NATURAL BLUE DYEING OF WOOL, COTTON, AND CHITOSAN USING STYPHNOLOBIUM JAPONICUM FLOWER EXTRACTS

ABSTRACT

This scientific study developed a sustainable and environmentally safe method for dyeing wool, cotton, and chitosan fibers using a natural pigment extracted from the flower buds of Styphnolobium japonicum. The aim of the research was to establish a technology that ensures high color fastness through the use of a natural blue dye. Iron(II) sulfate and potassium ferrocyanide were used as mordants during the dyeing process. Experimental results confirmed that the dyed fabrics demonstrate high resistance to washing, thermal exposure, and ultraviolet radiation, meeting industrial standards. The presence of rutin and other biologically active compounds in the extract ensures both environmental safety and health benefits. Based on the findings, the natural dye derived from Styphnolobium japonicum was scientifically substantiated as a viable alternative to synthetic dyes.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В данном научном исследовании разработан устойчивый и экологически безопасный метод окрашивания волокон шерсти, хлопка и хитозана с использованием природного пигмента, полученного из бутонов растения Styphnolobium japonicum. Цель исследования заключалась в создании технологии, обеспечивающей высокий уровень стойкости окраски при помощи природного синего красителя. В процессе окрашивания использовались морданты-сульфат железа (II) и ферроцианид калия. Экспериментальные результаты показали, что окрашенные ткани обладают высокой стойкостью к стирке, термическому воздействию и ультрафиолетовому излучению, соответствуя промышленным стандартам. Благодаря наличию рутина и других биологически активных соединений в экстракте обеспечивается экологическая безопасность и отсутствие вреда для здоровья. На основании полученных данных доказана целесообразность применения натурального красителя на основе Styphnolobium japonicum в качестве экологически чистой альтернативы синтетическим красителям.

Keywords: natural dye, Styphnolobium japonicum, anthocyanins, iron(II) sulfate, potassium ferrocyanide, wool, cotton, chitosan, rutin.

Ключевые слова: натуральный краситель, Styphnolobium japonicum, антоцианы, сульфат железа (II), ферроцианид калия, шерсть, хлопок, хитозан, рутин.

Introduction. The main aim of this research is to develop a sustainable and eco-friendly dyeing method using Styphnolobium japonicum extract for wool, cotton, and chitosan fibers.

The objectives of the study are as follows:

1. To extract natural pigment from the flower buds of Styphnolobium japonicum;

2. To apply various mordants and evaluate their effects on dye performance;

3. To assess the color fastness of dyed fabrics to washing, heat, and ultraviolet radiation.

With the growing global population, the demand for coloring products has increased rapidly. Industries such as textiles, construction, and food processing use both natural and synthetic dyes, as well as food additives. However, ensuring that dyes are derived from natural sources is crucial. According to the World Health Organization, the use of artificial dyes has led to the rise of various diseases [1]. Natural dyes are gaining popularity for therapeutic purposes, alongside modern medical treatments worldwide [2]. While synthetic dyes dominate industries like construction and food production, they often pose health risks. Thus, research into natural dye plants rich in biologically active compounds is vital for the development of sustainable food dyes and the creation of new products based on their chemical composition.

Literature Review. Over 2,000 plant species globally are recognized for their potential as natural dyes, although only about 130 are used in practical applications. These dyes, primarily sourced from roots, fruits, flowers, and leaves, offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic colorants. Plant dyes can be classified into four main categories:

1. Chromatophores-containing intrinsic pigments like chloroplasts and chromoplasts.
2. Cell sap components -such as anthocyanins.
3. Excretory products of plants-including secondary metabolites, and microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria.
4. Lignified tissue pigments - typically found in heartwood.

For industrial and technical applications, the latter two categories are of particular relevance. Dyes are typically extracted by processing plant materials such as roots, barks, wood, flowers, or fruits. The dyeing process often involves biochemical transformations, such as fermentation or interactions with mordants and complexing agents, to fix the color and enhance colorfastness. Various plant-based dyes have been studied and applied, each producing distinctive colors based on the source plant and the mordants used.

