Brachiaria mutica dyes powder for textile application: dyeing quality of cotton fabrics

To minimise water pollution as well as to improve the economic value of some un- utilised natural resources, application of natural dyes have been widely encouraged this past decade. Natural dyes considered to be effective in minimising the use of chemical agents which in turn overcome pollution problems. Despite the advantages of natural dyes, few problems are also encountered. It is therefore production of natural dyes powder becomes another concern. In this article, application of Brachiaria mutica as natural dyes powder for textile dyeing was discussed in terms of colour darkness, colour fastness, and colour difference. Experiment was carried out by observing dyeing process using 4 types of mordants, i.e. lime, alum, limestone, and ferrous sulphate. The colour darkness of cotton fabric was in the order of system with ferrous sulphate > limestone > alum > lime juice. The system with alum, limestone, and ferrous sulphate generated colour of green, while system with lime juice resulted in yellowish green colour. In term of colour fastness to washing, the quality was in the order of system with ferrous sulphate > limestone > alum > lime juice.