Exploring the Potential of Dacryodes Edulis Leaf Extract as Natural Colourant on Polyamide Fabrics: Extraction, Characterization and Application

From Firenze University Press Journal: Substantia

Poro Clark, Department of Chemical Sciences, Edwin Clark University

Johnson Otutu, Department of Chemistry, Delta State University

Augustine Kanayochukwu Asiagwu, Department of Chemistry, Delta State University

Gloria Ndukwe, Department of Chemistry, Rivers State University

Humanity has progressed from the stone age to the information age and is now making deep inroads into the environmental age, thus, there is a growing inter-est in natural dyes. These dyes, derived from plants, animals or minerals without chemical processing, come from various parts of plants and insects. While the invention of synthetic dyes in 1856 led to a decline in natural dyes, synthetic dyes have notable drawbacks, including carcinogenic properties and allergic reactions. In contrast, natural dyes have numerous advantages such as being eco-friendly, non-toxic, and aesthetically pleasing and even possessing medicinal properties. This has further fueled interest in natural dyes for textile colouration, especially in countries with strict environ-mental regulations. The dyeing process of natural dyes can be sig-nificantly improved using a Soxhlet apparatus which allows for the efficient extraction of concentrated dye solutions from natural sources. This method is advantageous as it recycles the solvent, producing a more potent dye extract and minimizing waste. Studies have shown that the Soxhlet extraction method can yield higher dye concentrations, which in turn can lead to better colour yield and fastness properties on the dyed textiles. In industrial processes using natural dyes, it is crucial to characterize these compounds efficiently and non-destructively. Fourier-transform infrared spec-troscopy (FTIR), High-performance liquid chromatog-raphy and UV-vis Visible spectrophotometry are com-monly employed techniques due to their affordability, ease of use, reliability and ability to provide detailed data [5; 6].Natural dyes exhibit distinct properties and affinities for different fibers which can be enhanced through various dyeing techniques. For instance, indigo, derived from the Indigofera plant, is renowned for its vibrant blue hue and finds common application in wool and nylon textiles. Nylon, being a synthetic polyamide with a structure resembling protein fiber, can ben-efit from modified dye baths containing additives that enhance dye affinity for synthetic materials. Onion extract, derived from the outer papery skin of onions, contains flavonoids and tannins, serving as a natural dye. Onion dyeing yields vibrant shades and possesses antibacterial properties. Lac insect is another natural dye used for wool and nylon. Its rich, deep hues enhance colour and fastness properties in these fabrics. Madder, a plant-based dye, imparts a vivid red colour and similarly improves colour and fastness in wool and nylon fabrics. These natural dyes offer sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes, thereby reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly textile production. One promising natural dye source is Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H. J Lam, also known as safou in the Republic of the Congo and Angola, plum in Cameroon and Ube in Nigeria, is a native fruit tree primarily found in the humid lowlands and plateau regions of West, Central Africa and Gulf of Guinea countries. This evergreen tree can grow up to 18- 40 meters in the forest but typically stays under 12 meters in plantations Along with producing edible fruits, the bark, leaves, stems and roots of Dacryodes edulis are used as local medicine for treatment of certain diseases. Since natural dyes have been the subject of extensive research, including the extraction and application of natural dyes from orange peel and lemon peel on cotton fabrics, as well as the extraction of natural dyes from selected plant sources and its application in fabrics. This study explores the extraction, characterization and potential application of D. edulis leaves as a natural dye source.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/Substantia-2604

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