Assessment of calorimetric, antibacterial and fastness properties of silk fabric dyed with <em>Casuarina equisetifolia </em>L<em>.</em> leaf extract

Abstract

The present study was conducted to explore the coloring potential of <em>Casuarina equisetifolia </em>L<em>. </em>leaves and to improve color strength of dye using different mordants. Analysis of experiment revealed that at 90 ºC and 90 min could reach optimal extraction. The extracted dye was applied to the dyeing of silk fabrics using different methods, with and without mordants. It was found that mordants had a significant effect on the color of dyed silk fabrics. Color shades of tan, beige, sandy and straw were obtained. Significant differences in color strength and CIE lab coordinates were observed, depending on mordant type and mordanting method. The performance of dyeing process was evaluated by measuring the colour yield (K/S). All the dyed silk fabrics demonstrated good color fastness to washing, good fastness to rubbing and acceptable color fastness to light. The dyed samples are also tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and found to possess antimicrobial activity. In general, the abundantly available agricultural byproduct <em>C. equisetifolia</em> was found to have great potential to be utilized as a natural textile dye material.