Title
Green and sustainable development of functional cotton textiles with agro-based bio-colorant
Authors
ABDUR REHMAN, RABIA MUKHTAR, MARYAM NAVEED, IMRAN AHMAD KHAN, ASFANDYAR KHAN and KASHIF JAVED

Received February 26, 2025
Published Volume 59 Issue 7-8 July-August
Keywords citric acid, turmeric, green crosslinking, eco-friendly dyeing, functional textile, sustainability

Abstract
Green processing is globally demanded for its economic, social, and environmental benefits. Synthetic textile dyes and auxiliaries are not eco-friendly and negatively affect the wearer's skin and environment. In this work, cotton fabric samples were successfully dyed with a natural dye turmeric (Curcuma longa) and a green mordant, citric acid, was also used as a crosslinker. Turmeric colorant was extracted from Curcuma longa at a temperature of 90-100 °C. Three (pre-, meta- and post-) crosslinking techniques were examined by varying the parameters, such as the concentration of the natural dye and of the crosslinker. A high-temperature dyeing machine was used for carrying out the procedure at 80 °C for 40 minutes. It was found that results with the maximum K/S value were achieved with the meta-crosslinking method and it was also observed that natural dyes combined with green mordants produced excellent perspiration, crocking, and wash fastness properties, with no color fading. A satisfactory and moderate lightfastness was achieved. The results clearly show that turmeric and acetic acid are an excellent natural dye and auxiliary agent, respectively, for cotton textile coloration, allowing a green processing method.