Characterization, Modification and Application of Dye Extract Obtained from Vitex doniana on Cotton Fabric
Keywords:
Vitex donian, Natural dye extraction, Cotton fabric modification, Textile coloration Dye characterizationAbstract
The environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic dyes have increased the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives derived from natural sources. This study investigates the extraction, characterization, modification, and application of dye obtained from Vitex doniana leaves on cotton fabric. An experimental laboratory-based design was adopted, in which the plant leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried, and pulverized prior to aqueous extraction of the dye. The extract was characterized using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, pH determination, and visual colour assessment to evaluate its chemical and optical properties. To enhance dye performance, cotton fabrics were pre-mordanted using alum, ferrous sulfate, and copper sulfate before dyeing under controlled conditions. The dyed fabrics were evaluated for colour strength and fastness properties, including wash and light fastness, using standard methods. The results revealed the presence of chromophoric constituents in the dye extract and demonstrated that mordanting significantly improved dye uptake, colour variation, and fastness performance. The findings led to the rejection of all null hypotheses, confirming that Vitex doniana is a viable source of natural dye for textile application. The study concludes that the utilization of this plant dye offers a promising approach to sustainable textile production and recommends further research into advanced analytical techniques and large-scale applications.
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