VAT dyes for cotton

VAT dyes cannot be used in their original form, or dissolved in water. They have to have a medium. They are dissolved in an alkaline medium which can them impregnate the fibres. The dyebath is rendered oxygen free in this process (Like
dying with indigo, where lye is used to remove the oxygen) When the fibre is reintroduced to the air, it reoxygenates, and the dyestuff returns to its original form within the fibre which has now taken on the colour of the dye. (combination of < www.uni-regensburg.de > and <www.pburch.net> 7.5.07 [online])

Vat dying simply means the process of immersion in a dyebath which is heated.


Vegetal Leather

An alternative to leather, made in Brazil, in the rainforest, from latex. AKA Treetap

Vicuna


Undercoat of lama which makes a soft fibre.(ridgewell)

Vilene

Man made fabric which is used for interfacing to stiffen garments. (ridgewell)


Virgin Materials

(defra) Raw materials and resources to be used in manufacturing for the first time.

Viscose

Man made but naturally derived cellulosic fibre and fabric . (Good description of the process of making in wikepedia.) AKA Rayon.

Lenzing fibres are the manufacturers. Viscose is completely biodegradable, can be recycled, incinerated, landfilled or digested in sewage’. (< www.lenzing.com > 7.5.07

[online]) However, according to kate Fletcher, quoting Lauren and hansen 1997 p 69-79, it is pulped in a sulphite based process, and spun with significant environmental impact. Bleached with hydrogen sodium hydroxide and treated with carbon disulphine then spun in a solution of sulphuric acid, sodium sulphate, zinc sulphate and glucose. It generates air emissions of sulphur, nitrous oxides, carbon disulphide and hydrogen sulphide. Emissions into water, if untreated, contain high levels of COD and BOD, nitrates, phosphates. iron, zinc, oil and grease.


Visil

A flame retardant, viscose fibre with high silica content (ridgewell)

VOCs

Volitile organic compounds including formaldahyde, organo-chlorines and
phenols, which release vapours at room temperature, including carpets, and
underlays. Cause rashed, ashthma, fatigue.