Exploring the Potential of Dacryodes Edulis Leaf Extract as Natural Colourant on Polyamide Fabrics: Extraction, Characterization and Application

Abstract

There is a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives in the textile industry, particularly in search of natural colourants derived from plants. This research study investigates the extraction and characterization of natural colourant from the leaf of D. edulis and explores its application to polyamide fabrics. Laboratory experiments, such as solvent extraction was performed to obtain the colourant. The extraction process was optimized using Response Surface Methodology-Central Composite Design (RSM). The dye was isolated and characterized using vacuum liquid chromatography, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Physical properties such as light fastness, perspiration fastness, rubbing fastness and wash fastness were assessed to determine the durability and stability of the natural colourant on the fabrics. The results indicated that the optimal conditions for dye extraction are 65.9 ℃ and 2 hours, providing feasible parameters for replication. Examination of the natural dye obtained from the isolated fraction, revealed the presence of carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C), carbonyl (C=O), ester (-COO), aldehyde (CHO) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups; with rutin, isoquercetin and tannic acid as its major compounds. The isolated dye exhibited an absorption peak at 403 nm. The ratings for the treated fabrics varied from fair to good and very good. The light fastness ranged from 4 to 6, perspiration fastness and wash fastness ranged from 2-4, and rubbing fastness ranged from 3-5. On the other hand, the untreated fabrics had ratings, with a range of 2-5 for light fastness, 2-4 for perspiration fastness and wash fastness and 1-4 for rubbing fastness, it was also observed that the colour strength values of mordanted fabrics were deeper than those of the unmordanted fabrics. These results indicate that the dye obtained from D. edulis leaf has considerable potential as a source of natural dyes. These findings contribute valuable insights into the extraction, characterization and application of natural colourants, promoting a shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the textile industry.