Fastness Properties and Colorimetric Characteristics of Low Temperature Dyeing of Natural Dyes from the Barks of Ixonanthes icosandra Jack on Polyester Fabric

This paper reports on low temperature dyeing of polyester fabrics of natural dye extracts from the barks of Ixonanthes icosandra Jack. The barks were extracted using Boiling Water and Solvent (Methanol) Extraction methods. The dyeing process was conducted using exhaustion method at 85 degrees C for 60 minutes. Three types of mordant were used by metacrome or simultaneous addition of mordant and dye in the dyebath. The dyed samples were measured using spectrophotometer to analyse the shades obtained with regards to L*a*b* values and K/S values (colour strength). The samples were also compared in terms of their ability to withstand washing, perspiration, rubbing/crocking and light. The results showed that dyed fabrics from the solvent extraction method gave higher K/S values in comparison with the dyed fabrics from the boiling water extraction method. The fastness properties of the dyed samples ranged from moderate to good rating except for lightfastness which gave poor rating.