Optimization of the Extraction of Beetroot Dye and its Potential Application on Protein Fibre using Different Natural and Synthetic Mordants with Respect to Extraction Conditions and Extraction Medium

Abstract

Today, environmental protection has become a challenge for chemical industries worldwide, including the textile industry, which uses a fairly large number of chemicals for dyeing and printing. The quest for sustainable and cleaner production in the contemporary textile processing industry has attracted interest in the natural dyeing of textiles because of their biodegradable nature and compatibility with the environment. Synthetic dyes have been in use for a long time due to their abundance, uniformity, reproducibility, and applicability, but they have limitations such as toxicity, non-biodegradability, and environmental pollution. Lately, due to environmental considerations, commercial interest in natural dyes has gained prominence. Although natural dyes such as merigold, turmeric, henna, rose petal, celosia flower, saffron, onion skin, etc. have been exploited, there is still a wide range of unexploited resources such as beetroot. These natural dyes are, however, non-substantive; hence, their application requires the assistance of mordants. This research therefore concerns the extraction of a natural dye and the investigation of the factors that influence the extraction and dyeing processes. The objectives were to extract the beetroot dye, assess the dyeing of 100% wool and silk fabric using natural dye extracted from beetroot, and analyze the fastness properties of the dyed fabrics. Also to study the shelf life of beetroot dye extract with or without preservatives. Using the finely grated pieces of beetroot, dye samples were prepared using aqueous and solvent (ethanol) extraction methods. Further dye extraction methods were optimized by varying different extraction parameters like temperature, time, and pH.