Extraction and Application of Natural Dyes from Herbal Plants on Silk Fabric: Optimization and Performance Evaluation

Abstract

The present research investigates the extraction and application of natural dyes from herbal plants—including Alkannatinctoria roots (Ratanjot), Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra (purple cabbage), PicrorhizaKurroa (Kutki), and Curcuma longa roots (Turmeric) on silk fabric. The aim of the research is to maximise dyeing conditions by means of pH, dying duration, temperature, and dye mixing ratio, thus improving colour output and uniformity. By means of a methodical analysis of the impact of many mordants on the colour fastness characteristics of the dyed materials, one gains understanding of how mordanting could affect the lifetime and stability of the natural dyes. The study also explores the synthesis of compound colours by combining the obtained dyes, assessing their colour values and fastness ratings. This method seeks to increase the natural colour palette accessible for silk dying. The work also looks at the antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV protection factor (UPF) characteristics given by the natural dyes in order to evaluate the functional characteristics of the coloured materials. The results show that these natural colourants improve the protecting and bioactive qualities of the silk fabric in addition to providing a sustainable substitute for synthetic dyes. This study highlights the possibility of herbal plant extracts in generating high-performance, organically coloured textiles with additional health and environmental advantages, therefore helping to enhance environmentally friendly textile dying techniques. The results confirm the increasing textile sector interest in non-toxic and environmentally friendly dying techniques.