Biomordanting Potential of Acacia nilotica (Babul) in Conjunction with Kerria lacca and Rheum emodi Natural Dyes

Abstract

This study was undertaken to propose an alternative use of Acacia nilotica bark extract as a potential source of biomordant for the development of ecofriendly shades of varying hue and tone in conjunction with Kerria lacca (Lac) and Rheum emodi (Himalayan rhubarb) natural dyes. The colorimetric analysis of K. lacca and R. emodi natural dyes were evaluated onto the woolen yarn samples adopting pre-mordanting technique using 1.0–5.0% (o.w.f.) A. nilotica as biomordant. The hue of color developed was found to be in yellow-red coordinate of color space diagram with hues shifted toward red region for K. lacca and toward yellow region for R. emodi dyed samples. The color strength (K/S) values were found to increase with increase in the concentration of biomordant and were found highest for 5.0% (o.w.f.) A. nilotica mordanted samples. Color fastness with respect to light exposure, washing, rubbing for the developed shades ranged between good to very good ratings of 4–5 on grey scale, confirming the possibility of using A. nilotica bark extract as a potential source of biomordant for enhancing the colorimetric and fastness characteristics of dyed woolen yarn samples.

Keywords

• natural dye
• kerria lacca
• rheum emodi
• biomordant
• acacia nilotica
• shades