Determining Copper in Dyestuffs and on Dyed Fabrics

Abstract

Cooper is a well-known constituent of some metalcomplex dyes. Its toxicity and harmful impact on environment are also well known, and it is thus necessary to control its content in dyestuffs, as well as on textiles dyed with such dyestuffs and in waste waters. The content of copper, as an integral part of the dyestuff molecules, was measured in a number of metalcomplex dyes. Copper was found in four dyestuffs and wool fabrics were dyed using these dyes. Copper was determined quantitatively both in the dyestuffs and on the fabrics dyed with them. Spectrophotometric methods are suggested (spectrophotometry in the visible range and atomic-absorption spectrophotometry) for measuring the content of copper in dyestuffs and on the fabrics dyed with them.