Title
Dye uptake and fastness properties of cotton fabric dyed with red cabbage pigment
Authors
TUAN ANH NGUYEN, PHUONG VY DANG and KIM XUYEN BUI

Received June 04, 2025
Published Volume 60 Issue 1-2 January-February
Keywords natural dye, red cabbage extract, cotton fabric, dye uptake, color fastness

Abstract
This study investigated the dyeing behavior and fastness properties of cotton fabric using red cabbage (RC) extract, a natural source of anthocyanin pigments. The dye solution was obtained through aqueous extraction at a mildly acidic pH. Cotton fabrics were dyed under various conditions, including pH (4-8), temperature (30-75 °C), dyeing time (30-120 minutes), and with three metallic mordants including iron sulfate, copper sulfate, and potassium aluminum sulfate. Dye uptake was quantitatively evaluated using colorimetric analysis, specifically color strength (K/S) and color difference (ΔE). Fastness properties were assessed according to international standards for washing. Results indicated that the dye uptake was significantly influenced by these dyeing parameters, with optimal conditions identified at pH 5-6, 45 °C, and a dyeing time of 30 minutes. Mordanting, particularly with iron sulfate, notably enhanced both color depth and fastness performance. Iron sulfate-mordanted fabrics exhibited the highest color retention after washing. This research confirms red cabbage extract as a promising and environmentally sustainable natural dye for cotton, contributing to eco-textile development and circular fashion systems.