Dyeing of silk using Madhuca longifolia as natural dye source

The dried leaves of Madhuca longifolia has been evaluated for their potential as a source for natural dyeing of silk. Dye has been extracted under optimum conditions such as extraction pH (10), time (60 min) and temperature (95̊°C). The extracted dye has been applied on the silk fabrics and a range of shades are obtained using different methods with or without using mordants. It is found that mordants have a significant effect on the color of dyed silk fabrics. The dyed samples have been evaluated for color measurements and standard wash, light and rub fastness tests. The extracted dye is also tested for some of the eco-parameters using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and GC/MS. The test results are compared with set standards to determine the eco-friendliness of natural dye. Their concentrations are found to be lower than the stipulated limits. The dyed samples are also tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The dyed silk fabrics show acceptable fastness properties and are found to possess antibacterial activity. The results show that Madhuca longifolia leaves are promising as a natural colorant, which would, in turn, pave the way for the discovery of a new range of environment-friendly dyes for textile materials