An Approach for Linen Fabrics Coloring and Antibacterial Activity by Cumin in Combination with Nano Copper and Iron

Abstract

Flax fibers have always a special place among the whole consumed fibers owing to customer demands related with its characteristic features. This is why investigating alternative finishing methods to transfer different features to these fibers along with coloration is an important issue. In this study, it is aimed to color linen fabrics with cumin seeds and to diversify the obtained colors by using sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) in different amounts during the extraction and dyeing periods as well. Additionally, copper and iron in powder form was used during cumin-based finishing processes to achieve coloration and antibacterial features. To see the effect of using sodium sulfate and copper/iron powders in finishing, the solely cumin-based dyeings were also carried out as well. As a result of the study, it was observed that cumin seeds can be used for coloring the fabrics and the presence of sodium sulfate in extraction and so in dyeing period enhance the obtained colors darker which means lower L* values in CIE L*a*b* color space. Meanwhile the color yields (K/S) become higher too. Furthermore, it was also found that the presence of copper nano-powder during dyeing has a significant effect on color yields and provide antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Keywords

• cumin
• iron
• copper
• anti-bacterial activity
• dyeing
• nano chemicals