Extraction and Application of Natural Dye Preparations from Root Extracts of Rubia cordifolia L.

India’s richest biodiversity has contributed its fame as a treasure-house of plant-based natural products. We are endowed with more than 500 plant species that function as the source of natural colours. Dyes are related to cultural practices and various aspects of human life, but the attention given to natural dye-yielding plants is very less. Natural dyes are more eco-friendly and sustainable sources than their synthetic counterparts.

In the present investigation, dyes were extracted from the roots of Rubia cordifolia and applied on cotton fabrics using diverse mordants viz., aluminium potassium sulphate (Alum), ferrous sulphate (FeSO4), copper sulphate (CuSO4), glacial acetic acid and myrobalan by using pre, post and simultaneous mordanting methods. Fabrics dyed without mordanting served as control. A dye bath was prepared by boiling the powdered root in water at 100°C. Dyed cotton fabrics produced a wide range of colours/shades. OD of dye baths before and after dyeing varied significantly among different mordants used. Percentage dye uptake due to various mordants was significantly (P< 0.001) varied on mordanting methods. The highest dye uptake (72.09%) was recorded in myrobalan based post-mordanting method. Wash fastness and rubbing fastness were in the range of 1/2nd–4/5th acceptable grades. Thus suggest the use of madder roots along with mordants to get flamboyant shades on cotton fabric.