Bio- colouration of nylon fabric using natural dyes and mordants

Natural dyes offer a harmless alternative to synthetic counterparts, minimizing the release of toxic chemicals associated with synthetic dyes. In this investigation, nylon fabrics underwent dyeing with neem leaf extract under acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions along with lemon juice mordant. The study revealed that colour strength exhibited an increase with decreasing pH levels, with the mordanted fabric dyed in an acidic medium demonstrating the highest value. Analysis of colour coordinates indicated that the mordanted fabric dyed in an acidic medium exhibited superior colour pickup compared to the other samples. Enhanced fastness properties were achieved under acidic pH conditions when a mordant was used. The FTIR test result ensured the nylon-lemon juice-neem leaves extracted dye interaction. The EDX analysis also confirmed the elemental composition of neem leaves extracted dye in nylon assisted by lemon juice. The SEM test results validated the dyeing process empirically.