Coloration and Functional Modification of Silk Fiber via Dopamine Polymerization

The oxidative polymerization of dopamine for the functional surface modification of materials has drawn extensive attention. In this work, the coloration and functional modification of silk fiber by dopamine polymerization were studied. The conditions of dopamine application were first discussed in the absence of specific oxidants, and then the surface morphology, color characteristics, color fastness, stability to acid and alkali, UV protection ability and antistatic property of the colored and modified silk fiber were determined. The pH, temperature and time of dopamine application were found to exert great influence on the color depth of silk fiber. A weakly alkaline condition (pH 8.5) was an essential prerequisite. The treated silk fiber showed a brown grey color, a high color fastness to washing, and a good stability to acid and weak alkali. The polymerization of dopamine on the surface of silk fiber imparted UV protection and antistatic effects to silk fabric.