Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to determine whether using natural dyes made from dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) to dye knitted cotton fabric is both feasible and effective. The use ofplant-based dyes provides an environmentally beneficial substitute for traditional synthetic dyes, particularly since the textile industry places an increasing emphasis on sustainable practices. The process of the research entails removing the colorants from the inside of the dragon fruit and assessing how well they dye knit cotton fabric. To maximize the color fastness and vibrancy of the dyed fabrics, the study investigates some dyeing parameters, such as dye concentration, mordanting methods, and dyeing time. The study also looks into the possibleenvironmental advantages of employing natural colors, such as lower energy and water pollution levels when compared to synthetic dyes. In this study, Natural dyes have been extracted from recently famous fruit sources namely Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) to dye cotton fabric using different mordants like Tannic acid (C76H52O46) which is extracted from tea leaf, vinegar from the local market also commercial mordant Potassium aluminum sulfateand Ferrous sulfate at different pH mediums. It was found that different pH mediums and mordants were responsible for various shades from dark to light during colorimetric evaluation. As a result, cotton fabric can be colored with the color dye derived from dragon fruit, however, the exact shade may not always be achieved. While testing dyed fabric's fastness (wash, rubbing) properties, surface color was affected by washing, and rest fastness properties rangedaround moderate. To create natural dyes that will be more ecologically friendly and sustainable in the future, the study intends to support the adoption of eco-friendly techniques in the textile production industry. It also promotes the use of agricultural by-products in this regard.
