphasising an inclusion of many different brands and types. Like Dylon make hand washing dyes and machine dyes, but I'm still quite sure both of these dyes are of more or less equal quality.

Dyed Squares

This was my chemically dyed material before all the tests were conducted. My camera died before I could take pictures of the the Henna dyed ones.

FINISHED TESTING

I have finished my tests and you will see my results in my report. But until then I will put up some more research to entertain you.

Apparently there are certain bonds between the dyes and fabric which strongly hold them together. And the difference between chemical and natural dyes are these bonds. So essentially, I'm determining which bonds are the strongest.

The material I am using is ordinary calico, which I'm quite sure is 100% cotton. This would be best coz cotton is one of the most absorbant dying materials.

Almost Begun Testing

Dying is a very messy process. As I dyed I recorded everything I did because it ended up being quite different to my previous method.

I used gloves and wore some old clothes. My 'protective clothing'. I used two buckets, filled them with warm water, the dye and five 15cm calico squares. I then left them to soak for 3 hours and afterwards laid them out to dry on about 5 layers of newspaper. I havent started my trials yet though.

But these are the dye powders, which i had trouble uploading before but they're here now so...enjoy!

The more yellowish-green one is the Henna. The lighting obviously isn't very good either.

How to set out results

I'm considering organising my data into tables. I can't do a graph with only observations.

Anyways, I've dyed my fabrics and the Dylon worked out quite well...not so much the Henna. And I won't have enough time to re-dye. It's ok though because I'm only comparing it the original state of its colour.