Anthocyanins, a type of pigment found in many plants, are water-soluble and exhibit pH-dependent color changes. They are ideal for both food and textile applications. In Uzbekistan, the flower buds of Styphnolobium japonicum are traditionally used to extract rutin [4], a bioactive flavonoid. These parts of the plant have also been used in dyeing wool, especially in carpet weaving. Other plant species, such as Ammodendron Lera and SStyphnolobium japonicum, have also been studied for their dyeing potential. Recent research has explored new sources of blue pigments, such as from the seed coat of Ravenala madagascariensis, opening possibilities for eco-friendly, plant-based dyes in the textile industry.

Experimental part. The dyeing process begins by preparing a solution of iron sulfate in water at room temperature, in which the fabric is soaked. The temperature is gradually raised to 50°C before adding the dye. The fabric-to-dye solution ratio is maintained at 1:30, with a 5% dye concentration. After dyeing, the fabric is washed with ice-cold water and dried.

For dyeing with Styphnolobium japonicum, the shoots are collected, dried, and mixed with iron sulfate and red blood salt in water. The mixture is heated for 2 hours to extract the blue dye. A similar procedure is used for dyeing with other reagents, such as caustic alkali.

Results and Discussion. The proposed dyeing method, using a natural dye derived from the flower buds of Styphnolobium japonicum, results in a blue color on wool, chitosan, and cotton fibers. The dyeing process involves multiple steps: first, the fibers are immersed in an iron sulfate solution, followed by the addition of the plant-derived dye, and treatment with red blood salt to achieve the desired hue.

Experimental results show that the dyed fabrics exhibit excellent color retention, with resistance to both washing and ironing. These properties meet established industrial standards for durability and color fastness. The consistency of the blue color across wool, chitosan, and cotton fibers suggests that the dyeing process effectively bonds the dye molecules to the fibers.This study introduces an innovative method for dyeing textiles with a natural dye from Styphnolobium japonicum [10,]. The use of iron sulfate and red blood salt enhances the dyeing process and contributes to the development of a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes. The dyed materials meet GOST (State Standard) regulations for wash, ironing, and UV resistance, promoting the use of renewable, plant-based resources in textile production.

Experimental results. The experimental results of dyeing wool yarn with alcohol extracts from Styphnolobium japonicum and using different chemicals are summarized in Table 1. The use of various chemicals, such as acetic acid, potassium aluminum, chromic acetic acid, and others, produced various color outcomes in the dyed threads. The table below shows the resulting colors: Potassium ferrocyanide (K₄[Fe(CN)₆]), Potassium ferricyanide (K₃[Fe(CN)₆]).

Table 1.

Results of experimental dyeing of wool yarn using various chemical reagents

Similarly, chitosan was dyed using alcohol extracts from plant buds and Styphnolobium japonicum solution with different reagents, as shown in Table 2:

Table 2.

Results of experimental dyeing of chitosan using various mordants and dye extracts

Dyeing Process Summary. The dyeing mixture was prepared with a paint solution containing 3% pigment, 10% KMS glue (50 g for 100 g of finished paint), 6 g of urea, 30 g of water, 1 g of ludigol, and 10 g of aluminum silicate salt. The fabric was stretched on the printing table, and the dye mixture was applied using a matrix. The dyed fabric was then dried and steamed for 1.5 hours at a pressure of 0.6-0.8 atm. The sample was washed with water and soda, dried in open air, and ironed to ensure the color was set.

Conclusion. This study presents an eco-friendly method for dyeing wool, cotton, and chitosan fibers using a natural blue pigment derived from Styphnolobium japonicum. The process, involving iron(II) sulfate and potassium ferrocyanide, produces colorfast fabrics that withstand washing, ironing, and UV exposure. The method is economically viable and environmentally safe, with the added benefit of rutin, a pharmacologically important compound. This approach offers a promising alternative to synthetic dyes, supporting sustainable practices in the textile industry

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