Leucoindigo (indigo white) An intermediate molecular state (after the release of glucose sugars) between indoxyl and indigotin in which the pigment in this acetic state can be directly applied to various protein fibers. Leucoindigo Indigo (indigotin) Oxidation The process of lucoindigo converting from yellow-green to blue upon the addition of oxygen, after fibers are removed from the vat. Pigment The solid, colored indigo material created after oxidation; collected from the slurry, settled, and dried for dyeing. Pigments do not fully absorb into fibers and indigo requires reduction by the addition of alkalis. Reduction A molecular conversion creating soluble indigo leuco compound (or lucoindigo). The vat looks yellow-green at this stage. Reduction is the opposite of oxidation. Sediment The heavy indigo particles that settle at the bottom of the container after the slurry is allowed to rest; this sediment becomes the final pigment once dried. Slurry A thick mixture of water and finely suspended indigo particles created during processing, usually after beating or aerating the fermentation liquid. Vat Dye Pigments that are insoluble in water which require an alkali reduction in order to bond with the fibers. Once the fiber has been removed from a vat, the oxidation coverts the pigment to a stable, insoluble compound.
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