Colour Research Lab

About

Colour Research Laboratory (CRL) is a state-of-the-art facility specializing in advanced textile testing, colour analysis, and material characterization. Established in 2004 with the initial title of Colour Measuring and Microscopy Lab later retitled in 2017, CRL serves academic researchers and industry professionals by offering precise and reliable testing and R&D services. The laboratory is equipped with internationally recognized instruments, ensuring high standards of testing, analysis and innovation. CRL’s mission is to support innovation, sustainability, and quality enhancement in textile research, industrial and colour science applications.

Testing Services

Whiteness and yellowness
Opacity
Gloss
Colour yield (K/S) values/curves
Colour coordinates (E.g. CIE L* a* b* C* ho)
Tristimulus values (X Y Z)
Colour difference assessment and evaluation (E.g. CMC)
Colour match prediction
Colour Inconstancy and metamerism
Reflectance, absorbance and transmittance values/curves
UV transmittance of liquids and solids
Dye concentration profile and calibration curve
Dye adsorption / exhaustion
Dye diffusion / absorption
Dye fixation
Standard colourfastness (E.g. ISO 105 series)
Water absorbency

R&D Services

Colour matching and shade card development
Development of Colour Models
Developing and optimising colour formulations
Sustainable coloration process development and innovation
Ultrasonic assisted colour extractions and applications
Coloration of electrospun nanofibrous materials

Key Facilities

Datacolor Dual Beam Spectrophotometer 850
Specord UV-Vis Spectrophotometer 200 Plus
Standard Visual Colour Assessment Booth
Colourfastness testing equipment (SDL and SDC)
Video Microscope (up to x1000)
Elma Ultrasonic Baths E100H
Linari Multi-Needle Electrospinning Machine
Heated Magnetic Mixers

☎ +92 22 2772250-73 (ext. 6121 and 6124)

📧 awais.khatri@faculty.muet.edu.pk

✉ Colour Research Lab, Department of Textile Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro - 76060 Sindh Pakistan

Lab Productivity

Funded Projects

Postgraduate Theses

2023 – Dope dyeing of electrospun polyurethane nanofibres
2023 – Digital ink-jet printing of electrospun cellulose nanofibrous web with reactive inks
2022 – Screen printing of cellulose electrospun nanofibers with PDA polymer
2021 – Sustainable reactive dyeing process for readymade garments
2020 – Development of indigenous natural indigo dye for denim industry
2020 – Environmentally friendly denim dyeing with indigenous natural indigo dye
2018 – Development of environmentally sustainable reactive dye formulation for dyeing cotton fabric
2017 – Ultrasonic-assisted dyeing of cotton with natural color extracted from Marigold flower
2014 – Ultrasonic assisted and exhaust dyeing of bamboo knitted fabric with reactive Dyes

Graduate Theses

2023 – Ultrasonic-assisted dyeing of cotton with natural madder dye
2023 – Ultrasonic-assisted dyeing of cotton with natural and synthetic indigo dyes
2022 – Ultrasonic-assisted cold-pad-batch bleaching of cotton fabric
2021 – Natural indigo dyeing of bamboo fabric by exhaust and ultrasonic methods
2021 – Use of natural reducing agent in dyeing of denim warp with indigo dye for improving sustainability
2018 – Developing one-bath ink for digital printing of polyester cotton blended fabric
2017 – Development of natural dyeing process for cotton fabric with indigenous indigo dye extract
2017 – Printing of cotton fabric with indigenous natural indigo dye extract
2016 – Ultrasonic dyeing of cotton fabric with reactive dyes using biodegradable alkaline organic salt
2014 – Ultrasonic assisted dyeing of cotton fabric with extract of Marigold flower in comparison to conventional exhaust dyeing method
2013 – Effectiveness of pad-dry-steam process results over pad-dry-cure and pad-steam processes for dyeing cotton fabric with reactive dyes
2012 – Study on comparison of mercerization and cationization of cotton fabric for reactive dyes
2011 – Effect of Biodegradable NTA salt on reactive dyeing of cotton fabric by exhaust process
2007 – Quality economic and ecological aspects of new continuous dyeing processes for sulphur dyes
2006 – Optimization of pigment printing paste recipe