Investigating the feasibility of utilizing <i>Pennisetum purpureum</i> leaves waste as a sustainable dye: Extraction, characterization and application on textile

Abstract

This study investigated the potential of Pennisetum purpureum (Elephant grass) leaves waste as a source of natural dyes. The objective was to extract, characterize and apply the natural dyes on textile fabrics. Elephant grass was chosen due to its abundant availability as agricultural waste, making it an environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. The extraction process involved maceration, followed by filtration to obtain the dye extract. The dye components were isolated using vacuum liquid chromatography and then characterized using analytical tools such as UV-Visible Spectrophotometry, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify the presence of specific compounds responsible for the dyeing potential. The perspiration fastness, rubbing fastness, light fastness and wash fastness properties were assessed to evaluate the durability and suitability of the natural dyes. The UV-Visible spectrum, HPLC and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of chromophores such as conjugated systems, and provided information about chemical components namely rutin, quercetin, senecionine, hyoscyamine and tannic acid present in the dye, as well as the types of bond present in the molecules including C-H, O-H, C=O and C-O groups, which are characteristics of natural dyes. The dyed textile fabrics demonstrated somewhat fair to good with a rating of 3-7 for perspiration fastness, light fastness, rubbing fastness and wash fastness, indicating the potential of the natural dye for practical applications. The findings can inspire further research and development in utilizing agricultural waste for natural dye production, promoting sustainable practices in textile manufacturing.