mordant

chemical compound

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July 23, 2026

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A mordant is a chemical compound used to fix a dye onto a material. It works by combining with both the dye and the fiber, forming an insoluble compound that binds the color to the substance. This process is essential for certain types of dyes, known as mordant dyes, which would otherwise have little affinity for the material they are applied to. Different mordants can produce different colors with the same dye. Mordants are also used in etching as a corroding substance.123

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mordant dye
…by the addition of a mordant, a chemical that combines with the dye and the fibre. As the principal modern mordants are dichromates and chromium complexes, mordant dye usually means chrome dye. Most mordant dyes yield different colours with different mordants. Mordant dyes can be used with wool, wool blends,…
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…by the addition of a mordant, a chemical that combines with the dye and the fibre. As the principal modern mordants are dichromates and chromium complexes, mordant dye usually means chrome dye. Most mordant dyes yield different colours with different mordants. Mordant dyes can be used with wool, wool blends,…
Read More

printmaking
Etching
…plate with a variety of mordants (acids). The metal plate is first covered with an acid-resistant coating (ground). The design is then scratched or pressed into the ground, exposing the metal in these areas. Finally, the plate is submerged in an acid solution until the desired depth and width in…
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…plate with a variety of mordants (acids). The metal plate is first covered with an acid-resistant coating (ground). The design is then scratched or pressed into the ground, exposing the metal in these areas. Finally, the plate is submerged in an acid solution until the desired depth and width in…
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dress
Ancient Rome
…knowledge of the use of mordants was now more extensive. The famous dye of the Classical world was Tyrian purple, so called because its centre of production was in the twin cities of Tyre and Sidon (now in Lebanon). The dye was obtained from small glands in the mollusk Purpura…
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…knowledge of the use of mordants was now more extensive. The famous dye of the Classical world was Tyrian purple, so called because its centre of production was in the twin cities of Tyre and Sidon (now in Lebanon). The dye was obtained from small glands in the mollusk Purpura…
Read More