Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.77, No.4, 752-755, 2000
Comparative fastness assessment performance of cellulosic fibers dyed using natural colorants
Two natural dyes of plant origin, namely, bixin and curcumin, were extracted, purified, and used as color additives in two fibrous constructions of floor carpet and cotton fabric by the "exhaust dyeing" technique. The fastness properties of these dyes, both to light and to washing normally encountered in storage, and the use of these products were assessed comparatively to evaluate the stability of the dyestuffs as color additives in these industrial products. Curcumin was found to have higher average fastness ratings-4.0 to light and 3.0 to alkaline wash- over its bixin counterpart. This observation was explained by the higher stability of curcumin to those agencies arising from its structure.