Studies on dyeing process variables for application of Tesu (Butea monosperma) as natural dye on silk fabric

Abstract

A scientific study on natural dyeing of silk using an environment-friendly mordant (potash alum) has been undertaken to standardize extraction procedure, mordant concentration, and dyeing conditions for Tesu flower petals. Degummed and potash alum pre-mordanted silk fabric has been dyed using aqueous extract of Tesu (Butea monosperma). The effect of varying conditions of extraction and dyeing process variables on the surface color strength and color-related parameters apart from different color fastness properties of the dyed fabric have been standardized. The optimized conditions for dyeing pre-mordanted silk with aqueous extract of Tesu flower petals is 40% dye concentration, material to liquor ratio (MLR) 1:20, pH 4, time 60 min, temperature 60°C, and salt concentration 10 gpl.

Keywords

• cdi values
• dyeing process variable
• fastness properties
• mordanting
• natural dye
• potash alum
• silk
• tesu