ultra-violet region starts below 360nm, and the infra-red region starts above 780nm1. Hue The hue refers to the major wavelength or wavelengths reflected from the material. Different wavelength indicate different hues. Approximately 150 hues can be detected in the visible spectrum1. Brightness The brightness of any substance depends on the amount of reflected light1. Strength The strength of a coloured surface is inversely proportional to the amount of white light the surface reflects. This is because white light dilutes the wavelengths which give the surface its hue1. Colour-fastness This is the ability of the dye to resist fading. The causes of fading are UV radiation from sunlight, and washing. See Colour Fastness for more.
Fibre properties
These will be mentioned in passing as well, since they play an equal part in the dying process. An understanding of the functional groups on different fibres can help give an indication of the type of dye that should be used, as well as suggest ways of developing new dyes.
s