An investigation of dyeability of wool fabric with red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var.) extract

In this study, woollen fabrics were dyed with the aqueous extract of fresh red cabbage leaves, containing kaempferol and quercetin as the main colorant species. Brassica vegetables are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and glucosinolates. The dyeing was carried out with and without metal salts as mordants, such as KAl(SO4)(2).12H(2)O, CuSO4.5H(2)O, FeSO4.7H(2)O and K2Cr2O7. Pre-and meta-mordanting methods were used in this study. Mordanted wool fabrics were dyed in a dyebath prepared with different pH values. The pH values of bath were 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, respectively. Different colors and shades can be obtained within different pH values. The dyed fabrics were evaluated through color measurements and standard wash, perspiration, light and rub fastness tests. The dye absorbed by the fabrics and color properties were measured using a spectrophotometer. The color yield of dyed fabrics is expressed by K/S, and CIELAB (L*, a* and b*) values. The effects of mordant, methods of mordanting and pH value of the dye bath on the color values were studied. Finally, satisfactory results were obtained.