This is a comparison of depth of penetration, ring symmetry and whiteness of core of Quickstone™ Denim indigo dyed yarn to conventionally dyed yarn on a sheet range under identical processing conditions.

Sample - Penetration - Symmetry - Whiteness

T-21 -38% - 2.8 0f 5.0 - 3.0 of 5.0
T-33 - 26% - 3.1 of 5.0 - 3.4 of 5.0
T-53 - 32% - 2.8 of 5.0 - 2.5 0f 5.0
T-54 - 21% - 3.0 of 5.0 - 4.0 of 5.0
T-54* - 26% - 2.7 of 5.0 - 3.9 of 5.0
T-62 - 34% - 3.0 of 5.0 - 3.4 of 5.0
T-62* - 31% - 3.1 of 5.0 - 3.8 of 5.0

*Duplicate

Range - 21 to 38% - 2.8 to 3.1 - 2.5 to 4.0
Mean Values - 30% - 2.9 of 5.0 - 3.4 of 5.0
Variation - 17% - 8% - 30%

Sample - Penetration - Symmetry - Whiteness

QSD-10 - 18% - 4.1 of 5.0 - 4.0 0f 5.0
QSD-23 - 19% - 4.0 of 5.0 - 3.8 of 5.0
QSD-28 - 20% - 4.0 of 5.0 - 3.8 of 5.0
QSD-60 - 21% - 4.0 of 5.0 - 3.7 of 5.0
QSD-68 - 18% - 3.8 of 5.0 - 3.9 of 5.0
QSD-86 - 18% - 3.9 of 5.0 - 3.9 of 5.0
QSD-96 - 21% - 3.8 of 5.0 - 3.8 of 5.0

Range - 18 to 21% - 3.8 to 4.1 - 3.7 to 4.0
Mean Values - 19% - 3.8 of 5.0 - 3.9 of 5.0
Variation - 3% - 6% - 6%

Samples T-21, T-33, T-53, T-54 and T-62 are representative of every 2000 meters of yarn on a 10,000 meter trial using the conventional methods of indigo dyeing.

Samples QSD-10, QSD23, QSD28, QSD60, QSD68, QSD86 and QSD 96 are representative of every 2000 meters on a 14,000 meter trial using Quickstone™ Denim method of indigo dyeing.

The results show that the average ring depth penetration on conventional indigo dyed yarn is 30% as opposed to 19% in Quickstone™ Denim dyeing. Ring symmetry and whiteness of core are rated on a scale from 1 to 5, highest number representing best results. The Quickstone™ Denim trial is successful in improving the ring symmetry (3.8/5.0 as opposed to 2.9/5.0) and whiteness of the core (3.9/5.0 as opposed to 3.4/5.0) of the dyed yarn. Photomicrographs of Quickstone™ Denim show a much cleaner and whiter cross-section as compared to conventional denim, with the dye deposited in a fine ring on the outer surface of the yarn only. Indigo savings of approximately 10-20% are realized.