Dyeing properties and deodorizing/antibacterial performance of cotton/silk/wool fabrics dyed with myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) extract

An aqueous solution containing a natural colorant (myrrh extract) was obtained by extraction from myrrh using water as an extracting solvent at 90 degrees C for 90min with a fixed material to liquor ratio of 1:10. The dyeing properties, color fastness and deodorizing/antibacterial performance of fabrics (cotton, silk and wool fabrics) dyed with myrrh extract were evaluated. The main component in myrrh extract was found to be polysaccharides composed of D-galactose/D-glucuronic acid/L-arabinose and protein. The yellow-red color of fabrics dyed with myrrh extract was attributed to the copper (I) oxide component. The K/S value of the dyed fabrics increased in the order of cotton<silk<wool. The washing, water and acid/alkaline perspiration fastness of dyed cotton/silk/wool fabrics were good (Grade 4-5), except light fastness (Grade 1-3). The deodorizing performance of dyed fabrics against ammonia and acetic acid was found to be significantly better than the control (undyed)fabrics. The dyed fabrics exhibited an excellent antibacterial performance (99.9% bacteriostatic reduction rate) against both Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus. These results highlight the strong potential of the natural dyed fabrics as a functional material with both high antibacterial activity and deodorizing function.