Optimisation Of Extraction And Dyeing Application Process Of Juglan Regia For Sustainable Dyeing Practices In Garhwal Himalayas

The Garhwal Himalayan region is gifted with a variety of plants, which have been considered as a source of number of natural products. Decades ago these plants were used by Bhotiya people for wool dyeing. The art of dyeing with these natural dyes, was limited to a few people and was kept a big secret by those who excelled by this art. The indigenous practice has declined manifold due to invasion of use of synthetic dyes. Today also the diversity, copiousness as well as uniqueness of the plant component in various habitats retained sound and aesthetic environment of the Garhwal Himalayas. Most of the plants of the Garhwal region are well known for their heterogeneous uses. However a number of plants found in abundance are still in adequately explored and need a thorough chemical investigation for their proper utilization. This paper deals with experimentation extraction, standardization and application on Juglan regia for its sustainable viability in small scale dyeing units of Garhwal Himalayas and hence uplifting the local craft of the region. Juglan regia was identified for the experimentation from the explored flora of the Garhwal Himalayas. Physico chemical analysis of the raw material was carried out in order to standardize extraction method as raw material for the dye. The parameter studied were color, physical appearance, pH, moisture content, total ash content, acid insoluble content and water soluble extractive value. Extraction and application of the dye was carried out and the conditions of extraction and application on wool were standardized by studying the effect of time, pH and temperature on degree of extraction and percentage shade on degree of exhaustion of the dye by the substrate. In this study an effort was made to develop and standardize natural dye for sustainable practices with view to revive natural dyeing in woolen industry of Garhwal Himalayan region. This study infers that the hulls of Juglan regia , which are otherwise waste after the fruit is taken out has significant potential for being used as natural dye as it possess good light fastness, good to excellent washing fastness and good to fair rubbing fastness. It is found in abundance and has good affinity for wool dyeing. This technical intervention will help in up gradation of the unorganized less privileged textile craft sector by using indigenous natural dyes keeping environmental concerns in mind.