Journal of Textile Science & Engineering

Extraction of Natural Dyes from Whitfieldia lateritia Plant and Its Application on Cotton Fabric

Abstract

Okonkwo SN, Ohanuzue CBC, Onuegbu GC, Obasi HC and Nnorom OO

Extraction of natural dye from Whitfieldia lateritia plant and its application on cotton fabric was studied. In this research, natural dye was extracted from the leaves of Whitfieldia lateritia using 1% alkali as solvent. The dye extract was analyzed in the area of fabric dyeing using a mixture of alum and tannic acid as mordant, and sodium dithionite as reducing agent. UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and colour fastness to washing, perspiration and daylight were also carried out. It was revealed that Whitfieldia lateritia dye is a direct dye since it dyed cotton fabric without the aid of a mordant. However, the application of mordant improved the colour fastness of the dyed cotton fabric. UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the possible presence of some percentages of flavonoids, polyphenols and tannins in the dye.