Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described that dispense microdroplets of dye onto individual filaments or fibers and infuse them into the interior of such filaments and/or fibers in a highly controlled manner. Control of dye dispensing permits changing the dye applied to a fiber during a dyeing operation, and supports the generation of patterns in woven products via the dyeing process. The resulting systems and methods require much less water and generate much less waste than conventional dyeing processes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described in which composite solids such as dyed fibers or fabrics are produced by reversibly generating permeable regions within a heterogeneous solid. Permeating substances are trapped within the heterogeneous solid on reversal of the permeability to form a composite solid, within which the permeating substances are protected from environmental factors.