Overview of Color and Colorants for Textiles

Overview of Color and Colorants for Textiles
Recorded February 18, 2021
Presented by Tova N. Williams, PhD, Southeast Reagent Sales Account Manager, TCI America

Color is ubiquitous and can be produced for aesthetic and/or functional purposes.  Both natural and synthetic (man-made) colorants can be used to apply color to a variety of materials including textiles, foods, and hair.  In this presentation, an overview of color and the various colorants for the coloration of protein, polyamide, acrylic, polyester, and cotton fibers will be provided.  For example, the requirements for color to be seen by the human eye, how color can be produced, dye/pigment-fiber interactions, and technical properties that can be achieved by the application of certain colorants will be highlighted.  Come prepared to ask questions and participate in a very engaging discussion!

About the Speaker
Dr. Tova N. Williams has more than five years of experience in the dyeing and finishing of textiles and has gained experience in this area while working at American & Efird LLC and Cotton Incorporated.  She is a double alumnus of North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles, earning her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Fiber and Polymer Science in 2018 and her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Polymer and Color Chemistry with Summa Cum Laude honors and University Scholars Program distinction in 2014.  Dr. Williams is a 2015 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow and a 2014 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity Graduate Scholar.  Beyond the bench and her current role as the Southeast Reagent Sales Account Manager for Tokyo Chemical Industry (TCI) America, Dr. Williams is committed to K-12 science outreach and mentoring women interested in pursuing STEM careers.