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The size and distribution of the photoluminescent pigment particles within the selected binder may affect the quality and appearance of the final print significantly. Yet, the techniques for precise evaluation of size distri¬bution of the pigment particles within a 3D fabric space are rather limited, based on their intrinsic fluorescent properties. The presented work demonstrates a simple screen-printing process for the sustainable application of three different types of commercial fluorescent pigments on polyester (PES) fabric, using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a binder. A comprehensive toolbox was used to compare and study different commercial photo¬luminescent pigments and their corresponding prints, by means of size distribution and concentration effect of emission intensity, including Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy (CFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in combination with complementary spectroscopic techniques, i.e. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. The focus is on CFM utilised as a non-destructive tool, used for the evaluation of photoluminescent pigments´ spatial distribution within printing pastes, as well as on/within the PES fabrics.

People have been accompanied by colours throughout the history and through all periods of life. In different eras, colours were also associated with status symbols of different social classes or mythological beliefs. We are often addressed emotionally by colour combinations, since colour perception is always and exclusively a sensorial experience. Various colour combinations can have a pleasant effect on us or leave us cold as well as in a state of shock. All of the above, presented the starting point of this research. Detection and perception of sensations through colour was accomplished by preparing a questionnaire related to 12 selected colours. The research included 302 participants from Slovenia, of both sexes and different ages, born from 1940 to 2004. From the obtained results, it could be concluded how popular a certain colour is in a material, design and spiritual sense. Moreover, the results were validated and compared regarding the gender and age of participants, and further compared with the results of previous studies.

The main objective of the presented research was to study the possibility of using natural colourants obtained through the aqueous extraction of fresh leaves from the Junglans regia (J. regia), or common walnut tree, for the dyeing of wool yarn. A unique principle was explored by combining the phases of extraction and mordanting into one with the aim of shortening the dyeing procedure, while at the same time extracting more colouring components. Spectrophotometric studies revealed the signifi cant impact of both mordant addition and dye-bath pH on the absorbance curve and thus on the colour and K/S values of the dyed samples. A meta-ordanting technique using ferrous sulphate produced a greater depth of shade at a wavelength of 400 nm, with respect to the concentration of mordant and the liquid ratio of the extraction. Finally, wool yarn dyed with pure leaf extracts exhibited a potent inhibiting activity against Candida albicans (C. albicans) with a moderate reduction rate of 59%, and an inhibited response against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with a low reduction rate of 38.6%.